Story: "A Hero's Journey" (54 Pages)

Credits: Joe Kelly (plot, script); Pascual Ferry and Duncan Rouleau (pencils); Alex Ross, Tony Harris, Dave Bullock, Ed McGuinness, J.H. Williams, Dan Jurgens, Klaus Janson, Kilian Plunkett, Jim Lee, Tim Sale, Lee Bermejo ('special guests' - pencils and inks for real world vignettes); Cam Smith, Marlo Alquiza, Scott Hanna and Duncan Rouleau (inks); Moose Baumann, Jeremy Cox and Guy Major (colors); Comicraft (letters); Eddie Berganza (edits)

Feature Character: Superman

Supporting Characters: Martha Kent, Jonathan Kent, Lana Lang, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen

Other Characters: Mr & Mrs Baker (residents of Smallville), Trudi (owner of a café in Paris), Tommy Birch (a school friend of Clark Kent and Lana Lang), Ed Wilson (a reporter)

Comment: The main story consists entirely of flashbacks, mostly to small scenes which have not been shown before, leading up to Clark Kent's debut as Superman. Interspersed with this are stories of how the legend of Superman has touched the lives of people in the real world.

Synopsis:

Clark Kent was inspired by ordinary, every day heroes, including his father, who would risk his life for a friend, and reporter Ed Wilson, who refused to let people's voices go unheard. Inspired by them, he grew up to use his gifts, both those imparted by his alien genes, and those he acquired under Wilson's tutelage, for the good of others. His legend has inspired and uplifted many, and his influence affects people in surprising ways. Inspired by the ordinary heroes, he has become an extraordinary hero.