In
the aftermath of the return of a somewhat older Jon Kent, we’ve had a bit of a
rest, so perhaps it’s time for some spectacle, to engage the readers in a “wow”
moment. This issue delivers precisely that, though there are a few cheats along
the way.
Clark and
Jon journey to space to find Jor-El, only to find him in the midst of an
intergalactic conflict between the Thanagarians, the Khunds, and the Trilium
Collective. Whether Jor-El is the cause or the target is something for Superman
to determine, and to do that he needs to bring the hostilities to an immediate
halt. In one instance, he appears to be the reasonable, admired hero; in
another the powerful threat to intimidate one into submission. But in the final
– well, I guess he’s just Superman.
But the
three-way attack on Jor-El is just another facet of the larger battle between
the House of El and Rogol Zaar. Yes, him again, but now he has allies: Zod and
the other Phantom Zone criminals. I appreciate Zaar as an opponent for
Superman – equals in power, and opposites in compassion. But this
storyline has been going on for quite a while now and every time I think Zaar
has been dealt with, he returns, like DC’s own Jason Vorhees.
Ivan Reis is
probably my new favorite artist, combining the skills of George Perez with Neal
Adams. I am pleased he has been able to remain consistent on this title, though
he occasionally does get by with a little help from his friends. In this issue,
it’s 100 percent Reis. As long as he’s front and center, I’m okay with that.
Rating: 8/10