It is a testament to the character's popularity that Superman has had more restarts than a broken down Ford Anglia. The only problem with this is that many of the films reboot the franchise from the point of Superman’s origins, a story which is exceptionally well known.

With the new film is upon us, Titan are releasing the official novelization, Man of Steel, written by Greg Cox, who has previously done the same deed for The Dark Knight Rises, Daredevil and Ghost Rider.

The story pretty much mashes together the first two Christopher Reeve movies, containing both an origin story and Zod’s arrival at Earth. When you’re covering much the same ground as previous versions, it must be problematic making your version different enough to stand on its own. Man of Steel does cover some of the same ground, but places much more emphasis on the fall of Krypton, fleshing out the doomed civilisation.

Cox has done a fine job of walking the line between a straight adaptation and producing something which would be removed from the film. One of the luxuries which a book affords is the ability to get inside the head of the players and Cox uses this to examine the morality of the characters.

Superman is a limited character, locked in by his history and the expectation of the audience, still Cox does what he can to explore the choices he makes in defending the Earth. Zod is, by far, more interesting. A born warrior, bred for battle, in Krypton’s defence, who will stop at nothing in his quest to secure a future for his people. Although depicted here as the villain, Cox does paint in shades of grey. As a product of his strictly hierarchical society, his training overwhelms what sense of morality he might have.

It’s a pretty readable adaptation and the book holds your attention, although you’re likely to whiz through it in about three hours. There is attention to detail and the fight scenes are well choreographed.

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Charles Packer