The cover of this issue can mean only one thing…Superman vs. Frankenstein’s Monster’s Superman…who ya got?!
Superman #12 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The full summary reads:
“SINISTER PURPOSE” part one! Frankenstein has come to Hamilton County, home of Superman, and Hell has come with him. It’s Man of Steel vs. the Monster to save the life of someone in the town with a horrifying secret.
Why does this book matter?
This is the first part of a new story arc so it’s new reader friendly. Lois Lane appears to be a major focus (so fans of hers should prick up their ears), plus the art is by Doug Mahnke so you know the monster is gonna look great.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Good to see Lois rides a bike.
This issue is very good at surprises, opening with a delectable misdirection that perfectly sets up the action of the issue. Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason write the story, which thrusts Lois into a dangerous situation only to have, you guessed it, Superman swooping in to save the day…. only, he sort of doesn’t — which makes for a big surprise later on, but I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers!
A fun element of this issue is how Lois attempts to flee. The writing team has her use her knowledgeable experience with superheroes to get away and it’s a funny moment. It also allows her to be a hero in her own right and not the damsel.
Superman gets plenty of shots in so don’t worry about a lack of action. The monster does his best to crush and kill and artist Mahnke gives him subtle hints of a personality even though he doesn’t talk much. Mahnke really excels with the monster in this one, plus draws a very cool hover craft, giving faces a ton of detail and personality. Superman looks great too and the entire issue takes place in a small town in the fall that sets the mood. The colors by Wil Quintana give everything a realistic look and feel, with a neat digital effect for the fall leaves.
It can’t be perfect can it?
As a first issue there isn’t a lot to go on besides the hook, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It does mean by issue’s end you’ll be wishing there were more answers, or at least more to this than a few twists and lots of action.
Just an average day…until!
Is It Good?
Superman #12’s Super-Monster should give monster maniacs a run for their money with some exciting twists thrown in too. There’s good action and intrigue for sure and though this issue doesn’t do a lot, it does the things it sets out to do well.
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