Superman #18Comic Review by Paul Fiander
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Written by Patrick Gleason & Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils Patrick Gleason Inks Mick Gray Colored by John Kalisz Cover by Patrick Gleason, John Kalisz |
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Life has a way of reminding you that things can go south very quickly, even when things seems to be going rather well. This is one of the biggest conceits in storytelling after all who wants a read a story about how perfect life can be. This issue however begins by showing us the perfect nature of the “Smith's" as they celebrate their anniversary. I will admit the beginning is very saccharin, the interplay between Clark, Lois and Jon feels like a show from the nineteen fifties. Or better yet like the way you expect a family from Kansas in the 1950’s to behave. This is actually very fitting for Clark and he feels at home in the early scenes but writers Gleason and Tomassi know who to change the idyllic to the horrific in a few short pages.
I'm not a huge Superman fan, he has always felt overpowered and needed to lose those powers to be in true peril. However know he has an Achilles heel in the shape of Jon. As a parent he is now vulnerable and that gives a level of depth to his character that has been missing in stories that I have consumed up till now. This issue sets up Clark’s weakness by attacking that which he holds most dear and it becomes a gripping issue as the story unfolds. The artistic turn by Patrick Gleason along with Inks by Mick Gray help to portray the square jawed Clark in all his glory. His body oozes power in each scene he is in but it's the worry in his face that highlights the best of the art. The emotion is raw and you can feel it exuding from the page. The colour work by John Kalisz helps to set the tone throughout and really comes into its own in the latter stages of the issue. Superman has become closer to a human being throughout Rebirth and this really has brought him to a level where you can not help but become engrossed in his story. |
