Comic Book Review: Superman #22 - DC Comics (2017)

"Black Dawn"
Chapter 3

Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Pencils by Doug Mahnke
Inks by Jaime Mendoza and Ray McCarthy
Colors by Wil Quintana

Lois Lane is searching for her husband Clark Kent and their son Jon.  The boys were out with Damian Wayne(Robin) looking for Batman.  Lois finds out there is much more to her missing family and friends as "Black Dawn" continues.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Rebirth run on Superman thus far.  The "Black Dawn" story line had the seeds planted many issues ago and I feel that this is something that really sets DC Comics apart from many other comic book companies.  There is a plan in place and the stories have been wonderful because of it.  This isn't to say that you need to read all 21 issues leading up to this(plus an Annual and some cross-overs with Action Comics).  If you did read them, it's an added bonus.

The "Black Dawn" stories read a lot like a horror story.  We are also given these stories from multiple perspectives.  The majority of this comic book is from Lois' perspective as she uses her journalistic prowess to find Clark, Jon, Damian and Bruce.  Because this is Lois, we get to see her find much more than she had originally bargained for.  We also are treated to how tough she can be as she takes on assailants and gets to drive the Batmobile.  Superman is the person whose perspective is given to the readers.  There is a revelation at the end of this book that left me clamoring for more.

Doug Mahnke is one of my favorite artists and I am always happy to see his name on the cover.  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason have been putting together incredible stories and they are that much better when Mahnke is in charge of the art.  The inks were nice in this comic as the use of black in some of the more eerie panels was beautiful.  The visuals are spectacular and Wil Quintana's colors add to the spooky feeling.

What are your thoughts on Superman?  Do you like the family dynamic that is used in this series?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?

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Comic Book Review: Superman: Annual #1 - DC Comics (2017)

"Tangled Up In Green"

Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Art by Jorge Jimenez
Colors by Alejandro Sanchez

Hamilton County(300 miles north of Metropolis) is where the Kent's have decided to lay down roots when they were pulled from their universe and placed into the current DC universe.  Clark Kent/Superman is trying to figure out why the land in Hamilton County is so dry.  Maybe Swamp Thing can help explain.

I know the old saying; "Don't judge a book by it's cover."  This comic book has Superman and Swamp Thing on the cover so I threw caution to the wind and decided this is a "must have."  This book was even better than I had hoped.  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason are writing some of the best stories in comic books with their current run on Superman. This "Annual" fits with the story but can be read on its own as well.  The way Superman and Swamp Thing communicated with each other was great.  Swamp Thing helping Superman figure out why the land was drying up was awesome.  Superman didn't want to do things Swamp Thing's way but he can be quite convincing.  

Jorge Jimenez and Alejandro Sanchez were amazing choices to do the art in this comic book.  This was a very visual story so the art needed to be on point.  The two main characters are very different.  The vibrant Superman and the murky looking Swamp Thing.  Seeing the two of these characters with and against each other was a wonderful sight.  The visuals toward the end of the comic book when Swamp Thing helps Superman see the reason behind the drying of the land were absolutely stunning.  The art alone makes this comic book worth purchasing.  Luckily it has a good story as well.

I am all for another Superman and Swamp Thing team-up in the future.  This was the first meeting of this version of Superman with the current incarnation of Alec Holland/Swamp Thing and I hope for many more.

What are your thoughts on Superman: Annual #1?  Are you reading the Superman series or any other DC series?  What would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review in the future?  

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Comic Book Review: Superman #6 - DC Comics (2016)

"Son of Superman"

Written by Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Pencils by Patrick Gleason
Inks by Mick Gray
Colors by John Kalisz
Cover by Doug Mahnke & Wil Quintana

Superman along with his wife Lois and son Jon are on the moon inside of one of Batman's secret bases taking on the Eradicator.  The Eradicator feels Superman has tainted the Kryptonian bloodline by having a half human son in Jon.  It's up to Big Blue to stop the Eradicator from killing his only son.

These are the Superman stories we will go back and truly treasure.  The most powerful superhero around is dealing with the one thing that make any man weak: their children.  Superman is doing everything he can to raise Jon to be a good person but also knows that the kid is starting to gain superpowers.  With that, Superman must show him how to use his powers responsibly.  Tomasi and Gleason are doing this amidst action and great heart to heart conversations.

The art fits what is going on in this story.  Superman is a symbol of heroism and the poses within the book definitely portray him that way.  It's an absolute pleasure to read this book.

I was a bit skeptical when it came to this series.  Superman is so powerful that I'm sure it must be a daunting task to come up with something interesting.  The crew on this book are doing a masterful job and I look forward to reading the next issue.

What are your thoughts on Superman?  Are you enjoying the DC Rebirth as much as me?  Please let us know what other titles you would like Maskerpiece Theatre to review.

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