Review: Action Comics #282

We are two issues into the new Supergirl comic run and Lesla Lar has been a big part of this opening arc. I have been reviewing the Lar's initial storyline which was in a long arc, especially for the Silver Age, leading up to Supergirl's being revealed to the world in Action Comics #285. 

Action Comics #282 brings Lar's initial story arc to a close in a rather abrupt fashion. Like every chapter in this storyline, this was one is crazy with a futuristic adventure, a villain's plot foiled by insomnia, and the inclusion of a certain 5th dimensional magic imp. But there is definitely this feeling that DC wanted Supergirl to sort of turn the corner in her stories. She has a new hair cut. She meets an old friend again. And, of course, she is introduced to the world changing everything in her life in a few months.

Writer Jerry Siegel brings some wild action to the proceedings. What I really love is how Siegel inserts a quick snippet of a story of a fascist group being overthrown by a rebel group which embraces knowledge. Given Superman's early political leanings by Siegel as well as his upbringing, seeing Supergirl bring down a fascist regime was great. (Of course, it's the Silver Age and therefore is done in 2 plus pages.) And when this issue ends, Supergirl is stronger than Superman as well!

I can continue to talk about how Jim Mooney is the perfect artist for the Supergirl of this time. A legend. But I have to say, I think he is putting in some extra energy whenever he draws Lesla Lar who is just dripping with pettiness and anger.

On to the book!

Review: Action Comics #1087

Action Comics #1087 came out last week, the first issue in this look back to Clark's earliest adventures as Superboy. If there ever was a story that needed to be told ... or is it retold ... it is this. With all the soft reboots, hard reboots, and reimaginations of recent years, I frankly don't know whether Superboy existed or not. It is time for DC to put their foot down. There was a Superboy, the adventures of Superman as a boy, who was part of the Legion. Classic.

Who better to write this tale than Mark Waid who also has been handed the difficult task of writing the upcoming History of the DCU. What started the universe? The hand Krona saw? Perpetua? Did Argo City survive Krypton's explosion? What about the Legion? 

I have the sense that Waid will do the right thing. I certainly saw it here. We get a Legion reference. We get a loving Ma and Pa. We get some Pa Kent wisdom. And we get to see a very green Clark whisking into action for the first time. We see him realize these fights are real; he gets a bit battered. We see him get an understanding how powerful he is. It really feels fresh.

Skylar Patridge is on art and brings a very appropriate feel of youth and vitality to the book. I especially love her 'cobbled together' costume with beach shorts and red high tops instead of trunks and boots. Patridge seems perfect for young characters (she was the one bright point on the recent Mariko Tamaki Supergirl stories) so is a great fit.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #2 (v8)

Supergirl #2 came out last week and just built on the good will that I felt from the last issue.

I find Supergirl such a complex character. It is why I love her. 

Who is Supergirl to me? She is a young hero, learning her way. She can be fallible. She's still figuring things out. She has the unenviable position of having Superman as her cousin. She is expected to live up to his standards, she is wearing his symbol ... but she isn't Superman and isn't as experienced. It is a double edged familial sword - a tremendous role model but someone you might always be found lacking against. She has had tragedy but has overcome it. She should be bright and feisty and fierce in fighting injustice. But she also should be smart and more polished than even younger heroes, filling this middle road. She is also a young girl in this real world with all those issues.

How the heck do you put all that together? 

I think it might be why so many fall short in my mind. She isn't saccharine sweet. She isn't angsty and angry. She isn't sad.

Somehow, in two issues, Sophie Campbell has threaded the needle. This is the Supergirl I want to read. I am really charmed by her. She is sweet. She is friendly. She is a hero, diving in to save people. She is bored with some idle prattle by her teenage friends. She has a supporting cast! She has a history! (As with last issue there a ton of references to her Bronze Age adventures.) It is nigh perfect.

Most impressively, Campbell has given us a villain just as complex. Lesla Lar is clearly misguided and addled. She is thinking only of herself, putting others in peril. She is a brilliant evil scientist. But we get a hint at a troubled past, an aching loneliness in her that probably led to her malevolence. I don't always need a sympathetic villain but it sort of works here.

The art is just stellar throughout. Campbell gives us this charming Linda, fighting giant apes and trying on clothes. It is glorious.

Now as a lifelong Supergirl fan, I am eating up the nostalgia bombs with a spoon. I hope the general population is loving it as much as me. I don't think they pull the novice out of the story. They clearly enhance it for a mega-fan like me. (Heck, even the cover is an homage to Super DC Giant #S-24!

On to the book.

Review: Absolute Superman #8

Absolute Superman #8 came out last week and the trade dress touts it with 'a new story starts here!'

This book has been an interesting one so far, using the first 7 issues to slowly world build, giving us a taste of the Absolute world while filling in the Krypton history and showing us this new Superman. In comparison to the 'Batman AF' pace of the Absolute Batman book, Absolute Superman has been a much slower burn. It has felt like half the issues haven't even had Superman in them. 

Writer Jason Aaron does kick things into a little higher gear here. We finally see the main villain, Ra's Al Ghul .. and I have a theory. We get our first super-villain fight with Peacemaker/Metallo (or what I will be calling Metallo, he isn't given a code name here). We get to see some weakness in this Superman character which we haven't seen yet. And we get to see some Lois/Jimmy/Superman interactions which seems to be building up to a true relationship. There is a lot of action here but also some little dollops of new information that continues to make this place feel three-dimensional.

Rafa Sandoval is back on the book on art and his stuff continues to floor me. From the crazy battle scenes to his use of sound effects within the art to the quiet emotional moments, his stuff is on fire. 

If you have felt the book has been a bit meandering or even a bit plodding, which I must admit at times I have, I hope you have stuck around. This issue turns that on its head, giving us a brutal, physical action comic while still pushing on the plot.

On to the book.

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #1

Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong 2 #1 came out last week, the first part of the sequel to last year's JL v G v K first series. Now I loved the first series, an Elseworlds book smushing kaiju with Super Friends with Supergirl all together. It was fun to see an old school Toyman just want to have fun with giant toys leading to a brawl.

DC made the right decision bringing the band back together. Writer Brian Buccellato and artist Christian Duce are back on the scene. This time instead of bringing the Legendary Monsters to the DC world, our heroes and villains are heading to the monster's Earth. That new wrinkle, a different world and a different yellow sun, might mean something.

Our heroes have a classic feel to them, almost Bronze Age in personality. Instead of bringing in the Legion of Doom again, Buccellato brings in the Suicide Squad as 'the bad guys'. Now I, for one, am pretty sick of Amanda Waller who is seems omnipresent. But Buccellato throws a nice curve ball into the proceedings. One has to do with Waller. The other is putting Lex on the Squad which surely will lead to some laughs.

Most importantly for me, Supergirl is back and is portrayed in the same positive manner she was last series. I better see more of her and Kong. Match made in heaven.

Duce brings such a sweet slick style to the book. From an opening wedding scene to a giant monster fight to our heroes using their powers, the book is a joy to behold. In particular, the King Shark vs. Godzilla fight has the potency a kaiju fight should. Plus his Kara is stunning.

On to the book, the perfect 'Summer movie' book as the summer opens.

Review: Superman #26

Superman #26 came out last week and was another solid issue for writer Joshua Williamson as he weaves a very classic-feeling Superman run. 

Last issue, Williamson had Mercy Graves turn on Superman, releasing X-El and leading to a mega-battle ending with the loss of Superwoman's powers. This issue, we are still marinating in that storyline. In particular, we get more great Superman/Lex interaction, the backbone of this book. We still have a couple of lingering plotlines out there that he catches us up on. But most importantly, he sprinkles in some new subplots, whetting my appetite for more. He even puts in a nice hook for the new Supergirl book too. 

I definitely like the Superman/Lex stuff as this still seems to be the 'good' Lex, the amnestic good guy reeling from his past.

The art is split between Eddy Barrows, bringing his usual feathery, pencil-stroke art and Sean Izaaske who has a rougher more visceral take. Barrows has always been a favorite. DC should just give him mini-series to write and finish in their entirety. Izaaske works well for his pages but his style breaks from Barrows in a startling way.

To repeat, Williamson continues to bring us a great Superman book, highlighting the main character but giving us great supporting cast moments and plot threads. On to the issue.

Rest In Peace Peter David

It was with sadness that I heard recently that Peter David had passed away after a few years of what sounds like medical hardship.

David's career is truly prolific including legendary runs on The Incredible Hulk and X-Factor. He also is known for Star Trek novels, independent characters, and other comic runs worth noting like Young Justice and Madrox. I honestly can't name all the things he did here without making this too long.

I felt I really needed to do some post to recognize David for his contributions to the Supergirl character. I have covered many of the issues in the long Supergirl run on the site (probably easiest to find by clicking the Peter David keyword). 

But I absolutely loved it.

Remember, this was the late 80s/early 90s Supergirl. This was the Matrix Supergirl, the super-powered protoplasm from the Pocket Universe. The Supergirl that was  schizophrenic then self-exiled to space then Brainiac's slave then Lex Luthor's duped girlfriend. She was finally finding her way around the death of Superman, leaving Lex behind and becoming a hero. But ... she was still a sort of mistreated and struggling.

Enter David, a self-proclaimed Supergirl fan. 

Starting in Showcase '96 #8, David started a longform story which stretched all the way to Supergirl #50! He had the Matrix Supergirl wondering if she was 'alive', did she have a 'soul', was she a hero. She sacrificed herself, merging with a troubled Linda Danvers. During the adventures we had this slow story of religion, redemption, angels and demons, free speech and human trafficking, and learning to love yourself.

This wasn't your grandfather's Supergirl. This was almost Vertigo-like in its look at religion and life and sin and forgiveness. 

It was glorious. Supergirl was a complex and complicated character, growing haughty and then brought low, learning about who she was and what her place was in the world. Brilliant.

But there was more.

Review: Justice League Unlimited #7

Justice League Unlimited #7 came out last week, the next part in the 'We Are Yesterday' storyline and taking another step forward in the eventual crossover of the main universe and the Absolute one. That Omega shape has been seen a lot lately and the FCBD story seemed to hint it's going to happen soon.

Writer Mark Waid continues to give us a fun story, showing us the new large League fighting a past-version Legion of Doom. I have enjoyed seeing him show the breadth of this JLU as well as the DCU (some special guests this time) as well as an old-school villain team. I have never been the biggest Grodd fan but I have enjoyed seeing him run this LoD, outsmarting Lex and coming close to ultimate power. There is even a redemption arc for poor Airwave, the unwitting traitor.

Travis Moore is on art this time and gets to stretch his legs a bit, giving us big action in different times with a large cast. He draws a pretty solid Grodd which can't be an easy task. 

I don't know if this storyline will be an all-time classic but it has been fun, especially seeing the 'past' incarnations of heroes and villains dealing with the present day world.

On to the issue.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #39

Batman/Superman World's Finest #39 came out last week, part four of the We Are Yesterday storyline that Mark Waid is weaving through several titles.

While the prior chapters have focused mostly on the plot of the villains (past incarnations of the Legion of Doom heading to the present to wreak some havoc), this issue lingers on our heroes and how time travel can befuddle the mind. This series' main characters - Superman, Batman, and Robin - are flip-flopped. World's Finest is in some else-when past. Our World's Finest crew is shunted to the present DCU. And the current versions - Superman, Batman, and Nightwing - is sent back in time to the title's timeline. It lets Waid have a little fun. Our Bronze Agey heroes have to deal with current times and some eye-opening changes.

I will admit, I liked this issue a lot, laughing out loud a couple of time. One page in particular made really chuckle. This felt almost like a character issue in this plot driven arc and that was fine with me.

Clayton Henry is on art and brings his smooth work to the pages. I was grateful for changes in Batman's costume in the different times to ground me on who I was reading. Solid stuff.

Let's dive in.

DC Comics September 2025 Solicits

The full DC solicits for August 2025 came out a bit ago and they sure do highlight that this is the Summer of Superman. There is a lot going on this month and both Superman and Supergirl get a lot of coverage.  Heck, I think I even saw a Kandorian Nightwing on the cover of Nightwing!

The whole month's solicits are viewable here:
https://aiptcomics.com/2025/05/16/full-august-2025-dc-comics-solicitations/

There is a lot to unpack so let's dive right in.

SUPERGIRL #4
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU and EJIKURE
1:25 variant cover by AMY REEDER

In the aftermath of escaped Kandorian Lesla-Lar’s rampage through town, Supergirl learns there’s more to Midvale than meets the eye when Lena drags her to a secret club she never knew existed. Midvale, like her alter ego, may seem mild-mannered, but there’s something special about it. Out from under Superman’s watchful eye, Kara is ready to let loose no matter the disastrous consequences!

Great to see Amy reeder back on covers, even if it is the expensive variant.

As for Midvale being something special, given Sophie Campbell's love of Supergirl history, perhaps she is rolling in a 'Leesburg is over a Hellmouth' feel to this incarnation.

Love the cover. As usual, a feast for a Supergirl fan. Decay from Daring New! Someone who clearly is Wanda Five from the 70s series. And Lena looks so goth she could be Nasty from All-Star Superman!

Can't wait to read!

Review: Superman Unlimited #1

I am back from vacation and so catching up on reviews, the most prominent one being Superman Unlimited #1, written by Dan Slott with art by Rafael Alburquerque. This is the first newly titled,  planned monthly Superman book in a while and signals the beginning of the Summer of Superman, tied into the release of the upcoming movie. 

We have known from solicits for some time that Slott's plan was to have a storyline with an abundance of Kryptonite suddenly being on Earth. We saw what I thought was a prologue in the  FCBD DC All-In #1 book from Free Comic Book day. But it turns out that those 10 pages are reprinted here, the beginning of an over-sized first issue. So click that link to remind yourself about that story and the changes Slott is bringing to the supporting cast. 

I will remind people that this 'new status quo' of excessive Kryptonite can't last. So I think this is probably some backdoor re-imagining of the Kryptonite Nevermore storyline from the 70s. The facsimile of that story's first part, Superman #233, being recently released made me pause. The introduction of a new Edge family member is another nod given Morgan Edge first appeared in that earlier arc.

But I think Slott does an interesting thing with his first issue here. Yes, we see the giant Kryptonite meteor plummeting to Earth. And in the end, there is a lot of Green K on the ground. But the bulk of this issue is a sort of primer on Superman's history. Given pre-Crisis, Byrne's era, the New 52, Rebirth, and all the other soft reboots, it is hard to know what is and isn't canon. Slott gives us a decent timeline here and pulls from the Golden Age to the Donner films to give us this story. Hey, it's a number one and might be someone's first Superman story. Why not fill in some background?

Rafael Alburquerque's art just seems rougher than I remember it being in the past. There is sort of a lack of polish that I associate with his name. It is still solid art, especially given that story covers basically all of Superman's history. 

On to the book.

Back Issue Box: Action Comics #281

The new Supergirl #1 has hit the racks including a new Lesla Lar, a character that writer/artist Sophie Campbell hinted would be returning when the book was first announced.

Today I look at Action Comics #281 as I continue my look at the first storyline pitting Supergirl against Lesla Lar, the story leading into Supergirl finally being revealed to the world at last in Action Comics #285.

I've covered the first two parts here and here in which Lesla Lar, a brilliant but jealous scientist in Kandor basically demolishes Supergirl's life. In short order she depowers Kara, brainwashes our hero into thinking she is Lar, and then swaps places with her on Earth. Lar then teams up with Luthor with the ultimate plan to kill Superman and Lex and rule the world. And frankly, she has been doing a fantastic job of all of it, only being temporarily derailed.

This issue continues that arc and that sort of happenstance. Lar swaps places, moves ahead with her plans, and is temporarily detained by ... get ready ... Krypto! Writer Jerry Siegel and artist Jim Mooney craft a completely bonkers story with the Lar plot taking up the front half of the story, including Kara thinking she's Lesla and then playing Kara in a Kandorian made movie. (Seriously, the identity swaps and plot turns in this whole multi-issue story are just pure Silver Age insanity.) 

But it is the back-half that seems both out of synch with this story and yet completely in line with these early Action tales. Supergirl travels back in time and saves a town in early America from all sorts of natural disasters. It has nothing to do with the Lar story and feels almost like inventory pages. It also is exactly the type of  'guardian angel' story that dominated Supergirl's stories here. 

Jim Mooney flourishes here, especially in the story in the past as he gets to put Supergirl through her paces. And his panel composition is great.

So let's read this story!

Review: Action Comics #1086

Action Comics #1086 came out last week, the finale of the quick G.Willow Wilson/Gavin Guidry story and the end of the 'Superman Superstars' brief imprint on the title. 

Perhaps with the excitement around the Supergirl book, this issue was bound to sort of fall flat. But after reading it, I was struck with the fact that I had no idea what the point of the story was. Was this a 'climate change' story? A 'AI is scary' story? A 'look .. killer whales with frickin' lasers' silly story? A 'Superman is weary' story? All of it? Not enough of any?

Part of the problem is the villain of the piece and the conflict that comes from it. What is Kilg%re hoping to get out of this? Is he just a robot? Did he really think a big robot was the right way to fight Superman? Did his machine thinking really fail him as badly as it does? Without the understanding of the goals of the villain, I felt a bit lost.

And the ending, of a rather defeated and emotionally exhausted Superman, also felt tacked on and out of the blue.

Gavin Guidry brings his cleans style to the art and has some fun with the sillier parts of the story, like robot killer whales. 

But in the end, this 'Superman Superstars' mini-imprint ends with a whimper. Outside of the Waid Phantom Zone story, I think they all were a bit lackluster.

On to the details.

Supergirl #1 References and Homages

I reviewed Supergirl #1 last week when it came out and I was very impressed with how writer/artist Sophie Campbell created a story of a young hero, finding her way in the world, fighting for what's right, while realizing the presence of Superman in her life as a daunting inspiration. Supergirl was warm and funny and eager to help. 

But the book was a deep dive into Supergirl's history as well. This Kara seems to have lived the lives of all the prior iterations of Supergirl. There was a lot of historical nods to Supergirl's history from her first appearance to her last title.

I thought it might be fun to showcase the ones that I saw. (I will admit that I won't focus too much on Lar-On who was a big part of the last series, including Supergirl becoming his friend. 

When Lar-On is considered 'too big' to showcase, you know what is included must be subtle or deep cuts!

For me, it somehow showed me that Sophie Campbell cares about the character, enough to sow these seeds of Kara's life.

I mentioned most of these in the review but there so many I thought they deserved a closer look. So let's dive in, looking at the nods as the appeared in order in the issue, and recognizing all the eras Campbell threw into the mix.

"Daring Adventures" - Daring New Adventures of Supergirl

Right from the opening text box, we hear about Argo City and being sent to care for Kal.

But we also hear about her 'daring adventures' have taken her into the galaxy.

'Daring adventures' has to be a riff on 'The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl', her second volume of a solo title. 

But wait, there's more.

Review: Supergirl #1 (v8)

Supergirl #1 came out this week, the first new Supergirl solo issue to be on the racks for almost 5 years. And the first Supergirl issue that felt like the Supergirl I love in a long time.

Since the title was announced, writer/artist Sophie Campbell has been saying all the right things. She liked the character. She had read and enjoyed Supergirl's history, especially the Bronze Age. She wanted to bring a warmth to the character, something missing in recent times. She was bringing back Streaky.

All of that shows in this first issue. But there's more than that. There's a respect for the character's history that is evident too.

Grant Morrison's take on Batman was that all the stories happened. It seems like Campbell is a believer of that philosophy here. There are more nods, mentions, and homages to Supergirl's history in this issue than I can count. Moreover, they come from solidly Silver Age, through the bonkers 70s, into the 80s, and right up to the Rebirth era. 

Somehow all of that of that history has to fit into a Supergirl that seems like she is around 17 here. This is a sort of soft reboot, like what Paul Kupperberg did in Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1 back in the 80s. By making Supergirl younger, it brings back one of the most important historical themes of her character. She's a young hero. She's learning. She is trying to figure out who she is. That sometimes isn't easy when Superman is your cousin. Supergirl questions herself a couple of times here in a way that feels both classic and fresh. 

But she isn't timid or reluctant to act or lacking confidence. She is a complete hero in this book, leaping into action to save people without a second thought, standing up for people who need help. 

That's my Supergirl. Warm, heroic, learning.

I really love Campbell's art, particularly in Jem and The Holograms in the past, and she shines here. She brings a sense of fun and whimsy and pizzazz to the action. The plot and art mesh completely.

Add a mystery and a cliffhanger and you have a winner.

Yes, this might feel like a small step backwards from the 20-something field general we saw by Joshua Williamson and Phillip Kennedy Johnson. But this is a step that historically works. 

It is definitely a huge step away from recent missteps like the catatonic hero of Mariko Tamaki or the depressed, drunk killer in Woman of Tomorrow. 

On to details.

Some Odds And Ends

Just a few quick topics to cover, none big enough to warrant its own post.

We'll start out with the apparent return of corner boxes to DC Superman related comic book covers. (Maybe it'll be for all books?) Of course, they are more well known with Marvel's books in the Bronze Age. But this is a pretty cool.

It looks like Dan Mora is doing all of them, visible here on his Instagram. 

That is one great image of Supergirl! 

I love the return of cover corner boxes!

But wait ... there's more!

Review: Absolute Superman #7

Absolute Superman #7 came out last week and was another interesting look at the Absolute Universe, showing how different this universe's Brainiac is from the one we know from the main DCU. It also once again shows the different take writer Jason Aaron is taking on this Absolute title from books like Batman.

Aaron is doing this complete slow burn on this book, world-building and showing us this world slowly. Last issue was an almost complete flashback issue looking at Smallville and Superman's arrival. This issue is entirely focused on Brainiac. Superman is barely even name-checked. No Superman in a Superman book? 

That isn't to say this book isn't interesting. It is. And it's horrifying. Much of this issue looks like a David Cronenberg movie. Brainiac is a sadist. He is murderous. He is unhinged in a way the robot from Colu has never been. It's terrifying. It also raises as many questions about Brainiac as it answers. There is more to mine here. It even sets up the next big arc and I assume the next Absolute take on a classic villain.

Artist Carmine DiGiandomenico is unleashed in this issue. This is a crazy violent and over-the-top grotesque issue and DiGiandomenico leans in. Don't eat a big lunch before you read this. There is enough vivisection and tissue mutilation in this book to last a year.

I have praised this book for it's slower tempo and building up this world. But even I am starting to wonder if this book is lacking enough Superman to keep my interest 100% focused. I read this book to learn about this Kal. Where is he?

On to the book.

Review: FCBD All-In 2025

Last weekend was Free Comic Book Day and I was lucky to grab the DC All In FCBD 2025 All Special Edition #1 issue which gave a sneak peek of the upcoming Superman Unlimited book by Dan Slott and Rafael Alburquerque as well as a sort of look into the future of the Absolute Universe with a very very interesting ending. 

Sometimes these FCBD books aren't such a gripping issue. But this one just worked! I was going to get Superman Unlimited regardless but Slott sprinkles in a new character and the main plot point of his first arc. But most importantly, you get a sense of his overall take on Superman which seems to be on target.

But really, the big winner is the Absolute side of things, written by Jeff Lemire with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli.  While it is a quick tour of the three main books in the Universe, it is the ending with a conspiracy board hinting at future events and our first crossover with the main universe that made this sing. 

Great free issue whetting my appetite for more! On to the book!

FCBD 2025

 I'm a big fan of Free Comic Book Day. What could be better than free books from a bunch of companies, promoting their next big thing! When my kids were younger we would all go and they'd grab the books they loved. It's just wonderful promotion for the medium.

I know that the stores don't get the books for free, so I always try to support any store I go to by buying something. 

This year was a little different for me. I knew I was heading to my LCS. They allow 2 free books. Then off to pick up my girl friend to head to a store I had never been to before, The Outer Limits, to check them out (and hit the coffee shop next door). And then from there, off to a newer store, Friar Tuck's. They allowed customers to take 3 free comics.

Quite the day. 

I grabbed a bunch of free books.

Many of these will end up in my work desk to hand to patients needing a comic!

But there's more.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest Annual #1

Batman/Superman World's Finest Annual #1 came out this week, the third part of the We Are Yesterday story arc coursing through this book and JLU. The basic story is the villains from the past are time traveling to the future to vex our heroes. This issue gives us the beginning of the villains' plot as Gorilla Grodd puts together his team.

This was a fun issue for a number of reasons. World's Finest is set in the past and has that classic feel. Writers Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell mix in a lot of Bronze Age fun. First off, the villains have a Super Friends Legion of Doom feel to them. Can't go wrong there. Then, we get the World's Finest team breaking off into three mini-teams to try and stop some villains. That felt like an old school JLA or JLA/JSA crossover stories. Throw in some great guest stars and a new character and this was a bunch of fun.

I also need to point out that this book seems to contradict a primary time travel rule from the Silver and Bronze Age which means our writers are breaking new ground as well as honoring the past.

Dan McDaid is on art and brings a sort of grittiness to the proceedings. I really liked McDaid's work on the recent Kneel Before Zod mini where things were grimy and violent. He then gave a way more polished approach, still as engaging, on the Shazam book. Here the work is appropriately rough to mirror a villainous tone. I don't know if McDaid subtly changes his approach based on the story but it feels that way. I liked his work here for sure. 

On to the book!

Review: Superman The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3

In August 2023, DC released The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1. 

In April 2025, DC released the finale, The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3, the book I am here to review a day. It is interesting that the last 2 chapters came out within a month of each other, but nearly 2 years after the first. 

My philosophical question for the readers is this. Do dramatic delays in a comic release somehow impact your enjoyment of it? I can't help but think that Doomsday Clock might have read better if it came out in a timely fashion. Or if read in one sitting when you aren't wondering when the next chapter is coming out.

I know. Why am I talking Doomsday Clock in a review of this book?

This is a fine Elseworld book. This has an interesting, and I might say controversial, ending. I don't know if I like the ending here. The art by Bryan Hitch and Kevin Nowlan is scintillating. I am glad I bought and read this. From the tour of the DCU to the update of the Luthor origin to the interplay between Lex and Superman, it has been a fun read.

But I really wanted to be blown away by the ending of this book, probably because I have been waiting so long for it. And that is probably unfair of me to have scheduling drama alter my expectations. Of course, the ending falling flat for me is probably as big a reason as any.

On to the book.

DC Solicits July 2025

The DC July 2025 solicits came out recently and it truly feels like the Summer of Superman. I also have to say that it sort of feels like the summer of Supergirl. The El family is pretty prominent. Supergirl even gets represented on covers for Justice League Unlimited, JLU Dark Tomorrow, and DC vs Vampires. Throw in her new solo title and that is a lot of Kara in one month. I know it isn't a lot! But I am not complaining!

We'll get to the super-titles soon but I have to point out a couple of non-Super solicits. One is the Titans Annual 2025. Written and drawn by Phil Jimenez, it will focus on Donna Troy's origin! Again! Maybe we'll get something to stick this time!

There are a couple of new DC Finest digests for sale as well. One based on the Spectre including but not limited to the classic Fleischer/Aparo stuff/ The other is a horror anthology with books pulled from all over.

I am pretty pumped at all the great super-books coming out though. On to those details!

SUPERGIRL #3
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU and PABLO VILLALOBOS
1:25 variant cover by JOËLLE JONES

Kara and the daughter of Lex Luthor, Lena, have come together to battle a common enemy posing as Midvale’s very own Supergirl! Will Lena’s brains and Kara’s brawn be a match for the super-powered super-genius from Kandor? It’s Supergirl versus Supergirl in a fight for the ages! Plus, the debut of Satan Girl!

So I have been pretty optimistic about the solicits for this title so far but this one has made me very optimistic. I have been waiting to get a creator on Supergirl who seems to know and like the character. Sophie Campbell has Kara teaming up with Lena to fight Lesla Lar. That feels like knowledge and liking.

But Satan Girl !?! 

Now that is a great part of Supergirl's history in all her incarnations! So Campbell bringing it back shows me that she has a grasp of the character and wants to lean into her history. Can't wait to read the book!

On to the rest of the books.

Comic Box Commentary is Seventeen Years Old

Today marks the 17th anniversary for this site. 

Seventeen!

I started the site to sing the praises of Supergirl as a character. I wasn't a big fan of her comic at the time and wanted to remind people of her history and adventures.

Since then, in the time I have been doing this, the character has had multiple comic series, multiple appearances in animated features, a live action television show, and an Elseworld appearance in The Flash movie. Next month she'll have another solo title on the shelves. And next year she'll have a major motion picture on the big screen.

I have loved the character since I first started reading her adventures, seeing so much of myself in someone trying to find their place in the world - whether it was a difficult romantic life or trying to find a career or sticking with certain schooling, or someone living in the shadow of someone close to you who was a bright light, or someone trying to be a hero but learning, fallible.

She has matured since those early tales and in the current DCU she mostly is written as a competent young woman, confident in her role in the super-family and still learning herself, a sort of middle figure between heroes and sidekicks. That works for me.

It hasn't all been perfect. Her solo story this year was incomprehensible and boring. The major motion picture is based on a story which, for me, portrayed her terribly. 

All that said, I don't see myself going anywhere. I mean, there is a new series to review!

As always, I am grateful for the people who come here, read my long missives, and chime in. I love the community here of Supergirl fans.

So happy anniversary to all of you too!

Wicked Comic Con Recap

I was at Wicked Comic Con earlier this month. This is still a young convention, only 4 years old, and I think is going through a little bit of growing pains. If you look back at my prior coverage, you can follow its history.

Back in 2022, it seemed like a modest con with a couple of creator draws. But it also was big for vendors with a main ball room comic vendors and the bigger creators, a small artist alley for locals, and a whole hall for non-comic merchandise. In 2023, it seemed to explode with a guest list that might rival bigger, more well known cons. It was big enough I needed two review posts and got two commissions from well known comic artists. I thought it might suddenly rival some of the bigger con shows in the area. Last year, seemed to stay the course with a very large footprint in the venue with an entire massive room for non-comic merch as well as a great creator guest list with both newer and classic creators in attendance. Again, it seemed to be growing ... or at least stabilizing to a very solid, medium sized con. 

So I was a little surprised when I saw this year's con description. Only one day. A smaller, more modest guest list. Free attendance. 

This seemed more like a 'year one dip your toes in the water' strategy rather than a 'year four, we had stars like Jeph Loeb and Adam Hughes in the past' con. When I got to the con, it had also shrunk in physical space, now just occupying the main ball room as well as a nearby hallway. 

I am not complaining. There were a couple of creators there I wanted to meet. I went with friends and had a great time. And I bought comic books, always the best part of shows. And there seemed to be very good traffic there, although now everyone was in one room instead of dispersed. 

I just worry that such a dramatic ...well ... downsizing doesn't bode well. Boston needs a true comic con of its own. And Fan Expo doesn't feel like a true comic con. So I hope this style of production for Wicked Comic Con works out. I hope it is around next year.

On to some details.

Review: Superman #25

The extra-sized Superman #25 came out this week and was a pretty rollicking issue that pushed forward one of the biggest storylines of this comic. The Lex/Superman dynamic has been the foundation of this book since its inception.

 Is Lex an ally? Is he an enemy, a wolf in sheep's clothing? Is this new amnestic Lex truly and ally? Or is the whole thing a ruse? Writer Joshua Williamson let's us peek behind the curtain, bringing us back to the earliest moments of this run and letting us hear Lex say his plans. But the amnesia from Brainiac must have been an unanticipated event, changing things. (I do wonder if Williamson had this all mapped out, including that turn, when the book was initiated.)

But this is a stuffed issue. So we get to see Mercy continue her heel-turn. We see Marilyn Moonlight for the first time in a while. We get to see more of the Red-K poisoning. And substantial movement in the Superwoman arc. And we get the introduction of a villain with a name that I can't believe hasn't been used before. Kudos to Williamson!

The art is done by a trio of superstars - Jamal Campbell, Dan Mora, and Eddy Barrows. It was good to see Campbell back on the book, especially since his pages are the flashback to the beginning of the book, the arc he drew. Gave it some artistic weight. Barrows and Mora finish the book with some flair, including the use of 2 page splashes and oversized panels. Mora also gives us this wraparound cover. 

I know it is going to sound insane but that jacketed Supergirl look has really grown on me. I wonder how much of that is Mora and how much is the look.

On to the book.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #38

Batman/Superman World's Finest #38 came out last week, the official first part of Mark Waid's We Are Yesterday arc running through this book and Justice League Unlimited. It feels more like a prologue but it certainly has that Bronze Age flair that Waid has brought to most of the proceedings here.

We know the main villain in the arc is Gorilla Grodd and he is the main villain here, albeit in the past leading up to the present-day story. I haven't always been the biggest Grodd fan. I don't think I have a great grasp of what his power set is or even how powerful he is. Here, Waid makes it clear that Grodd is a powerhouse, worthy of leading an uprising against the League.

When you get Grodd, you almost always get Gorilla City. Fun to see Solovar again, even if he is more coldblooded here than I am used to seeing. I suppose it makes sense given how many times Grodd has taken over his rule. 

And there is the usual fun moments between heroes in this else-when past. Everyone seems a little fun and very collegial. It always works for me. 

Clayton Henry is on art. I love his smooth lines and no-nonsense approach to art. I loved him on the recent Phantom Zone arc in Action Comics so glad he gets a big cast to work with here. Thankfully he does apes well. Not every artist can claim that.

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #280

Last week I reviewed Action Comics #279, the first part of the Silver Age Supergirl story where she battles Lesla Lar. All this is in anticipation of the upcoming Supergirl title and Lesla being the main villain.

Today I am reviewing Action Comics #280, the second chapter of the multi-part arc. And much like last issue, this one goes at an incredible pace and is filled with standard Silver Age insanity, including throwaway science ideas, identity changes, and wild action. 

But also, like last issue, there is some growth for the Supergirl character (or at least the idea of her given that Lar is impersonating her). Writer Jerry Siegel is using this big storyline to sort of mature Supergirl into something more than the orphan secret weapon. Last issue, Siegel had Linda get adopted. She ditched the braids. This issue, Superman recognizes how much Kara has grown in her 2+ years of comic history. Add to that the insane Lar who has aspiration and perhaps delusions of grandeur. She is truly wicked. 

Jim Mooney is on art and remains the legend. His work on Lar and her facial expressions is just stellar. But Mooney gets to spread his wings a bit here too. We get a lot of crazy Kandor science. We get a three page basic retelling of the plight of Argo City and Supergirl's origins. Mooney is a master.

Settle in and buckle up for a wild ride. On to the book. 

Review: Summer Of Superman Special

With the Superman movie around the corner, DC Comics has labeled this the Summer of Superman. What better way to start the whole thing with The Summer of Superman Special #1. 

This has the feel of a summer blockbuster. There are mega-stars associated with the book. The upcoming Superman book writers - Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, and Dan Slott - seem to have all written the book. But one of the biggest draws on the book has to be Jorge Jimenez on art. I have loved his art since the Smallville Season Eleven comic 12 years ago. So seeing his take on most of the Superman Family ... and even some Legion of Super-Heroes ... made it worth the price.

The story hook is Lana Lang and John Henry Irons wedding in Smallville. The writers take the opportunity to focus on young Clark and Lana's relationship. We flashback to a Superboy adventure. We get some peeks into the future stories. And, best of all, there is actual character growth, mostly around Lana and John. We also get reminded why Superman is Superman, helping people, loving his quiet early life, and acknowledging that the precious small moments in life are as important as battling Validus.

As I said, Jimenez is a wonder. I have heard his Batman stuff is incredible. But anything I have seen of his is great. I love his Lana. I love his Validus. He does wedding scenes and time-stream fights equally well. The art in this book sings. And while this Alexander Lozano Supergirl variant is a little too coquettish for me, I am glad we got something Supergirl in this issue. She is only seen on one page which previews the upcoming books.

This is a great opening salvo for this Superman-filled summer. On to the details.

Old School Comic Show Recap

It is officially con season and a couple of weekends ago I went to the 'Old School Comic Show' in Concord New Hamphire. Run by Little Giant Comics, the show is just what I needed to kick off the season. 

This was a pure comic book show. The guests were all comic creators. The exhibitors were all comic book vendors. It was like a hit of pure joy right into my veins. And being just under 2 hours away from home, it was an easy trip. 

The show sort of lived up to its name to. Most of the guests were sort of 'old school' creators, as you'll see after the break. 

There wasn't a lot of Supergirl-specific stuff I was aiming for at this con. But I was looking to meet some new creators as well as see some I had met before again. And given the guest list, there wasn't a commission I was aiming for either. All that meant was I was able to be more easy-going at the con, not rushing to a specific table. I was able to walk the floor, shop, and have a great time. 

Trust me, I am going to put this on the 'must go' list for next year.

On to some of the specifics.

Review: Action Comics #1085

Action Comics #1085 came out last week, the first part of a brief story by G. Willow Wilson and Gavin Guidry. 

It's funny how a small little thing can upend my take on a story. I have viewed these 'Superman Superstars' stories as existing somewhere in continuity. Yes, the Mark Waid Phantom Zone story seemed to be solidly set in near-present time based on costumes alone. But the Ridley story? The Aaron story? Those could be set anywhere in Superman's timeline. 

And so we have this story which feels like it should be 'early' in Superman's history. Clark is considered a sort of novice reporter. Perry doesn't want Clark on a big story. And if it was set 'years ago', I would have been fine with it. 

The problem is there is an editor box that says this takes place before Absolute Power (explaining Lois' lack of powers, etc). Now 'years ago' is 'before Absolute Power' but that box makes this feel much more current. But the characterization doesn't feel that way. So the whole thing just felt awkward as I read it.

The plot is simple. A lab in the Arctic is hoping to curb global warming is being sabotaged. Clark is sent to investigate. A villain emerges.

I liked Gavin Guidry's art in Superman '78 and he continues to impress here. It is clean style with solid linework. I like his Superman a lot. And his Lois seems full of moxie. Hope to continue to see his art around.

On to the book.

Review: Absolute Superman #6

Absolute Superman #6 came out last week, another mostly flashback issue filling in the back story of this universe's Kal. With the destruction of Krypton behind us, we focus on Smallville. After the slow burn of the first issue, this one feels brisk opening and seemingly closing the Smallville portion of Superman's origins. We also get a major reveal which I felt was coming but never said outright. You'll have to trust me.

Writer Jason Aaron shows us that overlying despair of this Absolute Universe, especially in the early pages of Kal lost in space. But he also gives us some light, showing us a Jonathan and Martha Kent that feel pretty much our typical Kents. They take Kal in as a miracle. And Kal feels a bit of comfort in this Kansas environment with a kindly couple. Interesting to see just where the classic origins blur with the new stuff. But most importantly, as I said above, this is definitely a bit of a brisker pace for the flashback than the prior. 

The art this issue is by Carmine DiGiandominico and he's sort new to me.  Despite a slew of book, I only know him from the digital only covers of the end of the last Supergirl run. There is a sort of Chris Sprouse energy to his work. I love Rafa Sandoval but DiGiandomenico is a decent fill-in. Sandoval is on the cover which displays something which doesn't appear in the story. 

So with the brisk Smallville chapter done and the true villain revealed at the end, I think we can call this the 'opening arc' and that it is officially closed. Looking forward to what comes next.

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #279

In the recent DC solicits, we learned that Lesla Lar is being reintroduced to the DCU as a Supergirl villain.  It made me realize that I have never really covered the earliest Lesla Lar stories on this sight despite my nearing 17 years of running the place. 

And Lar is a pretty big deal in Supergirl lore. In the Silver Age Action Comics, she had (for that time) a pretty long multi-issue story arc where she bedeviled Supergirl. She comes back and has a shocking 'death' later in Action Comics. And then, in one of the things I truly love about the character, she comes back to plague Supergirl over multiple issues in the early 1980's Superman Family book (some of which I have covered here)!

Today I'm reviewing Action Comics #279, Lesla Lar's first appearance which kicks of that long-form arc. I do think that multi-part stories were pretty rare back then. Her arc trying to replace Supergirl on Earth runs over 4 issues! The whole story is written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Jim Mooney. Overcoming Lar is part of some significant growth for Kara. You looking for an important event in Supergirl's life? It is in this issue! Goodbye orphanage!

As for Lar herself, her motives are pretty basic - jealousy leading to contempt. Her scientific prowess is enough to rival Luthor making her team-up with Lex in this first issue seem appropriate. Lar does a number on Kara for sure. Mooney plays it up well with his usual expressive work. 

But it that jealousy, that wanting to be Supergirl and get the accolades, that upcoming writer/artist Sophie Campbell is riffing on in the new Supergirl title. So let's see the villain in action! On to the book!

Back Issue Review: All-Star Comics #58

We just turned the corner on April and that means we have officially entered the comic event of 2025, JSApril! Kudos to comic podcast legend, The Irredeemable Shag, for putting together the event, herding in over 40 podcasts and blogs to celebrate the first super-hero team, the Justice Society!

I definitely wanted to be part of the festivities. I wanted to remain true to this blog's core. So why not review All-Star Comics #58, the first appearance of Power Girl, the Earth-2 Kara Zor-L. 

In this current world or reboots and new #1's, it is pretty amazing to me that DC picked up the numbering of All-Star Comics. This book came out October 1975. All-Star Comics #57's release date? December 1950! A quarter century has passed!

But here we were in the mid-70s with DC deciding that not only were the JSA worth being on the racks, not only that we would pick up their legacy numbering, but we would inject the 'old-timers' with fresh blood ... The Super Squad!

Kudos to writer Gerry Conway for mixing this up. Yes, we get the veteran JSAers, right there on the splash page! But the Squad's make-up is interesting. A now grown-up Robin, a veteran in a way. The Star Spangled Kid, a hero from yesteryear but now thrown into modern life. And Power Girl, brand new and answering the question 'why isn't there a Supergirl on Earth 2'! They each add some juice to the proceedings but in different ways.

Power Girl is immediately effective and her personality is pretty much on display from the beginning. She is strong, smart, and very independent. This isn't the meek 'secret weapon' in the orphanage. She is ready to throw down and jump into the mix. This is who Power Girl is and always should be. 

The art is by Ric Estrada with great inks by Wally Wood. We all know that Wood is the one who ultimately pushes the envelope with Power Girl's particular pulchritude. But both artists give us solid representation of the JSAers. 

That is my copy's cover scanned above, signed by Conway and cover artist Mike Grell!

This is a fun new chapter for the Society and therefore a perfect book to celebrate JSApril. On to the book.

Supergirl #2 Homage Cover

Just yesterday I reviewed Action Comics #279, the first appearance of Lesla Lar. I was prompted to review because it was revealed in solicits that Lesla Lar is in the upcoming Supergirl #2 by Sophie Campbell. Furthermore, the solicit also says that Lar is impersonating Supergirl in Midvale. All of that is a riff on the original Lesla Lar story arc.

While the book is still a bit away, I have been feeling some cautious optimism about it. Most of the optimism comes from the feeling that Campbell actually likes the character of Supergirl ... unlike other writers who have her shoot up schools, hate Superman, become 'the mistress of the axe' and abandon Earth, bring a young girl to a stoning execution, or just plain be boring. 

I could be wrong. 

But things like bringing back an impersonating Lesla Lar to Midvale, it feels like there is a respect for the character.

So I thought I would read all the old Lesla Lar appearances, figuring I'm eventually going to Back Issue Box review them all. 

So I did indeed go to the long boxes and pulled out Super DC Giant S-24, a reprint collection of Lesla's second arc. 

That night I woke up and 4am because it finally hit me.

Look at this cover.

Now look at the two covers side by side.

Look at the middle strip in particular. Even the dialogue is the same. 

Sophie Campbell is homaging a 1970's Supergirl reprint comic cover for the current series.

I said it feels like Campbell respects the character, likes her. Something like this makes me feel like I might be right.

This is pretty cool.

Review: Justice League Unlimited #5

Justice League of America #5 came out this week and featured Supergirl so prominently that I felt I should cover it here.

This new title by the tremendous creative team of writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora. These two brought us Batman/Superman World's Finest and that book was the best on the shelves for some time. When Waid had characters guest star in that book, I would always say that Mora brought such polish to them that he should draw that character's solo book. Now with the Justice League Unlimited, in essence, being every hero in the DCU, I actually get to see Mora's take on the entire universe. 

I don't know if I am 100% behind the 'everyone is a Leaguer' idea. Back in my youth, being named to the League was a big deal. Dick Dillin would draw a big scroll welcoming the hero with some sort of certificate. Perhaps a better screening process would stop a traitor from being in their midst, one of the plot points here.

Still, this book has been fun and it does allow both Waid and Mora to allow different heroes to be in the spotlight. As I said, Supergirl is front and center here, as is Impulse, Star Sapphire, and Red Tornado. They wouldn't get a showcase with the big guns unless they are in the League. So there is an upside.  Plus, given Waid's love of the DCU, this allows him to do a deep dive. into every nook and cranny. I am convinced he is hinting at something in this book which is one of my great loves. 

Plus the League is up against 'Inferno' an evil society they seem helpless against. We learn who they are at the end which only ups the ante.

Add to it all Mora and his jaw-dropping work. I love his work. Mora makes the 'jacket' Supergirl costume work. And the action is stellar throughout. 

I don't think I'll always review this book so let's just dive in!

DC Comics June 2025 Solicits

The June 2024 solicits for DC Comics came out this week and it looks to be a good month. With the Superman movie coming out in July, DC is making it the summer of Superman. So why not give us some fun stuff to read, starting out with the new Supergirl book. 

I'll be covering some of the offerings but if you want to see the whole list, head here:
https://aiptcomics.com/2025/03/21/full-june-2025-dc-comics-solicitations/

But let's start with Supergirl!

SUPERGIRL #2
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU, PABLO VILLALOBOS,and SAOWEE
1:25 variant cover by DAVID TALASKI
1:50 variant cover by MIRKA ANDOLFO

Discover Lesla’s transformation from an awkward nerd in Kandor to a bombshell superbabe. Who knew Supergirl’s quest for good could inspire such evil?! Back in Midvale, our hero faces a gigantic problem with kryptonite-like powers. Titano the super-ape is here to take over the idyllic town! To defeat him, Supergirl will have to rely on an unexpected new ally from Metropolis…Lena Luthor! The houses of El and Luthor join for good in this action-packed second issue!

There is a lot to noodle about in this solicit for sure.

For one, we are kicking it old school with someone named Lesla from Kandor trying to replace Supergirl. This is pure Silver Age! And having Supergirl become pals with Lena Luthor is both a riff on their friendship in the Silver Age of comics as well as their alliance (for the most part) in the Supergirl TV show. Why not kick it up a notch.

Plenty of cool variant covers here as well. But the standard cover (shown above) is fun. Could that be <gasp> a supporting cast on the left? I hope so.

Knowing Sophie Campbell, there is a chance the Lesla story will be a trans story or a trans allegory. And I suppose all the SuperCorp fanatics will be hoping for a Kara/Lena relationship. Hoping this is just a fun straight-up superhero book!

Review: Superman #24

Superman #24 came out this week and ended with such a turn for a character that it felt like a jolt of acceleration into the next arc. We just wrapped up the Doomsday story arc so we need to take the next step. This issue sort of bridges the gap, catching up with characters but also pushing us forward.

Writer Joshua Williamson does a great job telling the tale, having Lois and Superman uncover the hidden threat in different ways, coming together at the end for a major cliffhanger. I thought this 'two fronts' (as alluded to on the cover) was a nice technique. Superwoman gets the action piece. Superman gets the thinking thread. It is a little bit of a role reversal since Lois is usually doing the investigating while Supes punches things. Throw in some guest stars and DC history and you have a fun read.

Eddy Barrows is on art, last seen in the Gail Simone Superman arc. I have always loved Barrows' work so seeing him draw one of my favorite characters who is a guest star here made me smile. His art really is just gorgeous and we get to see him spread his wings a bit here. 

So overall, another solid issue in a string of solid issues. Get ready for the next threat! On to the book!

Review: Superman The Last Days of Lex Luthor #2

Way back in August 2023, Superman The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 came out. In my opening paragraph of that issue, I talked about how the book was sort of under-advertised and snuck up on me which made me worry that it would go unnoticed.

Here we are, over a year and a half later, with my review of Superman The Last Days of Lex Luthor #2. With 19 months separating these chapters, surely this Mark Waid/Bryan Hitch book has been mostly forgotten and will again be mostly overlooked.

And that is a shame. Because all of the things that I lauded about the first book are still true here. It is a Mark Waid Superman book, which is always awesome. It is a classic story told with modern sensibilities. It is packed full of DC history, not surprising from Waid. And it has a few nods to Superman's appearances in other media.

But it is the Luthor/Superman dynamic that stirs the drink here. Lex has to be reminded of what Superman is to others. Others have to be reminded by Superman of who the Man of Steel is. But we also get an update to the classic Luthor origin, of a mishap in a lab that perhaps fostered a hatred of aliens in Lex.

As I have said before, I am not the biggest Bryan Hitch fan. But I am a huge Kevin Nowlan fan and Nowlan certainly puts his panache on the art. I'll say we cover a lot of DC real estate in this book and it just makes me wish we saw more of Nowlan on current issues. Everything is gorgeous. 

On to the book.