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.