Superman (vol.3) #32 (2014)

Superman (vol.3) #32 (August, 2014)
"The Men of Tomorrow, Chapter One: Ulysses"
Writer - Geoff Johns
Penciller - John Romita Jr.
Inker - Klaus Janson
Colorist - Laura Martin
Letterer - Sal Cipriano
Assistant Editor - Anthony Marques
Group Editor - Eddie Berganza
Cover Price: $3.99

This issue is quite a bit newer than most of the books I figured I would be discussing here at the blog.  This week being my makeshift "Superman week" in honor of the Big Guy's birthday, I figured I should discuss the issue that brought me back to the Superman books most recently... Superman (volume 3) #32, featuring the creative team of Geoff Johns and Marvel stalwart, John Romita Jr..

Superman was one of the titles I shrugged off during my post-Flashpoint DC Comics temper tantrum.  I tried to keep up with the second volume of Action Comics under Grant Morrison just to have a "Super" title on my pull-list, however, a half-dozen or so issues in, I found myself losing interest.

During the New 52's sophomore year, it was becoming more and more apparent that the wheels were coming off.  Creative teams were bailing on books, editorial appeared to be scrambling to scoot creators from one book to the next, and there was no semblance of cohesion or order.  The Superman titles seemed especially prone to this.  Action Comics had a creator (Andy Diggle) bail off the book before his first issue even hit the stands.  Superman (vol.3) seemed to have a new writer every few issues until settling on Scott Lobdell for a (relatively) extended run.  These books did not do anything to draw my interest, it wasn't until I saw an ominous ad in my DC published titles in early 2014...

These ads were rather reminiscent of other bits that ran in DC Comics of old...

From kirbymuseum.org

It felt as though we were about to witness history.  Being a life-long "Marvel guy", there was no way I was going to miss John Romita Jr. on Superman.  The fact that Geoff Johns was in the writer's chair was an added bonus.  I would finally be coming back to Superman... and thus far, I've held on ever since.

--

We open 20 years back at the Ulysses Research Center three miles below Omaha, Nebraska.  It appears as though this facility is researching interdimensionality.  With a hazardous leak incoming from Dimension Two threatening to consume the Earth, young researchers Peter and Bridget look for a way in which to protect their infant son from the fallout.  In a scene reminiscent of Superman's own origin, the child is placed in a containment unit and blasted into the unknown (Dimension Four, in this case).  We watch the child sail through the stars, and catch a glimpse of energy flowing in his eyes.

In the present, Superman is in the midst of battle with Titano.  Jimmy Olsen is nearby attempting to take photos for the Planet.  Unfortunately for Jimmy, his pictures only depict a blue and red blur.  In exchange for the photos, and likely only due to pity, Perry White offers Jimmy a lunch voucher.

Clark Kent arrives on the scene to speak with Perry about returning to the Daily Planet.  They walk down the hallway bedecked in Planet covers showing important happenings in the DC Universe.  The covers include Superman's first appearance in Metropolis, the Death of Superman, the Return of Superman, and perhaps the most topical... Lex Luthor Saves the World (from the fallout of Forever Evil).  I am still not clear on how the New 52 handled the death and return of Superman... I'm fairly certain there was not a Reign of the Supermen here... anyways...

We observe a scene at Clark's apartment.  Clark makes dinner (which he admits is not as good as his mother's), he is shown on the phone with Wonder Woman, and attempting to phone Batman.  He is looking through a family photo album when he hears a far off cry for help.

Superman finds himself in battle with a large alien foe.  The two fight, and when it seems that all may be lost, a super powered man with long blonde hair spears the alien creature away.  This young man and the alien appear to be speaking the same language.  In a beautiful splash page we are treated to the alien being attacked from both sides from the blonde and Superman... the power of which causes an explosion of energy.

As the two supermen collect themselves, Superman thanks the blonde man for his help.  They speak for a moment, and the man comes to understand that he is on Earth.  He introduces himself as Ulysses, and expresses great surprise that the Earth was not destroyed.  He had, until now considered himself the "Last Son of Earth".  He smiles, knowing he is no longer alone.

--

While I'm still not completely on board with this younger and edgier Superman (and it's doubtful that I will be) this was a fantastic issue.  It felt as though it was laying the groundwork for something much larger to come.  Hindsight unfortunately informs me that this is not entirely true, depending on your mileage for the current (2015-2016) DCYou "Truth" story line.  For a jumping on point, you can do far worse than Superman #32.

I may be biased, but I'll always read Geoff Johns' books.  In my opinion, he is wonderfully talented and is a true mechanic and architect in the industry.  I am rarely disappointed in anything the man writes, and this issue is no exception.  Bringing Clark back to the Daily Planet and his regular cast of characters did a great service.  This just feels right.  Scenes such as Clark flipping through an old photo album and looking at pictures of Ma and Pa make this character feel more real than he has in ages.  In time, I could have seen this Superman maybe sorta-kinda become my Superman.  These feelings are unfortunately short-lived... but that's not a discussion for today.


I've seen people bash John Romita Jr.'s artwork for years now.  I can't help but dig it.  I will agree that the pencils are looser and he might not be at his Uncanny X-Men, Peter Parker or Amazing Spider-Man level here, but JRJR brings with him something of a comfort (for me, anyway).  I could see his move to DC be one that facilitates toe-dipping in the DCU from purely Marvel Comics readers.  I can honestly say, though I will concede it may be nostalgia or comfort speaking, I loved the art in this issue.

One gripe I do have, and this is not Superman #32 specific, mind... but this issue is clearly of the "written for the trade" variety.  This is an opening chapter, and while there is a lot to absorb here... there is also a feeling that it may be padded a touch.  Still a great read for what it is, though more likely to be thoroughly enjoyed in the collected edition.  I was also not happy in the increase in cover price from $2.99 to $3.99 for this title from this point on.  Recommended.

--

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Action Comics #429 (1973)

Action Comics #429 (November, 1973)
"The Man Who Wrote Superman's Obituary!"
Story - Elliot S! Maggin
Art - Curt Swan & Bob Oksner
Editor - Julius Schwartz
Cover Price: $0.20

One of the best parts of obsessively trawling the cheap-o bins is that sometimes you come across a wacky oddity like the one I'll be discussing today.  It's fairly non-characteristic of me to really seek out many Pre-Crisis Superman books, as the character to me is better depicted from Man of Steel and beyond... Also, I know that I will never own a complete Action Comics collection making seeking out random issues a touch less satisfying to me.

That having been said, anytime I come across a Pre-Crisis issue in a "buck or below" bin, I will very likely snag it just to add a bit of flavor to my library.  How much flavor can a random early-seventies issue of Action Comics bring?  Let's find out...

--

We join Superman as he uncovers an ancient city on a tiny volcanic island in the mid-Pacific.  This civilization had been buried for ages, and in a matter of moments Superman is able to excavate it.  Realizing he is running dangerously close to being late for work at the Galaxy Building, Superman cuts across the globe and arrives in time.

Clark is doing research for a televised special on Burt Kennycut, an explorer.  He visits the Daily Planet archives (or the Daily Planets's morgue, according to the archivist, Ryan).  While digging through the corridor of filing cabinets, Clark decides to employ his x-ray vision to see if there is anything interesting in the "Clark Kent file".

Much to Clark's surprise, he finds his own obituary... written in Kryptonese... which details his dual life as Superman.  Thinking he is the victim of an irresponsible prank, Superman decides to visit the four individuals who, at this time, are aware of his secret... Supergirl, Flash, Batman, and Green Lantern.  What is most interesting about this is Hal's suggesting to Superman that he just give up being a superhero and stick to being a reporter.  This is a side of Hal that took me a bit by surprise.

Thanks for nothing, Hal!

Superman returns to the Fortress of Solitude and begins writing in his diary.  His diary-writing apparatus is a wonderfully silly sight.  It is controlled by two panels, and a scattering of dials.  A piece that looks like a part of a hydraulic crane or picker extends from the desk and holds an etching chisel.  He journals in Kryptonian.  As he writes, he is unaware that it is also being somehow transmitted to the archivist at the Daily Planet... who has, as luck would have it, taught himself how to translate Kryptonese.

With all of the information in the Clark Kent obituary, Superman begins to think that somehow his diary-writing may be responsible.  To test his theory, Superman decides to have a little fun with the archivist.

Who needs Magneto and Dr. Doom when you can have... Ozymaxias.

Superman tells a story of his return to the sub-volcanic city.  This time, however, he is not alone.  He runs into Ozymaxias, the "Ruler of the World's Greatest Nation".  He writes about their introduction, their island-wide battle, how he managed to defeat (or outlast) his foe, and the measures he took to turn the volcano crater into a greenhouse.

Superman rushes back to the Galaxy building, and utilizes his super-ventriloquism to shout "Fire!" in his native tongue.  He observes Ryan begin to panic.  Superman now knows that the archivist understands Kryptonese.

The two discuss how Ryan came to know Kryptonese, and just how much of Superman/Clark's secret he is aware of.  Supeman finds that the Oxymaxias affair is contained in his file, and informs Ryan that that story was in fact an "imaginary story".  Written to test if there was any connection between his Fortress diary and the Clark Kent obituary.

Superman asks Ryan what he should do now that his secret identity is known by somebody outside of his normal circle of trust.  Ryan tells Superman that he shouldn't do anything... after all, he's known the secret for a long time and never blabbed... and, as a journalist he would never tell any privileged information.  Superman decides this is good enough for him, and the two men shake hands.

Here's an archivist whose getting a big Christmas tip this year...

--

Well... these seventies stories sure are something.

Now, don't get me wrong, this was a fun little tale... and great as a one-off, however, I could not imagine reading stories like this month after month.  We must keep in consideration that this was a time where comics were more aimed at children, and were viewed as things that are, heaven forbid, "grown out of".  With that in mind, there is nothing wrong with this issue.

Love that key!

The writing, is very good, if not a touch hokey.  Again, sign of the times... Not for a dude in his mid-thirties to fully appreciate.  Curt Swan's art is very nice, though, almost a bit too house-style, if that makes any sense.  Like, very clean... but, perhaps... too clean.  This is the kind of storytelling I used to imagine when I thought of "DC Comics" rather than Marvel.  Almost sterile art, and stories that can be read in almost any order without fear of missing any continuity.

It is interesting to see how willy-nilly Superman is with his secret identity in this issue.  With how easily he decides to trust Ryan the archivist, I have to wonder how many other people were entrusted with his secret throughout the Silver and Bronze ages.  Seeing the classic Fortress of Solitude (giant key included) was a fun treat, as was seeing Superman (briefly) interact with his superhero circle of friends.

--

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Superman (vol.2) #155 (2000)

Superman (vol.2) #155 (April, 2000)
"The Private Life of Clark Kent"
Jeph Loeb Writes
Ed McGuinness Pencils
Cam Smith Inks
Tanya & Richard Horie Colors
Richard Starkings Letters
Maureen McTigue Associates
Eddie Berganza Edits
Cover Price: $1.99

My firsthand Super-fandom has a rather decent sized hole in it.  Following the Reign of the Supermen, I kind of fell off the franchise.  I popped back in from time to time for the more sweeping DC crossovers, like Zero Hour and The Final Night... but never hung around long enough to build any sort of longer narrative run.  It was during this era that I found myself consistently coming back.  Ed McGuinness' art was like a beacon among the already colorful late turn of the century comics output that attracted my attention.

Grabbing issues of this vintage changed my perception of what Superman comics could be.  Jeph Loeb 's writing was excellent and Ed McGuinness' pencils were amazing.  Characters were larger than life... literally.  It was under Ed's stylized pencils that Superman was given something of an exaggerated physique.  He was massive, just as he should be.  Superman should always be the most amazing being on any page he is featured on.

Loeb and McGuinness brought me back to Superman where I remained with the titles until around Infinite Crisis.  This issue was the first of my run.

--

We join the story during a post Y2K press conference.  Lex Luthor is raising Superman's arm in the air in celebration... Superman looks as happy by this photo-op as one would imagine.  The Y2K fallout turned Metropolis into the true "City of Tomorrow", and Luthor has wormed himself into the proceedings as a focal point and into a de facto leadership position.  Luthor had recently "rescued" Gotham City during the No-Man's-Land mega-arc, and now claiming Metropolis among his victories may have his sights set to the highest office in the land.

Irritated by the proceedings, Superman is Smallville-bound in attempt to clear his head.  Perhaps feeling as though some fresh farm air and a heaping helping of biscuits and gravy will break him out of his funk.

Clark is none to pleased to discover his is not the only "S" looking for some down time on the Kent farm.  We walks in on Kon-El Superboy sharing his heroic exploits with Ma and Pa.  Much to Clark's irritation, this is during a time in which Superboy is drawing conclusions in regard to the connection between Superman and Clark Kent.

The exchange between Clark and Kon is contentious to say the least.  Clark views Superboy as something of an interloper... invading his "safe" place.  He is disappointed to find out that Kon is actually an invited guest of the Kents (they had met during an issue of Superboy).  Clark walks out to the porch to stew.

There is a Lois subplot where she is attempting to get some time off from the Planet.  Perry is not having it, and questions whether Lois and Clark may be having some troubles at home.  Clark was officially an International Correspondent during this time, and Perry felt as though the "time apart" was too much of a strain on the Kent marriage.  Lois storms out, not noticing when she bumps into Jimmy, almost knocking him over.  This scene features a Daily Planet hallway that I always enjoy seeing... it is the hallway with blown up front covers of the Planet that make mention of events that we have read.  During this scene, we see the reference to The Final Night, Funeral for a Friend and The Reign of the Supermen.  I loved seeing this hallway return when Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. came on to Superman (vol.3) #32 a little while back.  It brings history and cohesion to the DC Universe, which I really dig.

Back in Smallville, Ma Kent joins Clark on the porch.  Clark is confused and frustrated about recent events, including his current relationship with Lois.  In a recent issue of Action Comics, Clark and Wonder Woman were trapped in another dimension in which they lived for a millennium.  Clark claims that "nothing happened" however cannot shake his feelings of guilt.  In a touching bit, Ma says having Kon around reminds her of Clark being that age.

Clark returns to his bedroom, only to find Kon looking at some of his belongings.  It appears as though Kon is really trying to get to know Clark, learning about his past, associating with his family.  His attempts are somewhat coldly dismissed by Clark.

The next morning, Clark joins Pa out in the barn to milk the cows.  Pa and Clark have a talk about whether or not Clark should trust this Superboy.  Ultimately, Clark decides to try and be a bit more friendly to Kon, even teaching him how to milk a cow.

Later on, it is time for Kon to leave.  The Kents (Clark included) tell him he is always welcome to return.  While Superboy is flying away, he is caught up to by Superman.  In a short back-and-forth, Superman rephrases something he's told Kon as Clark.  I take this as him letting Superboy in on the secret.  The two decide to race back to Metropolis.

As this issue draws to a close we observe Clark ringing at his apartment with a bouquet of flowers for his wife.  To his surprise, Lois answers the door in a revealing dress.  She tells Clark she has plans for the evening, and advises him not to "wait up".  Clark is left in darkness, flowers in hand.

--

Even sixteen (16???) years later, this is still a fun and satisfying read.  I will always have a soft spot for this version of Superboy, and always enjoy Clark being portrayed as a son.  The Kents listening to Clark's worries, and offering him advice is one of those things that is sorely missing from the New-52 version of the character.  I love that Clark has a getaway... a place he can decompress and be with family.  The family aspect is so undervalued today, yet I still feel as though it is vital to Clark and Superman's character.

The writing and art are top-notch throughout.  Clark is depicted both through dialog and appearance as vulnerable and quite human.  The coloring is beautiful, very vivid.  I have a special fondness for the paper stock used during this vintage.  It is somewhere between newsprint and glossy.  While newsprint can make art look ugly, and glossy paper attracts glare and smudges... this paper stock does neither.  Both Marvel and DC used this paper during this time, and I loved it... I would honestly trade today's glossier paper for this.  The only visual complaint I have is with, of all things, the lettering.  There is a certain shakiness to the lettering that sometimes distracts while reading.

This is an in between issue, placed between the Y2K arc and I believe an upcoming Parasite arc, which will focus on Lois' abrupt shift in temperament.  This issue has been collected in Superman: 'Til Death Do Us Part, (Michael Bailey at the Fortress of Baileytude does a fantastic breakdown of this collected edition) however, does not appear to be available digitally.  You could do far worse than to track this one down.

--

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Action Comics #684 (1992)

Action Comics #684 (December, 1992)
"... Doomsday is Near!"
Writer - Roger Stern
Artists - Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier
Letterer - Bill Oakley
Colorist - Glenn Whitmore
Asst. Editor - Jennifer Frank
Editor - Mike Carlin
Cover Price: $1.25

It's funny when I think back on my comic collecting career.  My adolescent years were very X-Centric comic book-wise.  The X-Men family of titles comprised nearly 100% of my purchasing and reading, however, my actual "collector memories" are so much stronger with the Death of Superman issues... and I wasn't even really a Superman fan at the time.

I suppose this may speak to what a comic-cultural touchstone this story line was for us.  This story was an event in so many ways... not only through the fictional narrative between the covers, but for the anxiety, panic, and scramble many of us comics enthusiasts experienced just trying to get our hands on these issues.  This was one of those stories that non-fans would ask me about.  Aunts and Uncles who'd never shown any interest in comics were suddenly asking me what "Doomsday" was.  It was as though everyone was curious about this story.  Everyone wanted to know what was going on.  This transcended fandom.

Of all of the Death of Superman issues, it was my procurement of the one I will be discussing today that was the most satisfying... it was the one issue I actually had to "hunt down".

Leading up to the event, our local comic shop set up a Death of Superman/Funeral for a Friend subscription service.  For the cost of cover price plus a $20 fee, you would be guaranteed every issue of the story line (including both versions of Superman #75, and the Justice League America tie-ins).

In retrospect, it seems as though the comic shop owner was playing to our fears of missing out to make a tidy profit... however... at the time, I remember actually losing sleep at the prospect of missing an issue.  A buddy of mine was able to coerce his parents into spotting him the cash... I was not so lucky.

As the event drew closer, the comic shop owner... who was likely in his late-40's to early-50's at the time would ride and jab at me for not taking advantage of the subscription "service".  For full appreciation of how pathetic this was, please keep in mind I was a 12-year old boy at the time.  This clown was praying on my fears of missing an issue, and talking up how smart my buddy was for paying up front (plus slipping him an extra $20, of course).

All was well, and I was able to snag every issue... until Action Comics #684.  I remember us stopping in to pick up our books, and this shop-owner-jackass was standing there with such a satisfied smile on his face.  He giddily advised me that they'd sold out of this week's issue, while reinforcing that I really should have "subscribed".  Again, I was twelve... and usually paid for my books with lunch money or spare change I dug out of the couch cushions... pennies included from time to time.

To say the least, I was majorly bummed out.  This was at a time where never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that twenty-years hence I would encounter this issue regularly in quarter-bins... after all, this story line would be able to put me and my children through college, right?

Long story... still long... my fear and frustration was short-lived.  The following weekend, while my parents did their weekly grocery shopping, I wandered into an attached baseball card shop.  Inside they had a full-rack (plus a pile behind the counter) of this very issue.  I gleefully grabbed it, and all was right in the world once more.

Reporting back the following week to our shop, my good news was met with some passive-aggressive digs from the man-child behind the counter.  I didn't care... I was happy to still be on track to collecting this run.  Was it worth the frustration?  Let's find out...

--

We open on Superman and Guardian tending to an injured Maxima, a result of the last chapter's fallout.  Superman orders Guardian to bring Maxima to a hospital, and sets out on the trail of Doomsday.

Doomsday is rampaging across the countryside.  Superman describes tracking Doomsday as akin to following the path of a tornado... nothing but devastation in his wake.  Doomsday comes across an oncoming car, which he grabs and launches into the atmosphere.  Superman is able to pluck the car out of the sky and safely deposit it back on solid ground... noticing that some of the nearby solid ground (in the form of a freeway overpass) has been absolutely demolished.

Doomsday has invaded a nearby shopping plaza, featuring a Lex-Mart... which I suppose is an early-nineties analogue for K-Mart, rather than the Wal- variety.  While terrorizing the shop, Doomsday's attention is piqued when he perceives the threat of a challenge.  In the store's video center, one of the display televisions is airing a commercial for the upcoming professional wrestling card War Bash, which is taking place at The Metropolis Arena.  Wrestler, Major Mayhem is cutting a promo, and Doomsday registers the word Metropolis (or, Mhh-Trr-Plss) in his memory as Superman enters the scene.

The two battle out of the Lex-Mart and along the nearby Expressway.  Doomsday notices a large sign signifying that Metropolis is a mere 60 miles away.  He repeats the word "Mhh-Trr-Plss" in effect setting a course for his destructive rage.  Superman hears Doomsday speak, and knows he must, at all costs stop Doomsday from reaching his destination.

Superman throws Doomsday into a hillside, as Lois and Jimmy watch on from a hovering helicopter.  Doomsday's rough landing causes seismic activity at the Cadmus Project.  Superman pounces once more halting Doomsday's recovery.  The two battle through the Cadmus Tree City, "Habitat" effectively topping the entire research project.  As Habitat crumbles, it appears as though Doomsday becomes buried in the rubble.

Guardian arrives on the scene to rouse Superman.  He passes on that Doomsday is buried and to relax as Superman surely "got him that time".  Mere moments later, Doomsday explodes through the wreckage, sending both Superman and Guardian flying.  As he regains his faculties, Doomsday remembers that he is Metropolis-bound.

The issue ends with Doomsday leaping his way toward Metropolis, and we are... [to be continued...]

--

What an issue... What was so amazing about the march to Superman #75 was the sense of urgency throughout.  There is nary a moment to catch your breath here.  That is one of the things that works so well about this story line.  We do not get the opportunity to reflect before the end.  There is so much forward momentum... which will ultimately come to an abrupt and definitive halt (though, that is a discussion for another time).

This issue is wonderfully written and looks fantastic.  It is what a big-fight issue should be.  The stakes are high, and getting higher by the panel.  Considering that this is Superman, the end-result of this story (in the narrative) should never be in doubt.  Doomsday is a challenge... a huge challenge, but Superman is Superman.  Observers, friends, and fellow heroes know that when the end comes... it will be Superman standing tall.  There is optimism... tempered with trepidation throughout this entire story, making the end result that much more sobering.

Wonderful issue.  It's another one that's difficult to "recommend"... this is no "hidden gem", if you're reading a DC Comics review blog... you've probably read this one several times over.  If somehow you have not, and still stumbled upon my semi-coherent-ramblings, yes... you should read this one... in fact, read the entire story line.  It's easy to find and won't cost you much.  Your comics library deserves to have the Death of Superman in it.  If not for you, do it for your collection... it'll thank you.

--

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Happy Birthday, Superman!

Back in Action Comics #149 in 1950 it was revealed that Superman (though, not Clark Kent) is a leap year baby.

So here's a hearty quadrennial Happy Birthday to the Man of Steel!

Celebrate the Super way with a Crystal Birthday Cake!

From the Official DC Super Hero Cookbook

From the Official DC Super Hero Cookbook

In honor of the Big Guy's Birthday I'm going to try and keep this week's reviews Super-Centric.