‘Superman’ #17 features magic, mayhem and a major reveal

Superman #17 doesn’t waste any time in showing how much of a low point Superman is at; the second page has him literally punching walls in anger – which results in bruised and bloodied knuckles. The Man of Steel’s anger is an aftereffect of Absolute Power #2, which saw the Fortress of Solitude reduced to rubble and his son Jon transformed into another one of Amanda Waller’s weapons. With time running out, Superman and Zatanna continue their quest through the Dark Roads, eventually finding a unlikely ally of sorts.

Joshua Williamson continues to explore Superman’s connection to magic, this time opening the issue with a flashback to Clark Kent’s teenage years and his battle against a foe named Kid Warlock. But he also shows that Superman will always stand up to do the right thing, powers or not. When Waller’s troops are burning down the Parliament of Trees, he charges in and starts throwing punches. At the Oblivion Bar, he calls out magic users for trying to hide while war rages in the world. Willamson’s writing makes these moments feel earned, rather than coming out of nowhere.

Credit: DC Comics

Superman #17 looks gorgeous thanks to Jamal Campbell’s artwork. The Oblivion Bar looks like an actual dive bar, low lighting and all. Metropolis remains a glistening silver beacon of progress, and your eye is immediately drawn to the Daily Planet. But the most impressive image Campbell draws is Lois Lane, who’s purloined a suit of armor from Supercorp. The silver and red armor looks like it was ripped from an anime – and that’s a compliment, believe me.

I do wish the side plot of Lois helping out Lex Luthor and Superman’s other friends plays a larger role in future issues. Apart from a few moments (including a hilarious moment that showcases even when he has no memory, Luthor will think the best of himself), it’s a bit overpowered by the main plot.

Superman #17 delivers on the magic and mystery, and its last page is ripe with possibilities. This storyline, as well as Jason Aaron & John Timms’ Action Comics run earlier this year, shows that Superman and magic do mix pretty well.

Superman #17 is available wherever comics are sold.

‘Superman’ #17 features magic, mayhem and a major reveal

Superman #17

Superman #17 delivers on the magic and mystery, and its last page is ripe with possibilities. This storyline, as well as Jason Aaron & John Timms' Action Comics run earlier this year, shows that Superman and magic do mix pretty well.

Reader Rating0 Votes

0

Joshua Williamson knows how to dig into Superman's inner turmoil, and inner strength.

Jamal Campbell draws beautiful artwork, including giving Lois anime-inspired armor.

Continues to build on the events of Aboslute Power while standing on its own.

The Lois/Luthor/Jimmy storyline feels like more of a tangent at this point.

8

Good