DC COMICS WRITER: Mark Waid ARTIST/COVER: Leinil Yu, Gerry Alanguilan
This miniseries tells the story of how Superman made his first appearance to the world at large. But in this issue, he isn't having it too easy with Luthor poisoning him with a kryptonite forcefield while framing him as the vanguard of an alien invasion. Battered and weakened, Superman still fights on against the fake invaders from Krypton, proving to the public why they should trust him while Lois goes into action against Luthor, proving why Superman should love her. Waid can be a bit manipulative in getting readers to cheer for Superman. Having the man of steel rush to the rescue of a crying child-- ooh, how original. But amazingly, he pulls it off, using some excellent timing and some well-paced action sequences. The dialogue, while not exactly sparkling, tells the story convincingly without trying to sound clever or self-important. Yu and Alanguilan however turn in an inconsistent job this time. The scene of Superman losing his "S" and his amazing rescue of an innocent child are moving but some of their other work looks poorly rendered, especially the scenes of the Metropolis populace rallying to protect Superman. The art team is certainly very good it seems that they fell short of producing the classic that everyone was expecting.
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.
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.
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…