The Comic Book Bin
DC Comics (1430) Articles


TopShelf Month

Darkhorse Month

Women's Month


 
Comics : Comic Reviews : DC Comics
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2009 - 7:25:21 AM




All-Star Superman # 12
By Koppy McFad
Sep 26, 2008 - 20:33:23 PM

Publisher(s): DC Comics
Writer(s): Grant Morrison
Penciller(s): Frank Quitely
Inker(s): Jamie Grant
Cover Artist(s): Frank Quitely
$2.99 US, 32 pages
Email this Article
 Printer Friendly Page
 Mobile Friendly Page

Add to Del.icio.us     Add To Reddit
Add To Digg     Add To Stumbleupon
Add To Technorati Favorites     Add To Ask


allstar_1.jpg

This is the conclusion to Morrison's story which had Superman's powers overloading, making his death inevitable. Meanwhile, Luthor has gained superpowers and is now rampaging through the halls of the Daily Planet.

There are no big surprises here. We know Superman will survive, Luthor will be foiled and that none of the major supporting characters will be killed off. But that isn't the point. The trick is how the situation is resolved in a manner that is entertaining and moving-- and which does not look forced or contrived. In that sense, the story works very well. Superman finds a way to beat Luthor and in the process, shows that he is still a hero, with or without his powers. Luthor does make it a little too easy for him, arrogantly showing off and engaging in too much typical villainous 'monologuing.' But the writer makes his evil rantings so amusing,  most readers will actually enjoy them. Luthor comes off as quite refined and witty, a real intellectual compared to most of the comic book badguys who usually resort to screaming "now, you DIIIIEEEEE!" during their fight scenes.

The supporting cast are all portrayed well with Lois, Jimmy and even Steve Lombard showing some courage, proving that they are worthy of being friends (or at least associates) of Superman. And Superman's reactions to Luthor are perfect, showing both his confidence and understanding of his arch-foe without any sense of guilt for Luthor's condition.

The art is still a bit too stylized. It captures the absurdity of this superhuman conflict and the humanity of the characters but it also makes the action look a bit cartoonish and humourous-- despite all the damage and death that is occuring on the pages of the comic.

Perhaps the worst thing about this issue is that it is a little too 'pat'-- the conclusion was too easy. Considering this comic is not set in the continuity of the mainstream DC Comics universe, they could have come up with something drastically different for the final chapter. What we do get is a hint of a sequel, which isn't such a bad thing considering the quality of this book so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating: 8/10


Related Articles:
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Superman #693
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Superman/Batman #65
Blackest Night: Superman #3 (of 3)
Son of Superman
Superman: World of New Krypton #8
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Superman #692
Blackest Night: Superman # 2 (of 3)



Comment Script Join the discussion:

Add a Comment

Comments


© Copyright 2002-2009, Coolstreak Cartoons Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document(including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Top of Page

Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Justice Society of America # 32
Mr. Terrific is dead... but not if the Justice Society can help it.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Blackest Night: Titans # 3 (of 3)
The Titans in a final showdown with their deceased members.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…