SUPERMAN #36 (DC COMICS)
Metropolis has a new champion!
In the wake of DC K.O., Superman is missing. This leaves a massive question for the citizens of the DCU to ask. They have an answer and it might not be one they are ready for.
Superboy-Prime is setting up shop in the Man of Tomorrow’s absence. Knowing his track record with the other heroes, this move doesn’t sit well with anyone.
SUPERMAN #36 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez & Ariana Maher starts the most improbable redemption story in comics.
Let’s take a seat and witness how this story kicks off!
SUPERMAN #36 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez & Ariana Maher (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williamson pens an ambitious tale with this opening round. Prime’s fourth wall breaking starts events off on a lighter note. This good will changes quickly as a long forgotten Supes foe is going crazy in the city. The writing steers events back to a previous time on the JL Watchtower. Lois Lane’s interaction with Mr. Terrific slowly moves events into the current issue at hand. Readers watch as there are mixed reactions to Prime’s presence on board. Her dialogue exposes the real concerns at hand with such an immature powerhouse roaming freely. This only amplfies once they return to Metropolis.
Readers watch as cold reality hits Prime with a direct bullseye. Williamson teases a rational solution to this dilemma. What falls out from this is a very complex notion of redeeming Prime’s legacy. The writing ramps up the action to a fever pitch. Another curve is thrown into its’ conclusion. This moment allows for a fun detour as Prime becomes lost in the reality he’s building. Readers can appreciate where this part of his journey leads. It ultimately results a very steady landing spot. Just as it looks like the calm is sinking in, the final page brings back a long lost rogue with danger screaming out! A great finish to a very different story.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Mora returns to Superman with an electric look at this new stat quo. The fourth wall breaking is a great touch before events kick off. An incredible two page spread kickstarts the action. Its’ derailed by the drama at the Watchtower. Lois’s range of expressions mirrors the audience as Prime’s appearance is generating friction. The “workout” panel taps into the youthful side of events. This ushers in the quick return to the Daily Planet. What happens there lights the match for a larger timebomb in waiting.
A full page Comic cover homage steals the show as Prime enters his new era. Lois’ reaction to his proclamation is priceless as a half panel moves Prime into action. The rogue debuts via full page with Prime’s one liner perfectly placed. Mora unleashes the action as they brawl through the city. This moves into a defiant image which has more going on than meets the eye. In its’ wake is a more playful look at his “adult” life veering into. The closing pages tease the dedication to hat’s next via half page panels. This would be a great landing spot but someone has made their way back into Superman lore! Another incredible full shot welcomes them back into the DCU which is nothing but trouble for all. Let’s go!
FINAL GRADE: 9.4
The ultimate redemption story begins as Superboy-Prime crashes into the public eye! Williamson delivers on a very creative and fun take involving the polarizing character. Mora and Sanchez swing huge for a knockout via excellent art. The Prime of Tomorrow is here and the DCU will never be the same!
Let me know your thoughts on Superman #36 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
