Review: Superman #28

Last month I talked about how Joshua Williamson seemed to be wrapping up a bunch of plots that have been running through the Superman title since its launch. No more Lex. No more Supercorp. No more Superwoman. No more Red K poisoning. 

Williamson doesn't waste any time in getting on to the next thing. Superman #28 came out last week, the first part of Legion of Darkseid, and was a fast-paced, engaging, and very entertaining opening chapter. We are heading to some Darkseid-centric event and this sets the stage. 

Now I am a huge Legion of Super-Heroes fan so seeing only a dark version of them recently has been a bit of a let-down. I can only hope we are heading to a relaunch. But if you want to see how brutal and powerful the original trio of Legionnaires could be, this issue will open your eyes. This isn't your dad's Legion. 

I have already said how somehow Williamson has made both The Time Trapper and Doomsday be interesting to me. No small feat (perhaps smushing them together has been multiplicative not additive). But perhaps the most incredulous thing Williamson has done is made me intrigued about a character that appears on the last page ... a character I have wished I would never see again. That is truly an epic accomplishment.

Add to all this Dan Mora's standard impeccable art and you have a complete winner. No Supergirl here but a lot of pizzazz nonetheless.

Everyone should dive in right here. On to the book. 

Review: Justice League Unlimited #9

I was unsure if I was going to review Justice League Unlimited #9, an epilogue to the We Are Tomorrow arc. But it is clear that DC is building on something here. There is a lot happening here, weaving nicely with this week's Superman #28 and pulling the eventual clash with the Absolute Universe and Darkseid that much closer. Throw in a killer Supergirl moment and it was a no-brainer.

Writer Mark Waid brings this arc to a high-energy close by bringing in some old villains, peppering in time-tossed (and reality-tossed) DC characters, and giving us a subtle cliffhanger that left me wondering what is next. I wonder if Waid is taking advantage of his writing the New History of the DC Universe to remind him of character variations to try to showcase here. And he and Joshua Williamson are making me like this Time Trapper Doomsday, no small feat. 

Dan Mora is on art here as well as Superman #28 which makes these two issues read like a mini-event or double sized Annual. And Mora gets to have fun as he is also allowed to pepper in these character variants. He draws everybody so well so whenever he spotlights a favorite of mine, I smile. 

I will say it was luck that I read this before Superman #28 because it sort of reads better that way. Interesting they came out on the same week with this being a 5 Wednesday month.

On to the book.

Review: Batman/Superman World’s Finest #41

I am still catching up on reviews as the 'Summer of Superman' is really in full effect with books coming out each week!

Batman/Superman World's Finest #41 came out two Wednesdays ago, starting a new arc putting our heroes on the Bizarro World and dealing with the ensuing insanity. There is a lot of fun in this issue as Mark Waid seems to have a firm grasp on the opposite speak and opposite thoughts of the Bizarro mind. And seeing our heroes, usually firmly in control of situations, seem like true fish out of water. Add to that some fun sight gags and this was both hilarious and scary. 

Adrian Gutierrez remains on art and ramps up the insanity. Again, the story content leads to the odd mix of humor and horror that allows Gutierrez to stretch his artistic muscles. 

Will Waid be able to keep up that mix in a satisfactory way for the whole arc?

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #3

Superman Unlimited #3 came out last week and felt like a bit of a pause on the ongoing plot of El Caldero rising in the world power rankings because of their access to massive amounts of Green Kryptonite. Instead, this seems like an issue designed to bring Krypto into the present day and take advantage of all the pro-Krypto buzz of James Gunn's Superman. 

The issue fills in some of the history of Superboy and how hard it would be to have Krypto around. It nudges some of the subplots forward. It does add another interesting wrinkle to the Green K problem. And we get the S:TAS Toyman with that creepy big toy head.

Perhaps the biggest thing that happens in the issue is the apparent soft reboot de-aging of Jon Kent. He looks much more like an early high schooler than a college kid. He is even dressed like he did in Super-Sons. This comic is firmly set in current day so this is either error or DC correcting a mistake after a long time, giving us a young Jon, or at least younger. I can be hopeful. 

But overall this seemed more a silly issue than a solid one. 

Rafael Albuquerque's rougher art doesn't help matters. Most people look like they have gone a few rounds with a professional boxer. Krypto looks more shaggy dog than usual. 

The issue starts with the early days of Clark as Superboy, getting used to his powers and generally being clumsy until things get smoother. 

But then he has Krypto around to help him. A good friend with similar powers who he can romp around with.

I have to say this reminded me a little of the sentimental discussion about Krypto that Superman had in Action Comics #500. And I am definitely glad that we have Superboy back in a big way!

It isn't always easy. This isn't a super-intelligent Krypto. This is a dog with super-powers. So we see Krypto breaking things and chasing/shooting heat vision at critters. 

It is up to Clark to train Krypto to care about the little guys, protect the weak, and generally be a good boy! How great that Clark already has that ingrained into his system.

But there are more dog hijinks - super-howling at the moon and even stopping some robbers who are embarrassed to have been stopped by a dog.

Fun sequences perhaps leaning into the out-of-control Krypto we got in the movie. 

And then this revelation!

Clark is being sent to a science expo where El Caldero is showing some of their new Green K tech. Even though it is potentially deadly, Lois gives the assignment if only to stave off 'Clark is Superman' thoughts if suddenly he never is near Kryptonite. 

If Clark is busy at work, someone needs to walk the dog. 

Look at that Jon! Wearing the hoodie! And looking more like a 15 year old than a grown man. And what parent would talk to their college-aged adult child in such a way.

Is this a 'behind the scene' soft reboot of Jon, returning him to a more tween age???? I can only hope so.

We see Tee-Nah again, the Gorilla City Daily Planet correspondent who is heading to Metropolis but first stopping at Gotham City.

I had to laugh at her parents' response. Gotham isn't safe!

And the things they mention - big heads, obesity, cavemen - all are classic, famous Silver Age Flash covers and stories. Funny. 

After a run around the world, Jon and Krypto stop into Smallville. 

Jon looks and acts young here. Ma says Lois has a 'plan' for Jon in Smallville so Jon decides to stick around sending Krypto back on his own.

What is the plan? To become a new Superboy for Smallville?? Also, what mother would dictate 'plans' for their college-aged grown man?? 

I mean it. This could be the sort of soft continuity, unexplained reboot that used to happen all the time in the Bronze Age. Remember when Kara was suddenly and softly de-aged to be a grad student again? Maybe this time I'm right?

On the way back, Krypto suddenly gets a snoot full of a familiar scent ... the Toyman. In fact we get a few faded panels, showing snippets of past adventures where our super-dog fought the villain. 

I would read this story. Supergirl and the Super-Pets fighting the Toyman and Red Kryptonite kites? That sounds like fun.

I have liked Albuquerque's Supergirl in the past. But that Streaky looks rough. 

Sure enough, one of the Expo attendees has hired a 'Schott' and the Toyman shows up in a massive K-powered Giant Robo. 

Krypton engages and Superman joins in and the whole thing is a giant battle. 

In the end, the robot is smashed but Krypto get a pretty bad slug of K-energy.

Decent splash page here with Krypto as the focus but also shot from behind ... interesting set-up.

I have always wondered where this doll-head Toyman fit into the continuity of Toymen.

Well, we finally have an answer. This is an AI robot built by Schott but with good intentions. A Pinocchio.

So what do we think of this? We already have the younger, Otaku Toyman. And Schott. Do we need another Toyman? Does this being a robot make it more special? Or less?

Still mulling that over.

And then the Toyman uses an inertron goop gun to douse the Green K, shielding Krypto from its rays. Of course, Superman could have scooped him up and raced away from the K. Or rushed him to the Fortress or the sun. 

But this Toyman brought the giant robo to show how Kryptonite can be used as a safe energy source. Can Superman deny the world this? Nice new wrinkle. 

But we heard earlier Steelworks is working on a way for Kryptonians to resist Green K energy. Now we have this inertron gun. And there's always good old lead. I worry that there is going to be too much Kryptonite and too many defenses to Kryptonite that wiping all this stuff away when this arc ends will be too tough. 

I mean if Steelworks creates a K-defense, will Superman use it all the time forever? Or will it be forgotten? If Toyman has gun that creates synthetic Inertron, why won't everyone use it?

Look at the art in that second panel. That is rough Superman. 

This seemed more like a diversion albeit a sort-of fun one with a focus on Krypto.

And seriously, is that a de-aged Jon???

Overall grade: B-

Superman Treasury 2025: A Hero For All

I am running around this week with so much material I want to cover so I am behind the times. Two weeks ago, DC released Superman Treasury 2025: A Hero For All written by Dan Jurgens with art by Bruno Redondo and Jurgens as well. 

This was a fun story for a number of reasons. 

This is set some years in the past prior to Jon being aged up in the Bendis run. Seeing that young Jon, still learning and wanting to help, was almost worth the cost of the book. I miss that kid. 

This is a sort of primer on Superman, showcasing his leadership, his mentorship, his ethics and goals. But it also includes a sort of quick history of his. In the midst of the story are a number of pages drawn by Jurgens reviewing Superman's life and timeline. 

We get the return of two of the more recent villains in Superman's long history, villains who have stuck around and stood the test of time. 

The art was very slick. I like Redondo's sort of minimalist approach, somehow bringing so much visual information with the art he provides. And, of course, seeing Jurgens on art even for a few pages is always great.

But the real fun of the book is the format. A new DC treasury is on the shelves! Seeing such big art in my hands reminded me of my youth. It has some publicity pages for the movie in the back matter. It is too much fun. 

On to the book.

That Cameo In James Gunn's Superman

Well, it's been a week and the news has spread around the internet, so I figure it is okay to comment about that Supergirl cameo in James Gunn's Superman.

First, to level set, I very much liked the movie. Yes, at times it felt a little overstuffed with lots of moving parts and plots. But to be honest, it felt very much like a 'comic book movie', a sort of six issue arc in a title. This chapter is fighting the kaiju while Lex invades the Fortress. Next issue, Superman imprisoned, the breakout from the pocket universe! So I was very pleased with it and plan on seeing it again. 

As for Supergirl, I'll start out by saying Milly Alcock in the Supergirl uniform looks great. I cannot tell you how amazing it was to see my favorite hero in a comic accurate costume on the IMAX screen.

Very cool.

Review: Absolute Superman #9

Absolute Superman #9 came out last week and again showed that this Absolute World is a dystopia where there aren't many heroes and both sides are so extreme that our hero isn't sure he even wants to remain on Earth.

This issue shows us the 'Omega Men' political group, the freedom fighters battling The Lazarus Corporation, up close. And it isn't pretty. We start with them saving Superman. The next mission is heading out to save political prisoners. It ends with the leaders of Omega being as violent as Lazarus.  Jason Aaron continues to peel the onion back, building this world. More Ra's. More Lois. More Jimmy. But also Talia and Father Boxes. All of this leads to some despair in our hero.

We knew that this was a different Earth and a different Superman. But I always hoped this Superman would be the shining light in the darkness. This issue he sounds like a beaten man.

The art is split between Rafa Sandoval and Fico Ossio. Ossio seems to do the bulk of the issue and is doing his best to channel Sandoval's work to keep the feel of the book consistent. And Arreola's darker hues contribute to the consistency. 

Nine issues in and this remains a slow burn. But I still don't know exactly who this Superman is. So much of the world is being defined that our hero remains blurry.

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1088

Action Comics #1088 came out last week and continued the look at Clark's earliest adventures as Superboy. I don't think I realized how much I wanted this story until I started reading it. It is the oldest writing tip - don't give the audience what they want; give them what they need.

Writer Mark Waid is truly giving us the first adventures of Superboy. Last issue, we saw Clark have to reveal himself to the world, earlier than the Kents were hoping. This issue we see some of the fallout of that reveal. How was he named? Where do the glasses come from? How powerful is he right now? How does this impact how he acts as Clark? Does he get training in his powers? All of these pieces of Superman's legend have been told in bits and pieces over different continuities. But here, reading them all in one place, has been so refreshing and fun.

In particular, I am going to be interested in seeing how Waid integrates Lana and Pete Ross into the mix. Both make appearances here, hinting at more to come.

The story is perfectly complemented by Skylar Patridge's art which just feels 'young' and 'nostalgic' but also modern and gorgeous. You'll see a page in the review with Lana which is so beautiful and perfect that I lingered on it for a while before turning the page. When the art is so wonderful that I pause the read, you have a win.

I have heard Waid talk that he has at least a year planned for this Superboy run in Action Comics. I am here for it.

On to the details.

Review: Supergirl #3 (v8)

Supergirl #3 came out this week and was another entertaining and frankly refreshing look at the character by writer/artist Sophie Campbell. Over the course of this blog's history, there have been plenty of times that creators have been put on the character and it is clear they don't know the character or don't like the character. There have been runs where I have said things like 'remove Supergirl and put in Starfire and this story would proceed without a problem' or 'this doesn't seem like the Supergirl we know'. 

That isn't true here.

This is firmly a Supergirl book. This is a creator who seems to like and respect the character, weaving in history and characterization that fit. And this thrills me.

We can start with the obvious homages and nods as a way to refer and acknowledge the past. From Midvale to Lesla Lar to Lena Luthor to Streaky, Satan Girl, and even Black Kryponite, this series is mining the best of Supergirl's 66 year history and bringing it into modern time. Heck, there are even artistic homages!

But that stuff if done alone can simply feel like nostalgia. What is needed is story. And we get that too. Because in this issue we get a look into Supergirl's psyche. How she is heroic and kind and compassionate. How she probably struggles being in the shadow of her big cousin and his influence. How maybe she struggles with a dark side ... but it isn't that dark. And how most of all she wants to help. She can throw down when she needs to. She can be fierce in fighting injustice. But maybe that is the last resort. Some might find the 'sort of' conclusion of the Lesla Lar story underwhelming but for me it fit the character well. Campbell just seems to get it. 

Add to that the sumptuous, breezy, engaging art by Campbell and colorist Tamra Bonvillain and you have a big win. From old costumes to new, from mutations and birthday cake shenanigans, it all sings.

My only quibble might be that the arc might be wrapping up too soon for my taste. But in a world of endless arcs and decompression, this might be a compliment.

On to the book.

Terrificon 2025 Prep

Summer is convention season and my convention is of course, Terrificon.

I have been going to the con since 2017 and have always been impressed with the event. 

It is run at a great site, Mohegan Sun Casino. Free parking. Restaurants from fast food to fine dining.

It is run by a great show runner, Mitch Hallock. Hallock is clearly a fan of comics, a 'one of us' kind of kindred spirit, and is present at the show.

And it always has the best comic guest list. From legends to new talent, it is always a long list of guests.

The bottom line is if there is one show I am going to go to in 'con season' it's this one. And this year is no different. You can click here ( https://www.terrificon.com/ ) to get the run down of the show, including the great comic guest list and pretty impressive celebrity guest list too. 

For me, we are four weeks away and so that means it is prep time. Who am I going to try and commissions from? Who am I running to in hopes of getting some books signed? And what books am I going to try and get signed for friends who can't attend?

Let's start with the guest I am most excited to meet and hopefully get a sketch from.

I have always wanted to meet Kerry Gammill having been a fan since he drew the cover for Power Girl #1. I love his style. Gammill drew the covers for that Power Girl mini-series, the covers of the Supergirl mini-series in the 90s, and other Super-related stuff. For me, based on that, he has a solid Matrix Supergirl connection. He hasn't been at any convention I have been to so I was thrilled when I saw him on the list!

I really hope that I can get a commission from him and get books signed. 

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #2

I am reviewing two books this week. One is a Milk Bone promotion for Krypto. The other is DC heroes and villains fighting giant kaiju from classic monster movies. Let us all sit back and realize that at least for now all is well. 

Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #2 came out last week and continued to keep the foot down on velocity. The heroes are on Godzilla's home world dealing with a new environment and ornery monsters. The villains have teamed up with Colonel Shaw, trying to utilize science to fight or gain control of the monsters. And, of course, the villains and heroes fight. But outside of these enormous action sequences, we have a number of subplots and character moments that I find very entertaining. 

Writer Brian Buccellato continues to spin the story well. Yes, we get kaiju fights and superheroes against kaiju fights. But we get fun character moments. From lex's scheming to Captain Cold's idiocy to Batman's strategy to Supergirl's pro-active stance and heroics, we are get fun interactions with the action. Buccellato has to be a Supergirl fan. She was a big part of the last series and she remains very visible here.

Christian Duce does the entirety of the art. I love his smooth, detailed, fine lined work. He really gets to spread his wings this issue. Giant monsters fighting giant monsters. Or giant monsters fighting human heroes. Or villains fighting heroes. It's all there.

This remains a complete romp, a perfect summer popcorn mini-series.

On to the book.

Review: Superman A Friendship Unleashed

We are one week away from the Superman movie. Look for me at the 7:15 show in the IMAX theater. I am pretty excited to see it.

In what has to be one of the most brilliant cross-promotions ever, Milk Bone has thrown Krypto the Super-Dog on their boxes. And even better, if you order the limited edition Krypto box from their website, you get a Krypto comic book with the treats.

So it is with sheer delight I get to give you some of the highlights of the short but very sweet 8 page comic Superman A Friendship Unleashed.

Commission Gallery

I have posted my commissions on this site as I obtain them. But if you look at the commission tag, you also get other posts - like convention preparation posts. So it isn't like you can just scroll.

A few months ago, I did a great sit-down with Derek WC on the Fanholes podcast to talk about my commissions and my thoughts around obtaining them. You can listen to it here:   https://fanholespodcast.blogspot.com/2025/01/fanholes-episode-247-commissions-and.html

On that show, Derek talked to me about Comic Art Fans, a website where people can post the artwork they own in 'galleries' and track views and likes. It seemed pretty cool.

So here it is! Dr. Anj's Supergirl Commissions Gallery:

https://www.comicartfans.com/galleryroom.asp?gsub=247418

It is a better way to just sort of glide through the sketches I have got over the years. And there are still a few I need to upload. Plus conventions season is right around the corner so I hope to have a few new ones.

So click the like button on any you fancy!