Connect with us
Superman #22 Review

Comic Books

Superman #22 Review

It’s Lois Lane’s turn to find out that Hamilton County is one screwed up place in Superman #22, “Black Dawn” Chapter Three. Doug Mahnke takes over in the art department, which seems only fair since the issue gives us a different perspective of the action.

Superman #22 Review
Superman #22
Writer: Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason
Artist: Doug Mahnke
Publisher: DC Comics

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Here’s the completely spoiler-free synopsis from DC Comics:

What is the secret of the Dead Man’s Swamp? Superman is tested by a mysterious force that pushes his convictions to the limit. Can the Man of Steel save face in the eyes of Hamilton and his son, Superboy?

That doesn’t tell you anything about this issue, which focuses entirely on Lois, save for the last two pages. After leaving us hanging with Jonathan and Damian, writers Patrick Gleason and Peter J. Tomasi let that thread dangle a little while longer so we can see what Lois is up to.

Lois is also slowly learning that things aren’t as they seem as she decides to go out looking for Batman herself. She also hasn’t heard from Superman, Jon and Damian since they fought the giant squid. Lois puts her investigative journalism skills to good use and finds a cellar where residents of Hamilton County are keeping tabs on the Kents.

Superman #22 Review

Since Superman is mostly missing from the issue, it seems fair to have Mahnke sit in for Gleason at the drawing table. Mahnke’s work is the polar opposite of Gleason’s, as it’s less stylized and more realistic. He does tend to change Lois’ thin frame from panel to panel, but he makes up for it with a particularly cool two-page sequence where Lois is driving the Batmobile while trying to escape Hamilton County’s mysterious residents. There’s nothing visually spectacular about this particular issue, although the image of Lois standing in front of a burning tree is an image that will stick with you.

At the end of the issue, Superman continues his investigation of Deadman’s swamp. That leads to another major cliffhanger, which promises an issue that will pull down the curtain on the Hamilton mystery.

So far, “Black Dawn” has shown the Kents’ lives in Hamilton County fall apart piece by piece, and hopefully they get out of there soon. Branden Cobb and his granddaughter Kathy are only the tip of the weird iceberg, as Lois learns in #22.

Superman #22 Review
Superman #22
Is it Good?
The third chapter of "Black Dawn" gives Lois' perspective on the action, with Doug Mahnke's art fitting the story's more serious turn.
We finally learn what Lois is doing while Superman investigates Hamilton County's mysteries.
This is Superman right? He's barely in the issue, so it feels like a filler to drag out the story.
Mahnke's art lacks consistency, as Lois' body changes from page to page.
7
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age 'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

‘X-Men’ #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

Comic Books

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063 DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

DC Preview: Action Comics #1063

Comic Books

New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th New DC Black Label 'Zatanna: Bring Down the House' out June 25th

New DC Black Label ‘Zatanna: Bring Down the House’ out June 25th

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup