Superman is running diagnostic tests in the Fortress of Solitude because after his recent trials - the Darkseid War, the battle with Vandal Savage and the encounter with Rao - he's not feeling great. And the results aren't good - he's dying.
This makes him angry. Not because he's going to lose his life, but because he won't be around to save the lives of others. He's snapped out of his mood by first Krypto, then an attempt by parties unknown to break into the Fortress computer systems. The bid fails, Superman ups his security and gets on with his day.
It's time to say a few goodbyes. First, a trip to Smallville and Lana Lang.
Then Metropolis, and Lois Lane.
Meanwhile, in China, the would-be Fortress insurgents redouble their efforts to steal Superman's secrets, and in Minnesota, a strange visitor makes a big impression.
Where do I begin? This is the most joyous Superman story in years - and, how ironic, it's centred on the last days of the Man of Steel. Writer Peter J Tomasi gives us so many wonderful moments, from the bond between man and dog to the brother/sister relationship with Lana to the scene at Lois's apartment. And then there's the most fabulous action montage in aeons from artist Mikel Janín.
If someone isn't already contacting his agent to purchase this piece of art, I'll be a three-eyed Kryptonian babootch. From cover to final page, Janín - working in full colour - gifts us sumptuous artwork, with the emotional moments as awesome as the spectacle.
The funny thing is, on opening the book and being met by a close-up of Superman uttering the line 'I'm dying', I laughed out loud. So much angst, we've had lately. But on turning the page, and seeing a majestic Fortress spread, I began to suspect we were going to get something special. And we do. We get page after page of Tomasi showing us how much he loves - just loves - Superman. I hated his recent Superman/Wonder Woman work, and as a longtime Tomasi fan, hoped against hope that it was an editorially mandated aberration. I think this issue nails that idea. Need convincing?
Lord, Tomasi's super-sweet Superman is so right - why didn't I ever question the fact Ma and Pa Kent weren't alongside Lara and Jor-El?
Tomasi also shows his smarts in giving us a 'translated from Mandarin Chinese' caption, apparently wanting to avoid an error akin to the instantly infamous 'translated from Pakistanian' editor's note in Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #2. OK, the note is attributed to editor Eddie Berganza, but I'm pretty sure the writers sort them. Whatever the case, phew.
And the final detail that made me grin?
A 1990s-style triangle numbering system for this Super-League storyline.
So many little things, wrapped up in a compelling storyline - Superman with a terminal diagnosis is one of my favourite narrative hooks - and drawn in gorgeous style... it looks like the last Man of Steel story of DC's New 52 era is going to be the best.
I agree. was afraid it was a very simple chapter, but it was good.
ReplyDeleteIf he dies, DC is guilty of it, no one else .. And old fans, although there are some who like this single again..
I think he'll be fine, I suspect he's going to be plain old Clark Kent for a while. Good luck!
DeleteI might give a try to this final run, but the fact that DC chose to make this Superman relatable again just to add pathos to his farewell, frankly p*sses me off a bit. So, they knew all the time that the way to make NU Kal-El liked by readers was to make him a little bit more, well, dear old-fashioned big blue Supes. You don't need the trunks, you don't need the curl, damn, you don't even need the powers: just watch at Chris Reeve casting a smile and say "A friend".
ReplyDeleteIt's all there. And they knew it.
Beautifully put. I'm going to be optimistic and look on this not as a last gasp, but a new beginning. If DC has really learned, let's hope they enact the lessons, and they turn into sales. And great stories.
DeleteGreat review, Martin! I was a little trepidatious about this arc. But Tomasi delivered great Superman. Truly a first step in redeeming new 52 Superman.
ReplyDeleteNow writers often build up a character to ramp up the emotions for their demise but something tells me this may not happen this time. We currently have 2 Supermen on Earth 0. New 52 Superman may lose his powers (for a while) and be Clark Kent. Pre-Flashpoint Superman will take over the Superman duties. This solves the outing of the dual identity from the Truth arc. Meanwhile new 52 Superman who was touted as only a battling alien for 4 years may be building the Clark Kent. I'm wondering if they redeem new 52 Superman by giving him his full mythology if they'll give Pre-Flashpoint Superman his own world & book?
For now, I am totally enjoying this first step in bringing us a new 52 Superman who shows he's got the right stuff.
So many enticing possibilities. Roll on May... and beyond!
DeleteI had no idea new52 had Krypto. (Or I forgot.) Was that from Morrison? I can't imagine anyone else getting away with it in the current regime.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so nice! What a huge departure from the last 5 years!
I can't recall, I think you're right. Just glad he's not as snarly and sabre-toothy as he was at one point!
DeleteIt's the same thing they did with Blue Beetle. They made him a solid character, then offed him. I would never think that Superman would undergo the Ben Reilly treatment.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for a solution fair to both Superman.
ReplyDelete