Superman is, of course, stronger than Lex Luthor, but have we seen Lex go all out with his Superman-costume yet? The answer is no — until today’s issue, which showcases a lot of the bells and whistles in the suit. Dare we say Lex may be the stronger of the two?
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
“EVE OF DESTRUCTION” part two! The inhumanities of Earth put even Superman’s trust to the test as he and Lex Luthor begin to see a pattern emerging that points to Mr. Oz and his agents. When Lex confronts Mr. Oz alone, one walks away changed forever.
Why does this matter?
This is the second part of a two part story written by Rob Williams with art by Guillem March. It’s a hero fighting hero situation due to bad guy mind control. More or less. It’s your 90’s style fight comic, but stay till the end Mr. Oz fans, because there’s more to that in this issue.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Superman is in trouble!
As far as fight comics are concerned March kills it on this issue. Lex, without being in control of himself, goes full out on Superman and the tables turn in surprising ways. Per Lex, his ego is always right there and Williams plays around with him secretly wanting what he’s being controlled to do. In subtle ways the reader is clued in on this, which adds a nice reminder that Lex is the same old Lex Luthor. The suit looks fantastic with so many things folding out and impossibly adding to Lex’s body in cool looking ways. Is it functional? Hell no, but that’s not the point here. As they fight Superman is looking rather animated with a lot of screaming and rage like moments to focus in on. Definitely some manga vibes in the artistic style.
The last five pages involve the mysterious man in the green cloak so those of you keeping track with him should definitely pick this one up. Add his scenes to the pile of, “What is he up to?” Geoff Johns pointed out at SDCC Lex and Mr. Oz would be meeting at some point and it looks like this is our first taste of that. Let’s just say Williams leaves Lex in a spot that’ll more likely than not make him obsess over getting Mr. Oz back.
Superman looks angry.
It can’t be perfect can it?
It’s a fight comic, so aside from the subtle character wrinkles Williams weaves in there isn’t a ton of story. See Superman fight tigers (really!), blast guns out of hands, and mostly take on Lex Luthor. It’s fun action stuff, but there isn’t much to it. Add in the Mr. Oz scenes which don’t do much beyond revealing an insert-mystery-here and you have an issue that’s quick and low on substance.
Is It Good?
A fun issue that looks jaw droppingly good. It may be a fight comic that’s low on substance, but the character wrinkles are great fun.
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