We are on chart for the final half of DC Comics’ celebration of Superman’s 85th anniversary story by Priest and Carlo Pagulayan. If you’re all caught up, you’ll know this story reveals itself in both present and past tense. Yet after this issue, a new wrinkle will present itself that will test the boundaries of time and space. As we get the chapter-by-chapter tale in monthly issues, prepare to keep better notes as another player enters Superman’s odyssey.
Carlo Pagulayan continues with art duties as Jeromy Cox provides color. Their combination is very eye-catching, but it works to help keep the story dynamic. The pages are at their best when Superman is in his Marquis Psk suit, which plays as such a vital negative space but stands very bold. It is an excellent look on Superman and is enhanced when he adds the classic red cape for dressing. I wonder how much of a challenge it was to draw the Superman logo on the suit as it blends into the space of the suit, but the art team does such a great job with it that McFarlane needs to make a figure quickly.
The script continues to peel back with Clark’s return to life as he goes to work, but it also reminds the reader of how Superman related Szhemi to Jimmy. Szhemi continues to make an impact even after his murder in the last issue, which is where things take off when the truth of his findings and demise come out. This revelation puts the Green Lantern, Hope, and Superman at some odds, yet Hope is not entirely evil as she makes her case and even calls out Superman on the situation when it first happened. Priest does a beautiful job of adding complex layers to the characters and story.
The complexity adds to the moral gray that each character is carrying, which makes this new world a bleak place. Superman sadly gets his wish, but it makes things even harsher as it gathers everyone to ask Superman to leave. They would rather face their fate than have Superman…save the day. I can see how this is an excellent play against what is safer or correct against free will; the argument is painted very one-sided in Superman’s favor, but it is an exciting battle for him to face. Adding the new character at the end helps to pique interest as to how their part of the story will help or, maybe, hurt.
Superman’s odyssey continues as his life is challenged by the past, present, and choices he might make. The veil continues to peel back as we discover the fallout of Szhemi’s death and what the Lantern brings to this journey. Can Superman find and trust hope?
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