SUPERMAN #35 (DC COMICS)
The end has finally arrived.
With DC K.O. crowning its’ champion, the final match is set. Superman has been taken off the board. This leaves the Time Trapper in uncharted territory. The Legion of Darkseid looks to make a statement of their own. Superboy-Prime, a Superman robot and Lois Lane bring the fight to the evil Legion. There’s no easy way out from this confrontation.
SUPERMAN #35 by Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Júlio Ferreira, Alejandro Sánchez & Ariana Maher concludes its’ DC K.O. Tie-In arc.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s unfolding now.
SUPERMAN #35 by Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Júlio Ferreira, Alejandro Sánchez & Ariana Maher (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson takes readers into one of the most complicated relationships in comics. Time Trapper aka Doomsday has crossed many lines in this battle with Darkseid. Siding with his greatest rival is prime example. Readers watch as Superman’s loss in the tourney causes a unique pivot to another champion. Superboy-Prime has slowly begun the process of redeeming himself in some eyes. Being the catalyst to fight the all powerful Legion leads into an explosive situation.
Prime is not the only one flexing their muscles here. Lois Lane’s face-off with Saturn Girl pushes her out of her comfort zone. The mental onslaught of Saturn Girl’s attacks leads to a risky counter. The writing allows the counter to connect, leading to a massive shake-up. Fans watch the fallout show a small victory in combat but also for Prime’s heroics. Williamson gives him a solid statement in moving the plot forward. This allows for one more gamble to be played. The closing act moves directions as the end draws closer for all parties. It teases some hope albeit fading by the second. Luckily the epilogue piece refuels the Superman mythos as the core element comes into focus. The writing radiates hope in these dark times, ending on quite the puzzling picture. A solid moment which has much room to build from.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
The art team kicks off events with a Doomsday retrospective. Accepting the fate coming, the panels lock in on the rare emotions of Doomsday. It is overshadowed by a superb two page splash of action. The battle with the Legion picks up pace with the aggression pouring on the pages. Readers watch as the panels focus in on Saturn Girl’s moves pertaining to Lois Lane. The close-up on Saturn Girl’s eyes tip off the dire situation unfolding before the audience. This only grows with a full page recap of the last round of the tourney.
Lane’s battle moves into a more direct lane as the art presents the back and forth. The full page image shows the frantic scramble to win. Another fantastic two page spread shows the power struggle unleashed. It sparks a bold finish to the combat. There are a few looks at Superboy-Prime that will have readers talking. The aftermath leads into a deep conversation with Doomsday. Panels mirror the weight of his acceptance of a revelation. This catapults into a strong full page finish before the epilogue. Once here, the art captures the hope that beams from the Superman family. It brings out the best of attempts to offset the failing tourney. The closing panel will raise some eyebrows as a new era begins next round. Great work per usual for this team.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
Can time run out for the Time Trapper? That is the question posed in this DC K.O. arc finale. Williamson’s writing gives a thrilling finish to the battle raging with the Legion. The art team showcases the best of the Superman family in these times of crisis. This series never ceases on bringing such a high level of storytelling!
Let me know your thoughts on Superman #35 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
