Superman: Red & Blue 2025 Special is a collection of four separate stories that celebrate our beloved Man of Steel. Bringing in talent from Batman the Animated Series architect Paul Dini to Exquisite Corpses’ own Michael Walsh, this is a welcome return of the 2021 Eisner-nominated series, even for just one issue.
Paul Dini and Mirka Andolfo start the comic strong with a tale of family having each other’s backs. Well, in the Superman family, that means picking up the slack and taking the rap for your super-cousin and super-dog. Or else, endure extraterrestrial consequences. Dini brings a hearty dose of wholesomeness that feels at home for one of Big Blue’s many unsung exploits.
DC
The second story credits Michael Walsh for handling art and writing duties solo. He crafts a charming glimpse into Superman’s day in the life with a montage of saves and domestic drama. It’s always a pleasure to see our superheroes spend time chatting with people on the ground. And it’s special issues like this that allow them to take a break from line-wide crossovers and multi-issue arcs, instead emphasizing just how special the mundane can be. Sometimes, all the highlights are low-key.
By the third anthology, it becomes clear how much of an influence James Gunn’s recent Superman movie has on this comic. There’s no better example than Caitlin Yarsky’s choice to draw Superman with David Corenswet’s distinct features. More than a visual homage, the story also has a three-panel monologue where Superman makes a point to play up his human side to a reporter. It’s clear that Dan Abnett’s take on the character is the polar opposite of Bill’s in Kill Bill, owing more resemblance to Gunn’s vulnerable Superman.
The fourth and final story has Superman juggle married life with his job and his super-side job. Rainbow Rowell imagines a square-jawed Superman that nonetheless cares about daily step counts as much as anyone, and Cian Tormey makes it a reality. The comic closes with one of the more refreshing depictions of journalism and spouses working together.
Last but not least, this comic wouldn’t be here without its colorists. From Arif Prianto’s play of values to Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s use of purple at a key moment, Superman: Red & Blue proves that color is more than an extra layer; it is an essential building block that makes up a comic book, and it doesn’t have to have realistic rendering to please the eyes.
Superman: Red & Blue 2025 Special is a good time. A good time that echoes the feeling you get when you hear a kind word or do a kind act. A good time that makes you want to share the experience with other people. This special doesn’t break new ground, but it thrives in the ground sown by previous contributors to Superman’s history. If there will never be another Red & Blue issue, this special is a worthy coda.
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