Superman: Son of Kal-El continues to be an exciting series thanks to its practically brand new lead hero. Tom Taylor has infused this series with the hope and energy one should expect from Superman with a modern twist as a younger hero finds his footing. This week, Cian m takes over on art as Superman faces a threat larger than he’s encountered before. Literally!
This issue kicks off “The Rising” story arc opening with a scene from the future where Superman appears defeated and fellow heroes are dead. Smash cut to the Atlantic Ocean where a giant sea beast has awakened. From there, the issue reminds us of Jay’s predicament as his version of Lex Luthor, Bendix, has kidnapped his mom. Taylor expands Jay’s corner of the universe in this issue quite well, adding new compatriots and setting up Bendix as a kind of mirror villain to Lex.
If you like big kaiju battles, you’ll dig the back half of this issue. Tormey is a master at drawing monsters and yet infuses this one with a bit of heart. Superman wants to save this beast who means no real harm but isn’t aware enough to know humans don’t either. This builds towards a rather evil twist in the story that ties back to the opening. Tormey draws these evil moments well, making you hate the bad guys pulling the strings, but also feel for the bad guys who are victims themselves.
Something tells me Lois would love the name.
Credit: DC Comics
If you’re looking for more Jay and Jon romance, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This issue is much more bout Jay’s hometown Gamorra, the villain who rules there, and gaining new info on Jay’s setup. There’s some interesting character work in play here that almost makes Jay feel like he could break bad, but it’s too early to say.
Speaking of Gamorra, inks by Cian Tormey and Raul Fernadez with colors by Hi-Fi make this place look quite alien and advanced. The city itself is bathed in pinks. The kaiju Superman faces off against has a good texture in its exoskeleton, making it even more imposing. The art team also clearly loves drawing sea boats as there’s great detail outside and inside the ship. Aquaman also looks great, especially the water effects which have a Michael Turner feel straight out of Fathom.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #7 is an interesting look at Jay and his side of the story, opening up his small team and the villain he faces. It also continues to show how Jon is as caring as his father as he attempts to understand a giant kaiju rather than beat it senseless.
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