Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Superman #3
DC Comics
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Ivan Reis
Inks by Joe Prado and Oclair Albert
Colors by Alex Sinclair
Letters by Josh Reed
The Earth is stuck in the Phantom Zone and while there are many who are trying to find a solution, Livewire is looking for a way to take advantage of some new power upgrades and she thinks STAR Labs might have them. Unfortunately, she discovers that they are a little bust trying to fix the accident that hurled the Earth in the Phantom Zone in the first place and Superman comes on the scene just in time to tell the would be thief that she can either cause trouble or find a way to help.
As Superman tries to rally the rest of the Justice League into action, the effects of the Phantom Zone begin to take their toll on the heroes, especially Batman, Flash and others. As the rest of the heroes, especially the science based ones including Ted Kord, Mr. Terrific, Ryan Choi and Ray Palmer, gather to try to find a solution that will save the planet, Superman finds himself putting out fires while trying to help where he can. At the same time, Rogol Zaar has teamed up with Jax-Ur to raise an army to invade the waiting Earth.
There is a level of excitement and immediacy to this issue and I really enjoyed that. Bendis is making a point of putting Superman in a position where he has to step up and be more than a glorified EMT in a blue and red costume. Kal is going to have to make some tough choices and his conversation with Martian Manhunter is going to take on more meaning as the events continue to unfold. Bendis is making things more complicated for the man of steel and those complications have the potential to give the character some growth. I continue to be interested to see where this is going, especially with Bendis at the helm.
Ivan Reis’ art is great and I love the level of detail in the characters, especially their facial expressions. The art complements the story really well and there are some definite moments where the action and drama are elevated in the art. A really great paced and rendered issue that kept me interested in what’s to come.
Superman #3
