Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #6

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #6 came out this week, ending this second series of the '78 books. I hope we get a third. This was a hopeful and inspiring ending to the Metallo story, leaning into the Donner universe feel of Superman. But there were definitely some things which felt like they were missing, things I want more of. Therefore, please DC, green light a third installment here.

Writer Robert Venditti has always had a great feel for these characters in this reality. The overly nerdy Clark, the feisty Lois, the fiery Perry. They all work. Superman as a beacon of hope and not necessarily a brawler also worked given where we are. The ending of Metallo played out in a different way than I thought it would but closes the door here. I found it just a bit too quick but we only have 6 issues to get to a finale. But the sheer hope that oozes from every page made this an overall winner. 

What I felt was missing here was Lex. Luthor is such a charismatic bomb in this book. The complete lack of him in this issue was a bit glaring for me. Therefore, please DC, greenlight a third installment! Plus, it is time for us to see some Kara '84 in this universe.

Gavin Guidry continues his great work here. His characters are similar to the actors of the Donner movies but not so uncanny valley to make it weird. His expressive work is just superb, heaping on the emotional punch of Superman's actions. 

I really liked this mini-series and hope we get more. DC, please green light a third installment. On to the book!

Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #5

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #5 came out this week, the penultimate issue of this fun mini-series set in the Cold War era of the Donner-verse. 

This has been a fun series from the beginning and this issue is no different. Robert Venditti really has a feel for this world. In particular, his Luthor is the most entertaining character on the shelves these days, particularly when interacting with Superman. The threat of Metallo has ramped up considerably since the beginning of this series with that character now much more independent than the representative of the state he was in the beginning. It all reads quick and fun and breezy entertaining. I have a couple of ideas about where the story will end up. More on that later.

Gavin Guidry continues to excel on art here. His expressive work is incredible, especially his work with Lois. The action sequences are crisp and cinematic. And his Superman is wonderfully earnest. I hope we see more of him in DC books after this one wraps up.

But I will say it again. The star in this book is Luthor who just sucks the oxygen out of every scene he is in. Give me a Venditti-written Luthor one-shot. I'd buy it!

On to the book.

Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #4

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #4 came out this week and was a quick, entertaining read by creative team of writer Robert Venditti and artist Gavin Guidry.

I have very much enjoyed the Superman '78 titles mostly for the character interactions. Here, this issue very much had the feeling of the action sequence in a possible movie. Earlier we saw Metallo nearly take out Superman but pulled away because the USSR leaders wanted Superman's defeat to be televised.

In this issue, Metallo takes the fight to American land, calling out Superman in Washington D.C. and once again nearly defeating our hero before an unusual ally lends a hand. Since this is mostly a brawl, and a well drawn and choreographed one, the book reads quick. But you need this to again show that Metallo is a legitimate threat. Even though the villain suffers a setback here, there is still no obvious answer to how Superman will defeat him. As a result, the tension is ratcheted up here, a nice plot nudge in a middle chapter.

Robert Venditti continues to write a brilliant Hackman-esque Luthor who both helps and derides Superman here. And we also get several more nods to the movies in the book, subtle so not overdone but appreciated.

Gavin Guidry continues to bring it here with perfect expressive work. We feel Clark's concerns over again facing the K-powered assassin. We see Lex's joy over saving Superman. But we also get nice action in the brawl. A couple of panels, seen below stand out.

On to the book. (Apologies for panels, scanner on the fritz.)

Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #3

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #3 came out last week and continued this look at the Donner-Verse Superman interacting with the world of the Cold War. This was a relatively sedate issue, a standard middle chapter of a story, which pushed the plot forward without much action. There is continued excellent character moments however which make this a really entertaining comic, especially if you love the movies.

Writer Robert Venditti continues to handle both ends well. The Russian Metallo and the desire for the Soviets to destroy Superman as a symbol of American superiority are both excellent wrinkles to the mythos. The zealotry of this Metallo and his compulsion to kill Superman shows how ingrained those feelings of rivalry were then.

More importantly, Venditti just seems to have a great grasp of these characters and is putting them a bit through the paces. He has the luxury of this being untilled soil. He can write the first time people are meeting, like Superman meeting Sam Lane. He can show a world where Lois doesn't know Clark is Superman, where Lois is pining for Superman. But it all still feels classic while being new. Even the true supporting cast a written well. What's better than an irascible Perry laying into Jimmy? And let's not get the not so secret villain behind it all!

Gavin Guidry shines in those character moments. I love his Clark, sometimes perplexed, sometimes acting awkward, always wearing his heart on his sleeve. I also love his Lois, at times steely in her desire to scoop everyone, at times a smitten woman. 

No complaints here. On to the details.

Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #2

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #2 came out this week and was another fun romp in the Donner-verse. We are picking up right after the last series and I think we are still before Superman II in continuity. If you are a strict continuity believer and this is before the second film, there are some things here that are tough to explain away.

But if you decide that continuity details aren't crucial, and you can let a couple of things slide, you can sit back and enjoy this for the absolute fun that it is.

Writer Robert Venditti has been able to tap right into the feel of the movies, the tone, the charm, the action. But most of all, and most entertaining for me, is that Venditti is able to perfectly capture the emotion of the Lois and Clark relationship as well as the Lois and Superman relationship. Throw in a cold war Metallo and you have a great history piece. Plus, we get an unexpected guest star perhaps expanding this DC Universe.

Gavin Guidry really brings it this issue. I mentioned his strong work on Lois last issue but he exceeds that here. He really brings us an expressive Lois, a nice riff on Margot Kidder. We also get some action here. I like how the Metallo of 1978 is appropriately bulky. No sleek mechanics back then. 

If there is one complaint, it is that these are very quick reads. I'd like a little more story.

On to the book.

Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #1

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #1 came out this week and was a wonderful dive back into the Donner-verse. 

I loved the first Superman '78 mini-series. Writer Robert Venditti perfectly captured the characters in that world. The dorky Clark. The sassy Lois. The ruthless but also surprisingly funny Luthor. AND we got Brainiac ... finally!

So I was thrilled when I learned about the sequel. 

Venditti is back as writer and picks up right where he left off. The issue does just what a first issue should do. We get the main plot set up. Kryptonite lands in the Soviet Union. An American colonel turns out to be a Russian spy and has sent tech to the USSR as part of a Metallo project. And Lois is on the case. So I am ready! A cold war era story, US vs USSR, Superman vs Metallo! It all sounds great and enough has been shown to excite me.

But beyond that, Venditti makes sure the book feels like the movie world. My favorite part of this issue was the Daily Planet scene. Seeing Clark challenging Lois a bit but still being meek. Hearing Perry tell Lois the rules of the road. Watching Lois not slow down in her pursuit of a story. And all have the mannerisms and tone of the '78 film. Pitch perfect.

Gavin Guidry joins the team on art duties. This is my first time seeing Guidry's work and I am impressed. The Planet scenes are just incredible. I love the expressive work and small touches like Clark pushing his glasses up on his nose, Lois' icy glare, and Perry's exasperation. 

Review: Action Comics #1056

Knight Terrors is around the corner and will be taking over DC Comics for the summer months. I can only assume, as a result, the ongoing titles probably felt they needed to tie up the current storylines rather than delay.

As a result, Action Comics #1056, which came out last week, finishes the Metallo/Cyborg Superman storyline which has been ongoing for the last few months. I have really enjoyed this storyline immensely. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson has given us a dense story with multiple layers. We have a new take on Metallo, a sort of sympathetic backstory of someone who has only felt powerful when he was holding a weapon or even becoming a weapon. We hear about his love and respect for his sister. We have Cyborg Superman pulling the strings behind the scene before showing himself. And we get the Blue Earth movement in the background, a group aiming hate at aliens on Earth. 

But as I said, it wraps up this issue. I think the Cyborg portion of this ends almost too quickly. There is a sort of quick fix to defeating the issue. Back in the Bendis days, the Phantom Zone projector was used as a 'get rid of the overpowered villain' tool. At least it isn't that. 

And there is one other minor story detail that sort of irked me just a little regarding the Blue Earth folks that I'll touch on below.

The rest of the story just sings. I love the Metallo arc. Johnson has a great grasp of the Superman Family. 

Rafa Sandoval's art is rough and powerful in this issue which is mostly a huge brawl. I think that sort of scratchy feel to things amps up the violence and energy of the brawls.

This is an anthology book. The 'Young Jon' story and the 'Steel' story are okay reads. 

On to the details.

Review: Action Comics #1055

Action Comics #1055 came out this week and was another crackling issue. 

Since Action Comics became an anthology, the issues have run the same pattern. The main story featuring the Superman Family is just dynamite. The Superman/Lois/Young Jon story is solid. The last feature is okay. And that pattern happens again here. All the stories are solid but the main story is just comic gold.

The main feature is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by Rafa Sandoval. It continues the Metallo story but with the added bonus of the big bad being Hank Henshaw the Cyborg Superman. Kennedy does the usual bit of magic, weaving in story beats for all the family members. Superman remains a role model for the twins while trying to rehabilitate Metallo. Kara is the smartest person in the room. And best of all, we get the return of the Eradicator. That means all 4 members of the Reign of Superman are in this story! There's action! There's plot! There's character moments! 

The young Jon story is proceeding just about the way I thought it would. Lee Weeks is back on art. It is good to see young Jon learning the ropes and some valuable lessons. But I think Dan Jurgens telegraphed the plot twist a little.

Lastly, the Steel story by Dorado Quick and Yasmin Montanez has branched out to include some of the extended super-family. But I don't know exactly where it is going. 

All in all, a very good issue with a sparkling lead.

On to the details.

Review: Action Comics #1053

Action Comics #1053 came out last week and was another crackling issue ... well mostly crackling, This is an anthology book so there are three individual stories present here. No surprise, I liked some more than others. 

There is the main story, the Superman Family story with Superman fighting Metallo. This is an excellent story. This Metallo is creepy but also sympathetic. The actions and interactions of the super-family are wonderful. In particular, two moments - one between Kal and Kenan, and one between Jon and Osul - are emotional and powerful. Rafa Sandavol's art feels a little raw but that adds energy to the proceedings. Nothing wrong here.

The Dan Jurgens/Lee Weeks flashback story to an untold tale of young Jon is a solid storyline. There are two plots proceeding at pace here. One is Jon befriending an alien Princess in peril. I think this is a 'don't judge a book by its cover' moment for Jon. There is the Doombreaker plot with Doombreaker looking for the Doomsday spike which created him in the first place.

But it is the last story, the Power Girl story, by Leah Williams and Marguerite Sauvage that I find lacking. Sauvage's art is beautiful in its pastel glory. But the story, a complete demolition of Power Girl, feels wrong. Power Girl has had a solid characterization and a strong foundation for decades. She doesn't need fixing. Here, Williams decides to torpedo everything we know about Power Girl. I don't recognize a Power Girl feeling alone, anonymous, rudderless. If anything, it just makes me want to re-read the Palmiotti/Conner run to read Peeg done right. This feels like another creator coming up with an idea and bolting it onto a pre-existing character. I have got behind new interpretations of characters before and I have given this story some time to see if it would work. For me, it just doesn't.

On to the particulars.

Review: Action Comics #1052 - Part 2

Last week I reviewed, perhaps harshly, the Power Girl story in Action Comics #1052. Today I'll finish reviewing the stories within. Both of these stories I liked much more. 

The main story by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and artist Rafa Sandavol continues the Metallo arc. I really loved this story for a bunch of reasons. The art is really powerful. Sandavol brings a sort of scratchy, rough feeling to the proceedings that really works well. The story continues to be intriguing as Metallo seems to be having his puppet strings pulled by someone out of sight (although probably revealed in solicits). Thankfully, this explains away what seemed to be a glaring discrepancy between Action and the Superman book. But more than this action, Johnson really calls back to his Warworld Saga as the ramifications continue to ripple out. And, as Action Comics now feels like the old anthology Superman Family, I am thrilled that Johnson are showing us family moments for the supers. Great stuff here.

Add to that the Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks flashback story with a young Jon Kent. Again, Weeks style works well here as he was the artist for the Convergence story and the sequel miniseries introducing us to this dynamic. The story is just starting but I like Jon starting to come unto his powers. But I wonder if there will be a sort of hackneyed 'don't judge a book by its cover' lesson here.

Overall, these both worked very very well. It all starts with the wonderful Steve Beach cover. I like the washed out, lack of outlines bright blue highlighting the family uniforms.

Bring on the book!

Review: Action Comics #1049

Action Comics #1049 came out this week and was certainly an issue to give thanks for. This is labeled Kal-El Returns Part 5 and certainly we are continuing to see what impact Superman and Warworld coming to Earth are having. But this arc here in Action Comics is really a sort of epilogue to the Warworld saga while sowing the seeds for the future.

Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson is truly weaving a masterpiece in this book. Superman remains an inspiration to the Warworlders. He is a mentor to Otho and Osul. He is the hero of Metropolis. He is truly a hero and the axle of the book with everything rotating around him. 

But the real fun is that the book is really bolstered by the supporting cast we are getting. Lois is strong here. Bibbo is a fun character, embodying someone who is inspired to be a hero by Superman. We are seeing a truly conniving Lex here as well as a semi-sympathetic Metallo. And let's not forget that Supergirl, as well as Thao-La, are well represented here. In particular, this issue where we see a couple of Lex's plans heating up shows me that Luthor is going to be a force here.

Mike Perkins is on art in the main section and his work on the New Gods is a sort if ugly beautiful. It really just grabs the eye and makes you look. We also get some quieter moments and Perkins does something there which is magical. Promise I'll get there. David Lapham wraps up the Supergirl/Thao-La story and continues to give us a clean look with a gorgeous Kara. Give me more!

On to the book!

Review: Action Comics #1048

 Action Comics #1048 came out this week and was another wonderful issue in this great run that writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson. This is part three of the Kal-El Returns arc but really we are still in the aftermath of the Warworld Saga. 

The first part of the issue has the main story, Superman's story, set in Metropolis. The art in this part is by Mike Perkins, who I last saw on the Lois Lane book. The aftermath of Warworld, the legend of the First God Orglun, and the tangential touches on the Fourth World are all at play here. And it all really works. The addition of Otho and Osul Ra is so welcome here, giving Lois and Clark kids to care for. Johnson just adeptly shows how these two are still hurting from the years they lost with Jon. Moreover, all the 'Genesis' and 'Old Gods' stuff comes home with some of the New Gods showing up. 

Perkins just crackles here. His style works well for big battle art. I remember his fisticuffs being a strong part of the Lois book. The New Gods looks huge. And yet, at the same time, the smaller scenes of the kids at the zoo, have just as much polish. His Metallo is robotic and yet somehow forlorn. Wonderful.

But as great as the first part, the back up feature, the second part of Red Moon Rising, with art by David Lapham, is just as great. This is a Supergirl back-up, with Kara showing Thao-La the ropes, teaching her to be a hero, acting as protector of Metropolis, and ready to throw down against Mongul's lackeys. This is Supergirl. I love Lapham's style here, giving Supergirl a sort of classic look, powerful and graceful. 

Everyone should be buying this book.

On to the specifics.

Review: Action Comics #1047

Action Comics #1047 came out this week, the first part of the 'Kal-El Returns' arc. It was fantastic.

Phillip Kennedy Johnson has just come off the Warworld epic, a barbarian rebellion story where Superman leads and overcomes. Throughout that action filled tale, we had wonderful character moments showing us just who Superman is and just how he inspires.

I feel this issue serves two purposes, both epilogue to Warworld and prologue to the upcoming arc. So there isn't much action. But boy is there characterization. Superman continues to inspire. Luthor is chilling. Lois is supportive and loving. Metallo is forlorn and withdrawn. And the Super-family proper is ready for battle and thrilled to see their mentor returned home. They act like a family!

The whole book just sings. It is almost a primer for what Superman and his supporting cast should be. In particular, I haven't been this afraid of Luthor in a long time. There is something about this vindictive, deluded Lex that is more frightening than any 'merged with J'onn' Apex Lex ever was. Lex is evil but pictures himself as a humanist. Brrrr ...

Add to all these powerful moments, the fantastic art of Riccardo Federici sizzles here. It is emotive and lush and flowing. I love it. David Lapham continues to shine in the back-up feature showcasing the entire Super-family. I really like his take on Kara. Add the 'movie poster' cover by Steve Beach and you have a winner all around. 

On to the book.

Bullet Review: Detective Comics #1050

Detective Comics #1050 came out this week, a landmark issue! Detective #1027 and Detective #1000 were also landmarks. As the basis behind the DC of DC Comics, I suppose the title deserves it.

I read this issue specifically for the 10 page preview of the upcoming Batman/Superman World's Finest title by writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora. As I have said many times, I like the concept of Batman and Superman being friends and partners. I have always enjoyed Waid's works. And Mora's work is impressive.

Add to all this that these are 'classic' adventures, with a blue-caped, yellow-encircled Batman costume and Dick Grayson as Robin, I figured I would love this.

No surprise, I loved this. 

There are some interesting things right off the bat. First off, I read (or maybe heard on a podcast) that Waid was going to concentrate on Robin in these stories as an important go-between and touch of levity. We get that here. Second, the idea of a big bad manipulating things behind the scenes is always a fun mystery. 

Perhaps most interesting is that some of what we get here seems lifted from the Bruce Timm animated universe making me wonder just what world/continuity this takes place on. 

Lastly, from a story view, my guess is there will be a nice Silver Age pastiche to the proceedings given the importance of Red Kryptonite to the plot.

From an art standpoint, Mora really shines here giving us great action beats. Metallo is appropriately horrific given the DCAU feel of him. And his Ivy is menacingly beautiful. And how great it is to see these classic costumes (even if this Robin is wearing long pants). 

On to the specifics.

Review: Action Comics #982

Action Comics #982, the next chapter in Revenge, came out last week and was a perfect middle chapter, moving the pieces on the board, building momentum to the finale, and adding a few new mysteries. This book ends with a truly phenomenal splash page, a great cliffhanger, and a moment I feel I have been waiting for since the New 52 happened. If this comic was only that page, I would probably give it a high grade. Trust me ... we'll get there.

Writer Dan Jurgens certainly keeps the plot moving along. He has a lot of moving parts to deal with in this story. The Revenge Squad is 6 members deep. He has Lois, Jon, and Superman to write. And we get the other guests that come on board. That sounds like a Legion of Super-Heroes comic. But Jurgens takes the time to make sure we know each character's motivations and to make them unique.

The art is done by Jack Herbert and Jose Luis and both bring great emotion and action to the proceedings. There are a number of panels here which struck me. One has become my Twitter header. And that ending page! It all works well.

This issue ended and I immediately wanted to read the next part. That is the sign of a great middle chapter.

On to the book!

Supergirl Episode 212: Luthors

Supergirl episode 212, titled 'Luthors' aired this week and was a decent episode, building up the threat of the Luthors and Cadmus, bringing back a couple of villains from earlier in the season, and shoring up one of the relationships that has suffered the most during this season - Kara and James. And, in continuing and running theme of this second season, we touch on prejudices and biases.

For me, the most interesting plot involved the relationship between Lillian and Lena. We learn a lot about their family's history. We meet the other members of the Luthor clan. There is a nice understated current of the eternal argument of nature vs. nurture. There is a lot here to remind me that you can't trust a Luthor. And that bias is unfortunately played out on Lena who is trying to do good and distance herself from her family's legacy. But Luthor motivations are, to quote Churchill, a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. People just keep thinking there are ulterior motives.

But I was definitely glad to see that some time was spent on the Kara/James friendship. It has felt, at times, this season that the show runners simply didn't know what to do with James. The Guardian plot felt a little forced at times. So seeing them at least voice their issues with each other and try to move past them was welcomed. I also liked hearing James add some Superman/Luthor context to his concerns about Lena.

And we continue to nudge the Kara and Mon-El romance forward. In fact, we get just about as close to a kiss as we have before a surprise ending stalls things.

Finally, I have to compliment Katie McGrath for her performance as Lena in this episode. She really has to emote a ton here, veering from sadness and worthlessness to a touch of anger and self-reflection. And she simply nails it. What a nice showcase for her skills.

On to the show.

Supergirl Episode 202: Last Children Of Krypton

The second episode of this second season of Supergirl aired earlier this week and continued to showcase the super-cousins as they faced the Kryptonite-powered menace of not one ... but two Metallos! I got the sense from this episode that the show runners were using this first mini-arc to set up the current season, redefining some of the characters' roles while reestablishing some of the emotional cores of the show. Remember, a network change happened. The producers might feel they need to inform new viewers exactly what happens in National City all while satisfying everyone who followed from CBS.

As a result, 'Last Children of Krypton' felt a little busy. A lot happens in this episode. And some of it felt a little off as the emotional beats and some storylines happen a little quickly. This isn't as nutty as last season's premiere which could have used another 30 minutes. But it felt a bit cramped.

That isn't to say I didn't like the episode. What is stuffed into this episode is, for the most part, pretty good. From the strained relationship of J'onn and Superman to the new Catco to Winn being the voice of familial reason, there is some solid stuff here. I was happy and entertained. You can't ask for more.

So with the deck chairs rearranged and everyone's roles reset, this season is ready to take off. No complaints here.

On to the particulars; settle in.

Supergirl Episode 201: Adventures of Supergirl

Earlier this week the season premiere of Supergirl aired on its new network, The CW. After the months of speculation about where the show would air and would the CW mean a lower quality production, we finally got a season two.

For those who don't want a deeper dive into the episode, I can sum up the episode in three words.

It was wonderful.

There was a ton to love about this episode. And it all starts with the voiceover of the opening. The new opening talks about how Kara hid herself in the past but now with friends, allies, and family she is finally home. That theme of finding who you are and being proud of your identity is going to be a running theme here.

As usual, Melissa Benoist is brilliant, shining bright as Kara who is maturing in this world and discovering her way in the world. It really felt like it mirrored her growth in comics, suddenly realizing that she could be defined by who she is alone, rather than just her relationships with her cousin or boyfriend or adopted family. And that growth was in both aspects of her character, Supergirl and Kara.

The Tyler Hoechlin Superman was another bright spot, smiling, winking, supporting his cousin, and basically saving the day. This was about as far as you can get from Zach Snyder Superman. But don't think this is a meek Kal. He has a bone to pick with J'onn and he isn't backing down from that. And we hear that Kryptonians age more slowly, explaining his youthful look despite being 12 years older (thanks for dealing with this CW!).

And thank goodness Cat Grant was on the premiere, pushing Kara into her new role and new confidence. As usual, Cat is a mentor. I am pretty convinced, based on some lines she says, that Cat still knows Kara is Supergirl. She also has her usual blistering dialogue, zinging multiple people. And I think we got the hints of a reason why Cat might be less visible this season.

On top of that we got great moments from Winn (now working for the DEO, acting like a fanboy), Lena Luthor (strong in person and determined to polish the Luthor family name), and Jimmy (looking a bit forlorn as his relationship with Kara takes a turn.

In fact, the one problem I have with the episode is the relative dearth of Alex. Sure, she has a decent fistfight and some fun moments. But she seemed more on the periphery of the show than in its center this time around.

Finally, in this preamble, I will say that the special effects and action scenes were definitely on par with last season. Things looked sharp.

On to the specifics.

DC Comics Silver Age Classics Action Comics #252

DC Silver Age Classics was a series put out by the company 25 years ago reprinting key issues from DC's history. It was an interesting 10 issues that DC chose, including the Showcase 4 (first silver age Flash), Showcase #22 (first silver age Green Lantern), Brave and Bold #28 (first JLA), and others.

One of the ten was Action Comics #252!

The book is a complete reprint of the issue including the Superman solo story introducing Metallo, a Congorilla story, and the first appearance of Supergirl, the eight page story at the end of the issue. So interesting that Supergirl's origin and the set-up for her back up series was done so quickly. These days her origin took 6 issues!

The story is reprinted in many many places so no need to cover it again.

But the issue did include a small column called 'Classic Comments', a brief write-up about the importance of the issues.

I don't know if this column by Kim 'Howard' Johnson is great but I thought I would share.

For one, even in 1992, I don't know if Supergirl would be the second female super-hero that people would name. As much as I think Supergirl is up there in the pantheon, I don't know if the general public knew about Supergirl then. Would she be the quick second choice? Maybe ...

And Howard's statement that maybe part of Supergirl's appeal is her being a cute young girl was probably true back in 1959.

Howard does a good job of quickly recapping not only this Supergirl's origin but the 'dry run' of Supergirl from back in Superman #123.

Her career and adventures are truncated to one paragraph, jumping from Midvale orphan to death in the Crisis 3 sentences.

Still, this issue might be the closest I get to actually holding Action Comics #252 in my hand. So I am glad to have it in my collection.

Review: Adventures Of Superman #13

Adventures of Superman #13 came out in print form last week and this book continues to impress me.

This time writer B. Clay Moore and artist Gabriel Rodriguez weave a story of desperation and inspiration. I have long applauded the feel of this book, a sort of classic Superman. And this story continues that. This is a Superman who is here to help. The Daily Planet workers are friends, playfully jabbing at each other. Clark and Lois have a competitive but amicable relationship, help each other finish work and meet deadlines. The villains are villains. And Superman inspires.

I don't seem to cover it in my scans but the Daily Planet banter is great here, something not seen too often in the New 52, which is a shame. That alone might be worth the price of the book.

Gabriel Rodriguez does solid work here. His characters are very expressive, adding some punch to the story. I love his Lois and hope to see him on more super-books at some point.

The issue opens up with Metallo attacking Metropolis, causing a lot of property damage around the Daily Planet. While Lois and Jimmy cover the story on the ground, Superman arrives with a lead plate. With the Kryptonite heart covered, Superman makes short work of Metallo. With the villain down, the Metropolis SCU comes in.

Some things I like about this fight. I love how Rodriguez adds some sweat to Superman's brow. He should break a sweat fighting someone who wields Kryptonite.

And I love how Superman says Kryptonite is his Kryptonite. I don't know how to explain it. It is collegial. He is working with the police and able to drop a little funny blurb amid the danger. I am so used to seeing Superman fighting the police and military that this one line stood out.

Unfortunately, Jimmy isn't the only photojournalist covering the story. A man named Hobson, a former Planet reporter now working for a second rate paper is also there. But he seems more intent on photographing the Planet staff rather than the fight.

And look how he notices that Clark arrives right after Superman leaves.

Hmmm....

It turns out that Hobson is completely obsessed with Superman and the Planet. He thinks he is going to break the story of the century. And what obsessed character in a comic or movie doesn't have a complex shrine of newspaper clippings, maps, and yarn showing all the connections.

Moore does a good job of showing just how close Hobson is to the edge here. This isn't a nice neat investigation. And Rodriguez is able to add to the feel. Small things like the numerous post it notes (on the back of the desk?), banana peels, and pizza boxes show just how much this story is driving Hobson.

And I like how the cover is a close-up of this.

One part that I thought was a stretch was Clark physically confronting Hobson when he discovers Hobson tailing him. Felt just a smidge out of character. But by this time, Clark has noticed Hobson in the background of Jimmy's pics and is wondering what is what. The physical part quickly calms to sharing a cup of coffee.

So what is Hobson's story?

It sounds more like a vendetta on the Planet than on Superman. Hobson even calls Superman "him", in quotes. We know that Hobson once worked for the Planet. Maybe this is revenge? Bitterness?

Again, Clark's discussion of his friends shows how chummy and easy they are around each other.

But it gets Clark thinking. Is he concentrating on the area around the Planet too much?

He isn't, of course. We see him make time to stop a simple mugging.

But what a great panel here. A sort of upward viewpoint, making Superman bigger than life, iconic pose behind the criminal, the woman looking up at him .. beyond the crook. Slick.

Hobson isn't done though. To gather more info, he heads to Stryker's Island to interview Superman's foes. Why do they attack? And why attack the paper?

The Toyman attacks the paper to get in the paper. The Atomic Skull attacks because he thinks Superman has feelings for Lois. Metallo doesn't have time to answer because a jail break happens during the interview. Metallo grabs Hobson as a hostage and takes off.

I love Metallo's speech here discussing the bizarre behavior of supervillains. While he knows the right thing to do is escape, most villains would rather stick around in the chaos and beat up guards. It is so true ... at least in comics.

Superman comes in to mop things up. 

Okay, I include this because how often do we see Bronze Age Terra Man.

Unfortunately, Metallo is missing and the guards know he had Hobson in tow.

Hobson has bartered for his life by saying that he has information about Superman to give Metallo. And finally we hear what Hobson's story is.

He thinks that Superman is a publicity stunt, cooked up by the Planet to increase sales. And therefore, the Planet knows who he really is.

It is an interesting concept - the endorsement super-hero, the noble spokesman. I suppose that in a cynical world a person wouldn't help without being paid. So why not?

Of course Superman is able to track them, defeat Metallo and save Hobson.

And now we know the true story Hobson is holding on to.

It is implied that he has cracked the ultimate case and knows Clark is Superman.

Hobson has seemed somewhat oily throughout this story and yet ...

He could have told Metallo this a page earlier, a way to save himself. But he didn't. He knew it was wrong.

And then the 'ka-pow' classic Superman moment.

Hobson asks why Superman does what he does. And Superman simply says that with his gifts what else would he do. It is a reminder that we should use our gifts to help each other. It reminded me of the Superman movie where we learn he wasn't put on this world to score touchdowns. We see Superman going out of his way to help someone who is working in ruining him.

This is Superman.

And that simple statement inspires Hobson. We see the front page of Hobson's paper. And there is Hobson's byline under a story of how Superman saved him even when Hobson was trying to ruin him.

This series is an anthology. Stories like this are one-offs. But they have often cut to the essence of Superman. It once again shows how Superman as a hero ... as an idea ... can inspire people. This is a cynical world. People are jaded, distrusting, and self-centered. But that simple idea ... to be there to help ... can lead us from the shadows.

Okay ... maybe heavy-handed and schmaltzy.

But this is the kind of Superman I want to read. So thanks to Moore and Rodriguez. And thanks to Adventures of Superman. I'll be sad to see this book go.

Overall grade: A