Superboy #4 – Review

By: Scott Lobdell (writer), R.B. Silva (penciller), Rob Lean (inker), Richard & Tanya Horie (colorists)

The Story: Superboy demonstrates a very effective way of dealing with Christmas carolers.

The Review: I talk a lot about the importance of “advancing the story” in these reviews, and I think I should elaborate on what I mean.  Now, I have nothing against a writer who wants to let his story stew a bit before serving.  But the advent of the decompressed storytelling has taken things to a problematic level, where often several issues can pass without anything of real substance happening.

That’s pretty much the situation happening in this title.  Since issue one, nothing much has changed in the status quo of the plot except Superboy discovering he is not fully human (which we all knew from the beginning) and that “Red” is actually Caitlin Fairchild, formerly of Wildstorm’s Gen¹³, which is a surprising development to be sure, but not one that has much of an impact other than removing yet another of Superboy’s sparse supporting cast.

Caitlin’s confrontation with Superboy also has some logical faults to it.  Having been protective and even a bit meek around the clone since he was still floating in a silo, it’s not entirely convincing that she would hulk out and even threaten to finish him off simply because he broke into her room and interrogated her.  The whole scene feels mostly forced, and it adds absolutely nothing to the plot whatsoever.

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.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Detective Comics #873 – In a week where I felt like I deserved a medal for valor for merely finishing my comics (thanks for that Marvel) that contained a notable death in Fantastic Four, three excellent Avengers comics, the shocking end to Uncanny X-Force, another stellar issue of American Vampire and a great start to New York Five, the best was Scott Snyder’s trippy end to his first story arc that combined gas masks, amputations, Scarecrow gas and Man-Bat juice to create a story where you didn’t know what was real and what was in Dick Grayson’s head.  This is far and away the best Bat book and that is saying something because all the Bat books are quite good right now.  Runner-up: New Avengers #8

Most Anticipated: She-Hulks #4 – The bad news is that its the end of the mini and the next time we see the She-Hulks it probably won’t be with Harrison Wilcox writing such clever dialog and Ryan Stegman drawing beautifully fun characters.  The good news is that I fully expect this series to close on a very high note.  The series has been fun as hell and you shouldn’t miss this final issue.

Other picks: I, Zombie #10, Doc Macabre #3, Amazing Spider-Man #653, Hulk #29

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Fantastic Four #587 – RIP Johnny.  A fantastic issue that succeeded on so many levels.  It wasn’ t just an emotional, heroic, and proper send-off for a character, as there were also thrills and, surprisingly, laughs to be had.  Truly, the sky is the limit for Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four and I can’t wait to see where he takes us over the next year.

Most Anticipated: Invincible #77 – It’s a shame, but delays have taken some of the steam out of the Viltrumite War these days as it seems that Invincible comes out whenever it feels like it these days.  That said, it was a pleasant surprise to see this making it to the stands this month.  The Viltrumites are heading to Earth as the War comes to it’s conclusion.  That alone is enough to grab my most anticipated spot.

Other Picks: Invincible Iron Man #500.1, Superboy #4, Secret Six #30, Sweet Tooth #18, Brightest Day #19, SHIELD #6

DS’ Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Kato Origins #6 – I am really digging Kato Origins and issue #6 this week was cool ninja action, layered into WWII America, with the crime and racism that makes Kato one of the most outsider heroes I’ve ever seen. Next issue is the start of a new arc, so you should get ready.

Most Anticipated: Brightest Day #19 – Johns, Tomasi and the massive art crew have delivered some great issues recently and we’re gearing up for all the pieces to come together. That alone would have put Brightest Day near the top of my list, but Ivan Reis on Aquaman has been one of the real pulls for this series and this issue promises to be Aquaman heavy.

Other Picks: Captain America – Hail Hydra #2, Batman Confidential #53, Batman: Odyssey #6, Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #1, Marvel Vault: Doctor Strange #1