Review: Superman #35

Superman #35 came out last week, another DC KO crossover and another chapter in the redemption arc for Superboy Prime. It succeeds on both fronts. There is an interesting wrinkle to the Doomsday storyline as well, perhaps leading into a dramatic event in the actual KO finale as well. 

Joshua Williamson has done a good job so far making me a little sympathetic towards Prime, veering into actually liking him. Prime has learned some hard lessons and continues to do so in this arc, reminding him why Superman was his hero so long ago. This issue Williamson reminds us who Prime has been in the past, and maybe showing that he still has some darkness in him. Perhaps some down to Earth Kent wisdom will help tamp down the remaining vitriol.

The Doomsday piece does intrigue me as it is basically a new element to his origin and changes him fundamentally. I suppose that Doomsday becoming the Time Trapper was a big step already, one that makes some sense. I recall hearing that Dan Jurgens didn't like that change so I doubt Jurgens will be on board with this one either.

Eddy Barrows is again on art and continues to show why he is a favorite. The fight scenes are brutal. There are emotional scenes with heft. The pages layouts are interesting. But the high water mark for art here is the expressive work, a strong part of Barrows' art.

Will the events of this change the climax of KO? I think so.

On to the book.

We start out with Doomsday reminding us that waaaaayyyy back in Superman #20  that Superman could avoid these desperate times by killing Doomsday again, having him ascend to Godhood, in theory to battle Darkseid. 

Superman didn't. And now we have Prime, Super-Lois, and some robot fighting the Dark Legion. 

One thing to point out here is that it clearly says that the Legion comes from the Absolute Earth's future, not Earth-O. Here Saturn Girl talks about the Absolute heroes being from her Earth. I think there has been, maybe on just my part, of which Earth they came from.

While Prime skirmishes, Lois and Saturn Girl battle. The physical brawl switches to a telepathic battle, Imra entering Lois' mind. Despite learning that Superman died in the tournament, Lois thoughts are all about the love she and Clark shared.

And that love is so powerful that it leaks into Imra's mind to the point where Saturn Girl is sharing her own love of Garth in this mind space. Love this 2 page spread (only sharing part) with the more ethereal panels and montage shots.

We learned that Imra and Garth's love has been in secret, hidden from the other Legionnaires. But it is also profound.

I like that this fundamental Legion love is sort of elevated to near Clark/Lois status. It makes me think Williamson, as upcoming Legion writer, will thrive.

 

Love conquers all? Love is stronger than death? 

Somehow being exposed to Lois' love and facing her own love snaps the connection this Imra has with Darkseid.

Great work by Barrows, that shocked expression as Imra is suddenly free is powerful.

What do you all think about Lois' love being that strong? Perfect? Or a bit too much?

It is a good thing Imra has a clearer mind. Because Prime is about to snap Lightning Lad's neck.  It is a brutal reminder that Prime murdered his way through countless people in his past. I am not surprised that in the heat of the battle, he might revert to old ways. 

Saturn Girl says the Legion will retreat. Thankfully Prime doesn't kill Garth. But he doesn't let Lightning Lad walk away. He boots him across the room. 

There is a mean streak here, just under the surface. All this reminded me why I usually dislike Prime with intensity. 

But Imra has hope.

For the first time, we see a glimmer of goodness in this Legion. 

Okay. Here is the big Doomsday wrinkle.

Doomsday finally hears the words from Lara. First off, Lara says Doomsday thought he was created to defeat Darkseid. But he wasn't. Doomsday is a being of rebirth, resurrection second chances. Perhaps he can use that power for something other than himself ... to bring back Superman 

I like that expression on Prime's face here. After all, he is trying to redeem himself, get a second chance. A page earlier he was about to execute someone. I think he realizes he got close to crossing an old line.

But this is a substantial new angle for Doomsday. From mindless monster who slaughtered whole worlds to Rebirth hero, created to resurrect Superman. I suppose it is expected I will remember the wholesale, apocalyptic carnage he has caused in the past?

And then another lesson for Prime.

This metal robot fought Cosmic Boy, even though that was a suicide run. It is what Superman would do.

All these inspirational moments to remind Prime to fly right.

And then the end ... sort of.

Doomsday goes off to finally face Darkseid. He has one more life in him.

It is clear, Doomsday will die fighting Darkseid but he won't resurrect himself, Instead, he will pass that energy on to the fallen Superman. Thus Superman can beat Darkseid and re-write the universe.

Do we forgive the prior incarnations of Doomsday? Perhaps those Doomsdays died (and were resurrected) and therefore their sins died with them?

The KO event is about to end. Lois and Superboy head to a super-ship in orbit.

There Prime meets the Kents. 

Maybe Ma and Pa can also help influence our friend?

In total, I thought this was a very good issue. I love the art. I love the Legion stuff. I loved being reminded that Superboy can snap at a moment's notice only to see him reel it in. And I am still wrapping my head around the Doomsday stuff.

Overall grade: A-