Martin Deer reviews Superman Unchained #2…
“The technological terrorists called Ascension are growing bolder with every attack, creating problems only Superman can solve and that’s with help from the world’s greatest detective, Batman! But the mystery that’s really got them both worried is the unknown figure that’s been shadowing Superman! And in this issue’s backup tale, Jimmy Olsen takes center stage as Metropolis reacts to an event that’s shaken the city to its core!“
Superman fans like to say that Batman writers love to make Superman the villain and that they write Superman as they do Batman. With Scott Snyder taking the reigns on this new Superman title it’s hard to disagree with that point of view when Superman seems so… uptight. More serious takes on the character are welcome and over the last few decades he’s gone through some changes, but here in Superman Unchained, thus far, there’s the sense of fun missing from the character.
The title continues to show promise however, and they are clearly trying to make an impact. Issue #2 is an enjoyable read, with the first few pages being devoted to an attack by the terrorist group Ascension in Dubai; Superman is forced to think on his cape and stop a collapsing building from slamming in to the ground and killing thousands.
With the disaster averted in incredible Superman fashion, he takes off for a meeting with none other than Bruce Wayne at the Batcave. This is a great interaction between the two and the best part of the book. Bruce has been doing some detective work and has discovered that the being who left the giant footprint in issue #1, is far more powerful than Superman himself – but that he may be on his side.
Later on in the book Superman comes face to face with this being, after a chat with General Lane in which Superman learns of the extent to which the General is having his men prepare against him. The issues to come are set up quite nicely and this new world being presented is an interesting one. It would be nice though if Superman could once again have a smile on his face at some point in the future.
The art in the book is gorgeous, especially the panels in the batcave. Jim Lee really is a fantastic artist. Superman Unchained as a title has great promise, and of the main DC Superman books is the best of the bunch at the moment. If you’re able to pick it up.
Martin Deer
Originally published July 12, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
