Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Lee
This has been a brilliant series, as although it hasn't been quite what I expected, it has still been amazing, and looks to be building up to something phenomenal. That added with the fact that both my favourite artist, Jim Lee, and one of my favourite current writers, Scott Snyder are working on it have me hooked.
Plot
Superman squares off against Wraith, and appears to have met his match, but is everything as it seems?
Review
This was a brilliant issue, and the series is staring to take shape. Scott Snyder did a great job of making this an exciting, and interesting issue, which was also very entertaining. It was however not without it's faults, as although being one of the best issue yet, it had a few anticlimactic moments, with a slightly inconsistent pace. The amazing drama, and dialogue made up for that though, as along with the outstanding action sequence, and the mystery it made for a brilliant issue. I also loved all the other small developments throughout this issue, and Snyder is showing that he can write Superman just as good as he has been writing Batman.
The art was once again phenomenal, and I just can't get enough of Jim Lee's magnificent artwork. The detail throughout was simply magnificent, as although there were a few very minor imperfections, most of the art was outstanding, being very dynamic, and impactful. Lee's layouts were also superb, adding a lot of depth to the issue, as well as making it more dynamic, and dramatic. The action was probably however the best thing about this issue, as it was simply amazing, being very explosive, and exciting, with Lee being one of the best artists at action sequences. I also loved the emotion added to this, as it really added depth, as well as realism to the story, making it feel more alive.
The best thing about this issue was the fight between Superman, and Wraith, and the fact that Superman may have met someone more powerful than he is. Now the fight itself was brilliant, being very explosive, and exciting, having tremendous artwork from Jim Lee. It was however the dialogue that interested me more thought, as it was simply brilliant, showing the difference between Superman, and Wraith. I also loved how there is a bit of mystery about Wraith still, and I look forward to seeing how Snyder develops him as a character, as so far it's been brilliant.
General Sam Lane would make comments in this issue, with his interaction with Superman being extremely interesting. Now I won't go into too much detail as to avoid spoilers, but this showed a different side to Lane, showing that he dislikes Superman for different reasons than originally assumed. Besides this his interaction with Wraith was very interesting, and I'm sure that he will have an even more interesting part to play during the development of this story.
This issue would also continue to develop Lex Luthor's story in the background, with him making a couple of short appearances throughout. Now I will once again avoid going into any details as to avoid spoilers, but it appears that Luthor is continuing with his plans. I have to say this is one of the strangest things I've seen from Luthor in comics, but also one of the most interesting as well, as although it hasn't surpassed the amazing way Grant Morrison used the character in All Star Superman, it has been the best since, and I look forward to even more developments from this side of the story.
Final Verdict
This was an amazing issue, and better than last issue. It had amazing development, and action, as well as great drama, and outstanding dialogue. It also had a bit of mystery to it, with some suspense, and tons of excitement. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and am really looking forward to the next one.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Lee
This was a series that I was much looking forward to, as with Jim Lee being my favourite artist, and Scott Snyder being one of my favourite writers of recent times I wanted to see how they'd handle the Man of Steel. The first issue didn't disappoint, and I hope that the series continues to amaze me.
Plot
After Superman stops a terrorist attack in Dubai he goes to Batman for help with one of the broken satellites.
Review
This was a brilliant issue, but not quite as good as the first issue. Scott Snyder did a fabulous job on this issue, and the series overall is shaping up nicely, and although there isn't a great lot between this issue, and the first I felt I was slightly too generous with the first. Snyder does however do a great job with the dialogue, and thought boxes, and I loved how we got some analysis from Superman during his mission. It also had some amazing action near the start, and an interesting encounter between Superman, and Batman. It also had plenty of development for the future of the story/series, and although this slowed the issue down slightly it helps it overall, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.
The art from Jim Lee was once again phenomenal, and his art never fails to amaze me. The detail is simply superb, with next to no imperfections, and unlike the last issue that had one panel that didn't appeal to me, this entire issue appealed to me art wise. The action was also handled perfectly, adding a brilliant atmosphere to the issue, as well as excitement. The layout is also wonderful, adding more drama, as well as giving the issue some tone, and depth. I also loved the amazing Batcave that Lee drew, as well as the outstanding facial expression that showed exactly what the character's were feeling. The inks from Scott Williams, and colours from Alex Sinclair were also brilliant, making Lee's art look even more amazing.
The addition of Batman was nice, and with me being a huge Batman fan I really enjoyed seeing him feature in this story. I do however question if this is too soon, as with Snyder also writing Batman it's convenient to add him into this series. I did however love the new suit that Batman was wearing, and love the implications it holds towards Superman, as it's a different way of preparing for a rogue Superman. The discussion between the two was also amazing, feeling very natural, with the characterisations being spot on.
The lack of the other Superman like being, Wraith was however a bit disappointing, as with his introduction in the last issue I was hopping to see more from him in this one. It does however leave him for latter in the story, as there appears to be a lot going on, and it all needs set-up, so it's not easy to show everything, and not showing this will add much more suspense than not showing something else. I do however look forward to seeing Wraith, and Superman square off, and I'm sure that Snyder will handle it perfectly.
Lex Luthor would once again make an appearance in this issue, but it was the appearance of General Sam Lane that interested me the most in this issue. The interaction between Superman, and Lane was brilliant, and the emotion in Superman was perfectly handled by Snyder. I also loved how like usual nothing is easy when it comes to getting information from Lane, and the tension between the two character's was amazing. Luthor's actions in this issue were also interesting, but I'll say no more, as not to spoil anything.
This issue yet again had a two page Epilogue story at the back. This one was once again written by Snyder, with art from Dustin Nguyen, and would show Batman contemplating destroying his suit that stops Superman from seeing him. The art once again wasn't amazing which is a shame, as I know Nguyen can do better. It was also again a little unnecessary, but it does make me question whether we'll see Batman, and Superman square of in this series, with Batman using this suit, which I'd love to see.
Final Verdict
This was a brilliant issue, and the series is certainly looking good. It was however slightly slow in places spending too much time developing things, and although that will help the story as a whole, it doesn't help this issue much. The issue did however have some interesting, and exciting action, as well as an appearance from Batman, and the developments have me intrigued as to what will come next. I would highly recommend this issue, as although it's slightly slow it is shaping up to be one of the best Superman stories in the New 52 so far, if not the best.
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Lee
This has been a series that I've been looking forward to ever since it was announced. With Superman turning 75, DC has really pushed the boat out in celebrating, having two new series releases (this, and Batman/Superman), the Man of Steel film, and the Superman: Unbound Animated film. Besides Man of Steel this was however the one I was looking most forward to, as with my favourite artist, Jim Lee, and the brilliant writing ability of Scott Snyder, it's bound to be amazing.
Plot
When satellites start falling from the sky, Superman goes in search of the culprit, starting with the most logical suspect, Lex Luthor.
Review
This was a phenomenal issue, and a brilliant start to what I'm sure will be an amazing series. I always had high hopes that Scott Snyder would deliver on this series, as after having a fantastic run on Swamp Thing, as well as currently doing an outstanding job on Batman, I was sure that he's take the Man of Tomorrow, and give us the series that we truly deserve. To be honest when I started reading this issue I wasn't too sure if it was what I was hoping for, as the start was very different from what I expected, but the issue soon showed a perfect reason for this, making the unique start necessary. The thing however that Snyder probably handled the best in this issue was the dialogue, as everything felt so natural, and the character's were spot on, acting exactly as I'd expect them to. Snyder also did a brilliant job of adding mystery to this story, as well as drama, and excitement, which really lifted the whole atmosphere of the issue, making it much more interesting, and dynamic. The issue also had a bit of action in it, and although it wasn't a lot, Snyder handled it perfectly. I also liked how Snyder managed to add a 75th Anniversary motif in the story, showing that this is a special occasion. What made this more interesting however was that it was very subtle.
The art was phenomenal, just as I expected from Jim Lee. Although this series looked interesting, and Snyder's a great writer, it was the fact that Jim Lee would be working on the artwork that sold me on this series, as he's my favourite artist, and I could gladly buy a comic just for his art, even if the comics poor (luckily this one wasn't). The detail in Lee's art was as usual excellent, and to a very high standard, with everything looking pristine, with even the minor details being amazing. The character's were also handled perfectly, and I especially liked how he drew Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and obviously Superman. The thing I like most about this Lee drawing Superman, is that I've seen Lee draw Superman on four series now (Batman during Hush, Superman during For Tomorrow, Justice League, and this), and although it's always been obvious that it's Superman, Lee's always tweaked the way he's drawn him, having him more darker during For Tomorrow, and obviously re-designed for the New 52 in Justice League, but even this version looks slightly different than the Justice League rendition. The fold out page was also spectacular, and well worth the extra dollar, as it really made the issue feel that much more special (even if the writing on it was slightly awkward to read). I will however finish talking about Lee's artwork by saying the one flaw that bugged me, and that was that one panel was slightly too rough, which was disappointing, but it didn't take away from the remaining art which was amazing. The inks from long time Lee collaborator, Scott Williams, and colours from Alex Sinclair also really helped to bring the story to life, being very vibrant, and setting a brilliant tone to the series.
As I said this issue started fairly differently to most series opener's, with a boy looking into the sky with a pair of binoculars, and seeing some huge blue creature with glowing red eyes. Now although I wasn't initially sure if I liked this start, after a second read, being able to take it in much clearer I was able to understand it much more, and felt it was the perfect opener for this series. I just loved the lighthearted feel to it, and how it gave the very human natured feel that a Superman issue brings. I also found the creature that came from the sky very interesting, and look forward to seeing how Snyder develops him.
The issue would then go onto show Superman trying his best to stop random satellites from falling to Earth. Although a bit random, this was a brilliant way of adding mystery to the series, giving Superman, and his alter-ego, Clark Kent something to track down, and solve. This also leaves the question as to whether this blue creature is connected some way to this incident, or whether the two are unconnected (though I'd be surprised if they weren't). I also liked how with this added it gave time for Snyder to do some monologue with Superman, which was very interesting, and really added drama to the sequence, which was a nice touch.
Superman wasn't the centre of attention throughout the entire issue, as it would show you Clark working at the Daily Planet, alongside friends, and colleagues, Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane. The interaction between these character's in this issue was simply outstanding, as although we've seen the three interact in past stories, whether in Superman, or Action Comics, this has been the best so far, feeling much truer to the character's. I also loved how this added a bit of normality to the issue, showing that although Superman does go off fighting villains, he does also have a very normal life, that involve normal people, and I'm glad that Snyder's showing this in this series.
Another person that appeared in this issue was none other than Superman's greatest rival, and villain Lex Luthor, who's still in prison. Now although Luthor isn't my favourite Superman villain (far from it), he has been a great foe for Superman over the years, and it's always nice to see him make an appearance, as long as it's justified. I say this as Luthor is one of the most over used villains in comics, coming back every few weeks having already made many appearances in the New 52 between the various Superman series'. This appearance however was justified, as Luthor was the main suspect for the satellites coming down, and Superman went to question him. This just made for a great, and dramatic sequence, that was entertaining, and exciting, and although I don't want Luthor to have a significant role in this series, it would be nice to see this developed slightly.
This issue also had a two page Epilogue story at the back, which was also written by Snyder, but this time pencilled by Dustin Nguyen. This story would see Jimmy and Perry White talking about Perry's great-uncle's binoculars, whilst fishermen hauled in a mysterious man who was missing his eyes. Now this was an interesting epilogue, and although it was nowhere near as good as the main story, it did leave questions that need answers, making me look forward to the next issue even more than I already was. I was however not a fan of the art, as although Nguyen has never been one of my favourite artists, his work in the past on the likes of Batman: As The Crow Flies, and Batman: Heart of Hush were very good, whereas his art on this was just terrible. It was way too rough, and unrealistic, and although you could see character's facial expressions they too felt awkward, and unrealistic.
Final Verdict
This was an epic start to what will hopefully be a fantastic series. It had everything from action, to mystery, with even a bit of fun, and humour. All this along with the introduction of a mysterious blue creature made this a very memorable opening issue, and I for one can't wait to see how Snyder, and Lee will continue this. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this to anyone, as although there have been a few good Superman stories in the New 52, we've finally got the Superman series we deserve.
Rating: 5/5
