It’s time to get back out there.
Creative Staff:
Story: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Ivan Reis, Brandon Peterson
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Josh Reed
What They Say:
Superman and Superboy venture forth into the cosmos to stop Jor-El before he tips the galaxy into utter chaos. Also, Superman would like to have a word with his father about what happened to his son. All this and the fate of General Zod. “The Unity Saga” continues in the pages of SUPERMAN, named one of the best superhero comics of 2018 by Paste magazine!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
It’s been interesting getting into this Superman book overall since the last time I read the character somewhat serious was with the start of New 52 and the design of all of it didn’t keep my interest. Brian Michael Bendis is working some things here that I’m not a fan of overall but there’s a lot of things happening that are interesting and it feels like there are true changes going on, which is welcome. The plus is that even when the story doesn’t quite get me is that we get great artwork from reis and Peterson, even if it’s just a couple of pages of Earth-3 Superwoman going batshit crazy with rage. That hits its own sweet spot that works very well for me.
The last bit of Earth-3 material is handled as well as can be here as it’s just a rage and chase kind of thing for Jon that gets cut short thanks to his grandfather arriving. It at least seems like his grandfather but there’s enough in there that it’s either the years have not been kind to him in his search or something else is going on. Jon’s not picking up much on that since he’s just thrilled to be rescued at this point and to have something good happen. But the realization that a lot of time has passed for him but only three weeks back on earth leaves him panicking a bit about his parents and even Damian when you get down to it. The setup is good that allows for a nice segue into his coming back home to tell his tale, though it’s mixed with the sudden arrival of Ragol Zaar and the uncertainty of what is up with grandpa.
The family time is what takes up a decent chunk here and it’s done in a way that feels fairly realistic, all things considered. You know Lois has had to learn to deal with a lot of strange things over the years and compartmentalize it all so she’s coping but not when it comes to what’s happened to her son. And when she knows that both he and Clark have to get back out there to find Jor-el and figure out what it is that’s going on, especially knowing about Zaar. I do like seeing Jon step up and being ready to get back out there and to see him really embracing his new suit and what it means, first with Jor-el and then with his dad as well. Of course, we’re being thrown into a massive battle at the end but so much of the book has been focused on smaller and more personal bits for a while that a shift isn’t going to hurt at all.
In Summary:
Superman continues to be a key character for me in my life and I’ve seen and read countless variations on him. I’m definitely enjoying this one as we’re not getting a static days in the life of kind of thing and there’s a sense of both consequences and forward motion going on in a lot of ways. I like Jon more and more as a character as it goes on but I’m also enjoying the parental aspect as well in seeing how Clark and Lois are handling all that’s being thrown at them. It’s got a great flow about it, there’s a good mix of action, humor, and drama to it that connects well. I’m excited to see just where it goes next with it looking to hit a big spot of action and what it could all mean in regards to Jor-el.
Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: DC Comics via DC Universe
Release Date: April 10th, 2019
MSRP: $3.99
