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. 

2022 In Review: Best Of Supergirl Comic Moments #5-#1

We have finally reached it! The best comic moments of Supergirl in 2022.

For the last 3 days I have been reviewing how 2022 has treated Kara Zor-El. It was a good year for Supergirl in comics. While she didn't have a solo title on the shelves, she was shown to be a hero, intelligent and competent and passionate, in several books. In particular, she truly shone in Batman/Superman World's Finest and Action Comics.

Day 1, I looked at the non-comic moments and Honorable Mentions.

Day 2, I reviewed top ten moments #10-6.

Today we look at the cream of the crop. 

It was pretty easy to find 'best of' moments this year. Trust me, that isn't always true. As always, it comes down to creators who understand the character and respect her. So when you look at the list of best moments, note the creators. No surprise to see Mark Waid there. He is confirmed fan. But I am glad to creators like Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Robert Venditti are there. Johnson is leading Action Comics which is going to a sort of anthology model now. Hopefully we'll get some solo adventures for Supergirl there. And Venditti wrote the Superman '78 book and is slated for the sequel. We know an earth is out there for that universe that includes Supergirl so fingers crossed.

Let's dive right in!

2022 In Review: Best Of Supergirl Honorable Mentions And Non-Comic Stuff

Welcome to day 1 of 3 of my end of year review about Supergirl and the site. 

What a difference a year makes! 

Look back at last year's review (here and here),  you'll be reminded that 2021 was a tough year for Supergirl. The television show was canceled. The main book was Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow, a comic that was beautifully rendered but was a terrible take on the character. 

This year, I got to read two comic books that featured a Supergirl that I truly wanted to read. Mark Waid's Batman/Superman World's Finest showcases a wonderful Supergirl, a strong, pro-active. competent, bright, and caring. We also get to read a Supergirl in Phillip Kennedy Johnson's Action Comics, where Kara is a leader within the El family, a voice in the room, and again a competent hero. Two books!!

Add to that, Supergirl plays an important role in DC Vs. Vampires book. She was a wonderful addition in the World Of Krypton mini-series as well. 

That's a lot of solid Supergirl in 2022. I cannot complain.

I'll say that I hoped she would play a bigger role in Dark Crisis, although her last minute stepping in for Mary Marvel made it unlikely. Also given the muddle nature of that book, it is probably a blessing.

And I'll say up front that I did not include Zala, the Kara analogue in Dark Knights of Steel in this review because technically it isn't our Supergirl. 

Okay, now some business. This will be a three day review because I want to make sure I give all the top ten moments some space to breathe. Today I'll review some non-comic stuff as well as the honorable mentions. Then over the next two days I'll count down the best of the best.

On to the year review!

Terrificon Recap 1: Gene Ha And Robert Venditti

The 2022 con season opened up with my favorite con, Terrificon, a couple of weekends ago. This will be the first of two recap posts as I go over interactions and purchases.

Terrificon has always been the best comic book focused convention in this area of the country and I love it. The show runner, Mitch Hallock, always brings in a great guest list of legends and current stars. And the set-up in the Mohegan Sun Casino convention hall is just perfect. The con is a short 90 minute drive from where I live so I happily attended all three days. And thanks again to Mr. Hallock for bestowing a Press Pass to this little site. Meant I had a little more money to spend on books and sigs.

There is definitely an energy to the place as you have a great comic creators, celebrities with ties to geek culture, and more vendors than I could count. I just love the feel of this convention.

The guest list was again incredible and I am always curious to see which one garners the longest lines. There were some guests that were new to me and folks I am a big fan of. So I definitely had a couple of missions in mind.

Today I'll cover two of the folks at the top of the list: Gene Ha and Robert Venditti.

Review: World Of Krypton #6

Work and life in general has been hectic here so I am just catching up on comic reviews. 

Today I'll look at World of Krypton #6 by Robert Venditti and Michael Avon Oeming, an issue which came out 2 weeks ago.

This is the last issue of this mini-series. And let's admit it, as readers we all knew where this was going. There ends with the destruction of Krypton. That's the origin.

And yet, the creators do something interesting, at least for me. I assumed we would be ending this mini-series with a classic shot of Jor-El and Lara looking up as a rocket streaks away from the exploding planet. After all, I just said that is where this story ends. Instead, Venditti ends this mini-series a bit more open-ended. Yes, the planet will explode. But there is still some time left, some stories unsaid. As I have enjoyed this mini-series, it left me clamoring a bit for more. Always a good sign.

I also think that Venditti has done a good job mining the past, picking up pieces of the established history that work, and then crafting this fresh take on things. The mirrors into our own current world are there, no doubt, but not presented in a preachy way. This is more a parable of frankly where we are in the world today. 

Oeming's art is an acquired taste but it has grown on me throughout the series. The use of electronic panel borders still works for me, giving this a feel for some discovered found footage file by Kal on Earth. His sassy young Kara continues to amaze me. And the action sequences, and there are many in this violent filled finale, flow well with palpable strikes.

I am sad to see this series end and wouldn't mind seeing these creators hook up again. Maybe for an old-fashioned 'Tales from Krypton' back-up in one of the Superman books?

I'd be remiss if I didn't include a shot of the variant cover by Cat Staggs showing Kara holding baby Kal. I assumed we would see this sort of thing in the series as well but we just never get there.

I will point out that the outfit Kara is wearing is Staggs' design for the Smallville book. Just a great variant.

On to the story specifics.

Review: World Of Krypton #5

World of Krypton #5, the penultimate issue of the mini-series by writer Robert Venditti and artist Michael Avon Oeming, came out this week and set us up nicely for the inevitable conclusion of the planet. We all know that Krypton is going to explode. So it is really the characters that are going to drive this.

As someone who has been reading comics for over 4 decades, I have read the destruction of Krypton and Superman's origins many times. The buildup has been anything from a few panels to whole mini-series like this. I have read different takes and the main characters have had different motivations and outlooks on life.

One thing I like about this series is that Venditti is really looking at the classic interpretation of the characters but putting something of a modern spin on things. Jor-El is the scientist who knows Krypton is doomed. But instead of being laughed at, his work is being sort of denied or ignored. Lara is still the loving wife but she has agency here and is a true partner to Jor. Zod is still an extreme fascist but this story makes it seem like he is nudged down that path rather than it being inherent. And Zor-El is the loving father just trying to save his family. But that desperation has at least a whiff of the more recent interpretations of Zor as something of a madman. Even Kara here is bright and intelligent with a little sass to her, another welcome return.

In other words, the essence of these characters remain intact here but in a way that makes sense for this 2022 reader. The evil Jor-El who became Mr. Oz never jibed with me. The Zor-El who was seeing phantoms and killing people never made sense. The Zor-El who drugged and rocketed Kara away in the New 52 didn't work for me. And the morose Supergirl, crying in a sun and living in pain, certainly doesn't either.

I guess this is a long winded way of thanking Robert Venditti for this tale. It is clear we are reading an allegory of Earth as it is unfolding right now. But it isn't preachy or overwhelming. 

Oeming's art is an acquired taste. It definitely is a wild style especially effective in the riot sequences in this issue. From embedded panels and action progression, things zip along. It can be 'cartoony' at times. But it kind of dazzles in its own way. I have really enjoyed his take on the young Kara from baby to toddler to school age girl here.

On to the show.

Review: World Of Krypton #4

World of Krypton #4 came out this week, the beginning of the back half of the mini-series. And things are getting heated. I am really liking how this tale is unfolding, mixing in classic Superman history with some new elements. For me, the thing that feels very new for me is the overall timeline. Unlike prior stories where it felt like the discovery that Krypton was going to explode happened shortly before the cataclysm. Here it seems like years. And that gives us more time to let the storylines breathe a little.

Writer Robert Venditti definitely is mining current events here on our Earth and using Krypton as an allegory. Krypton is over populated. The people are using dangerous amounts of energy. As a result the environment and the very planet itself is about to reach the brink. The Els carry hope in their hearts, that when the people are notified of the changes that need to happen, that they will comply. The Zods are warriors, used to fighting to survive, and decide that the people must be forced to comply to new rules. Both men want Krypton to survive. It's the means that differ. And we see that emphasized here.

Michael Avon Oeming continues to bring an interesting take on the proceedings. As I have said, the panels look like computer screens making this feel like I am watching a history tape of the events. He has a definite style but I like the fisticuffs he brings us here, good movement. He also brings us a great young Kara.

This is a Supergirl blog. As a side plot, Zor-El working to save his daughter apart from Jor-El leans into Supergirl history and that makes me happy. This isn't the New 52 Zor-El, drugging his daughter and sending her away. This isn't the Loeb Supergirl sent to Earth to kill Kal-El. This is a loving father trying to save his child. Wonderful.

Really enjoying this so far. On to the particulars.

Review: World Of Krypton #3

World of Krypton #3 came out this week, the halfway point of this new mini-series re-telling and re-thinking the story behind Krypton's destruction. We know the end of this story but frankly things have been tweaked many times since Rebirth, heck since the Crisis. Jor-El has been evil. Zor-El has been evil. Kara has been evilly manipulated by her father. Heck, most recently Rogol Zaar blew up Krypton. All that is in the past.

Writer Robert Venditti and artist Michael Avon Oeming bring a more classic take on the story. Jor-El and Zor-El are friends. Lara and Alura are just as smart. They all care for each other and their world. And they are all trying to save Krypton. 

Venditti is really giving us a lot to chew on. The concern for Krypton's destruction seems to be known for years. Jor-El and Zor-El are doing their best to bring the problem in front of the right eyes. In the meantime, the political environment of Krypton is just as combustible. Zod is trying to bring order to the world, with an iron fist. There are enough echoes of this world for me to see the writing on the world. But so far, it isn't too heavy-handed. This is a story about Krypton, not a preaching about Earth.

The best thing of this issue for me though is a brief look at the precocious dreamer that is Kara Zor-El. If I ever needed to see a clever Kara dreaming under the stars, it is now.

Oeming is a star in this issue. The panels have been intriguing in this book, sort of like computer screens. But everything else is stunning here. The Science Council, Zod's police tactics, the environment ... Oeming is bringing it here. It is incredible. Just impressive.

On to the book.

Review: Superman '78 #6

Superman '78 #6 came out last week marking the end of this mini-series and making me want a sequel immediately.

Writer Robert Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres absolutely captured the feel, tone, and look of the Donner Superman universe. They gave us the Lois and Perry and Lex we know from those movies. And they also gave us Brainiac, a villain they made somewhat sympathetic.

But they main thing they did here was give us a Clark that was instantly recognizable. This is a Clark who won't give up, who understands goodness, and who inspires. If you want to give someone a book that epitomizes who Superman is and what he stands for, this is a pretty good book. 

Torres continues to shine, giving us great likenesses and fantastic action. The art definitely brings out the emotions these characters are feeling. In particular, the scenes with Lois just sing.

It all feels like it ended too quickly. How I would have loved 3 or 6 more issues of this team doing this Superman. Maybe this will sell well enough to get us a sequel. And while we are at it, maybe we can get a Supergirl '84 book too!

On to the specifics!

Review: World Of Krypton #2

 World of Krypton #2 came out last week, written by Robert Venditti with art by Michael Avon Oeming. This is the latest version of Kryptonian history leading up to the planet's destruction and so far I have to say this book has been well worth reading.

Venditti is already hitting a home run over on Superman '78. Here he is doing a deep dive in to the El family in the years leading up to Kal and Kara being rocketed off. He seems to have a good grasp of the characters voices. Jor is a well-intentioned, highly moral scientist, steering us away from the haughty, quasi-evil one we saw in the Mr. Oz arcs recently. Zor seems to be his brother's best friend and scientific partner, not the angry rival we have seen recently. And Zod is a scheming, power-hungry soldier ... pretty much the Zod we always see. These feel like classic and because of recent renditions fresh. 

Add to the family storylines important events like the discovery and utilization of the Phantom Zone and the idea of escaping the planet's doom, and you have a solid and rich tale. With climate control and pandemics impacting our world, there are reverberations here of Krypton being a cautionary tale.

Oeming's art has a unique style but seems perfect here. Specifically, the anguish seen on those in the Phantom Zone, the actual shunting of someone into that dimension, and the consternation on everyone's faces, and the art complements the plot very well. Oeming also has brought us his take on Kryptonian architecture and fashion, clearly modeled after prior takes but all his own. Mico Suayan brings detail and depth to the more realistic covers. 

I do wonder if this is going to be "the" history moving forward. If so, it will be interesting to see how Kara's history and timing jibes with the mishmash of history Tom King has given us recently.

On to the book.

Review: Superman '78 #5

Superman '78 #5 came out last week and was an excellent penultimate chapter in this six issue mini-series. The second to last chapters have an important job in stories like this. They have to move the plot forward enough so that the story can be wrapped up in the finale. 

Here writer Robert Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres bring us to the brink. Superman is brought back from Kandor, He meets Brainiac in battle. We get a decent cliffhanger. But Venditti also brings us, as he has throughout this book, wonderful personal moments and solid character beats. 

Wilfredo Torres also gets to shine here. The back half of the book is the sort of brawl I wished to see in a Reeve Superman movie. He tosses in a bunch of Easter Eggs too ... Richard Pryor (from Superman III), Barney Miller, and Shaggy. His likenesses are spot on with (for me) his Jackie Cooper the best. 

There's a lot to be wrapped up next issue. What happens with Brainiac? With his cities? What happens to Lex? Will we see a Lois/Superman romantic moment? But I think the way this issue plays out, there will be plenty of room to cover all the bases.

On to the book.

Review: World Of Krypton #1

World of Krypton #1 came out last week and was a wonderfully unexpected holiday present. I didn't know I wanted this. I wasn't sure I'd like it. But let me tell you, this first issue was a winner. 

I am a middle-aged man who has been reading comics for more than 40 years. I have read many versions of Krypton's history. I have even read prior mini-series called World of Krypton. Was I ready to hear another take? And remember, Brian Michael Bendis even rewrote some of this just a couple of years ago, shoving Rogol Zaar into the mix.

I shouldn't be surprised that writer Robert Venditti just nails it. I have liked all the stuff I have read of his. The Superman '78 book is a joy. His take on Krypton's history feels classic and fresh at the same time. How wonderful to see Jor and Zor friendly with each other again. I have one of those nagging 'Anj mystery' feelings about something happening here. And I get the sense this might be the best recent interpretation of Kara in a long time.

Michael Avon Oeming is on art. He has a style which works for me even if I know he is an acquired taste. I like how his Krypton feels like Byrne's aesthetic albeit with a bit more flair. His take on the Kryptonian landscape is slick. And the action plays out very well.

No complaints here. None. 

On to the book.

Review: Superman '78 #4

Superman '78 #4 came out last week. We are on the back half of this mini-series and I already miss it. Robert Venditti and Wilfredo Torres just get it. They seem to understand Superman the way I understand him. I cannot tell you how much I love this book.

Venditti captures the voices of these characters in the Donner universe perfectly. From Lois' brashness to Luthor's bombast to Clark's 'aw shucks' Midwest attitude, the book's dialogue sings. In particular, Luthor's narcissism is just spot on. I hear Gene Hackman's voice in my head.

But even beyond those main characters, Venditti has expanded the universe giving us a Brainiac which fits in seamlessly, He gives us an El family which matches the early scenes of the movie. 

Most importantly, he gives us Superman.

 

Meanwhile, Torres captures the universe just as well visually. His lines are clean. The characters look enough like the actors to make this feel like a continuation of the film universe. Even his new additions, like Brainiac ships and drones all look like something that could have been in the movie. 

Enough gushing. On to the book. 

Review: Superman '78 #3

Superman '78 #3 came out this week and remains this perfectly charming, perfectly nostalgic title that I need right now. 

I saw the first movie in the theater as a young child and I unabashedly love it. I was hoping that somehow this title would capture that magic. I wanted to be transported back to that young Anj who suddenly believed a man could fly.

As I have said before, writer Robert Venditti and artist Wilfredo Torres are doing just that. This comic is such a cleansing deep breath, going back to a simpler time where maybe heroism is still sort of black and white, but also giving me a wonderfully entertaining story. 

There are homages to the movie and Silver Age comics. There is self-sacrifice on the part of our hero. And there is excellent Brainiac action, something we all hoped to see back in the day. It is a joy to see this Superman interacting with  his parents and his Kryptonian culture. But most of all, it is great to see the conniving Hackman Lex Luthor, such a deliciously captivating character.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the great cover by Amy Reeder, a favorite of mine. I love the reflection of Jor-El and Lara over the shoulder of Superman and his surprised face. Great visual.

On to the book.

Review: Superman '78 #2

I love the 1978 Superman movie. It had action. It had charm. It had humor. And it had a Superman I could believe in. Not just that he could fly but that he was truly good.

When Superman '78 was announced, I wondered if it could capture that magic. Two issues in and I can say yes.

Superman '78 #2 came out this month and made me smile. Writer Robert Venditti captures the spirit of the movie so well. From Superman earnest nature to Lois' spunk to Luthor's subtle evil mixed with wry humor. He even brings in some Superman II nods. It all just sings. 

Perhaps most interesting is how his Brainiac feels like the Brainiac we know but also is different enough to feel right for this univers.

Wilfredo Torres brings exceptional art here, evoking the actors who played these roles without being overly photo-realistic. His Superman really looks like Christopher Reeve. And his action sequences flow nicely. 

If you like the movie, you should be reading this book. On to the details.