Review: Return Of Superman 30th Anniversary Special

Last week, the Return of Superman 30th Anniversary Special came out, a square bound, ten dollar tome looking back at the Reign of the Superman story. DC did a good job getting the band back together. Dan Jurgens, Louise Simonson, Karl Kesel are back writing. Ordway, Jurgens, Jon Bogdanove, and Tom Grummett are on art chores for the flashbacks with Travis Moore doing the framework story. Only Roger Stern and Jackson Guice are missing.

I suppose this book was written for people like me who lived through the 'Reign of' and the 'Return of' Superman. This book looks back at the time when the real Superman was dead, there were 4 Supermen running around, and readers were wondering if any of them were the Superman.

Jurgens handles the framework story of Lois reading from Perry White's journal from that time period and his reactions to the different Supermen. It was quite fun to look back at then the Cyborg Superman, Steel, Superboy, and the Eradicator were relatively unknown. Seeing Perry fall for the Cyborg's pretending to be Superman brought back memories of buddies who thought so too. (I had my money on the Eradicator ... as usual I was wrong.)

But it is the flashback stories where we see those characters in the early stages of their careers that was the most fun. I loved all the Superman books then. I loved the Kesel/Grummett Superboy. So the nostalgia engine was cranked up reading these books.

When it all is said and done, there is a nice sentiment to the story, a reminder that the real Superman is the standard other try to live up to. 

This was pretty pricey but I gobbled it up. 

On to some details.

Back Issue Box: Superboy #28

Superboy is robbing banks in his book, described as 'maybe not the good guy' by his current writer, and has a dark soul that scares 'the Mistress of the Lost Domain'. Supergirl is calling him an abomination and watching him carefully. It doesn't look like these two are going to be fast friends.

With all that out there, I thought it would be fun to look into the back issue box and find another time that those themes were prevalent with the characters.

Superboy #28, written by Karl Kesel and Steve Mattson with art by Chris Gardner and Jason Armstrong,  came out in mid 1996 and was the 4th part of the 'Losin' It' arc. This was the Metropolis Kid Superboy, still a bit immature and rough around the edges, still a bit impetuous with the emotions of a teenage boy, and still trying to find himself. In this arc, he gets seduced by Knockout, an escaped Female Fury. She has some evil hidden agendas for Superboy but he can't see it. The two become a team, righting wrongs also but blurring the lines of justice and thuggery. In fact, Knockout kills someone during their 'adventures' but justifying it to Superboy. Conner, perhaps swayed by Knockout's passion and intensity, perhaps swayed by being completely 'accepted' by Knockout, or perhaps simply trying to discover who he is, defends her and embraces her both emotionally and physically.

But all of that noise surrounding it, Knockout's 'no holds barred', 'ends justify the means' approach to life gets the attention of the police and other heroes ... including Supergirl.

It isn't hard to see why this adolescent Superboy might be attracted to Knockout. She is described by Tana Moon as the 'goddess of sex and violence' and that would probably have some appeal for a hormone-fueled teenager. Of course, being in the natural paradise of Hawaii and having her showering under waterfalls just adds to the ambiance.

And yet, things are a bit off here. She is doing this not to titillate Superboy (who initially isn't around) but as some cleansing ritual for losing a battle. She prays to Darkseid for forgiveness. This was a bit of a change for her character who initially embraces her freedom of Apokalips and rejects the Furies. But it does show that she isn't one of the good guys.

Despite the recent events, most of Hawaii still considers Superboy a hero, cheering for him when he helps return some beached whales to the water. And Supergirl, who happened to be in the area, actually joins him.

Again, the sort of superficial and flippant attitude of Superboy is out there as he basically states that he recognized Supergirl by her chest. It was pretty clear in this book that despite these moments Superboy's heart is really in the right place.

I can't help but think that Kesel was playing off of Superboy and Supergirl's initial meeting when he certainly seemed to get an eyeful of Supergirl's physique (from Adventures of Superman #502, reviewed here).

Now these two have been comrades for some time now, part of Team Superman.

Supergirl is there because she is worried about Superboy, worried about what she is seeing, worried about him evading the law. She talks about what the S-shield represents and how it simply cannot be associated with someone evading the law, breaking the law.

In a nice retort, Superboy reminds Supergirl that they just went on a deep space mission to free Superman from the Galactic Tribunal, a mockery of justice. So sometimes the S-shield does mean 'breaking the law'. And after everything they have been through, why doesn't Supergirl trust Superboy?

The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Knockout who simply won't let Supergirl interfere.

You can tell Superboy, who was just defending Knockout, can't believe she would initiate a fight.

And it is quite a fight. A sort of super-street fight with both sides getting in some shots and receiving some blows as well. In some ways, it made Knockout seem a bit too tough ... although I suppose if this was Big Barda versus the Matrix Supergirl  I would accept it.

And Knockout isn't hiding anything in the fight. She admits she has 'big plans' for Superboy, that she isn't done with him. She isn't done corrupting him.

But this is more than just a physical fight. These two represent very different outlooks on life. Supergirl is the hero, determined to do what is right for people, and willing to fight a never ending battle. She'll never give up trying to be the hero.

So who will Superboy fall in line with?

At least for now, it seems like Knockout might have the upper hand. Superboy points out that Supergirl is being a bit pretentious given her own history with Lex Luthor.

And yet, Supergirl comes back with the right response. Friends and family don't want to see people make the same mistakes they have. No one wearing the S-shield and all it represents should be aligned with someone evil.

I really like Supergirl here. She really wants to help Superboy. She doesn't want to see him suffer the way she did. She doesn't want him to besmirch the S-shield as she did. It is very mature to admit your past mistakes and then offer the wisdom they brought you.

But Superboy doesn't want to hear it, staying loyal to Knockout.

And, in a nice dramatic moment, Supergirl strips him of his S-shields saying he isn't worthy to wear them. She won't let Superboy take down the name of Superman. Look at that determined second panel. She means business.

While Superboy says he doesn't care, his body language says otherwise. He is either sulking that Supergirl isn't treating him like an equal or he realizes there is a kernel of truth in all she has said. But before he can make any sort of revelation, Knockout is there hugging him, purring in his ears, and telling him that he needs nothing but her. And he agrees, leaving the S-shields there in the sand.

Luckily, ex-girlfriend now police officer Roxy finds them and pockets them. A reunion with the symbol and his values is to come.

I can remember reading this story arc and realizing that this was going to be a blip on the character's timeline, an arc where he realizes who he is and what he wants to be, a step in his maturation and on the hero's journey. I never worried about the overall tone of the book, that this Superboy was 'maybe not the good guy'. He was the good guy; he just had to rediscover that. So I suppose I should give the current Superboy the same benefit of the doubt.

And I loved that Supergirl was that sounding board. She was the one who tried to make him look inside and realize he was being misled. And it made it that much more powerful since she had also struggled with this very scenario. It makes it less preachy and more personal.

This is more of a Superboy story than a Supergirl story and as such has low importance for a Supergirl collection. The issue also has plenty of pages devoted to Tana and Roxy. And a lightning powered young woman named Sparx shows up mid-battle it seems with the sole story purpose of plugging the upcoming Superboy and the Ravers book. Still there are some nice moments and nice sentiment by Supergirl here. If you find this in the $1, it is worth the purchase.

Overall grade: B

Back Issue Box: Adventures of Superman #502

The DCnU versions of Supergirl and Superboy met for the first time over in Superboy #6. So I figured that it would be cool to go back and look at the first time other incarnations of the characters first met.

Back in 1993, the comic world was still reeling from the Death of Superman, we had just held a Funeral for a Friend, and the Reign of the Supermen was just starting to fall. Adventures of Superman was the home of Superboy and had a great creative team of Karl Kesel writing and Tom Grummett and Doug Hazelwood on art. In Adventures #502, this Superboy met Supergirl.

It is interesting to revisit this issue almost 20 years later. We had only just met this Superboy. He didn't know anything of his origins. He didn't really understand his power. And he looks oh so 90s cool with his fade and leather jacket. And like any young man with incredible power, he is pretty sure of himself.

As for this Supergirl, this was smack dab in the middle of the 'Pawn of Luthor' period for the Matrix Supergirl. You could start to feel the tide turning a bit for her. She had handled herself very well in Funeral and later in this arc goes against Luthor's wishes to aid the re-invigorated Superman. In just under a year, she'll star in her own mini-series and leave Luthor's side for good.

But all of those revelations come later. Right now, Metropolis doesn't know how to handle the Supermen claiming the name. And Luthor certainly wasn't going to stand on the sidelines. And so he sends his lackey in.

Getting back to the creative team, I think Kesel had a really great handle on the Superboy character here. He really has 'The Metropolis Kid' vacillate between overconfidence with and uncertainty of his powers as well as showing the impulsive nature of being a super-powered teen with few role models.

Perhaps the best thing about that happened is this book is what didn't happen. The two didn't fight each other! 

And Grummett was the perfect person for this book. The Kid's adventures weren't as serious as say Steel's or the Eradicator's. So Grummett's more cartoony feel suited the book wonderfully. And I think he draws a very good Supergirl, fresh faced, young, and optimistic.

The issue starts with Superboy saving a convertible filled with young ladies from crashing off a Metropolis bridge. But then he himself needs a hand when he almost loses control of the very car he was saving. Luckily, Supergirl is there to save the day as well.

I thought this was a very nice splash page with a sort of unique composition, a hero saving a hero hoisting a car. There is a wonderful vertical feeling here with some unsteadiness implied by the art.

Of course, Superboy is a little distracted by Supergirl's ... umm ... charms. It is something of an innocent and natural response from a 16yr old boy who probably can't help himself. And it does open up the dialogue for the oft-used 'chest choking' joke.

Supergirl invites Superboy to have dinner with her and Lex and he agrees.

Of course, Superboy already has something of a working relationship with WGBS and reporter Tana Moon. So Moon is, of course, upset that Superboy would agree to meet with a rival.

Much of Supergirl's behavior is rooted in her allegiance to Lex. But I did like how she feigned ignorance of Moon and said she only got her news from WLEX ... all while on a live WGBS news feed. Matrix was sort of sly in her own way.

But again, she is simply a pawn of Lex. Here she is trussed up in a form fitting evening gown, vamping a bit to try to get Superboy to join Team Luthor. Lex seems to be parading her out as just another possession of his. I have said it before, outside of some glimmers of independence and heroism, this was a rough point to be a Supergirl fan.

Supergirl is charming however, getting Superboy to verbally agree to leave WGBS behind, work for Lex, go out patrolling with her.

Unfortunately, Superboy is pretty gullible and easy to manipulate. After Luthor's dinner, he meets with GBS president Vinnie Edge and formally agrees to be a WGBS exclusive newsmaker. On top of that, Edge hires the odious Rex Leech to act as Superboy's handler and agent. Leech is a pretty slimy character interested in turning a quick buck.

And Rex has a daughter Roxy who proclaims Superboy is cuter than Bon Jovi, Luke Perry, and Robin all together. But this innocent 'boy crazy' introduction turns about to be just as much an act as Rex' professionalism. She isn't a bad girl, just always looking out for number one.

Superboy really is being led on a leash here. Edge is only interested in cornering the news market. And if that means manufacturing the news, he will. He hires a supervillain to attack Superboy all while Tana is following and filming.

One of the better side characters in this is Tana. She is against anyone using Superboy and yet she herself is using him. Throughout the arc she has to come to grips with her own ethics and what side of the fence she is standing on.

While moving a locomotive engine, Superboy is attacked by the Stinger. The attack was pretty easy to set up given that Stinger was given the wheres and whens of Superboy's day by Rex earlier in the book. Overwhelmed by the attack, Superboy has to ditch the engine and tosses it into an empty park. I like how Superboy realizes he's pretty lucky that no one was there, even if the workers all think it was planned.

As I said before, Superboy is just learning the limits of his powers here. He still thinks he is simply a clone of Superman. He doesn't know about tactile telekinesis yet. He doesn't understand his lack of vision powers.

Since Superboy isn't exactly invulnerable, he is dazed and battered by some rather pedestrian attacks by the Stinger - bombs, cybernetic whips, etc.

Supergirl has actually been following the proceedings in invisible form and is about to step in and save the day when Superboy stops her. He lays out Stinger with one punch.

I think it again shows his somewhat brash and schoolyard persona. He doesn't want anyone's help.

The whole super-hero thing has been something of a game up to now for Superboy with people falling over themselves to be his friend. Suddenly, the whole thing becomes deadly real. Realizing he needs a distraction to escape, Stinger blows out the main support of the bridge, collapsing it and sending countless people to their deaths. Things aren't always rosy in the heroing games. Lesson learned. And great cliffhanger!

This initial meeting showcased the sort of naivete of both Supergirl and Superboy, as they both are just pawns in the nefarious dealings of megalomaniacs. But over the course of Reign, they mature, become part of the Superman family, and do their best.

For a Supergirl collection, this issue of low importance other than being the first meeting between Boy and Girl. It can be picked up pretty cheap in back issue boxes. And it does sport some great  Grummett art. I, for one, liked Funeral for a Friend and Reign of the Supermen and think both arcs are worth reading.

Overall grade: B

Review: Tales Of The Legion Of Super-Heroes #315

We are approaching the end of my review of Supergirl during the Paul Levitz years of the Legion of Super-Heroes. This more thorough review began with the announcement of the re-invigoration of the Supergirl/Brainiac 5 relationship in the Last Stand storyline and the Supergirl title.

One thing that caught my eye about the solicit for Supergirl #52 was the idea that Brainiac had already met Supergirl Maybe Brainy is aware of the pre-Crisis continuity and the Silver Age Supergirl? Maybe these stories 'really happened' in some sort of Hypertime?

Anyways, Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes #315 marked the end of the Trial of Ontiir storyline as well as this Supergirl's last appearance with the Legion. Written/plotted/designed by powerhouse Legion creators Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen with art by Terry Shoemaker and Karl Kesel, the issue marks the end of Brainy and Supergirl's relationship.

Next week we will read about the new beginning of their relationship.

For those just catching up, Ontiir was a Science Police officer apparently in bed with the Dark Circle and the Emerald Empress. He was captured by the Legion and put on trial. During that trial he stated he was actually a double agent working for the SciPo to gather intel on the Circle ... something the Legion didn't quite believe given how close Ontiir came to killing them

Before the UP could find him guilty, Ontiir was rescued in a brazen attack by the Dark Circle on Weber's World. The Legionnaires present, Supergirl, Sun Boy, and Brainiac 5 didn't take his escape lying down and pursued him to the Dark Circle home world. And so we pick up the story.

The story opens up with Supergirl crashing through the ceiling of the Dark Circle's meeting hall.

One thing I liked about Levitz' Supergirl was just how confident she was in using her powers and seeking out justice. There is a hint of impetuousness on her part ... she wants answers, justice, action and she wants them fast. While others might have waited to see just what the political fallout would be from attacking the Dark Circle head on, Supergirl simply scooped up her friends and took off.

Here we don't see her knocking on the door. She's a bit flashy as she crashes through the ceiling. This whole scene is something of a mirroring of the Dark Circle's attack on Weber's World, showing just how much Ontiir is playing the two sides against each other.

Before the action can get to heated, the Dark Circle and Ontiir disappear off the planet! There is no evidence of them at all.

Brainy seems willing to give up the chase. But Supergirl isn't ready to give up. She wants Ontiir to face justice. And in a way to keep Brainiac 5 interested, she flirts a bit telling him only his brilliant mind would be able to find where they disappeared to. I love how shalen Brainy is, even by this fairly innocuous interaction.

But more importantly, I love this other aspect of Supergirl's confidence in Levitz and Giffen's hands. She knows her feelings for Brainy and is willing to put them out there, as the more pro-active member of the couple.

Brainy is able to give Kara a sort of left-handed compliment, telling her that he will try puzzle things out. She is faithful to her impulses. He will act on them too.

Supergirl doesn't know quite how to respond. I think this trip to the future showed maturity on her part, her attempt to resolve her relationship with Brainiac 5 once and for all. So to be called impulsive by him could be considered an insult, that he feels she is immature. But it also shows that he knows her, accepts her.

I love her response, crumpling a gun and tossing it away. It seemed like a way to relieve some of the tension she was feeling.

Her instincts are right about Brainy's intelligence though. He quickly realizes that the only nearby energy source that could teleport a planet's population away is that system's sun.

With that info in hand, the Legionnaires are off once more.

Despite having been rescued by the Dark Circle, Ontiir is not out of the woods yet. He finds himself on trial again. Ontiir has claimed loyalty to both sides, that he acted as a double agent for both sides, and that he did what he was ordered to do for both sides.

I have no idea who he is really working for which I think is what Levitz' point here.

The Dark Circle isn't quite as nicey-nice as the UP though. Regardless of who he is truly working for, his usefulness to the Circle has ended. They ask him to take his own life to prove himself to them. Not exactly the type of people who I would like to work for.

Continuing to ignore doors throughout this mission, the Legionnaires once again crash into the Circle's council chambers. It is great to once again see Kara leading the charge.



And make short work of the low level circle troops. Supergirl scatters them with a blast of super-breath. Levitz always seemed to have a soft spot for that power.

Unfortunately, as she is taking out the infantry, Sun Boy is in pitched battle with a super-powered Circle member.

Ontiir, momentarily forgotten in the battle, grabs a gun and aims it in the direction of Sun Boy and the alien warrior. He even says that his shot will finally prove his loyalty. But who is he aiming at?


We will never know as Science Police Chief Zendak (who finally caught up with the Legion) feels he can't put Sun Boy at risk. He has a shot and he takes it ... killing Ontiir.

With Ontiir eliminated, there is no point of contention between the UP and the Dark Circle. They stop fighting and separate.

Was Zendak's act one of justice? Murder? The answer isn't clear. And while Ontiir did nothing to help himself, he may have been SciPo. He may have died by friendly fire.

The act really disturbs Supergirl who simply can't get her head around it. If the future is like this, if killing (potentially) replaces truth and justice, then maybe she shouldn't be a part of it. And just like that she is off ... into the time stream and back to her present.

It is a remarkably fast turn around. Throughout these issues, Kara has seemed at home and happy ... both in the future and with Brainy. To suddenly fly off like this seemed somewhat rushed. It was sort of an unsatifying ending for me. And unfortunately, Supergirl never made it back into the Legion book before Crisis came out.

Still, outside of this hiccup, all these issues guest starring Supergirl that Levitz and Giffen were part of were really great representations of the Girl of Steel. She was strong and heroic. She knew her feeling for Brainiac 5 and she acted on them. And she was funny and charming. I wish Supergirl could always be written as well as she was here.

Terry Shoemaker and Karl Kesel draw a lovely Supergirl here ... strong, healthy, beautiful.

Just one more Supergirl/Brainiac 5 issue to review before next week's release.

Overall grade: B+

Review: Tales Of The Legion Of Super-Heroes #314

We're two weeks away from the release of Supergirl #52 which will re-imagine the Supergirl/Brainiac 5 relationship. And so I continue my review of the Kara/Querl romance during the Paul Levitz years on the Legion of Super-Heroes. I'm closing in on the end of this run of reviews as there are only two more issues of Legion which guest-starred the pre-Crisis Earth-one Supergirl.

Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes #314, released in the middle of 1984, was a creative team effort between LSH legends Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen. The two co-plotted the story with Levitz writing the dialogue and Giffen supplying the artistic breakdowns of the issue. Finished art was done by Terry Shoemaker and Karl Kesel.



The issue also represents something of an historic moment for the Legion, from a publishing point of view. This was the first issue tagged with the 'Tales of ...' title. Earlier that month, Legion of Super-Heroes #1, the 'direct market only' Baxter paper series had been released. 'Tales' would run original material for a year and then began reprinting the Baxter series for the mainstream market of convenience stores, etc. It's hard to remember just how small the direct market was back then.

But onto the story.

'The trial of Ontiir' picks up the storyline which had finished in Legion of Superheroes #303. (I reviewed that issue here.)

Ontiir, the apparently duplicitous Science Police officer working in cahoots with the Dark Circle and the Emerald Empress, is being tried by the United Planets for treason. In a shocking turn of events, Ontiir tells the court that he was ordered to betray the Science Police ... that he was ordered to pretend to be a double agent so he could infiltrate the Dark Circle as a spy.


The Legionnaires on that mission are present as witnesses and are incredulous at this explanation. After all, Sun Boy, Brainiac 5, and Supergirl were all captured and nearly executed by Ontiir and the Dark Circle. Sun Boy had his jaw smashed. With such close calls, the Legion can't believe that Ontiir is telling the truth ... although they are willing to wait out the testimony.

Unfortunately, the proceedings are short lived. When Chief Zendak of the Science Police can't produce the files that would support Ontiir's claims, Ontiir calls on his other friends.


The court room is literally split asunder as a Dark Circle ship crashes into the building. You can really feel Giffen's influence on the top panel.

While this is, in effect, a jail break, the Legionnaires never lose sight of their top priority. They focus first on saving the jurors and other innocents by the Dark Circle attack.


During the confusion, Ontiir is able to escape, spirited away by a Dark Circle cruiser.

While the Weber's World politicians start discussing what the United Planets next move should be, Supergirl decides to take the fight to the Circle. She wants Ontiir to face justice! Funny how much better this declaration comes off that the recent similar on in Cry For Justice.

It is great to see Supergirl be so pro-active. She really takes matters into her own hands ... and takes Brainy and Sun Boy with her. She doesn't want to get slowed down by politics and prose when action needs to happen. Levitz always treated Supergirl right.

And he knew his other characters as well, giving them individuality. I mean, only the womanizing Sun Boy would be bold enough to tweak Supergirl's cheek and call her cute.


Ontiir faces a similar trial on the Dark Circle home world. Amazingly, he claims he is loyal to them ... just as he professed his loyalty to the United Planets moments before. The Circle questions his fidelity and feel that Ontiir betrayed them to the United Planets. It sounds as though Ontiir was originally Dark Circle, was sent to the SciPo for deep cover, but then stopped communicating with the Circle for some time.

You get the sense that Ontiir was playing both sides of the field. I wonder if even he knew who he was really working for. Or if he was just enjoying the benefits of working both sides of the street.

His story is convoluted enough to flummox the Circle just as it confused the United Planets. Where do Ontiir's true loyalties lie?

The second half of this chapter really mirrors the first half. Now Ontiir's trial by the Dark Circle is interrupted by the United Planets and the Legion. But are the Legion there to rescue him? Or capture him?

The Circle remember that the last time the Legion dared invade their home space was when they had killed Chemical King (way back in Legion of Super-Heroes #228). Does that history of avenging one of their own mean Ontiir is a UP ally? Or does it mean they are angry enough to chase a traitor?

Either way, the Legion doesn't usually invade. This isn't a simple mission that Supergirl has started; this is a big deal.



The Dark Circle defenses seem pretty light for protecting the borders of an inter-galactic cult and its homeworld. Or maybe it is simply that a ticked off Kryptonian can do a lot of damage.

I absolutely adore Brainy's look here. It isn't often that we see a giddy Brainiac 5. He loves watching Supergirl tear through the Dark Circle fleet. I also think it is great to see Supergirl just rip the ships apart. Shoemaker and Kesel do a good job giving some energy and dynamism to these scenes.



With the outer defenses crushed, Supergirl scoops up Sun Boy and Brainy and zips to the Dark Circle's homeworld's surface.

It is a wonderful splash page with a very happy Supergirl. We don't always get to see a happy Supergirl, enjoying herself as a hero. She loves letting loose with her powers. She loves being in the Legion.

And she loves Brainy ... even if she only implies it rather than coming right out and saying it. In classic Brainy fashion, he is paralyzed by her words and simply can't respond. And on that note, the first part of this two part story ends.

I have to say, on re-reading these issues for these reviews, it is clear that Levitz had a fondness for Supergirl. She is always portrayed in a heroic and positive manner ... up beat, adventurous, pro-active, driven, and powerful. This issue really showcases her character.

This story has the bonus of her interacting closely with Brainy. We see how easy she is able to voice her feelings, how at ease she is around him. And we also get to see how he plays off of her, how uncomfortable he feels responding to her emotions.

The art here works well with Shoemaker and Kesel doing well with the action sequences. They draw a nice energetic Supergirl.

This was Supergirl's last Legion mission so matters in her history. I'd put it as medium importance in a Supergirl collection. These issues run $1-3 at conventions or on-line. They are worth it.

Overall grade: B+