If you ever liked X-Files or monster of the week-type programming, you’re going to dig the latest digital-first issue from DC Comics. Superman: Man of Tomorrow #9 is a quick nine page comic, dropping readers into a Lois and Clark adventure to help save some miners. But what is in store for our heroes, and can Superman stop the creatures?
This is a fun creature-feature tale. Jeff Parker only has a few pages, but does well to capture the go-getter nature of Lois Lane and the heroic but cautious Superman. The plot makes sense, which is a compliment, as many comics tend to thrust us into the action with suspect logic.
This issue lives and dies by the art of Sam Lofti and colors by John Rauch. It’s all about framing a creature-feature and Lofti doesn’t disappoint. Taking place mostly in a coal mine, Lofti chooses creepy angles and dramatic close-up shots to draw your attention and fear. The design of the creature is good, too, and the pop of purple was a smart choice by Rauch. There are some good up-close details of the beasties that’ll make your skin crawl. There is also some good texturing, like the wood grain in a water tower, and attention to background environments that are appreciated.
This perspective is rad!
Credit: DC Comics
The only fault I can see in this issue is the final scene, which is a nice “to be continued” but also hard to believe. You can’t tell me one of the smartest villains in the universe needed to crudely test out this threat. That’s what a lab with beakers and science stuff is for!
This is good comics escapism. It’s an entertaining science fiction mystery with creature-feature written all over it. It’s short, to the point, and a good way to get a dollop of strong visual comics storytelling.
You can pick up Superman: Man of Tomorrow #9 on Amazon or ComiXology today.
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