Review: Steelworks #2

Steelworks #2 came out last week and was another interesting issue for this new series. I feel there is a lot of potential in this book with multiple plots and character points all sort of being unveiled as the book progresses.

Writer Michael Dorn has sort of jumped into the deep end of the DCU, diving into continuity, bringing in the super family, and concentrating on technology as the sort of spine of the book. Steelworks against versus Amertek is a solid plot, like Stark against Hammer. Amertek giving powers to disgruntled workers who feel wronged by Irons is great. And this all is built on this idea Irons has to keep Metropolis safe solely through technology. This issue brings us a new villain amping up the threat.

But on top of that plot undercurrent are great character threads. Steel wanting to shut out the super-family from protecting Metropolis is very interesting. His wanting to have tech completely protect humans could spin down a 'is this villainous' take. But what I like most about this is how Natasha is not on board. Some friction between those two is very interesting. Add this simmering Lana romance and you have some fodder for a solid book. 

Both Sami Basri and Max Raynor are listed as artists on the book. The book flows well. There is no specific breakdown on who is doing so hard for me to know exactly. Good action, some fun page layouts, and an appearance from the Super-family makes this is a visually strong issue as well.

I am pretty excited about this book so far! On to some specifics.

Last issue ended with an attack on Steelworks. It turns out that the Amertek villain created last issue has phasing abilities. He triggered the internal defense systems but as he couldn't be hit, the place went wild.

It was up to Steel to don his armor and help Natasha smash their own tech. Remember, John doesn't want to be a super anymore. 

Now, the intangible villain is interesting ... but will be even more interesting coming up. 

As I said, I don't think Natasha is necessarily on the same page as John. I mentioned in my first review that John's attitude of a super-protective technology could go awry or even sound like Luthor.

Add to that scenes like this where Natasha reminds him that his being a hero and diving in is what saved the day. Look at that face. She does not agree that he should give up his armor.

A disconnect between the Irons is interesting.

Meanwhile, Mr. Walker continues his plans to take down Steelworks.

His pawn, Mr. Kerry, has been christened 'The Silver Mist'. The villain can go intangible when he is moving fast, like running. But now he will have a super-suit to help him control his powers.

Walker's motivation? Greed. Irons wants to use a new, free energy supply. Free energy is bad for energy companies. So that is outright evil.

Giving Walker no redeeming qualities means we can get a little sympathetic backstory for Kerry. He will continue to work for Walker if that means he'll get a job and get to see his kids again.

I don't need every villain to be gray. So I appreciate an outright villain when we get one.

We also see that Steelworks PR person is now Jay Nakamura! Jay coming to this book makes me wonder if there aren't any other Jon books in the hopper. At least here he doesn't feel evil.

Remember, Jay's power is being able to be intangible. I wonder if this is setting up a 'Jay vs. Silver Mist' fight in the future.

And I loved this page which felt very bronze age to me with the panels going up like the elevator, the 'ding' arrows telling the reader where to look. Sort of a fun little throwback page layout.

Now I am Supergirl fan and she doesn't have her own book. So I have to look for moments where she shines. And maybe I am looking too hard but I loved this.

The super-family shows up to talk to John about his plans and his recent speech asking for the Superman family to stop defending Metropolis. The whole family is there including Kal and Jon.

But it is Supergirl who is the voice of the family. It is Kara who says that she is speaking for the family when she wonders what Jon is thinking ... well ... that is until Conner interrupts.

I have said that in Action Comics, Phillip Kennedy Johnson writes Kara like she's the smartest person in the room. Her speaking for the super-family had that sort of feel. Pretty cool. 

Irons tries to tell his side of the story. Interesting that he praises Jon for his recent endeavors into social justice. 

But here is more of that Natasha subplot. She sees Silver Mist in the building and decides to face off against the guy on her own. There are plenty of supers in this room but maybe to prove a point, maybe to show her uncle that sometimes you need to don the armor, she goes off on her own. I won't ruin the ending, but suffice it to say there is a cliffhanger.

Solid issue all around. Action but also plot progression and character progression. I am pretty impressed.

And we get a few more Steelworks files looking at potential threats and villains. 

Here we get a whole page about Superwoman I, the Lois who died in Superwoman #1. Remember that curveball!!

Pretty cool of Dorn to mine that book. 

I have to say, I had wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But two issues in, I am pretty happy.

Overall grade: B+