Tony Black reviews Superman #2…
“THE SON OF SUPERMAN” Chapter Two: In #2, Superboy takes flight as he accompanies his father, the Man of Steel, on their first mission together to confront a creature more dangerous than anyone realizes. Will the duo triumph…or will they die when they face the lethal force of the Eradicator?
SEE ALSO: Check out a preview of Superman #2
The ‘Son of Superman’ arc born out of the Rebirth event continues to reap dividends for DC’s Superman run, from writer Peter J. Tomasi & inker Patrick Gleason, who jointly provide some stunning colours and powerful words as Superman and young Jon Kent must face their continuing evolution as hero and young potential hero, teaming up to battle an Arctic, Lovecraftian-style menace in the second part of this story. A sub is in danger out in the ice from not just its uranium core but a sea monster which ultimately leads to the unlocking of a buried secret which connects much more deeply to Superman and his origins than he could ever imagine.
That’s not really the point of Tomasi & Gleason’s issue, however, which concentrates primarily on the excellent continuing character development of the two Kent boys, tempered by a sage Lois Lane in the middle. Jon is wracked with guilt after his uncontrolled powers led to a feline loss of life in the previous issue, not believing he’s capable of living up to his father’s power or dignity, but it’s Superman who shows him quite the opposite is true. Some lovely writing underscores the innate goodness of Superman, and Clark, especially as we see Clark & Lois essentially starting to morph into Jonathan & Martha Kent, the loving parents teaching their unnatural son the right path, except with the added knowledge of Clark’s own journey from little boy to super man to help them. It’s clear, enjoyable storytelling with a great message.
Threads of continuing storytelling lurk underneath of course, with a tether to a watchful Justice League and the incoming threat which becomes very apparent by the climax – one destined to further reflect what it means to be Superman, only in an extremely different and deadly way. Gleason’s artwork vividly captures the ice of the Arctic, the cold stars above, and the warmth of the countryside, and Tomasi’s writing continues to engage. A great issue from a Superman series on great form so far.
Rating: 8/10
Tony Black is a freelance film/TV writer & podcaster & would love you to follow him on Twitter.
. url=”.” . width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]
https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published July 10, 2016. Updated November 14, 2019.
