Adventures of Superman: The Book of El opened with cinematic grandeur in its first issue, blending mythic scale with heartfelt humanity as Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Scott Godlewski set the stage for a Superman saga years in the making. Now, in issue #2, that scope expands even further. Superman finds himself stranded in a distant future, forced to fight alongside his own descendants on an Earth he barely recognizes. With the House of El fractured, exiled, and hunted, the Man of Steel must navigate a world that’s terrifying and needs saving. The first issue set the tone, and now the second issue plunges Superman and the reader headlong into a future battle.
Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #2 opens with the Kryl-Ux continuing to narrate the story we’re reading, but from the future where he knows how this epic ends. Alongside his narration, we see Superman and Ronan Kent fighting some kind of guard who happily attacks defenseless subjects. Somewhat like Age of Apocalypse, Johnson has dropped readers into this world that seems totally alien, and it’s presumably not another dimension but only a thousand years into the future.
That latter detail makes this an intriguing read, in part because Johnson incorporates some slang and alternative language to make it seem distinct. There’s some serious world building after the opening Superman fight, as the story unfolds in Smallville, which has now become a thriving city of skyscrapers. The dear leader speaks to everyone and is known as the people’s Luthor. Behind that face and voice that speaks to the subjects is a nefarious villain, who by the end of the issue cements who Superman is fighting against.
Interesting use of power.
Credit: DC Comics
Alongside the reveals of who is still alive so many years into the future and what has happened to the Fortress of Solitude, there is exceptional art. Godlewski makes the opening action sequence intense, with Superman moving quickly and even pulling off powers we don’t usually see him do. The double-page layout of Smallville is well done, but what takes the cake is Luthor. There’s a transformation once he’s off the air that’s interesting to observe and disturbing. Most importantly, in the face of all this futuristic dystopia, Superman is purely good, and you can see it in how he’s rendered.
One lingering gripe I have continues here, which is that not a lot of plot progression occurs. The issue is essentially comprised of three scenes: the opening fight, Luthor speaking to the citizens, and Superman inspecting the Fortress of Solitude. Much of this story is captivating due to the mystery, as it raises numerous unanswered questions, particularly about Superman’s descendant, Ronan. He gives us some scant details about his own family, but I was hoping for more. It’s becoming clearer this is going to be a far better read when collected.
Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #2 continues to build its mythic tone with impressive worldbuilding, strong art, and a clear vision of Superman’s goodness against a corrupted future. While the narrative doesn’t move forward much, its reveals, atmosphere, and character moments make it a compelling middle chapter.
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