Superboy #11 – Review

By: Jeff Lemire (writer), Pier Gallo (artist), Jamie Grant & Dom Regan (colorists)

The Story: Superboy gets by—with a little help from his friends.

The Review: Amidst the din and hype over the newest launch of Superboy, with critical darling Lemire at the helm, I remain largely puzzled by the lavish praise on this title.  Not that I don’t see its possibilities—far from it.  But now, one issue shy of a year’s worth of material, the series still feels like it’s winding up its first story arc.

And now, just when Lemire should be pulling out all the stops to make good on his and his star character’s potential, he just stops.  To prep the title for yet another relaunch come fall, Lemire was obligated to expedite the finish of his major storyline, and in combination with the reduced page count, that means he only had one option to get everything done in time: a big, wordy pile of exposition as told by either the raving Tannarak of the implacable Phantom Stranger.

Most of the action comes from Simon and Lori’s attempts to use their mere mortal means to escape the clutches of a life-draining blob-man and a town full of clay rednecks.  Since they have the least means to defend themselves (with Psion out of commission), these parts clearly have the most bite to them.  That said, Simon ends up doing little more than inadvertently serving as a decoy, leaving Lori to save them both with a couple moments of idiot-savant improvisation.

Speaking of Psion, he serves as a painfully obvious reminder that this title has definitely not gone anywhere it intended to.  Considering all the buildup Lemire put in towards the earnest lad’s possible betrayal—only because his superiors in the future commands him to so as to save their world from doom—it’s just disconcerting that you’ll never now find out what the future holds for him and his puppy-dog friendship with the Boy of Steel.

Superboy #8 – Review

By: Jeff Lemire (writer), Pier Gallo (artist), Jamie Grant & Dom Regan (colorists)

The Story: Superboy and the Chamber of Secrets.

The Review: The moment Lemire launched this title, he injected a supernatural tone to the Smallville mythos that he many times said he would expand in time.  The Phantom Stranger’s multiple appearances heralded significant horrors to come for the Boy of Steel, but till now we’ve gotten radio-controlled frogs, time-traveling psychics, and plants from outer space.  Superboy seemed well on his way to joining his cousins in primarily sci-fi-based heroics.

Then this issue comes, and magic once again rears its unpredictable head, in the form of the Hollow Men, your classic creepy farmers with a twist of zombie.  This isn’t your usual Western European tradition of mysticism: witches and warlocks, nonsense words and fairy creatures.  Lemire takes a much more primal kind of magic and gives it a mad-scientist spin, a union that really suits the earthy, Midwestern backdrop of Smallville and Superboy’s scientific roots.

The arcane elements in this issue are equal parts alchemy, necromancy, and druidism, a perfect match for the eerie frontier of Smallville’s Wild West, the setting for Nathaniel Kent and Albert Valentine’s encounter with the town’s darker side.  It’s got all the stuff that makes great ghost stories: the banished Puritan doctor and his disturbed family; hidden spaces with macabre secrets; shudder-worthy murders; the inevitable building gone down in flames.

Like all great ghost stories, these details inevitably come back to haunt the real world once more, as the entire town falls into a stupor right before Connor’s eyes.  The answer lies of course in the “broken silo,” his only clue to the mysterious events of #2, and the place Nathaniel Kent found has more to it “than life and death,” in the words of crazed surgeon-occultist Eben Took.  Our payoff: the final splash showing what’s “below” Smallville, a stunner of a reveal if there’s any.

Superboy #7 – Review

By: Jeff Lemire (writer), Marco Rudy with Daniel HDR (artists), Jamie Grant & Dom Regan (colorists)

The Story: Superboy discovers what the fuss is all about with these hallucinogenic plants.

The Review: Ever since Geoff Johns wrote Superboy as the product of the world’s greatest hero and the world’s greatest villain, this dual nature has become a focal point of his character—too much so, in fact.  Ignoring the fact that genetics don’t really work that way, this plot point has infected almost every Superboy story since it first came to light, which has really cramped the Kid of Steel’s style.  It’s like writers are trying to wring the issue for all the angst it’s worth.

Superboy’s nightmare come to life falls under those lines.  Now, there’s nothing wrong with the way Lemire executes the story.  He actually keeps things clipping at a quick pace with his habit of jarring scene-cuts. You’re constantly shunted back and forth between Superboy and Psionic Lad’s present mystery in orbital space, and the future apocalyptic hellscape, which Connor apparently unleashes on the world.  It definitely keeps you invested in what the heck is going on.

Instinct tells you to think this is where Psi-Lad reveals his true colors.  You know he’s from the future, and that it’s a grim dystopia (or so he says), and he’s intended to turn on Superboy at some point, so all the signs for his betrayal get put in place.  But once Lori and Red Robin show up in this alternate timeline, and they don’t seem to get from Connor’s t-shirt/jeans get-up that he’s not the ruthless murderer they seem to know, you know something fishy’s happening.

Superboy #5 – Review

By: Jeff Lemire (writer), Pier Gallo (artist), Jamie Grant (colorist)

The Story: Like my alarm clock whenever I want it least, the race between Kid Flash and Superboy is on!

The Review: Some people are inclined to call interlude issues—the done-in-ones between story arcs—filler, and there’s just cause for that.  Since they tend to have lower stakes and be less involved than the usual stuff you tend to get, it’s easy to dismiss them as distractions from the bigger picture.  But interludes can be important if they not only entertain, but do some work developing the characters or laying the groundwork for the next big plot.

Lemire succeeds on all three points.  Sure, the Superboy-Kid Flash race is a hokey gimmick, but that doesn’t take away from the sheer fun and silliness of it.  It’s also a great legacy moment for the featured teen heroes, a reminder that one day they’ll take over for their predecessors and be counted among the world’s finest.  Now, I won’t spoil who wins the deal, but rest assured—it beats the obligatory “tie” that always seemed to be the result of the Superman-Flash races.

Connor’s bromance with Tim Drake is by now an old DC mainstay, and but his friendship with Bart Allen has been less developed.  As Impulse, Bart always seemed to exist in his own world, making it easy to forget he was part of the original team-up with Superboy and Robin as Young Justice.  Their heart-to-heart this issue is a nice step forward for them, with Bart’s cheerfulness taking the place of Tim’s sensibility for soothing Connor’s romantic woes.

In fact, Superboy’s interactions with all the Teen Titans sound so natural, they call attention to how awkward his relationships with his Smallville “friends” have been so far, particularly Lori.

Even now, her role in this series still remains up in the air, as Superboy himself is taking a lot of pains to exclude her from his heroic and civilian lives.  Still, the appearance of the Phantom Stranger and her many monologues show Lemire has big plans for her in the upcoming storyline.

Superboy #4 – Review

By: Jeff Lemire (writer), Pier Gallo (artist), Jamie Grant (colorist)

The Story: Enter Psionic Lad, master of mental might, escapist of eras…and feigner of friendship.

The Review: There’s nothing like time-traveling hijinks to liven up a story.  It’s literally twice the fun: the world of the past and the world of the future.  Then there’s all the interest in connecting elements between the two, and seeing how their interaction may alter events in either period.  Time-traveling stories really only get messy when the past and future selves of the same characters come together, creating all manner of quantum loops and feedbacks that make your head spin.

Fortunately, Jeff Lemire wisely avoids bringing in space-time paradoxes on top of what is already ramping up to be an entertaining story arc.  The appearance of Psionic Lad and his grim portents of the future signal much higher-stakes challenges for Superboy—a good thing, considering what few opportunities he has had to prove his competence so far.  Even here, besides the quick tussle with the Acropolis Science-Hunters, the action level still remains pretty low-key.

Still, the intensifying drama in this issue keeps you invested in where the story’s going.  The reveal of Psionic Lad’s motivations for seeking out Superboy’s help comes at a slow burn, but laced throughout his explanations are a bunch of questionable details that keep you guessing at his true intentions.  The final scene is one right out of the Handbook of Classic Twists, but Lemire’s paced execution still gets you pumped to see how this will all blow up in their faces.

At the same time, Lemire doesn’t neglect the plot threads he’s already lain down in previous issues.  Psionic Lad’s handy abilities allow Superboy and Co. to glean some more clues about the big bad guys still lurking in Smallville.  The Science-Hunters’ reactions to Simon Valentine also indicate that we may be treated to more clues about the boy genius’ ultimate connection to the Boy of Steel.  It’s nice to know Lemire’s got a definite direction he wants to take this title.

Superboy #3 – Review

By Jeff Lemire (writer), Pier Gallo (artist), Jamie Grant (colorist)

The Story: Just as Superboy’s getting a new handle on balancing what’s normal in his life and what’s not, Smallville High falls victim to a mass migraine of epic proportions, the work of…Psionic Lad!

The Review: Last issue’s run in with Poison Ivy and some plants gone wild rocketed through events so quickly that by the end, you felt winded, but not as if you really got anywhere, story-wise.  This time around, Jeff Lemire’s got his newest story arc on a slow burn, but with some creative narrative-hopping to keep the pace lively, and the effect on the storytelling is aces.  This issue splits its time equally on dealing with the aftermath from the previous story arc’s damage on Smallville, handling the newest threat to rear its head, and building up the chemistry among the principal characters.

It’s a treat when a comic book writer remembers that after a battle, there’s usually some reconstruction at stake.  In this case, the question of how to help Smallville’s farmers cope with the loss of pretty much their entire crop season leads to some great character moments.  Ma Kent’s monologue about the resilience of the town’s people is a great summation of what’s admirable about Midwestern character in general, and speaks to Lemire’s love of the area and its philosophy.

Also great is Kid Flash’s guest shot.  Why chat on the phone when super-speed allows for in-person conversations anytime, anyplace?  His appearance not only leads to a scheme to help the town (an upcoming event that’s already got me thrilled for March’s issue), but also sheds light on Superboy’s eagerness to reach out and involve his friends.  This quality also gives Superboy a terrific moment later on in his bittersweet call to Wonder Girl, a reflection of drama going on over in Teen Titans.

Character work is in fine form throughout this issue.  The tense conversation between Superboy and Simon Valentine on how to proceed with their superhero-sidekick dynamic gives intriguing depth to both of their personalities, and makes the first baby step toward Simon’s resentment of their partnership.  Lori also gets good page-time as she tries to get closer to her “cousin” of sorts, and ends up getting sucked into the center of the action.  The little wordless beats Lemire gives her—making eye contact with Superboy in class, then quickly turning away— really sell.  And man, I do love the return of thought balloons, because they work as carriers for melodrama in a way spoken dialogue never does: “I can’t let him know that I know…things are weird enough between us!”

In the grand scheme of things, the actual action in the issue is not enormous, but because of Lemire’s clever time-jumps between past drama and present action, the story is fraught with constant tension.  Besides, the revelation of what’s causing the chaos striking Smallville High has a great payoff with the appearance of the already endearing Psionic Lad and the chronally-exempt Hunting Party, who will be the main source of conflict for the next issue.

Superboy #1 – Review

by Jeff Lemire (writer), Pier Gallo (art), Jamie Grant (colors), and John J. Hill (letters)

The Story: Superboy defends Smallville from a major member of Superman’s rogues gallery.

What’s Good: Reading this first issue of Superboy, it’s clear that there are two different Jeff Lemires at work here. There’s the contemplative, indie creator attuned to the tone and rhythm of rural life and then there’s the gleeful, DC fanboy eager to use his new toys in explosive fashion. The fact that these two sides of Lemire are perfectly balanced is why Superboy #1 is such a success.

It’s clear right from the get-go that Smallville itself is not only key to the book’s atmosphere, but is such a presence that it almost constitutes a character in its own right. Lemire has managed to use Smallville to give the book an affable, friendly, and joyful tone; Superboy reads a lot like the superhero cartoons you loved as a kid, the sort that had that happy innocence but also never condescended. Smallville makes this book lovable, what with its intimacy and its nuances. It influences Connor, forcing him into contemplation as he interacts with nature itself in almost Romantic fashion and is also a vulnerable figure that needs protecting.

Then the DC fanboy Lemire steps in. The DC figures (Phantom Stranger, Parasite) are so opposite to Smallville that they create a sort of dissonance the lends the book a kind of goofy weirdness while creating some real excitement. Once the action starts flowing or Parasite is shown sucking the life out of Smallville, it’s clear that Lemire is having the time of his life, and that joy is infectious.

The transition between Smallville contemplation and comic book action is also expertly done and Lemire’s sense of pacing throughout the book is fantastic. Part of this is thanks to those moments where the indie Lemire and the DC fan Lemire bounce off one another, which is also when the book is at its most interesting. Take, for instance, Lemire’s choice of Parasite as a first victim; big and purple-skinned, it doesn’t get any more comic-booky and Lemire goes on to show the villain destroying and rotting out Smallville’s farmland wherever he sets foot. It’s as though the DCU is poisonous to the sanctity of Smallville innocence.

Then there’s the wonderful link between the book’s beginning, which features lovely narration as Connor ponders thoughtfully over a field, and how that very physically foreshadows how Connor defeats Parasite. It was definitely a fist-pumping moment where, in a way, Connor uses Smallville’s natural setting to defeat the outsider, Parasite.

Pier Gallo’s artwork is also a wonderful choice for the book and reminds me of a simpler, stream-lined, and softer Frank Quietely. Gallo’s work is subdued and homey, and thus perfect for Smallville. This, however, contrasts wonderfully with his depiction of Parasite, who is a lumpy monstrosity. Jamie Grant’s colors are also wonderful match for Gallo, enhancing everything that makes his work strong while glossing over and smoothing out any weaknesses. His tones a bright, happy, and, in a way, innocent, mirroring both Gallo’s work and Smallville itself.

All Star Superman #12 – Review

By Grant Morrison (writer), Frank Quitely (pencils), Jamie Grant (inks/colors)

This is the picture perfect ending to what has become a legendary run. All Star Superman will be missed immensely now that it’s over, and I can say with certainty that reader appreciation will grow as the years pass. DC has stated that the series will return soon, but whomever takes the writing helm will have his or her work cut out for them.

Superman, on the brink of death (he’s suffering from radiation poisoning), manages to muster the will to fight Lex Luthor one last time – all while keeping his identity secret from his co-workers at the Daily Planet. It’s exciting, gripping, and hilarious all at the same time, and the nod to Silver Age ridiculousness is nothing but fun. Superman proves that he can beat Luthor in every way, and it’s somewhat sad, yet gratifying to see Luthor finally accept his fate knowing that no matter what, he cannot and will not ever defeat Superman.

The action is perfectly illustrated by Frank Quitely’s skillful hand, who has done nothing but impress issue after issue. Here, he illustrates the brutal showdown between Supes and Luthor – their final confrontation which, when stripped away, is nothing more than a street fight between two men. It’s a fitting climax and when all’s said and done, our hero flies off one last time in a selfless act to save humanity. And the last two pages? Brilliant.

I’m so sad this one’s over. It’s not just one of the greatest Superman stories ever told, it’s one of the greatest superhero tales of our time. (Grade: A+)

– J. Montes

All Star Superman #11 – Review

By Grant Morrison (writer), Frank Quitely (artist), and Jamie Grant (colorist)

Coming into my this issue my expectations were raised through the roof. It seemed like Grant Morrison was out-doing himself as each issue progressed. I’ll make no bones about it, either: All Star Superman #10 was the best single issue of any series that I’ve read all year. So yeah, I was hoping for more of the same with this issue.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t succeed.

That’s not to say All Star Superman #11 is a failure, it’s quite the opposite. I just wanted more of Superman preparing the world for his departure. And he does some more of it in this issue, but this is more Lex Luthor’s story than anyone. As brilliant as Luthor is, he’s never been able to really defeat Superman. With Superman’s impending death just days away, Luthor makes a last ditch effort to defeat his old nemesis himself.

Playing this story par for the course, Morrison fills it with lots of wacky Silver Age concepts that are both rousing and entertaining. The fact that Luthor throws a “living star” at Superman in hopes of creating a spectacular loss is just one of those outlandish ideas that only Grant Morrison could get away with. Despite the crazy logic, it’s presented in such a way that it works, and boy is it fun!

As plain and simple as Frank Quitely’s art looks, there’s an incredible amount of substance in the way he uses negative space and scope. There really isn’t another artist like him working in the industry right now and he’s one of the few mainstream artists that can get away with using such minimalism. Jamie Grant has always made this book pop with his coloring. The vivid palette gives this book a life of its own and adds to its charm. With next issue wrapping up this creative team’s run, I’m bracing myself for a hell of an ending. I’m really going to be sad to see this series end. You can’t go wrong with any issue in this series. Pick them all up! (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

All Star Superman #10 – Review

By Grant Morrison (writer), Frank Quitely (pencils), Jamie Grant (colors)  

Jim Lee’s Superman run was incredible on the art front, but this is the first Superman story that has actually blown me away. Grant Morrison does what he does best: He creates a perfectly crafted tale that touches on all fronts of classic comic book storytelling. Superman is dying and the emotional note gravitates heavily to the reader. This is not a Doomsday story, this is about The Man of Steel dealing with radiation poisoning. As those around him try to find a cure, Superman wastes no time being self-indulgant. There is some time spent “preparing” for the inevitable, but he mostly carries on per usual, helping those in need.

Much like the rest of this series, this issue shows off the greatness and the scientist that is Superman. Often, he gets a lot of flack when compared to the ingenuity of Batman, but in this All Star book, we’re shown just how smart and human he really is. This is all pounded further home by Frank Quitely’s pencils which resonate the posture, emotions, and actions of each character housed within this book. And while he’s guilty of leaving a lot of his panels devoid of backgrounds, the tone he sets more than makes up for this deficiency.

Normally, a bi-monthly book like this would bother me, but because Morrison manages to keep stories somewhat self-contained (while keeping an underlying story arc), it’s very easy to jump back on aboard. This issue is the most personal and moving stories of the series thus far. It’s also the best. (Grade: A+)

– J. Montes