I didn't anticipate a Superman story to have a superhero and his family traveling around America in an RV; suffice it to say that I didn't enjoy the first few tales in Vol. 5. The only stories that I found mildly entertaining were those involving Sinestro and Deathstroke.╌★★★✰✰

An alright Superman collection, but I'm not sure if I liked how Deathstroke was incorporated into the issues in this trade paperback.

ARC from Netgalley.
The Volume starts off slow, for comics, but is a really great look at how Clark, Lois and Jon appreciate the country they fight hard to protect. Going to see many war memorials and discussing history, they eventually come across a family who gets together every year to celebrate the birthday of a Civil War ancestor of theirs who's body was never found. Of course, Superman finds it and gives it back to them, but it is a really nice story overall.
The nicety gets completely dropped with the next story. Children in Metropolis are going missing and parents are coming to Superman for help. When he finds the kids, they are being held captive by Parallax, who uses Supes overbearing care to help others to convince him to be the next host. (Yellow Lantern Superman! AWESOME!) But.... who always shows up when Parallax is trying to flex power? Sinestro. Que the battle for control of Fear!
Sinestro is defeated and has his ring taken from him. Superman overcomes the temptation and control of Parallax and imprisons the Fear Entity inside Sinestro's ring, which is then protected by the Weaponers of Qward.
On to the next, we find Lois wanting to interview and do an expose piece on notable villain Deathstroke. She gets the story, but suddenly is being hunted by Slade. By the end, we find out that Amanda Waller (head of Suicide Squad) is facilitating this faux-murder attempt to see how far Superman can be pushed when protecting others. I KNOW this is going to come back in a bad way.... it always does with Waller.
Another great Volume from Superman. The Rebirth stuff has really done great things for the character so far. Recommend.

Plenty of Super action in this compilation volume. The first storyline involves a family vacation in a Winnebago which has a flying scene that reminds me of Spaceballs. Plenty of human interest in this story line. The second storyline brings Sinnestro into conflict with Superman over Parallax. The final storyline is quite twisted with Deathstroke seeming to be after Lois Lane, but is the real target Superman? Read and find out!

I'm really enjoying the reboot of the DC franchises and Superman was always my favorite as a kid. This volume may not be my favorite of them all but I did really enjoy the ending of it, even though the beginning was a bit slow. The family vacation was cute but not the most interesting. This is also a volume that would be safe for older kids, depending on their sensitivities to violence. There are a few scenes that are a bit more graphic in nature but closer to PG-13 or maybe even just PG, again depending on your opinion. Overall, the volume is still worth the read although I'm hoping for more action in the next.

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A series of three stories — the first of which is a bit different from most Superman stories in that it is written more as a patriotic travelogue than a traditional Superman adventure. If I was to read only this first story, I probably would not read any additional Superman comics. Other than a slight twist at the end, it seems more like a (true) history book than the adventures of a well-known superhero.

The remaining two stories are more typical of the Superman vs Supervillains. We see Superman at his best against two very different kinds of evil — as expected Superman wins the day - except …

Six single issues of Superman magazine have been joined together to create this book. Together they make a fun read for this sexagenarian who is in the midst of reliving his childhood. For the Superman fan, this 4-star book is worth a read.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Wait. Superman can fall asleep while flying? That was priceless. And the TPB starts off with a story that's much like that. It's the Kent family going on a vacation/road trip to various historical places for the Fourth of July (including Sharon, MA to visit Deb Sampson memorial which was cool). Then we have an interesting story about fear, Sinestro, and an 'old friend'.

And finally there's a story of Lois interviewing Deathstroke, but then Deathstroke seems to be after Lois and that causes some tenseness between Clark and Lois, and, ugh, the reveal at the end. Ugh.

I received this book via Netgalley thanks to DC Entertainment.

'Superman Vol. 5: Hopes and Fears'by Peter J. Tomasi and many others consists of three shorter stories. They all feel a bit disconnected from each other.

In the first story, the Kents rent an RV and take a long overdue vacation, which turns into a civics lesson for Jon. The story has moments, but overall has the feel of an educational comic and is just a bit too wordy. The bits with the family work fine, but the exposition just comes across as preachy.

The second story deals with Parallax and Sinestro and the yellow lantern power of fear as Superman tries to rescue some children as is forced to face his own fears.

The final story has Lois Lane interviewing Deathstroke. Deathstroke then gets a contract to kill Lois, but who is behind this contract?

There are different creators and artists, so the art and stories vary in consistency. I liked the latter two stories, but the first one just kind of left me wishing they'd taken a different approach to telling it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Superman Vol. 5: Hopes and Fears offers one story by the main creative team plus two Superman team-up stories with some continuity notes. Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's "road trip" story is an impressive feat itself, a charming two-part civics lesson that hopefully DC is intending to collect on its own for schools and the like.

Tomasi and Gleason's story is part walking tour of American military and governmental sites, part exploration of war, peace, and equality. Real-life places visited and narrated through by the Kent family are Independence Hall, the Air and Space Museum, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In itself making this kind of tour book comic accessible and enjoyable is tough (only one really text-heavy page, but lavishly drawn by Scott Godlewski), but then the authors also work in story vignettes.

Lois explaining a "Coexist" bumper sticker to son Jon demonstrates right away this story's larger value -- what might be obvious to adults might not be such to children. There are a couple pages set during the Civil War, and Superman finally bringing home a soldier's lost body, that are affecting, but I thought the best of the writers emotional moments was toward the beginning, when Jon witnesses a homeless veteran face discrimination. Again this two-parter seems a lock for being bound together and distributed to school social studies classes.

This volume contains three stories that get at the heart of Superman's character. First he takes a patriotic trip around America with his family, solidifying the reasons he fights for the third pillar of "truth, justice, and the American way." Second, he demonstrates courage in the face of the Yellow Lantern's source of power, fear. And lastly, his code against killing is put to the test against Deathstroke, the Terminator. These types of moralistic stories come off a bit preachy, but with the taste of the New 52 Superman still in the public's mouth, it's probably a good thing to re-introduce the real Superman and his values to a new audience.

Superman Volume 5: Hopes and Fears is comprised of three very different stories involving the Kent family. First, the Kents’ family road trip takes some strange and unexpected turns that reveal a foreboding threat reaching out to touch their lives; you can bet that they’re going to need a vacation after their vacation! Second, when Parallax takes over Superman’s body, it’s up to Sinestro to save the day. Finally, Lois takes an interview with the assassin Deathstroke, and he has his sights set on Superman!

Superman Volume 5: Hopes and Fears is split up into three separate stories. I will break up my review accordingly. This volume collects Superman #27-32.

STORY #1: Declaration

In this story, the Kent family takes a road trip, at the behest of Lois, to celebrate the U.S.A.’s Independence Day. In addition to organizing this trip, she makes them take it in an RV, so they can sacrifice their powers as they ponder the sacrifices made by others for their country.

Now, this two-parter was chock full of both fun and serious stops. First of all, Superman and Superboy body surfed Niagara Falls. Most noteworthy in this story, however, is when Lois chooses to visit the grave of Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Civil War. It’s always a nice touch when superheroes acknowledge what an actual, real-life hero is. To me, this is what gives Superman hope about the human race.

Politics come up frequently in this issue without feeling heavy-handed. Rather, there are a handful of moments that Clark and Lois use as teaching moments for Jon. As a result, the story never feels too preachy.

These smaller arcs can sometimes be a refreshing change of pace from the larger, overarching stories that comprise, and add to, the overall mythos. And such is the case with this one. It is heartfelt, sweet and patriotic, without being jingoistic. The story takes pride in the good actions taken by ordinary people with extraordinary bravery. Something that is all too easy, especially in these times, is to allow fear to be overwhelming. However, this story focuses on the inspirational acts that give us hope that there are still good people doing good things.

The art here, provided by series regular Patrick Gleason, is lighthearted and fun without feeling out of place for some of the more serious moments. He continues to knock it out of the park for this series.

STORY #2: A Minute Longer

Continuing with the theme of hope and fear, this two-parter examines some of Superman’s fears; mainly, that something bad could happen to his son. This feeling hits close to home when children Jon’s age end up missing around town. As a result, this leads to him discovering that Parallax is behind it all. Now, he figures if he can possess Superman’s body, then he can become unstoppable. Obviously, he doesn’t know that Superman understands the role of fear and how to overcome it.

Supes truly has some insightful things to say about fear and hope. None more so than when he says that fear is inside all of us, yet a single shred of hope is enough to overcome it. This story does a fine job of showing what Superman’s fears are. An inspiring notion that gives us mere mortals hope that we, too, can overcome our fears with hope. The key is focusing on the joy, love, and hope in our hearts.

The overall composition of this story is great. The real star here is the coloring. And, in a two-page spread that depicts all of Superman’s fears, the colors are vibrant and crisp.

Of the three, this story was my least favorite. However, that being said, this chapter provided a great examination of the roles fear and hope play in determining the quality of life we can try to have.

STORY #3: Breaking Point

The final story of Superman Volume 5: Hopes and Fears focuses on Lois Lane. And, it reminds us why she is Clark’s equal in every way. The story involves her tracking down Deathstroke to interview him for the Daily Planet. Things turn upside down when she ends up being his target for a hit. This plays on Clark’s fear of losing Lois.

Of the three stories, I liked the art here the best. Tyler Kirkham does some dynamic work here. His inking really lent some depth and emotion to the proceedings. One page, in particular, has stood out in my mind since I first saw it. It is the page where Lois finally tracks down Deathstroke in a shaded alleyway in Prague.

James Bonny’s writing is fantastic. He really nails Lois as a fierce, investigative journalist and overall badass. Bonny’s pacing was tight, and he wrote the action very fluidly. There was even an intriguing reveal as to who hired Deathstroke to test Superman. The action between Deathstroke and Superman was intense. Deathstroke’s skill was on full display as he went toe-to-toe with the man of steel. The matchup was believable and well-executed.

Verdict: Buy it.

Superman Volume 5: Hopes and Fears was a wonderful examination of how hope and fear can be driving forces in our lives. And Superman, the ultimate Boy Scout, teaches us how to have hope in spite of our greatest fears. Something we could all stand to do a little better at during these trying times.

Great author. I am thoroughly enjoying the Superman and son stories. Recommended

I mentioned a desire last time for the Rebirth Superman era to be erased from the pages of history, only for the latter to be what we get here – Superbrat being shown a pathetically over-patriotic dirge of a tour round USA's war memorials. Yup, it's as exciting as that – with zero in the way of character, narrative intelligence or drama. The second two-parter concerns two Big Forces fighting each other, until one just stops. Finally, there's a third story that actually proves to be of some small merit, even if it ends on a mahoosive reveal to draw us back next time round. If there is a next time for me, it's down to these two issues alone – after all, this whole run has moved patchily from great to gormless. I just hadn't expected it within the same two covers before now. Regardless, I strongly suggest you do yourself a favour, and start this book on page 51. Two and a half stars.

Because I don't keep up with this title, I was a little concerned that I might be at a bit of a loss starting this without having read Vol 4, but I needn't have worried.

Hopes and Fears collects three separate story arcs of the Superman title, and little prior knowledge is required:

The Kents go on a road trip over the Fourth of July weekend, taking a break from their daily routine and paying call at various patriotic landmarks.
Superman goes toe-to-toe with Parallax, an avatar of Fear, which brings Sinestro into his orbit.
Lois rushes in to write a story about Deathstroke, and the situation takes a turn for the worse.

In the current political climate, the first arc set me on my guard. While the flag-waving patriotism is a hallmark of Superman--"truth, justice, and the American way" and all--it's also a bit harder to swallow. In Tomasi's hands, the patriotism is aggressively earnest, and criticisms are noted before being swiftly dismissed. When Lois sharply suggests Jon question his history about why women's stories are not a larger part of the narrative, she quickly follows it up with... well, there really isn't an argument there. It's just dropped. The story isn't trying to engage in any kind of dialogue; it's pretty much fireworks and apple pie all the way.

Ultimately, nothing much happens in the book. The best story arc is Deathstroke, but even that one ends on a bit of a flat note. (I'm sure the ending was supposed to be a bigger deal than it turns out to be, but as a stopping point for this volume, it feels too random. Perhaps the story continues in the next volume such that it leads somewhere interesting.)

All in all, this probably wasn't the best book as my first experience reading a Superman title, but it's a solid 3/5.

I was provided with a complimentary copy from NetGalley in order to facilitate this review.

Superman Vol. 5: Hopes and Fears (Rebirth) is a graphic novel containing various stories starring Superman, his family, and a number of baddies who test our hero’s resolve to not vaporize them from the earth. The first story includes Lois and his son, Jon, who travel and learn about the world around them, including some US history. The second story is about children who disappear and Superman must work to find and save them, discovering great evil at work. And finally, a tale about the ever sleuth Lois Lane, who can’t let a good story go no matter the cost to herself or those she loves.

The artwork and dialogues are fantastic and witty as expected for this kind of story. Superman shows his brilliance in all situations, his love for Lois and son Jon. My favorite part was the family vacation where, although there is a lot of history about the US wars, soldiers and the like, the writer/artist took the time to make it personal by providing an account of one soldier who died during the Civil War. It brought a name and face together, making me care about that individual who died a long time ago: a typical American doing his duty as a citizen. I find the aspect of Superman’s son a fascinating one, because it opens up unlimited possibilities of future stories in this series. The stories are patriotic and educational, aiming to help us appreciate our heritage as Americans. I highly recommend this story for readers, young or old, who enjoy reading about Superman’s adventures.

I really liked the first story. The 4th of July road trip history lesson was a great way to honor all who have served done in a touching and respectful manner.
The second story is about fear. How to accept that it's a part of living and can also give us strength, something worth fighting for. I liked Fear Superman's suit, but yellow will never be his color.
The third story is Superman vs Deathstroke. You know nothing good would come out of Lois interviewing Slade Wilson for the Daily Planet. She gets used to lure Superman into fighting Slade for reasons unknown to us until the end. What does Waller want now?

Great storytelling and art work.

In a lot of ways, this one felt a bit like a filler episode on TV--a couple of short stories that were powerful in places, but overall weren't that gripping.

We start with a family vacation around the USA. I liked the moments of humor and the small superhero tasks Superman found along the way, but I also felt like this was at my limit of sentimental/patriotic boooooorderline propaganda. It didn't feel as genuine as some of Peter J. Tomasi's other work.

The middle arc (which was a crossover with the Green Lantern universe, I think? excuse my ignorance) had a few moments in the climax that got me, and I loved the end, but I wasn't terribly invested because I'm not familiar with the characters who jumped in the story.

The last arc (Lois Lane interviews Deadpool) I enjoyed because anything Lois Lane centric is my jam. The art sort of got anime-ish in places, here, though, and I also wished that it wasn't so obviously a test of Superman--I feel like we've played those games, done that story before. Still, Lois Lane 5ever.

Rebirth is my favorite Superman run to date because I just love seeing him navigate with family dynamics. This volume isn't the best in the series, but any excuse to hang out with the Clarks is one I'll take.

This series is so up-and-down, and this volume was unfortunately a down. The art is hugely inconsistent, which has been an issue throughout the run (there's one particularly laughable panel showing Clark Kent in full body profile with biceps larger than his head... and calves smaller than his wrists). The first half of the book is composed of standalone stories that don't lead anywhere, especially the "Kent family vacation" that hits various points of American military history without even once questioning the glorification of American intervention in foreign countries -- and yes, they do get to the Vietnam memorial. The plight of veterans in this country is reduced to an attitude problem on the part of the average citizen rather than systematic neglect on the part of the government that employed and then discarded them (Clark invites a disabled and implied homeless vet to dinner as a teaching moment for Jon and the prejudiced waitress, which leads to the vet getting a job washing dishes at the restaurant... hooray! That'll definitely solve any underlying problems with trauma and PTSD that lead to chronic unemployment, who needs therapy!). And the big storyline supposedly centers on Lois and her job, yet reduces her over and over to a helpless hostage in an external plot to force Superman to kill someone. I'm disappointed.