Review: Superman The Stranger #3

Superman The Stranger #3 came out last week continuing this Black Label look at a populist Superman in the 1930s. As I have said in prior reviews, this really is a throwback to the earliest Siegel/Shuster stories where Superman is battling social problems and not alien overlords. 

Writer/artist Wes Craig continues to weave a fascinating story in this new universe. There is no Kent wisdom here. Smallville didn't happen. Instead Superman's world view is formed by his life as an orphan and his life experience, dealing with corruption everywhere and seeing how it has hurt the 'common man'. That makes his actions in this book more understandable as he lashes out against the system.

But I also like that this is a Superman who is still learning, still unsure of himself, still trying to figure out what he should be doing. And there is no better ally to help him figure that out than Lois Lane. We met the plucky reporter earlier in the book but she shines here and deserves the cover spot. She also isn't the powerful investigative reporter we have in the main universe. She is also still learning, navigating. So seeing these two together, stronger together, and trying to help. It works well.

Lastly, Luthor looms large as the villain here but one of my thoughts from last issue bears fruit here. Luthor is hearing voices who are guiding him down the dark path he is on. Chilling.

Craig's art is pitch perfect for the series. It is dark and moody, Film Noir-ish, and also 'art deco' leaning into the aesthetic and making the story resonate.

The story is compelling, making this one of my favorite books on the stands these days. On to details.

Review: Absolute Superman #25

Hard to believe we are entering the third year of the Absolute universe but here we are with the release of Absolute Superman #25. And like other of the Absolute books, this seems to being treated like an anniversary issue, being a little but bigger at 32 pages and bringing together a bevy of artists who have worked on the book before.

Moreover, it also seems to wrap up the Brainiac storyline happening in the issue which in some ways wraps up the whole first arcs of the book. It also leans heavily into the building history of the book. We see more of Jor-El and Lara. We get a retelling of the brutal origins of Brainiac. Can Superman survivewhat Brainiac mentally couldn't?  We once again see the resilience of this Superman. In this Darkseid fueled universe, this Superman truly is an inspiration. So flashbacks, retelling and adventure all sort of weaved into a great story by Jason Aaron.

Perhaps the biggest treat of the book is art. Like any good anniversary book, we get to see the art of the people who have helped build this book. Rafa Sandoval is back, giving us the flashback pages on Krypton. And Juan Ferreyra handles the pages in the current world. And Carmine DiGiandomenico does the brutal landscape in Brainiac's mind. With these artists working specific parts of the book as well as having done issues on the title, it feels like a true celebration.

On to the book. 

Remember Remember ...

It is November 5th, a day I always remember.

I have always been a huge fan of the Alan Moore/David Lloyd book V For Vendetta.

This last year I have had the honor of joining Billy D on his Magazines and Monsters podcast to do a deep dive into the book!, breaking it down issue by issue (of the DC release).

 I am very proud of this side mission of mine so figured I would share here in case you missed my promoting it on other media.

If you are going to listen, pull out your issues or trade because we break things down closely, by panel at times!

Here are the links to the shows!

Promo

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Bonus stuff

Hope you listen!

Review: Superman The Wedding Album 30th Anniversary Special

As many people who read this blog are aware, I am old.

In the recent years, DC has recognized that there have been major events in their universe that have happened quite sometime ago.  And knowing perhaps that there are old timers like me who remember those days fondly, they have put out specials to commemorate them.  I suppose they hope that these events continue to have an impact on the universe today and that new fans therefore will be intrigued in reading these anniversary specials.

The latest book to "get the band back together" is Superman The Wedding Album 30th anniversary Special #1.  Much like prior issues looking back at "The Death of Superman" Special  and "The Return of Superman" Special, this book brings many of those classic creators back. Seeing Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove, Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett, and Dan Jurgens and Jerry Ordway back with Superman is always amazing. Throw in newbies Rainbow Rowell and Cian Tormey on the opening chapter adds some new blood. It all works, bringing back the feel of those halcyon days. We even get side plots!

Outside of the New 52, the Superman and Lois marriage has remained intact and a vital part of the mythology for these 30 years.  So being able to celebrate again made me smile.  Of course, there needs to be a story built around this and the creators do a good job working in a beloved villain who is desperately trying to celebrate but ends up reverting to his more mischievous ways.  Who better to bring some fun than Mr. Mxyzptlk. The story also does a great job bringing in Jon has a key part of the story.  Obviously children often want to know the history of their parents.  Having John attempting to help his parents celebrate was another nice touch.

I have enjoyed these specials immensely and I continue to hope that they put them out.  I do wonder how they sell.  Of course, that we will determine whether or not there are more in the future than anything else.

On to the book.

Review: Superman Father Of Tomorrow #6

Superman Father of Tomorrow #6 came out this week, ending the Elseworld mini-series where Jor-El lands on Earth rather than Kal. Feeling guilt over his failures on Krypton, Jor tries his best to wring Earth into a utopia, failing on almost every count. How will he wrap this up?

Writer Kenny Porter has certainly created a unique world. Jor landing without Kal feel fresh. Sam Lane as Captain Atom is interesting. Lex becoming a sorceror is another new wrinkle. The theme of Jor-El trying his best to correct his mistakes from the past was also felt very different, exactly what Elseworlds are supposed to do. I am thrilled he didn't go evil, a recent theme for Jor-El.

But in all that fresh environment, the story unfolds in a relatively standard way. I feel like this is another of the Elseworlds that sort of come and goes without being remembered. It will be fun to see what is remembered a few years from now, the book itself? Or Prime busting through the ad page in Superman #38.

Danny Earls continues to bring us a sort of muddy take on this world, perfect for the context and feel. Everything feels a little dysmorphic, a little distorted, and that works well. And I wonder if this cover is a nod to All-Star Superman #10?

On to the book. 

Happy Halloween!

 Happy Halloween to all who celebrate the spooky holiday!

I love to carve pumpkins and this year, to celebrate the movie, I decided to to a 'Milly Alcock' Supergirl jack-o-lantern.

Hope everyone gets more treats than tricks!

Review: Superman #43

Superman #43 came out this week, the first arc in the book after Kingdom of Zod and with Superman back as the titular character after Prime was headlining. I just keep feeling that KoZ was sort of a letdown. So I am glad that our hero is back and sort of bringing back a sense of order to the book. 

It being right around Halloween, I love that this story seems to be leaning into horror, a sort of different flavor after the sci-fi heavy arcs we have had recently. There are spooky things happening in the city. People are going missing. Marilyn Moonlight is out searching for answers. A Death Cult ... or is it a Resurrection Cult ... has formed! And inky monsters are roaming the streets, strong enough to hurt our heroes. Very cool. But there is still a foundation of DC lore to prop up the horror. Yes, that is a Black Lantern symbol sighting. Yes, Nekron is dropped.

Joshua Williamson really drops us into the action, starting the arc out with just enough crumbs to make me want more. And the cliffhanger is definitely intriguing. But more than horror, we get the usual Superman stuff to make the horror elements stick out from regular things. Lois and Clark are catching up. Clark and Jimmy are out investigating. Cat Grant is transitioning to serious reporter but her history continues to impact her. It works well.

Xermanico is our new artist and he brings a high polish to the book in the sunlight and the creepy scenes. Really like the work here, especially the horror elements. Superman fighting inky blobby ghosts? Nice!

This is a very good opening issue, a fresh feel to the book while putting Kingdom Of Zod behind us.

On to the details.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #56

Batman/Superman World's Finest #56 came out last week, the second part of the Ra's Al Ghul arc in which that villain forms his Four Horsemen to achieve his ecological goal.

Mark Waid has used this book to write a more classic feeling DCU, bringing in so many characters to team up with the big stars. Here we get to see his take on Ra's and Talia. But also the Horsemen include some C and D listers like  Queen Bee and Tokamak. Waid always shines when he dives into these deeper ends of the DCU. 

This story feels fairly standard with Ra's trying to eliminate a huge percentage of humanity to achieve a new eden. But there is a moment with Superman, hinted at on the cover, that stood out. And the ending cliffhanger is definitely fun. But this story can only happen because the rest of the JLA are on a rescue mission in deep space. Mix that all up and you get a fine story.

Adrian Gutierrez is on art and his style seems to be changing from his earliest work, getting sharper and more energetic. There is a kinetic feel to the work here that I really like. I wonder if artists like working on this book given the side characters they have to learn about to draw. 

On to the book and some details.

Review: Superman Unlimited #18

Superman Unlimited #18 came out this week and established a new direction for the book, a father/son team-up book of supers. The El Caldero Kryptonite arc is over. So this book becomes another super-book on the rack. But gone are the days of Jon Kent being Superman or Son of Superman. He is Tomorrow Man. But a Tomorrow Man title won't sell books. So here we are.

I have bemoaned what has become of Jon Kent for too long. I miss the young Super Sons version. I miss the Legion version. I don't miss the Tom Taylor book. And now we have him as Tomorrow Man, living in the shadow of his parents, trying to find out who he is, and trying to find a purpose in life.

This issue tries to address all that. What is his relationship with his father as he tries to break away and secure his own identity? What is he trying to do in life? What does he want his non-superhero life to be like? This is an opening chapter to a new direction. Dan Slott does a good job showing us this big picture nicely in this book. But is this direction enough to sustain the book? As usual, there are a couple of funny moments in here that are classic Slott.

That said, Lucas Meyer is on art and continues to glitter. There is a great fight scene with the Royal Flush Gang that sings. But honestly an opening romantic scene between Clark and Lois is the one that truly glitters. Gorgeous stuff. I hope he stays here for a long time.

On to the details!

Review: Action Comics #1103

The recent issues of Action Comics by Mark Waid have been a look back at the earliest days of Superboy, donning the costume, gaining powers, and learning how to navigate a secret identity. It has been great!

Now in Action Comics #1103, we begin a new arc looking back at the earliest days of Lex Luthor. After reading the first chapter, this looks like it will be just as interesting a refresh of Lex's origins, keeping the best parts and sort of modernizing the rest. Perhaps what I like best of all is that it isn't just Lex's story. We will see even earlier portions of Clark's life as a compare/contrast to how Superman ended up being who he is and how Lex's environments molded who he has become.

Lex is still an early genius. He has an abusive father. But now he has a loving mother trying to escape a toxic environment. She is trying to nurture him and show the world who Lex is. . For sure, this has to be a reason why Lex is so rough around the edges. 

I don't need every villain to have a sympathetic back story. But Lex has really danced all over the line for the last 20 years or so, being in the JLA as much as he has been in jail it seems. So having Waid rewrite and revamp DCU continuity will shore up Luthor's history. 

Throw in the usual nods to DC history that Waid always brings and you have a great opening chapter.

Patricio Delpeche is on art here and his style works well with this tale of Lex and Clark as kindergarten age kids. It just works well. And much of this issue is small town, in home parenting sessions and he brings the emotions there too. 

On to the issue.

Wicked Comic Con Fall 2026

The official end of my con season happens when I head to the fall show of  Wicked Comic Con.

There are three shows I always try to make each summer/fall. Terrificon, Granite State Comic Con, and Wicked Con. There are always dreams of Baltimore and Heroes. But I have to be true to the local shows.

Wicked Comic Con is still trying to find it's legs I think. It is a smaller show but it is growing. It's free. It's always fun.  The show always has a decent roster of local comic talent and try to bring in a couple of 'names' when they can. 

This year the big name was Ed McGuinness who I don't think has done a show in a few years. I like his style so was pumped when I heard he was going to be at the show. I met him at the old Boston Comic Con around 15 years ago, so long ago I was getting commissions on loose pages and not in my sketch book. I got some books signed by him back then too. But I had a few books I wanted to get signed this time. And I figured I could at least ask if he was sketching to try to get something in my book.

But another name I was excited to meet was inker Matt Santorelli . I hadn't met him before at other cons and I like the books he has been on. I was lucky enough to get on his commission list and get some books signed too!

Review: Adventures of Superman #440

It is hard to believe that Sophie Campbell has somehow brought the concept of a Matrix Supergirl back into the mainstream continuity. One thing that I have loved about Campbell's run has been her respect and honoring of the Supergirl mythos. Matrix was Supergirl for almost a decade. I liked the Matrix Supergirl and the arc and growth she had. So I am thrilled to see what Campbell is going to do with her.

It's also hard to believe that it has been 7 years since I did a run on this site called 'Matrix Monday', a side project where I reviewed the history of the Matrix Supergirl. Kara Zor-El was gone from the DCU and in the post-Crisis Superman universe, just about three later, a new 'Supergirl' arrived. 

I recently realized I missed a couple of those early appearances when Supergirl had just been discovered in the Antarctica ice, didn't know who she was, and was trying to figure out her mission on this Earth. This was a true mystery! Who was this person? John Byrne and the super-creators were slowly leaking out information, one subplot page at a time.  It started in Superman #16. Here in Adventures of Superman #440 some very interesting clues are revealed.

We are also only about 18 months into the John Byrne reboot when Byrne was still rebuilding and modernizing so much of the Superman mythos. After spending some of those early issues doing reboot or homage issues, we were now into more original takes. In this issue, we get a very interesting early moment between Batman and Superman. This was still a sort of new relationship in this post-Crisis world.

I plan to do cover the Adventures of Superman lead-in pages, filling in the beginning of the Matrix story, before the Supergirl Saga.. I won't be covering this entire issue just some key moments. We'll see how the rest of the issues play out.

Jerry Ordway is on art and these issues remind me why he is called Extraordinary. Everything shines here. I also like this cover, drawn by Dave Gibbons with Ordway on inks! Superman smiling when shrugging off lightning is always a great image. We have seen it a million times.

Going all the way back to the first 'It tickles' cover from Superman #33. Amazing!

On to Adventures #440!

Review: Supergirl #18 (v8)

From the beginning of this volume of Supergirl, I have been completely impressed with writer/artist Sophie Campbell and how much she has acknowledged and respected the history of the character. There are little nods and homages to famous stories and panels. But more importantly, there is a deep understanding of the character being one of hope and kindness. But one willing to throw down if it is required. 

In Supergirl #18, we see that Campbell brings the same sense of honor to the 'other' Supergirl, the Matrix Supergirl. Matrix was Supergirl for a while. So seeing Campbell bring her back to continuity and really doing so well just makes this old Supergirl fan smile. Matrix Supergirl grew as a character and grew into a character I truly loved. I am thrilled to see her back. And I think a subplot introduced here probably hinges on her too. 

Now we had learned in New History of the DCU #3 that Matrix was in continuity. And now I wonder all her history is in continuity. Blog friend Mart Gray thought there was a side door reference to Superman killing the Pocket Universe Kryptonians in the Kingdom Of Zod Special. I think he is right!

This issue is the first Supergirl one since that end of the Kingdom of Zod event so we are sort of laying out a new playing field. We are getting back to the plots that have been simmering in this book. And we also launch the next big arc here. The book is chock full of characters. Super Force is a true Legion. But in this issue, it is clear that Kara is the straw that stirs the drink. I read this book for her. Seeing her inspire all the others is great.

Campbell is on art this issue as well and that makes the book just feel whole. I love Campbell's style. It is perfect for this title and its feel. From the new Reactron to the diagram of the Fortress to the brawl to Matrix in all her purple goo glory, the book is gorgeous.

This might be my favorite single issue of this title to date. No small feat. On to details.

Comics Feature July/August 1984

I have been reading comics for over 5 decades (I am old) and I have been blogging about Supergirl for 18 years (this site is old!). So when I discover something new and novel and fun about my favorite character, I get completely thrilled.

One of the things that I have started to look to are the comic magazines from the 80s and 90s to crack open the time capsule and learn what people were thinking and doing back then. 

At this year's Terrificon, there was a dealer who had a whole section of old magazines - Starlog, Comic Scene, Amazing Heroes, and Comics Feature. I'd never heard of this periodical but what an issue for me to stumble on.

From July/August 1984, this issue covers the Supergirl movie and gave me some new interesting info about it. But moreover, there is a Julie Schwartz interview! There is a Thor article which talks about Simonson's run which was in its infancy. There's all sorts of background info on editorial teams and creative changes. Plus, an article by Steve Bissette who was less than a year into his run with Alan Moore on Swamp Thing!

You want a cool time capsule, this is it! Come for the Supergirl movie info. Stay for everything else!

On to some details.

Review: Superman The Stranger #2

Superman:The Stranger #2 came out this week and was one of the best reads of the week for me. This is a Golden Age sort of Superman operating in the 30's. He is a populist hero. He doesn't have the wisdom of the Kents in his background. And he simply wants to help. 

Wes Craig is the writer and artist on the book and he has a clear direction he is going at here. This is a Superman trying the help the ordinary people being crushed by the system that exists around him. That makes him progressive to some and a danger to others. In this issue we see how he is trying to right wrongs that he sees around him with his physical presence. He is almost Batman-like in his approach.

Unlike last issue, the politics here aren't nearly as 'in your face' or preachy. That was one of my quibbles with the first issue. But here, the tone is tempered a bit. We are shown the issue. It isn't ham-fisted. We aren't told the issue. It is embedded in the story. 

I read comics for the story. So seeing this naive Clark trying to live a life and do what's right is a fun ride. Seeing elements ripped from Fleischer studio cartoons or the earliest of early Superman stories props up the sentiment of the story for old time fans like me. 

But it is the visuals that really struck me here. From those nods to early stories, to the inkiness of the dimly lit jazz clubs, to the very innovative page constructs of the Luthor epilogue that adds to the story, the art here is one to linger over, savor. In particular, the Luthor pages were mesmerizing as the complemented the words and feel of that scene so well.

I liked this issue a lot and look forward to seeing where this goes from here.

Review: Absolute Superman #24

Absolute Superman #24 came out this week and was another interesting, world-building issue. As I have said many times before, this book has, for the most part, been a bit of a potboiler, slowly building who Superman is over the initial skirmish with Ra's Al Ghul. But now we know who he is. 

While this is the middle of the 'Find Brainiac' arc, this really would be a perfect jumping on point for this title. If you want to know this world and this Superman, you could pick this up and get a great idea of both those things. And what I like about this issue is that it is told through the view of John Henry Irons. Steel is witnessing Superman up close and he comes out impressed and inspired. There could have been a 'Great Jumping On Point' cover dress here.

Writer Jason Aaron is showing us an interesting take on this Darkseid-fueled world. Yes, it is a darker world. But Superman is able to inspire and change this world. He is still Superman. Moreover, we see it in this issue three times over. This is the first appearance of Absolute Chemo, Atomic Skull, and Bloodsport. All of them are turned by Superman and Steel towards kindness. 

Superman is also shown to be the shy kid who is overworked and too busy thinking about others to think about himself. I wonder if we will eventually see him get to a point where he feels he can take a night off.

Juan Ferreyra is on art and his art here is less color pencil-y than I am used to but it is still gorgeous. I love the designs of the villains. And his Superman is a specimen.

On to the issue.

Granite State Comic Con 2026 recap

While Terrificon is my main showto attend, Granite State Comicon is always a on my convention season docket. One hour north into New Hampshire, the show has grown over the years of my attendance. It first was in the ballroom of the Hilton, then the expo center in the hotel, then both the ballroom and the expo center, and now the ballroom, expo center, and the arena across the street!

Every year they have a nice list of local artists in attendance with a smattering of bigger names. And each year there is someone I haven't met before. Interestingly enough, there aren't many comic dealers there. Instead, toys, shirts, posters, and other memorabelia dominate. 

Still, if Terrificon is the main course, Granite State is the dessert of the season. 

This year I was most excited to meet Steve Lieber. Lieber drew the fantastic Jimmy Olsen book that Matt Fraction wrote back in the Event Leviathan days. I loved that book. I hadn't seen Lieber at a show before so he was first on my list. Anything else I got at the show would almost gravy.

I got to his table right as the place opened on Saturday and was first on his commission list. 

Love this sketch of my favorite hero, flying in the clouds and looking up to the sun. Nice use of copic markers to add some shade and depth to things as well. 

So cool to add to the collection.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #12

Adventures of Superman Book of El #12 came out last week marking the end of this book and, more importantly, the end of Phillip Kennedy Johnson writing Superman for the foreseeable future. 

Johnson understood Superman incredibly well. The hero he is. The inspiration he is. The power of his symbols.

Johnson understood the assignment and leaned into his strengths. He loves world-building and mythology. From Warworld to Metallo and Earth Al Ghul, he built his own worlds and mythology. And he placed Superman in the middle, forcing change and inspiring.

And now we have Book Of El where Superman was pulled forward in time to stop Kryl-Ux from uniting the aspects of Olgrun and re-write reality. Superman has to save the universe. But he also has to unite his family to become the force of good needed in the universe.

The defeat of Kryl-Ux is quick but requires the whole squad (including Supergirl!). And the upshot of that is the ascension of the House of El even in the far-flung future. 

Scotty Godlewski is on art and brings it. This is a big cast fighting a promethean giant and he does a great job. Every El has a unique look and costume. Kryl-Ux is enormous and scary. And the quiet moments at the end are charming. 

I don't know if I understood the minutiae of the mythology. But I got the broad strokes. And this book again shows how well PKJ knows how to write Superman. Heroic. Kind. Inspiring.

On to the book.

Review: Superman Kingdom Of Zod Special #1

Superman: Kingdom of Zod Special #1 came out this week, finishing the crossover event and setting up the next arcs for all the super-titles. The writers for the main super-titles are all present to do their character specific segments while Joshua Williamson pens the main story.

In the end, I don't know if Kingdom of Zod lived up to what I expect from a crossover. I have pointed out my issues with the overall plot in every review. But it was this lack of scaffolding of a story. I didn't understand much of why Zod was doing what he was doing from the beginning. The way an overabundance of Green K only 'sort of' hurt Kryptonians, and only when the story needed it to bugged me. The use of Lena Luthor as a deus ex machina, her creating anything that was needed also concerns me.

That isn't to say there aren't good moments in this event. The side-plot back in time to Krypton was quite entertaning. 

This issue basically needs to put everything essentially back to where it was before the arc and it does it succinctly. And rather easily. 

For me, the best part of this special was getting a sneak peek into where the titles are going now. Some interesting stuff for sure.

On to the details.

DC Comics Solicitation - December 2026

Hard to think about Thanksgiving and the holiday season that follows right now but with the DC December solicits now released I realize we are about 100 days away from Christmas. Yikes!

Anyways, here is a link to the full solicits:
https://aiptcomics.com/2026/09/18/full-december-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

And after a summer filled with extra Supergirl and Superman books, this is a relatively straightforward month of super-titles with just one mini-series title out and no big events. It'll be good to give these super-series some time to grow on their own and develop their own plotlines.

On to the books.

SUPERGIRL #20
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art by IG GUARA
Cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by NICOLETTA BALDARI, FRANCESCO TOMASELLI, and VINCENZO RICCARDI

You’d think it would be easier for Kara to hide her superhero identity from the regular students at Stanhope with her powers gone, but when a series of mysterious thefts occur on campus, she’s gotta put her crime-stopping know- how to use…and maybe even call in some super-help? All this and the ongoing super-big, super-powered adventures of the Super Force!

I am probably a bad fan. For a long time I have bemoaned the fact that Supergirl hasn't had a true supporting cast in a solo book for a long time. Now Sophie Campbell gives me just that and I worry that this Super Force is taking up all the oxygen in the room, making Supergirl a guest star in her own book. No wonder writing comics must be hard!

Anyways, I am thrilled that Linda will be back at Stanhope and getting into student hijinks. But I hope this powerless period won't be too long. And who is the villain in the rafters? Why is that scepter head so familiar? 

Review: Superman Father Of Tomorrow #5

Superman Father Of Tomorrow #5 came out last week and this series is rushing to its ending. The joy of Elseworlds is seeing new takes on old characters and this series has taken full advantage of that. Jor-El making it to Earth. A magic user Lex. General Lane as Captain Atom. Those are new wrinkles.

One of the things that is tough about this series, at least to here, is that none of these characters are necessarily likeable. Jor-El seems a bit controlling and a bit out of control. Imagine Tony Stark if he had super-science. Jor is loosing this stuff on the world and watching unscrupulous people utilize it for nefarious purposes. And his only solution is to double down with more tech. He is trying to hard to avoid Krypton's fate on Earth.  But instead he is veering into it. Finally, this issue with some Ma Kent Wisdom, maybe he sees the error of his ways.

We end this issue in a good place to wrap things up next time. There is a cliffhanger where Jor-El finally might have a chance to save a planet. How we get to that cliffhanger feels a bit like a short-cut but fits the feel of the book. Lex is a narcissist sorceror on this world, not a narcissist scientist, and he almost brings us to ruin. Lex is Lex no matter where he is, even if the accoutrement changes.

I think Danny Earls art fits well for this series. It has a 'beautiful ugly' feel to it which works so wonderfully for this story of a world that is torn between being a futuristic paradise and careening to destruction.

On to the book.

Review: Superman #42

Superman #42, the penultimate chapter of the Kingdom of Zod crossover, came out this week and brought us closer to an ending. But I don't know if it brought me closer to liking this event. So many questions. So many magical answers. So much I don't understand. 

Joshua Williamson does a solid job on this from a character viewpoint. There are good character bits for Prime and Superman. There is a wonderful moment for the cousins. And there is some intersesting interaction between Superman and this young Zod. There is even a nod to some Krypton history that might make me crack open old books to remind myself.

But the big parts of this story - the Kryptonite meteor, Zod's plot, the removal of the expanding Green K- have been inscrutable. Why would Zod want to invade Earth and thought the best way was to shower it with variant Green K? How did he get it? How did he coat it in inertron? Why did it grow? How did Superman deactivate it? All stuff I have to roll with and since all those are key points to the story, it feels like too much. In this issue we get a preview for what will for sure be the deus ex machina for the finale.

So will I be a bit happy to see this wrap up next week? Yes. It is too much of a headache to think about.

The art is a nice split between Eddy Barrows, who continues to shine and Eduardo Pansica, an old friend around these parts. Their styles are sort of similar so the issue flows fine. There are a couple of very well done big art moments that added some punch here. And I love love love the Takara variant cover above.

But on to the book.

Supergirl Super Powers Figure

I'm old enough to remember when the original Super Powers figures were released. I loved them. I mean the Dr. Fate and Hawkman ones were absolute boss. 

Back then, I hoped the first two series were going to open the floodgate to an absolute Who's Who of action figures. I was hoping in those mid-80s days we would get a Supergirl action figure in that mold. Alas, it never materialized. 

Well, yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus!

McFarlane toys has decided to continue the line and has been putting out lots of DC action figures in the style of the Super Powers toys. 

Lo and behold, there is a classic Supergirl figure. And it is mine!

When I held the package in my hand, I was hit with this feeling like I was a kid again. Yes, nostalgia can sell. But for a hot second, I was a younger Anj! Amazing.

And I love the packaging! Classic Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (praised be his name) on the card. Beautiful.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #55

Batman/Superman World's Finest #55 came out this week, the beginning of a new arc featuring Ra's Al Ghul as the main villain. But as is typical of writer Mark Waid, we expand the villainy to some of the dustier corners of the DCU, including an all time favorite of mine who I think hasn't been seen in 40 years! Incredible.

The plot is simple enough and relatively standard for an Al Ghul arc. He wants to kill 90% of the human population on Earth in hopes of saving the planet. So why not employ super-villains to help him. And perhaps, even better, why not employ super-villains who might share his viewpoint. But the cherry on the top is utilizing the symbolism of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. 

What also makes it work is that Waid actually brings in a plot point to explain why the rest of the League isn't helping out with this worldwide threat. 

Adrian Gutierrez is on art here but the art feels a little smoother than I usual see in his energized style. Still pretty slick. But almost too clean based on what I have seen before. There is the usual cool page and panel construction.

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #17

Superman Unlimited #17 came out this week and I hope everybody read it because in a few short pages the biggest plot point of this title, an abundance of Kryptonite being on Earth, is wrapped up. The whole Green K plot has perplexed me. So no surprise, the solution to the plot perplexed me just as much. But more that just the Kryptonite plot, some other smaller plotlines are ended quickly. 

Writer Dan Slott introduced the Green K abundance way back in Superman Unlimited #1, which also introduced the new power where Superman can create a golden aura and become completely invulnerable to everything (although powerless for some time afterwards). 

But much of the Green K plot is unanswered. How did the Green K meteor get coated in intertron. Why would General Zod shoot his biggest weakness on a planet he wants to conquer? Why would he create a version of his weakness that can grow insanely and then put it on the planet he wants to conquer? Why does that Green K seem to wax and wane in its effect on Kryptonians depending on scene, issue, title? 

While the last two issues of Kingdom Of Zod have concentrated on the time travel Krypton story, this one is mostly on Earth. And with one more chapter and a special left, Slott wraps up this side of the event rapidly.

There are some fun moments in the book. There is an All-Star Superman nod. And frankly, I am glad this Green K plot seems to be done as it never grabbed me. But the way it ends feels quick and unsatisfying.

The art is split between Rachel Stott and Montos and the book looks good. The big action sequence in the middle where Superman ends the Kryptonite thread is done well on the page with widescreen pages and solid images of the world.

Will Kingdom of Zod be fondly remembered? We'll have to see how it wraps up. On to the book.

McFarlane Supergirl Movie Figure

Three months ago, the Supergirl movie hit the big screen.

Two month ago, the Supergirl movie hit the small screen.

After seeing it twice on the big screen and once on the small screen, I think I like it more than I don't like it. I know, not a ringing endorsement. But given my feelings on the source material that is high praise.

As I said in my review, I am just grateful how the movie ends. This Supergirl is in a better place. She calls Earth home. She seeks out Clark and seems to have some sort of moment with him, perhaps signaling a better relationship. And maybe the drunk days are behind her. I also think Milly Alcock is solid in the role and I am glad we will be seeing more of her as Kara.

I wasn't sure if I was going to get any movie merchandise. But I do think that I like the movie enough and it is a momentous enough occasion to see her on the big screen to warrant some shelf space. 

So I purchased the McFarlane studio movie action figure. I do appreciate that each of these figures come with a commemorative card and (most importantly) a small stand! The box is the standard McFarlane look.

Review: Action Comics #1102

Action Comics #1102 came out last week, the next issue in the Kingdom Of Zod event, and the second chapter focusing on a time travel jaunt to Krypton before it exploded. I have struggled with the main plot of a Kryptonite plague happening on Earth. But chapters 5 and 6 of this event have been an interesting diversion, taking us back to Krypton and focusing on the two characters who would have the most interesting take on being on the planet again - Kara and young Clark.

Mark Waid has been doing a great job on the current Superboy stories in Action Comics, letting us see him at the earliest stages, learning his powers, and growing as a hero. But he barely knows about Krypton as a concept. So seeing him on Krypton, experiencing it for the first time, and knowing that perhaps he could change things and have it survive is all interesting. Waid clearly knows young Clark's voice and he makes these stories compelling. 

And Waid also loves Supergirl and she continues to shine in this Krypton arc, weighing her love of the planet and her need to keep the timeline and Superman's legacy intact. Supergirl might actually be the star of this issue.

The action is also great with Kara and Clark trying to escape a Krypton prison, get Ursa to stop talking, and get back to the time bubble. 

Montos is on art and his fine pencil style works well here. His fight scenes really shine as you see the effort and anger on the combatants.

On to the book.

Krypton Timeline In ‘Kingdom Of Zod’

In my review of Supergirl #17, I tried to piece together when our heroes' time travel trip to Krypton took place. Was the destruction imminent? Or was there some time.

Much of that was based on this shot (not shared in my review) of Kara seeing herself and her parents walking around the city. I put Kara at about 8-10 years of age. Assuming the origin of her being sent off to Earth at around age 16 to help protect Kal when he is a newborn is still intact, I wondered if we were about 5-10 years in the past.

That's a lot of story weight placed on one picture. And I have been told that kids are notoriously hard to draw. 

But the time period does impact the story. Ursa is trying to save Krypton and its people. How close are we? Has Jor-El discovered Krypton is dying? 

So I reached out to the creators on Bluesky.

All right, as an old time fan with a lot of continuity in my mind and in the midst of a timey-wimey time travel story, I sort of needed the info.

And thankfully, I got a response!

Superman group editor Paul Kaminski confirmed that this time travel jaunt does indeed take place about 5 years prior to Krypton's destruction. 

This helps me plant a continuity stake in the ground! 

Thanks to Kaminsky for helping me (and other fans) process the events!

Review: Supergirl #17

Supergirl #17 came out this week, the 5th chapter in the Kingdom Of Zod event, and the first on this side plot of a time trip back to Krypton. I have had a bit of a hard time understanding what Zod was hoping to accomplish with his 'growing Kryptonite' plot. But things changed last issue with Zod being killed by Ursa. Then Ursa, Kara, and young Clark all hopped a time bubble to try and stop Krypton from exploding. That is one left turn.

And with so much time spent on Krypton, the Earth story of the growing K is a bit in the background and I didn't mind that!

Sophie Campbell makes a meal out of the side trip showing us how Kara is approaching the whole thing. I like the maturity Supergirl shows, recognizing that despite her love for her world she cannot interfere with the timeline. In fact, that worry about changing things seems to overwhelm her thoughts. How can she stop Ursa, interact on the planet, and not change things. We get a lot of Kara this issue which doesn't always happen in this series and the full cast. I was glad to get this deep dive into our title hero's psyche.

Of course, this being a time travel story you have to think hard or not think at all. If this trip is now in the timeline, maybe anything they did IS the timeline and not disrupting it. Hmmm ...

The art is mix of Joe Quinones and Bruno Frenda. Both give us wonderful renditions of Supergirl, leaning into the emotions she is feeling being back on Krypton. There is one moment that could have used a bit more poignancy but things move pretty fast here.

On to the issue.

Review: Superman The Stranger #1

Superman The Stranger #1 came out last week, the first issue of a mini-series written and drawn by Wes Craig. This is my first major work by Craig so I was interested in seeing where he would go with this Superman in the 30's angle. 

I have to say I am a little bit up in the air right now. This first issue had high points and low points. But I wonder if this is going to be a politically preachy book and that always feels more like homework than fun. 

It is clear that Craig is setting up this Superman as a populist hero, looking out for the little people. This is a Superman without the Kents, without knowledge of Krypton, whose powers are slowly growing. He wants to do good; he wants to help people. Not having the Kents around is an interesting wrinkle because it means his ethics aren't the wisdom of Ma and Pa, it's internal.

And this harkens back to the earliest Siegel and Shuster stories where Superman was more about every day issues than intergalactic super-villains. Pick up any Chronicles and you'll read him fighting landlords, owners of unsafe mining communities, warhawk military men, abusive husbands, etc. I am not against a Superman fighting small crimes.

This comic seems to veer into a story where we will see Superman fighting bigots. And Superman fighting rich people. And Superman fighting bigoted rich people. And letting criminals go. I'll have to see where this goes. 

But it came right on the heels of the message of Absolute Superman #23, where Superman doesn't bring evil rich people to justice but instead disperses their wealth. And now here where the knife-wielding robber is the victim allowed to go free, it felt like a double-down on messaging. 

Craig's art is perfect for the story though, a mix of Fleischer Studios and Tim Sale. Really lovely stuff.

On to the issue.

Review: Absolute Superman #23

When the Absolute Universe was announced, I was unsure if it was going to be for me. The idea of a universe built on darkness and how our heroes would be impacted by that seemed to be a tough sell for me. Turns out that I am reading two of three main books in the imprint. Absolute Wonder Woman I read via trades and have enjoyed greatly. Absolute Superman I read monthly and, for the most part, I have found a very good read showing that even in a dark world Superman can rise above and inspire.

Absolute Superman #23 came out this week and was another good read showing how hard it must be to be Superman in this world. Superman is tracking down Brainiac and instead runs into Toyman and has to battle that villain instead. He is tempted to cross an ethical line, perhaps a bit out of character given the prior 22 issues. We also get shown that rich men have the capability to be evil as well. 

When read back to back with Superman The Stranger #1, I worry we might be heading into 'wealth is evil' and not 'some wealthy people can be evil'. Yes, Superman in this world feels like a populist hero making sure villages and individual people are cared for. Yes, Aaron doesn't say 'wealth equals evil'. So I'll have to see how this pans out. 

The Toyman here is truly scary showing how diabolical he can be. This isn't Schott in a striped suit with giant tops. This is a madman.

Juan Ferreyra's art remains top notch. Love his battle sequences. He amps up the terror in the scary stuff nicely. And we even get a Krypton flashback. Love his take on the landscape and Lara.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl Survive #4

Supergirl Survive #4 came out this week and was, for me, the strongest issue of the story so far. As this story of a young Kara protecting a younger Kal while trying to stay ahead of kidnappers and evil scientists has unfolded, I have found myself more and more enamored of this young Supergirl. She exhibits all the things I love in the Supergirl character. Loving, loyal, and sweet when she needs to be. Determined, intelligent, and fierce when the time is right. All rolled together.

The beginning of the title seemed a little too fussy for me with nonlinear storytelling that didn't add much. But now that we are moving forward with the story, it has just clicked more.

Writers Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan show us this guardian Kara teaching Kal how to use his burgeoning powers on a yellow sun planet. She really is at times big sister and at times mother figure. It is completely sweet. 

But they keep the adventure and journey to Earth moving forward by introducing a new story element that made me smile, Brainiac 5. For long time Supergirl fans, Brainy is a huge part of her mythos and for many (like me) he is who she should be romantically linked to. Seeing this version of Brainy, a bit more cuddly version of the classic Querl, made this endearing. Add a few more Easter Eggs and you get a very good book.

Rod Reis continues to stun me on the book with his art. There is this sort of painterly/colored pencil feel to the book that soften it a bit, adding to the emotional tone here. He draws a young Kal perfectly, something which not all comic artists can do. 

We even get a solid cliffhanger to lead us into the next issue.

I am really enjoying this! On to the details.

DC Comics November 2026 Solicits

The November DC solicits were released recently and this seems like a bit of a quieter month. The Supergirl books sound intriguing albeit with the same sort of possible concerns I have had before. But overall the Super-books have really been clicking and this month sounds just as good, especially what Mark Waid is doing in Action. 

Here is a link to look at all the books coming out:
https://aiptcomics.com/2026/08/21/full-november-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

And now onto the books.

SUPERGIRL #19
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by MIGUEL MERCADO, KAREN S. DARBOE, and CHUMA HILL
Watchmen 40th Anniversary variant by GERALD PAREL

Kara Zor-El’s exposure to gold Kryptonite has left her without superpowers but not without super friends. The recently reborn Matrix and gloriously goth Nightflame get into a fight to prove themselves worthy of the Supergirl mantle, but another of Kara’s Super Force might surprise everyone. Meanwhile, Kara’s not just going to sit on the sidelines: She’s reenrolling at Stanhope! But will she make it past orientation with Reactron still on the loose?

One of my concerns with this book is how it is becoming a team book and not a Supergirl book. We have Super Force now and they are everywhere. Now in this solicit we find out that Kara is powerless in her own book. The cover shows Nightflame, Matrix, and ThunderGirl in prominent action poses. I'll have to see how all this pans out but I want Supergirl to be front and center.

As a fan of Matrix Supergirl I am excited to see what Sophie Campbell has in mind. And Kara going to Stanhope is cool. And Reactron! Yes! All that sounds great.

Review: Superman Father Of Tomorrow #4

Superman Father of Tomorrow #4 came out this week, pushing the plot forward and setting up an interesting final confrontation with Lex Luthor. 

We continue to learn about this world and this Jor-El. As lone survivor, he has been trying to protect Earth, not only through super-heroics but through science. He is trying to elevate towards his ideal, Krypton. What is interesting is that no one seems to be happy about it. Not his friends. Not the military. Not his enemies. That is an interesting take.

Writer Kenny Porter is showing us this sort of well-intentioned Jor-El who unfortunately seems to be opening Pandora's box with his technology. Moreover, Porter throws in a line that makes me wonder if Jor-El is even more flawed than we know right now. Porter does do a good job of broadening this Elseworld universe, giving us other versions of famous characters.

Danny Earls remains on art and continues to give us a sort of brutish look at the world. I think his art style amps up the nature of this world. This isn't a perfect utopia. His rougher style lends itself to this undercurrent that Jor-El isn't helping things.

I still don't know exactly how I feel about this book where there isn't someone to necessarily root for. 

On to details.

Review: Superman #41

Superman #41 came out this week, the next chapter in the Kingdom of Zod crossover. This is a 9-parter and this is chapter 4 so we are basically at the halfway mark. And this is quite an issue as it takes a hard ... and I mean HARD ... left turn taking this story to two places I was not expecting.

I will say that this whole arc is building off of the  Kneel Before Zod mini-series from 2 years ago. (All those issues are reviewed here at that link so feel free to dive in!) I will remind you that mini-series was supposed to be 12 issues but was cut by DC to 9, so I wonder if some of this plot was supposed to be touched on or even begun there. Also, as pointed out by friend Mart Gray, the opening pages which fill in what happened in that mini are direct lifts from that book. (Hope writer Joe Casey and artist Dan McDaid are getting some compensation.) In that book, I was surprised by how beaten down Zod was initially and how domineering Ursa was. Suffice it to say, we see that play out here.

I will also say that one of my biggest peeves about this whole story is the 'Kryptonite everywhere' aspect when it seems to have little or no impact on the action. Our Kryptonian heroes seem more irritated by being surrounded by Green K than in agony. So I decided to read this issue ignoring the Green K conundrum and I found that it reads better that way. But it seems odd that I can ignore the driving plot element. And I wonder if we will ever learn how Zod got that massive Green K meteor, altered it, covered it in intertron, and sent it on its way.

But enough backstory, Joshua Williamson and Eddy Barrows give us the best chapter of this arc. We get decent action. We get some plot progression. We get to see Superman in action. And we get two ... no three ... major developments and plot twists. I don't know if those new threads will pay off but I am more interested in them than the growing Green K stuff. 

On to the details.

KFC Supergirl Figurine

It is a shame that the Supergirl movie wasn't a bigger hit. I have gone back and forth in my mind on, trying to let the hopeful ending outshine the more dismal and murderous stuff that came before. And I will again say that Milly Alcock was great.

So why not celebrate the movie a little?

There were actually some merchandise tie-ins including a Supergirl meal at KFC! 

While there are no KFC's near me (perhaps a good thing for my health!), someone who knows my love for the character did their duty, ate some fried chicken, and sent me the toy. It finally arrived!

Not a bad little figure of Kara in her costume and wearing her duster jacket.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #54

Batman/Superman World's Finest #54 came out last week and was a perfect 'done-in-one' story that fit the feel of this title and it's 'elsewhen' Bronze Age feel. What could be more comic book-y than our superheroes playing a baseball game against demons to save the world. After slogging a bit through the early Kingdom of Zod issues, this was a wonderful palate cleanser.

Writer Mark Waid has been leaning into that warm nostalgic feel of the DC Universe since this book hit the stands. He has been looking into the dusty corners of continuity and giving us updated looks at classic themes and characters. As I said, this time it is our heroes playing a baseball game to save the world. Shades of DC Super Stars #10 !

What is truly awesome about this is the lineup that Waid gives us. Outside Superman and Batman, the roster is mostly C-listers. How great that the hero of the game is Elasti-Girl !! It is this sort of fun deep dive into the Who's Who of the universe that has made this book consistently great.

Bruno Frenda is on art and he is a new name for me. His style is in synch with the setting of Hell for sure. He shows us the heroes in a battered and tattered state. He also shows some depth here given the large cast of characters he has to draw. Too fun.

Loved this issue. On to the details!

Review: Superman Unlimited #16

Superman Unlimited #16 came out this week, chapter three in the Kingdom of Zod storyline. We are one third done and I don't know if I quite grasp this whole plotline. But this was a classic middle chapter, nudging the story along and making sure everyone knows what is going on. It does have a wonderful moment in the middle with Supergirl and Superboy. But otherwise, this felt a bit like treading water.

Most importantly for me, we at least heard that all this Kryptonite is affecting our Kryptonian characters. But I don't know if it is enough for me to be happy. We have seen Kryptonians buckle in pain when near a small piece of Kryptonite in the past. How can they be flying around a city made of Green K and just complain a little about how it feels. Sigh. I'll get past this ... maybe.

Dan Slott captures the voice of all the characters here. I like his Kara. I like his young Superboy. I like his Jon Kent. But he doesn't have too much to do here.

Rachael Stott is on art this issue and she brings a sort of breathy flair to the issue. I think the action sequences flow. But her art is perfect for that Supergirl/Superboy moment in the middle. I really liked that section, the highpoint of the book for me.

But I still don't quite understand what is going on in this story. Why would Zod think unleashing a Green K tsunami on Earth be good for him?

On to the book.

Review: My Adventures With Superman S3 E10 The Return

My Adventures With Superman S3 E10, 'The Return', aired this last weekend, the season finale for season 3 and possibly the show's final show. No season 4 has been announced yet. I can only hope that the we get more of this show because it (and this season in particular) has been astonishingly good.

This season has been a sort of mash-up of comic stories - The Reign of the Supermen for sure given the multiple versions of those comic characters we have seen. But I'd throw in something like Zero Hour given the time travel implications we have seen throughout. 

As I have said, the storyline of Superman and Lois meeting their future kids and trying to change their horrible future has been compelling enough. But through in Lois' doubts of her own future, Clark dealing with being depowered for half the season, and Kara's growth into a loving, optimistic, fierce Supergirl has all been fantastic as well.

It all comes down to this episode with the House of El fighting a highly evolved version of the Eradicator, a mix of Superman's powers, Doomsday's powers, and Lex's fears of alien conquerors. Without Superman, the team is frankly outmatched. But they show how determined they are by continuing the fight. 

But it really hinges on The Return of Superman and his true power, wanting to help people, wanting an ordinary life with ordinary happiness, and willing to sacrifice himself to help others.

It ends with a crazy cliffhanger. It would be a fine final shot if this show does end here. But I need more. 

And as usual, the whole thing has the feel of Dragon Ball Z, Neon Genesis, and other comic classics smushed into Superman lore and I am here for it.

On to the show.

Terrificon 2026 Recap

Earlier this month I attended Terrificon, the Connecticut based comic book convention that I consider my go-to comic con and the main event for me each summer. I have been attending the con since 2017 and I have always been impressed with it. From the venue to the guest list to Mitch Hallock, the con promoter, it never fails to be a great time.

This year boasted some legendary creator names (including Jim Lee) and some newer creators as well which meant I was pretty busy the three days I attended. Before I get to my adventures, a few global comments.

First off, the venue is unparalleled. The con is in the Expo center at the Mohegan Sun casino, a massive hall which is filled with celebrities, comic creators, and vendors. There's free parking. There are more than enough places to eat in the place from the concession stand in the hall to every level of restaurant in the casino - food court to high end steak house - to make the non-convention part of attending easy.

Second, as I mention each year, the vexing conundrum around signature and commission prices remains ... well ... vexing. It is hard to anticipate how much creators will charge for autographs and sketches and as such, it is hard to anticipate how many books/how much money to bring. When one legendary creator says 'no charge' and another says 'two free then $5 each after' and another says '$2' and yet another says '$40 per sig', there isn't an internal formula I can anticipate in my mind. More puzzling is when new creators, mostly cover artists, who haven't been doing comics for more than a year charge $20 a sig, it becomes a difficult problem to solve.

I want to go up to creators and tell them how much I love their work and talk about stories/covers I love. But to go up without purchasing something, especially if you have to wait in a long line, feels off. For the first time, there were some tables I didn't go to because the price tag was too high. And I understand that these folks need to make a living. I am not begrudging them charging. But I get books signed because I love them, not because I am flipping them. And I'm not sure that even if I was flipping them if the sig adds the value they think. To put differently, I might approach someone and get 6 books signed for $30. But I avoided a $30/1 book table. It is a calculation I need to make on the fly and one I cannot predict until I get in the doors. Thankfully, each creator had a sign on their table listing their prices. 

Okay enough math talk. On to the fun stuff.