SUPERMAN #34 (DC COMICS)
It’s the end of the DCU Earth as we know it, and the only hope is who?
Superboy Prime has been placed in a role most can’t believe. Selected by the Time Trapper, Prime and Superman fought off the Legion of Darkseid to retrieve Booster Gold. In its’ aftermath, DC K.O. happened. Superman went into the tournament. Prime was considered lost in time, but now he’s back with an unlikely partner: Lois Lane aka SUPERWOMAN?! Together, they are handling what has been unleashed on Earth.
SUPERMAN #34 by Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Alejandro Sánchez & Ariana Maher presents its’ latest DC K.O. Tie-In.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding now.
SUPERMAN #34 by Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Alejandro Sánchez & Ariana Maher (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson dabbles in the sci-fi aspect with showcasing Superman’s robotic back-up plan from years past. The writing highlights the optimism bestowed in the clone. Fast forward to present, and it is sorely needed in this time. Readers see a heroic trio flying in the arctic. It doesn’t take long for the true evil to strike. Fire pits are exploding. Fast forward to the Fortress of Solitude, and the Legion has arrived with a vengeance. Their assault is unwavering. It reflects their overload’s will. Even when they might want more, it quickly fades away. They are all about pleasing Darkseid by any means.
This unity is a contrast to the trio. Their dialogue shows the immaturity of Prime while the robot mimics Superman’s unbreakable sense of hope. This friction is put to a small test in dealing with the Royal Flush Gang. It’s a question of ethics as they try deciding what to do with them. Readers watch as the choice is made to move events into the closing portion. Once here, the mood swings back into accepting what Darkseid is pulling off and trying to stop it. Seeing Doomsday laid out sends a message all its’ own. This is interrupted by the Dark Legion. They over-estimate one factor. This point is driven home on the final page where next issue is going to get off the rails quick.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Barrows and Ferreira return for art duties on this chapter. The flashback sequence hits its stride with a two-page splash. Watching Superman work on his robots is vintage superhero storytelling. This spins into a solid group shot of the three figures flying. Prime’s immature facial expressions take the panels as it gifts readers a sense of calm before the storm. The ful page image of an Apokolips fire pits shoves the heroes into immediate action. Meanwhile, their opposition make an entrance all their own.
The full page image of the Dark Legion carries an uneasy feel into the Fortress. This unlocks a gorgeous two page spread of the classic Superboy and The LOSH lineup. It hides the forbidden feelings of two characters while transitioning to a quick KO update. The full page image recaps events just enough to send readers back to Prime’s trio. Once here, the art depicts the breakdown of Earth. The Royal Flush Gang make a less than ideal entrance in a destroyed building. Their heroics move into a startling realization. The near full shot of Doomsday lying near death sends shockwaves. Even with the Legion close, there appears no hope. This all comes to a head with the final page. This will be an image fans that will raise some eyebrows as the mood has quickly changed.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
No Superman, Big Problems. Williamson puts an unlikely hero in the center of a chaotic circus. The art team delivers fantastic images in showing how Superman’s legacy lives on no matter what. That final page left quite an exclamation point for fans to get excited about!
Let me know your thoughts on Superman #34 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
