Review: Superman Red And Blue #3

Superman Red and Blue #3 came out this week and was another fun little anthology with multiple solid stories about the Man of Steel. 

I suppose many creators have what they think is their 'Superman story' in their heads. What I am finding most interesting in this series is that every story seems to be focusing on his polite manners and helping hand. It is nice to see that these creators aren't treating those traits with derision, or making him seem old-fashioned, out of touch, or naive.

But after three issues, I am hoping there is one 'I'm nice until it's time not to be nice' throw down story. Show me how Superman unleashes when the time is right and the crime too big.

Still, I shouldn't complain. The parts that are being highlighted are what I love about Superman. I am glad this series is exploring them through the eyes of different writers and artists.

On to the book and brief looks at the stories.

The first story is titled 'Deadline', written by Jesse L. Holland with art by Laura Braga.

Clark has a deadline, Superman has missions, and he is supposed to meet Bruce and Diana for lunch. Will he get it all done? The other Trinity members bet on it.

I do like how the other heroes realize that something like a job and deadlines makes Superman more human. But I liked just how much Superman can accomplish in such a small amount of time without becoming brusque or irritable.

This is why we should aspire to be like him.

I've loved Braga's art since first seeing it in Bombshells.

'Kilg%re City' was written and drawn by one of my favorite creators, Michel Fiffe.

This one is a bit of a dust-em-up with Superman fighting through robots that Kilg%re has formed in the shape of Superman's rogues gallery. During the fight, Superman has some one on one time with other JLA members and we see how he is a good friend to all of them. I loved that part.

But I like how Kilg%re initial took over Manhunter robots because he felt alone. And I like how Superman is sort of a compassionate guy, talking it out.

This was my favorite story.

'A Man Most Saved' was written by Brendan Thomas with art by Berat Pekmezci.

This story has Cat Grant interviewing a Dr. Miles who has been saved by Superman a dozen times. In return, as luck would have it, he saved Superman once.

Two things about this story really stand out.

One, I like how Thomas and Pekmezci show all the iterations of Superman saving Miles, from classic Superman, to electric Superman, to Morrison Action Superman, etc. I loved that bit. Two, I like how Miles rescuing Superman happened a bit by chance, him running into a fallen Supes because he was walking home a different way because his car was broken, etc. Luck played a part.

Pekmezci's art is delightful and would be perfect in an all ages book.

'Something To Hold On To'  was written by Nick Spencer with art by Christian Ward.

In it, Superman has vague memories of his time on Krypton. Feeling sometimes alone and wanting to help others, he brings some kids to the Fortress. There, a couple of them are tempted by the Toyman.

I think having Lara correct Jor-El's calculations feels very 2021 but it's fine. 

That said, the heartwarming part about Superman having a stuffed animal tucked into the rocket with him and his sharing that is very similar to the Dan Jurgens story in Supergirl #25.  Panel above from that book.

The last story titled 'Little Star' is written and drawn by James Stokoe.

I thought this was a nice story. Superman runs into a lost young alien, scared and traveling alone in space. It is a story that is sort of like Superman's origin. Of course, this alien's family is still out there. So it was nice to see Superman help someone get back to its roots. 

I have liked each issue of this mini more than the last. I enjoyed this issue quite a lot.

Overall grade: B+