Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #12

Adventures of Superman Book of El #12 came out last week marking the end of this book and, more importantly, the end of Phillip Kennedy Johnson writing Superman for the foreseeable future. 

Johnson understood Superman incredibly well. The hero he is. The inspiration he is. The power of his symbols.

Johnson understood the assignment and leaned into his strengths. He loves world-building and mythology. From Warworld to Metallo and Earth Al Ghul, he built his own worlds and mythology. And he placed Superman in the middle, forcing change and inspiring.

And now we have Book Of El where Superman was pulled forward in time to stop Kryl-Ux from uniting the aspects of Olgrun and re-write reality. Superman has to save the universe. But he also has to unite his family to become the force of good needed in the universe.

The defeat of Kryl-Ux is quick but requires the whole squad (including Supergirl!). And the upshot of that is the ascension of the House of El even in the far-flung future. 

Scotty Godlewski is on art and brings it. This is a big cast fighting a promethean giant and he does a great job. Every El has a unique look and costume. Kryl-Ux is enormous and scary. And the quiet moments at the end are charming. 

I don't know if I understood the minutiae of the mythology. But I got the broad strokes. And this book again shows how well PKJ knows how to write Superman. Heroic. Kind. Inspiring.

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #11

With the number of books and ancillary stuff coming out, I am quite delinquent in some reviews. I suppose better late than never.

Adventures of Superman Book Of El #11 came out recently, the penultimate chapter of this epic tale and, unfortunately, the penultimate Superman book for Phillip Kennedy Johnson. It was way back in 2021 when PKJ was announced as the new writer on Action Comics. At the time I said 'who?' But he showed me quite quickly that he understood Superman and the Super-Family. He will be missed on these books.

This title has had the usual wide-spread world-building that PKJ is known for. But we are approaching the end. The Els are united ... truly united as you'll see ... and are ready to fight Kryl-Ux and his made quest for power. The aspects of Olgrun are finally all near each other. And the battle is about to come to an end.

But, being true to his understanding of Superman, even when things look most dire, when it looks like the only answer is violence, Johnson has our hero offer peace and help. 

The art is a conglomeration of Scotty Godlewski, Cian Tormey, and Vasco Georgiev. It flows smoothly with, I believe, Godlewski doing most of the pages, They make Kryl-Ux appropriately horrific and give the right degree of emotion to the scenes that require it.

The mythology of the book has been a bit hard to follow at times but this issue felt like one of the strongest, finally bringing all the pieces together on the chessboard. On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #10

Adventures of Superman Book of El #10 came out last week and that means we are but 2 months away from the end of the story. Knowing that, creative team of writer Philip Kennedy Johnson and artist Scotty Godlewski (with some pinch hitting by Vicente Cifuentes) don't have time for more world building and move towards the finale. 

Kryl-Ux is finally getting to gathering the aspects of Olgrun in hopes of resurrecting his family. But now that we actually see what Kryl-Ux looks like after absorbing old god energy makes me wonder if his family will even recognize him. As for the Els, we also get them together at long last. 

One thing that has troubled me a bit in this series has been the depth of world-building and my trying to keep up with the new knowledge. I wish there was a little index on the title page listing the aspects of Olgrun - passion, wrath, etc - and where they are. I am struggling remember what is where and even how many. It also is interesting to see how monstrous Kryl-Ux looks like in the contrast to the aspect-bearing Els who remain normal appearing. Is it a demonstration of the host's motivations and ethics?

Scotty Godlewski and Vicente Cifuentes art is excellent, continuing to bring a smooth look to the troubled future. There is some horror in this and it is brought to bear.

We have two big issues left here. Kryl-Ux being defeated and Superman going back in time to stop this timeline from happening. We also need the fate of the twins decided. Two issues left with a lot of story to cover.

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #9

Adventures of Superman Book of El #9 came out this week and pushed this storyline forward, explaining a bit more about the aspects of Olgrun in this far flung future. The solicit said that Supergirl was finally going to enter the story but alas, the solicit was wrong. Kara is no where to be found.

Phillip Kennedy Johnson is doing what he does best here, building a world and a history that we saw in Last God, Warworld, and even now in Infernal Hulk. I have said before that I don't think I quite see the big tapestry and occasionally need to remind myself who is who. But there is a depth to this story that I think might be best served when reread, including the text pieces at the end, a sort of appendix/bible for what we are seeing in the story. I almost wish this was a 2 year series where all the exposition in the backmatter was shown; some of the things discussed there sound amazing.

Unfortunately, this is a 12 issue series and we are now 75% done so some things here happen almost too quickly, without explanation, as this story careens to its end. The turnaround for Theand'r for example is confusing to me.

But I don't want to ignore the fact that Johnson not only understands Superman but understands the inspiration he is. We see it in the star-children. We see it in most of his descendants. Superman himself is tremendous in this. 

Scotty Godlewski is back on art and this might be his strongest issue. There are Olgrun manifestations, undead Warzoon, battles on Tamaran, and a killer cliffhanger. 

I am going to miss seeing Kennedy Johnson working with DC characters. On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #7

Adventures of Superman Book of El #7 came out this week, turning the corner to the back half of this sweeping mythological story. As I have said in prior reviews, I feel that this series is huge in scope, steeped in a mythology I don't fully grasp, and so I have felt a bit lost.

This issue only skirted all the dense mythology and focused really on one side adventure, Otho trying to save Superman by outracing the Black Racer. Yes, there are elements of the mythic setting in this tale, details you need to just take as comic book science/religion. As a result, I understood the stakes and characters' motivations here more than usual. Understandably, this was my favorite issue of the mini so far.

Maybe because I liked the story so much, I thought Scotty Godlewski's art was strongest here. The space action is pretty slick. And his style seems to be veering a little to anime-esque which works here.

This issue is really Otho-centric but the cover is Osul, trapped behind the S-symbol of the Red King Pyrrhos, estranged son of El. Nice cover for sure. But the Pyrrhos S-shield is sort of different. Some elements feel like political symbols of hammer/sickle. But also maybe a snake wriggling through the classic S? It reminded me of Gene Ha's Corporate Superman symbol.

On to the book!

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #6

Adventures of Superman Book of El #6 came out this week meaning we have reached the halfway mark of this tale. I remain intrigued but a little lost, a sentiment I think I have shared the last couple of issues.

Phillip Kennedy Johnson is building a universe and mythology from whole cloth in this series, showing us a potential universe where Kryl-Ux disturbed the present, invading Earth, and disrupting the future. Because the canvas is so big, there is a lot to build and Johnson is doing his best. We are traveling the galaxies. We have backmatter filling in some history. It is all impressive and a lot of it is interesting.

But I still don't think I am understanding all the moving parts. Moreover, the underlying plot that Kryl-Ux is trying to unite the aspects of Olgrun into himself so he can bring his family back to life isn't making a lot of sense to me. Olgrun has fused with one aspect. But it is clear he knew where other aspects were. Why not merge with them if that is his goal? Was he waiting to know where all the aspects were before doing parts of it? Last issue we learned he knew where the Will of Olgrun was. This issue we learn he knew where the Madness of Olgrun is. So what is Kryl-Ux's mission?

Outside the plot, Johnson shows us more of Superman's descendants. We see a lot of Otho. And there is a mystery that has me guessing. 

Scotty Godlewski's art is really strong in the book. I feel like his style has become cleaner and more powerful than I remember from his ealrier works on the Superman books. With the scope this big, you need someone who can handle 'big art' and we see it here. I'd love to see him continue documenting the Super-Twin's story but I think this is probably the last we are going to see of them.

Do others feel as sort of lost as I am?

On to the book.

Review: Adventures of Superman Book of El #5

Adventures of Superman Book of El #5 came out this week and continues to be brash and epic and universal in scope. There are big moments in this book, worthy of big art, as it continues to build this mythology. 

I just don't know if I understand what is going on.

I desperately want to love this book. I am amazed at writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson's world building and myth building style. I loved his Superman run. I am enjoying his current Hulk book. He recently signed a Marvel exclusive contract so this is probably his last bite at the DCU for a while. This book is built on the Warworld Saga. And I miss the Super-Twins who are the crux of the plot and finally seen a tiny bit in this issue's cliffhanger.

I should love this book. 

The truth is I am enjoying each scene but I don't think I am understanding 100% how it all holds together. I am interested in seeing the descendants of Superman interacting in this future time but I don't know their back story enough to appreciate what should be emotional moments. I trust Johnson to pull the threads and tighten everything. But I feel a little lost. Am I the only one?

Scott Godlewsi's art really is brilliant giving the scope of the action in the book. From small personal moments to giant universal giants throwing haymakers, the book is gorgeous. 

Would really love to hear other's thoughts as we approach the halfway mark. On to the book!

Review: Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #4

Adventures of Superman: Book of El #4 came out last week meaning the first third of this epic sequel to Warworld is done. As a reader, I feel like I am still learning about this future and these characters as writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson continues his world-building. So I do feel not lost. Maybe grasping at the plot threads to pull them together.

It was just announced that Phillip Kennedy Johnson signed an exclusive contract with Marvel meaning this is his last bite at the DC apple, at least for a while. So I am not surprised to see him playing with all his toys. So not only Kryl-Ux and Phaelosians from Warworld Saga, not only Rowan and Ronan Kent from Future State, but we also get Ellie Stewart from Green Lantern War Journal. I don't blame Johnson for using all the great things he has brought to the DCU. But I don't know if I completely understand what is happening in the Kent family or what the power structure of the universe writ large is. I am seeing all the parts and I trust Johnson to bring it all together. 

Scotty Godlewski really gets to stretch his legs in this issue on art. This universe feels mythic and Godlewski embraces it with haunted castles and knights in armor in sprawling fanciful lands. His art brings you into the world and it made me pause on some pages to just drink in the art. 

Still no Osul or Otho! Hope we see them soon!

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #3

Adventures of Superman Book of El #3 came out this week and was another warp-speed issue by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Scott Godlewski. This is such an interesting book to try and dissect. It is both said at a surpringly quick pace. It is set in a highly constructed world with a deep mythos. It is set basically in two times. I don't know if I know exactly what is going on and who every one is quite yet. But I am here for it.

Johnson is a world builder. This issue is set in the dystopian future brought about by Kryl-Ux's takeover of the universe. There are Summer Men. There is Lanternholm. There is Brainiac. There is Ronan Kent. I have a sense of this world but not the deepest understanding. But in many ways, just three issues in, it reminded me of the Warworld Saga. Three issues in we were just learning of Warworld's culture, of chains and Mongul and Phaelosians. Eventually it was a fully established world. I know we will get there on this book.

Instead of doing all the heavy lifting and exposition, instead we get a fast paced issue where Superman and Ronan battle Brainiac. There is action and battles and fun. Johnson still scratches the surface of what this world but in a sort of glossy way. Throw in some very interesting text pages at the end and it felt like a good meal.

Godlewski's art is also solid. We get all these alien pieces, weird armor and Brainiac drones, but within Earth and it's trappings. His Superman is large and powerful in a very iconic way. 

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman:Book Of El #2

Adventures of Superman: Book of El #2 came out this week and was a solid second chapter to this year long arc. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson really hit the ground running in the first issue, bringing an Olgrun-charged Kryl-Ux to Earth and basically take over. The first issue ends with Superman thrown into the far-flung dystopian future.

Here in the second issue, we aren't in present-day Smallville anymore. We are in some unknown future with unknown leaders and semi-unknown descendants of Superman. We are in frontier land as readers so we need to learn. One thing I know about Johnson, he is a world-builder. Between efficient scenes which establish a starting ground to back matter text pages which flesh out some history, we are really immersed in this world. But it isn't just world-building, there is a scene talking about the character of Superman that is brilliant. There isn't a lot of plot advancement here because we are dropped in. I am not complaining.

Scotty Godlewski remains on art and really makes the proceedings look sharp here. From the knight-like Summer Men to the creepy Luthor in charge to the late-age Fortress, things are vivid and crisp.

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #1

When Adventures of Superman:Book of El #1 was announced, I was thrilled. Phillip Kennedy Johnson was coming back to Superman! And he was bringing Scotty Godlewski back too! The band was reuniting.

I loved Johnson's run on Action Comics. His Warworld Saga was fantastic. Superman was heroic and inspirational as he freed the slaves on Warworld from Mongul's grip. He added to the Superman mythos, bringing in the Super-Twins Osul and Otho, Thao-La and the Phaelosians, the Kryptonian philosopher Thaklis, and the elder god Olgrun. Even before that, back in Future State, he gave us the original House of El, showing us generations of the El family in the future.

I have wanted more. There were plenty of threads left hanging from Warworld. How was Thao-La doing as a leader? What of the traitor/ally Kryl-Ux, the man willing to betray his people to get close enough to Mongul to kill him, the ends justifying the means. And what of the 'horcrux' puzzle of Olgrun? Most importantly, what is happening with Otho and Osul, two characters who have basically been missing in the current Superman books.

This maxi-series looks like it is going to answer all of those. Kennedy starts with this explosive issue. It is an incredible book showcasing the contrast of the loving Kent family and the brutal remnants of Warworld. We get to see Kryl-Ux again and how his dreams of revenge have tainted him completely. And yes, we get the twins! But this is also a book set in the present and the future. It literally is a Book of El, telling the family history. If there is one thing Johnson does, it is world build.

Scotty Godlewski brings energy to the proceedings. Whether it is the sun-dappled Smallville and chores or intergalactic war or Kirby-esque cosmic drama, he does it all. In particular, the cosmic pages crackle, pun intended.

Count me in, smiling all the way. On to the book.

Review: Lazarus Planet: Assault On Krypton

Lazarus Planet: Alpha #1 was a brilliant opening to the latest DC event. The story had legitimate stakes, moved at a brisk pace, showcased some of my favorite characters, and had beautiful art. 

Now the aftermath of the Lazarus volcano are being felt throughout the DC Universe. We'll see this in one-shots and mini-series, setting up the next year of stories. Today it is Lazarus Planet:Assault on Krypton. Really it should have been called Assault on the Super-Family. This book takes a peek at Dreamer, Jon Kent, Mercy, and Power Girl, all characters with connections to Superman. 

Each character gets their own story in the anthology. We know Jon and Power Girl will be getting their own stories, in the Adventures of Superman and Action Comics anthology respectively. I don't know where Dreamer and Mercy will end up, although the Lex-centric new Superman book is a good place for the latter. 

The stories themselves are quite solid, each ending on a sort of cliffhanger to get us interested in reading more. The Jon story was probably the best of the bunch, introducing a new villain, charming and irreverent. 

The art includes stories by veterans like Scott Godlewski,Sami Basri, and Marguerite Sauvage. Skylar Partridge pencils the Dreamer story and is a new name for me. Her work is stylish enough to work in the dreamscape. Partridge draws a pretty good Supergirl to boot.

If you're a fan of the Super-Family, I'd say this is worth the $4.99. On to the stories.

Review: Justice League Vs. The Legion Of Super-Heroes #6

Justice League Vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes #6 came out this week, the ending of the mini-series, the ending of Brian Michael Bendis' time at DC, and probably the end of this version of the Legion. This mini-series has sort of tread water and limped along the first five issues. So I shouldn't be surprised that it sort of limps over the finish line as well.

Yes, I am not surprised. But I am disappointed.

I have been a Legion fan for most of my life. I have been waiting for what feels like decades for a solid Legion product to be on the shelf. And when this one was announced, with a name writer like Bendis and a solid artist like Ryan Sook being on the book at the beginning I had high hopes. When Bendis spoke about the Legion as a dream project, I had even more hope.

But the main book never seemed to gel. There were plenty of Legionnaires who never saw action or said dialogue. The book seemed to peter out a bit after Sook left the book. And then Future State pushed the book even further into the future.

Suddenly I lost hope.

Still, there was this mini-series happening. It was a Justice League book. It had a solid artist, Scotty Godlewski attached to it. And it riffed on The Great Darkness. How could it go wrong?

Well, for one, not much happened plot wise in the book. There were some nice character moments. But the plot seemed to drag. There never was much of a VS in this book as the team played acted as allies the whole time. And now we have the finale which just sort of happens. 

I should be used to Bendis setting up something immense as a threat only to sweep it under the rug quickly. But I still feel cheated.

Godlewski's art is wonderful here which makes the lack of story that much more vexing. His Jonah Hex (I know ... how did Hex get in this) is really a scarred revelation. And he draws these new Legionnaires so well. 

Perhaps the latest Crisis will bring about yet another Legion. I feel this one never got a fair shake.

On to the book.

Review: Justice League Vs Legion Of Super-Heroes #5

Justice League Vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes #6 came out last week, the penultimate issue of this mini-series. That means we have one more issue to wrap up this story which for the first 4 issues seems to have been treading water. Entering this issue, there is still a lot unknown. We haven't seen the two teams fight. We don't know why the Gold Lantern is so key to the plot. We don't know who or what is behind the Great Darkness. 

Penultimate issues are always tricky for me as a reader. Because I am always judging them to see if the story is set up in a way where a reasonable conclusion is probable. This book has had so much sort of non-movement and this issue still has so many unanswered questions, I just get the sense I am going to be disappointed.

Brian Michael Bendis knows his strengths for sure. There is fun dialogue here with some interesting character moments. But there isn't a lot more for me to go on. The villain is finally presented but in a way that makes me think we won't learn the how's or the why's of his machinations. 

Scotty Godlewski's art continues to shine here. Part of the fun is the aged up and aged down heroes, some dramatically so. This is definitely aided by colorist Ryan Cody bringing in the grays and bright colors. 

But in the end, I wonder if this is going to be a quickly forgotten mini, saddled by being overshadowed by Dark Crisis and the 'real' Great Darkness. It would be a shame if this incarnation of the Legion is dropped and forgotten.

On to the issue.

Review: Justice League Vs. The Legion Of Super-Heroes #4

Justice League Vs. The Legion Of Super-Heroes #4 came out last week. 

But did it?

I have so desperately wanted to love this book. I am craving a Legion book to love. 

Not much happened this issue. Yes, this is a Brian Michael Bendis book. There are good character moments and snappy dialogue. But the big ending of last issue was to split the teams up and scatter them through time. This issue brings them back together with a sort of deus ex machina. 

We still don't know what The Great Darkness is. We still don't know any of the back story of Gold Lantern. I still don't really know what's going on. There are two issues left!!

Nothing wrong with the art. Scotty Godlewski brings great flair to the proceedings. Nice panels and page progression. He draws aliens well. 

This felt like an hors d'oeuvre when I am ready for a three course feast!!!

Maybe it'll end up fine. But I really felt this was a place holder. A month when nothing really happened.

On to the book.

Review: Justice League Vs Legion Of Super-Heroes #3

At long last, Justice League Vs The Legion of Super-Heroes #3 came out. It has been 2 solid months since the second issue. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will kill momentum like delays. And for someone starving for Legion material, 2 months felt like 6.

What makes matters even wonkier is that DC continuity right now is pretty soft. Remember when I thought having Doomsday Clock, Snyder's Metal, and Event Leviathan all overlapping was weird? That was a walk in the park. Right now Superman is dead, on Warworld, and in the 31st century ... all at once. It is this sort of overlapping event phenomenon that kind of cheapens or lessens each of them. We have this Great Darkness and THE GREAT DARKNESS in Dark Crisis. Confusing.

All right, enough griping. What about this issue.

Well we are halfway through this mini-series and I don't know what's going on. The 'Vs' confuses me in the title although in the end I think the Gold Lantern is going to be a dupe for whoever the bad guys are. That will probably lead to some conflict.

Writer Brian Michael Bendis brings his usual snappy patter to the book. It reads very well with some humor and some solid character moments. In a riff on classic JLA team-ups he has split the teams into small groups. But I just don't know if the plot has advanced enough here for the halfway point. Will this come to a solid conclusion or just sort of peter out?

Scotty Godlewski really is singing here. I love his take on these Legionnaires. And his expressive work and body language is nuanced. You can read the feelings here without them being exaggerated. 

On to the book.

Review: Justice League Vs. The Legion Of Super-Heroes #2

Justice League Vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes #2 came out this week and felt like a sort of set-up issue for the bigger events to happen in future issues. There is some plot advancement, some wonderful character moments, and a decent cliffhanger.

The biggest thrust of the issue is to give us some backstory of Gold Lantern. I get the sense that somehow the 'Elders' who are behind his powers aren't exactly good beings. Could they be behind the Great Darkness threat? Or welcoming it? I don't know. Maybe I am a jaded comic reader always looking for the hidden villains.

What I like is we finally do get to learn a little bit about Kala Lour, the secret identity of Gold Lantern. We learn he is blind, explaining his solid appearing mask. And we learn he is a teacher, more of a pacifist, and a definitely a hero even before he was granted a ring. 

We get some wonderful moments of the Legion meeting the League. I loved seeing the Legion meet their heroes. And I love the League gets a peek into the future, showing them that their efforts in the present are worth it.

We don't learn anything else about the Great Darkness outside of one tiny hint at the end. So truly the plot movement is more of a nudge.

As for the art, Scott Godlewski shines here. There is one of the best Chameleon Boy panels I have ever seen in this issue. There are nice shots of many characters in battle mode. And the quieter moments with Gold Lantern show great 'camera' movement and emotion.

I really liked this issue. I don't mind giving stories room to breathe if what I am given to read is meaty enough to bolster the plot or deepen the characterization. That's what we get here. No surprise from writer Brian Michael Bendis. 

On to the details.

Review: Justice League Vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes #1

Justice League Vs, The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 came out this week, a book I have been waiting for since I first heard it was being released.

I know Brian Michael Bendis' Legion run wasn't universally loved but I found it to be a perfect amalgam of classic and new. I was sad to see it's run come to an end when Future State raised its fearsome head. The book was just coming around, the team victorious over Mordru, Rimbor, and UP oversight, they were just about to investigate the Great Darkness.

That universal threat finally arrives in this book, a very Crisis-like problem, attacking the universe in all places and all times simultaneously. 

Bendis does his usually great job with dialogue here and gives us a book which is very Legion but also reminiscent of the classic JLA/JSA annual crossovers. It is clear the Gold Lantern is somehow going to play a major part in this mini-series. For the first time I see how similar his uniform is to Naomi's and it makes me wonder if they aren't somehow connected.

The art here is by Scotty Godlewski with colors by Ryan Cody. Godlewski either loved or hated this job based on the number of characters and two page spreads he needed to do. But my guess is, based by the joy coming of the page, he loved it. For me, the favorite page is a 2 page of the Legion and the JLA just talking. 

In particular, there are three back-to-back double page spreads. One is nearly wordless and almost completely black, showing the threat of the Great Darkness. The next one is the ultra-bright future of the Legion, all pale blues and packed with people. The last one, the JLA fighting a Legion of Doom, but more normally colored. Because the current day isn't that bright but isn't that bad. This was a nice turn.

I really enjoyed this book. So let's get to the specifics.

Review: Justice League #68

Justice League #68 came out last week and was something of an enigma for me. 

As usual, writer Brian Michael Bendis has a way with dialogue. His heroes are quippy and the banter is crisp. He definitely has a grasp for characters and each has their own voice. Artist Scott Godlewski continues to impress me. His work remains his own but reminds me a little of Jim Cheung in places, a solid compliment. You'd think with very good dialogue and art that I'd be happy.

But this really is two issues.

The front end is a Justice League book. But outside the witty banter, it completely wraps up, almost erases, all the consequences of the Synmar Utopica storyline. In the end, it is as if that story didn't happen. Now maybe some seeds for future stories are tucked in there. But it just ends.

The back half is a Checkmate book, almost a back door pilot. And while I like the team and the concept, you think I'd be thrilled that they are being given a spotlight. But this book takes place after the Checkmate mini-series ended. We are told Leviathan isn't a threat anymore. While I figured Leviathan would 'lose' in the mini, I thought he still might remain a threat. But here we learn it has been dismantled. Also, the team continues to do little more than bicker with each other. Wouldn't it be good to see the Checkmate team actually working like a team, especially if they have actually taken out their biggest enemy.

So I guess it is the plot I found lacking. 

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics Annual 2021

The Action Comics 2021 Annual came out this week, a nice mix of current storylines and the Future State future peeks. Much like the Future State House of El one-shot, this was a very entertaining read by  writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson with art by House of El artist Scott Godlewski and with Siya Oum providing the framework story.

I was very impressed with all that Johnson pulls off here. The framing story really builds on the current Phaelosian storyline working its way through the main Action book. This framework is from the past as we see the current teenage Thao-La back when she was more of a young child. This section gives us some backstory as well as a new mystery to unravel.

We then move well into the future as we hear another tale of the House of El. This one predates the House of El one-shot. We get some Supergirl here, learning what she did before she sulked off to the moon in her own Future State mini. These characters descended from Superman are interesting. I like seeing them fight together as a group. And I like the glimpses we get of their culture.

And on top of that, we get a nod to a mini-series from the early 80's, one of my faves and one I have not truly reviewed here on this site. So maybe that will be a little blog mini-project to start up. I am all in favor of the direction Johnson is taking us with the Phantom Zone.

As for the art, Godlewski slips us into the Future State world easily. His pages are mostly battles and he brings us into the fray expertly. I like the designs of the various Els. Siya Oum's pages are the framework and non-Phantom Zone pages. There is a more angular and slightly stylized look to these pages but there are solid moments there as well.

If I have one quibble, it is that many pages are devoted to the Els fighting there way to the center of the Phantom Zone. I think that part could have been told in about half the pages, making this more like a regular issue. No complaints about the art in those sequences. Beautiful.

On to the particulars.