SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #5 (DC COMICS)
What a long, strange trip it has been for Clark Kent.
Under the banner of “Black Label”, creators have been able to take risks and chances with DCU characters. It’s a step outside the normal confines of continuity. This especially works woth the creative team behind the hit horror series “Ice Cream Man”.
Superman’s exposure to new forms of Kryptonite has spiraled into a journey of self discovery. This has set forth a confrontation with Lex Luthor like fans haven’t seen before. It will also answer a deeper question lingering in the background. Is the Man Of Tomorrow ready to confront today’s challenge?
SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #5 by W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran, and Good Old Neon (DC Comics) concludes its’ unique take on the Man of Tomorrow.
Let’s take a closer look at how this all wraps up..
SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #5 by W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran, and Good Old Neon (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Prince plays into the weird, quirky stage for an unforgettable close. The “Kyrptonite Man” is perfect Luthor scheming. Its’ origin makes for a very personal attack. Utilizing the previously established Kryptonites, the story veers off track. It allows Superman to experience different effects while trying to hold it together. The result spins into a wild, chaotic stage. Even with Batman’s involvement, the conflict raises up new levels of challenges.
Through this frantic stage, Superman’s dialogue gives way to answer a long question. Searching to define what “home” is, the writing gives a heartwarming answer. This provides a pivoting point to the extreme imagination on display. Prince juggles many elements to balance out the finish to the conflict. It is one readers won’t be disappointed with. The fallout is where the imagination shines. It is not conventional by any stretch, yet it hits high marks. Events wrap up with a glimmer of hope. How else could you end a Superman story any differently? Great finish.
Morazzo and O’Hollaran launch the fight into the first round via full page image. It allows some great homage flashbacks to sneak in while constantly moving forward. Batman geta subtle entrance into the fight. Seeing both his and Lois Lane’s frustration come to boil only escalates events. This plays into Luthor’s playbook well. Messing with the new Kryptonite effects leads into a great full page image of “giant” Superman.
Readers watch as the two page splash of reinforcements nearly destroys the city. It’s an impressive piece that amplifies Superman’s desperate fight. In between blows, the reaction Superman shows his supporting cast is telling. Watching Clark become “human” here slows the pace down just enough to make the landing. It is overtaken by a wild full page image of a certain version of Kent. This moves into the ending of the fight. Using smaller panels hones in to structure the parting shot. That comes via a loud full page. The art teams sneaks more key homages in before wrapping events up. The final page teases a new beginning, made perfect by this complex tale. Superb work all around.
FINAL GRADE: 9
Superman deals with Lex Luthor is a battle unlike anything fans have seen before. Prince challenges the Man of Tomorrow with strong writing. Morazzo and O’Hollaran throw unique looks at the audience to make this books stand out. It provides a fitting conclusion to one of the most versatile Superman stories you will ever read.
Let me know your thoughts on SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
