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The Ghosts of Smallville storyline was terrific, but after months of high drama to make the soul creep, a fun done-in-one is just what the doctor ordered. And it's just what we get here, as Superman has his first encounter with the cosmic cube that is the Bizarro World. Dragged there by a mysterious portal, he's soon caught up in a fight between the rotters of the Injustice League of America and the 'greatest hero Bizarroworld ever saw' - Metallo. It's all a bit of a hoot for Superman until Doomsday appears...
What a lovely issue this is. The first page tells us not to bother worrying about the details, just to enjoy the ride. And enjoy it I did, as Greg Pak proves proficient with Bizarro backwards-speak and logic, a knack far too many comic writers lack. So everything makes sense, Bizarro-wise, with the big lug loveable as in the old days, rather than the murderous menace of recent years.
And while this issue is a whimsical wheeze - an explosion brings the sound effect MOOB and pigs do indeed fly - it's not without consequences, but Superman takes them on the chin. If there's any real food for thought for Superman, this is the encounter that will spark it.
So, as is traditional, Bizarro is married to Lois. Will that make Superman wonder if he and his Lois have big things in store, or will he put it down to a world in which things work backwards, and stick with the horrible Wonder Woman fauxmance a while longer.
Speaking of the Amazing Amazon, the Bizarro version made me grin hugely. OK, I've never been down with the idea that because she was born of clay, Diana is a golem, but still...
And as for the rest of the ILA, they're a lot more fun than the Earth 3 version.
Artist Aaron Kuder and colourist Wil Quintana relish the change of pace from recent issues, embracing the goofiness of Bizarroworld; I especially like the palette change after Doomsday meets Bizarro. The character designs are simply perfect, while the layouts are wildly inventive - the Kuder/Quintana team is among comics' best. The lettering of Steve Wands, too, deserves a shout-out, particularly for the Bizarro font.
With plenty of great-looking fun, Bizarro-appropriate drama and even a bit of poignancy, this is a book I can recommend hugely. Which isn't a very Bizarro thing to say, but there you go!
Oh come on Mart, I respect your reviews but give the fauxmance label a rest. Only the overzealous Clois fans beat that drum twitter and tumblr to be honest from reviewer as yourself I expect better. Not for you to sound like some sour shipper. Also not sure why Superman would even reconsider his romance with the woman he choose to be with now ie Wonder Woman, when he's seen a sane version of himself and Lois on Earth 2 and that made no difference. Why would he change his life over a upside down twisted world anyway? But yes, Pak does write fun books and while I am not the biggest fan of Kuder's art for all stories, his art works for this.
ReplyDeleteHaven't we danced this dance previously? I've never been a fan of the Clark/Diana pairing and I've said so many times. My thoughts are my own, thanks.
ReplyDeleteLovely review. I enjoyed this issue a lot. And yes, it does offer Superman some food for thought seeing as how every time he's shown on an alternate earth to be happy with Lois (like Earth-2) the memory is mind-whammied away. Maybe this would show him that although the it's twisted, it's familiar. I am, like many Superman fans, so tired of the Fauxmance. It's done. It's shown to not work. Let's get over this. I'm glad the inner Clark in him could comfort Lois. It shows his deep caring for her, even a bizarro version. Again, good work from Pak and Co. Good review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. I was really hoping the Superman/Wonder Woman book would vanish with the coming revamp. Dang!
DeleteI'm sorry that you feel this way, and I can relate. But to make things clear with you and Anj, this revamp isn't going to be another reboot. DC may be promising "fresh, new stories" and new status quos for the characters, the solicits for June and interviews make it clear that most of the titles are still going to take place in the New 52 continuity and that this continuity is still going to be important, even if it is being de-emphasized in favor of individual storytelling. With no announced plans to retcon much, if anything, and pre-Convergence storylines still continuing in some returning titles, such as "Teen Titans", it's safe to assume that most, if not all, of the pre-Convergence history is still going to remain intact.
DeleteI think you're misreading. I mean 'vanish' as in 'end' - not never have happened. I know what Convergence is.
DeleteSorry. The words "vanish" and "revamp" put together gave me a misinterpretation. I understand now and I agree. Maybe in the next few solicits.
DeleteI see I could have chosen my words better - I shall try harder. Really appreciate the comments!
DeleteWhat was up with the ending?
ReplyDeleteI reckon the Doomsday effects when Bizarro left the planet. Works as well as anything!
ReplyDelete