It also includes one of my absolute favorite things about the Superman mythos, Pa Kent homespun wisdom. I am a complete sucker for flashbacks where we see how Clark became the man he is, bolstered by the knowledge of the Jonathan Kent. Usually Pa's words are perfect, the ultimate 'be a good person' pep talks. But this issue is different and that made me like it even more.
The characterization between Jon and Clark is a bit more bristly than usual. There is more friction here. I am assuming that part of it is Damian rubbing off on Superboy. But it felt just a smidgen off from what we have seen in the first two years. But it is that grit that makes the Pa Kent stuff work so I can roll with it.
The art by Godlewski is sold stuff. He has to flip from the idyllic Kent farm to the robot-filled streets of Hamilton. It all flows nicely.
Overall this was a very nice issue from two up and comers. I really enjoyed it. As a father myself, it resonated a bit with real life.
On to the book.
We open up in Smallville. Pa has a chat with his young son Clark (looks to be around 12 years or so). For that day, Clark is in charge of the farm. But Clark can't use his powers. Pa wants Clark to learn patience and hard work, not rely on his powers.
And Clark thinks that is crazy.
We don't often think of Clark as being a bit rebellious in his youth so seeing him challenge Pa was interesting.
In a nice juxtaposition, we see Superman trying to guide Superboy into a superhero style more controlled and precise. Jon (like the young Clark) challenges his father's approach.
And this irks Clark. His son should be using his brain as much as his brawn. He should be thinking as much as acting. And he can't understand why Jon won't listen.
It is a nice flow of scenes, mirroring each other a bit, showing that Jon actually is like Clark ... at least when they were the same age.
Lois asks Clark what Pa would've done. After all, Clark turned out okay. Maybe those lessons can be used.
I can probably quote Pa Kent myself. "You weren't put here to score touchdowns." "Always use your powers for good, to uphold law and order." "Use your powers for good. Never forget your vow!"
And so Clark tells Jon that he is charge for the day. When they go out patrolling, heroing, Jon gets to be 'Superman'.
I told you that Jon seems a little off character wise. This panel made me think it is Damian's influence on him. This 'one handed pushups' scene completely reminded me of a panel in Batman Year One when Bruce is doing pushups while Alfred is nearby.
But this sass is new.
Back in the flashback, we see that Clark decides that despite Pa's rules he will use his power to reap all the wheat.
But wheat is delicate. This way of gathering the stalks is too rough. The wheat is ruined. And there looming behind him is Pa.
That initial panel, with Pa in shadows, makes you think that Clark is going to be in for a stern talking to.
And I was expecting it! I was expecting the 'you can't rely on your powers all the time. It is the man that is important, not the super'. Will I get that speech??
There is a skirmish with robot drones and ultimately Psyphon and Dreadnaught. At first Superman tries to control Jon's actions. And Jon yells back that the rules were he was in charge. Finally, the two work together and easily dispatch these D-listers.
And then we get a pretty important speech from Superman.
He can't force Jon to act like him. He shouldn't be trying to. Clark needs to lead by example. But Jon needs to find his own path.
And then we see the upshot of the Pa/Clark conversation. No big speech. No major disappointment. Pa admits that he was as wrong as Clark. Pa shouldn't try to tamp down Clark's powers. Instead he should be letting Clark work through his issues. Pa should be the inspiration. He can be a positive role model. But he can't force Clark into being just like him.
I think that is the first time that Pa says he is wrong (sort of). He might be wise ... but he isn't infallible.
Here is what I can say, this is a hard lesson to learn as a father. Be a role model. Inspire. Expose them to the stuff I love. But you can't force any of it. I can only hope they glean from me whatever works for them.
You can't lose with a Pa issue with me. This one was particularly well done given that Pa learns as big a lesson as Clark. And Jon learns a lesson too.
Overall grade: A
2 comments:
Ah, a bit of Pa Kent wisdom. You cannot go amiss with it.
"We don't often think of Clark as being a bit rebellious in his youth"
Unless he and Lightning Lad are hanging out together. In "Action Comics #864" Batman couldn't wrap his head around the idea of Clark Kent getting into trouble when child.
"This 'one handed pushups' scene completely reminded me of a panel in Batman Year One when Bruce is doing pushups while Alfred is nearby."
Well, everything I can say is... why would Jon need to do pushups? He can do so many pushups as he wants for so long as he wants without getting tired or increasing his muscle mass.
So far Jon has asked Kara about Jor-El and his father about Pa. The kid is embracing both sides of his family and I love it. I hate when Superman is made to disregard his birth family.
Nonetheless, both Pa and Ma being around was one of the few things I liked about the Post-Crisis reboot. I wish they were still around in the Post-Superman Reborn world. I think it's a missed opportunity.
"Why would Jon need to do pushups? He can do so many pushups as he wants for so long as he wants without getting tired or increasing his muscle mass."
Because he's a kid emulating Damian. He may know a bit of physiology but the moment is likely, as Anj suggested, demonstrating that Damian is rubbing off on him, which is natural. Let's hope that's a two-way street.
Anyway Anj, canny review. As is obvious over at my own review of the issue, I liked this one loads. I'm hoping for a equivalent issue featuring Lois and Martha - or maybe even Ella (I'm assuming the New 52 Lois background has vanished).
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