tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669531469217423923.post508873154299638457..comments2024-03-27T19:22:03.112-04:00Comments on Supergirl Comic Box Commentary: Review: Superman #23Anjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10023193805914075078noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669531469217423923.post-34164937693798723432017-05-19T11:21:51.224-04:002017-05-19T11:21:51.224-04:00We'll see how it plays out, but the Kents are ...We'll see how it plays out, but the Kents are definitely NOT staying in that "town".<br /><br />I'm not a fan of heroes getting maimed. Often it's done badly and by shock value.<br /><br />I'm not thrilled to see Manchester Black. Some fans see him as a strawman and a middle finger aimed at "The Authority". I don't think Joe Kelly was lambasting that book (although he's been known to flip fans the bird coughSupergirlVolume5Issue18cough), but I thought Manchester was... well... lame. At the beginning he wanted to show off, proving Superman was weak because he wouldn't cross the line. Then he wanted revenge, proving Superman can be pushed to cross the line. And now he wants to help, showing Superman he should cross the line? I agree a good villain needs to challenge the hero at some ideological or emotional level, but Manchester Black is an one-trick pony. He isn't good or complex enough to challenge Superman's beliefs on a constant basis.<br /><br />Anyway, Superman's current books look like a hodgepodge of different eras. On the one hand, Superman's origin is steeped in the Pre-Crisis universe, Kara Zor-El is around -even if peripherically-, and the Kents are gone. On the other hand, several supporting characters and villains that faded after the 90's are being seen again.<br /><br />I find funny that John "I'll fix Superman" Byrne's reboot's influence is all but null, though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669531469217423923.post-60543523913016128042017-05-19T09:36:26.265-04:002017-05-19T09:36:26.265-04:00Well written review Anj, that was a good thought a...Well written review Anj, that was a good thought about these monsters being from the Subterranean Kingdom. That would be a neat New 52 connection. I guess I enjoyed this issue more than you and more than some of the people who will be commenting on your review. Manchester Black is one of my favourite Superman villains due to the kind of challenge he poses to Superman. He is the embodiment of "The end justifies the means" in the DCU. And he knows how to push Superman's buttons and challenge his morals so I can't wait to see how he might use Jon against his own father in the next two issues.<br /><br />Lois' dismemberment caught me off guard when I saw it, I really didn't expect to see it all. It's definitely valid criticism to call this too dark or an unnecessary shock value gimmick. But I haven't been a fan of those rushing to demonise this moment on social media just because Lois got hurt. Alfred got his hand chopped off by the Joker yet he got it reattached via surgery. Cyborg's origin is his body being destroyed yet that doesn't make him any less of a hero. I prefer to wait to see how it plays out in the story. It's likely to be a telepathic illusion anyway, Black tricked Clark into thinking he had killed Lois so he could get Superman to kill him in Ending Battle but Lois was really fine.<br /><br />Minor correction; the issue you're thinking of is Action Comics #775, not Superman #775.<br /><br />LouisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2669531469217423923.post-76459525522923299652017-05-19T08:18:28.835-04:002017-05-19T08:18:28.835-04:00I love that our thoughts on the splash page were i...I love that our thoughts on the splash page were identical! <br /><br />It was evident Superman didn't trust Cobb Branden as early as the issue in which Jon fell out of a tree and Superman was very short with him, and we've certainly had significant glares since then. <br /><br />I love the idea of these monsters being from the Action Comics subterranean kingdom, it'd be great for the monster boy to meet Jon. <br /><br />I don't for a second see Manchester Black getting Jon onside without mind control, so where on Earth is it going? <br /><br />We agree on the wobbly art in the middle, hopefully things will be smoothed out next time Martin Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09574149543260175962noreply@blogger.com