Superman #19 features more than a few major shifts, both in the creative team as Dan Mora joins Joshua Williamson, and in Superman’s overall status quo. Superman is now joined by Superwoman – who happens to be his wife, Lois Lane! Lois has somehow gained Kryptonian powers in the aftermath of Absolute Power, and is determined to make the most of it…until trouble rears its head in the form of Doomsday. But what does the Time Trapper have to do with the creature’s return?
I have a love/hate relationship with Doomsday. He more or less was concocted as a way to take Superman off the board during The Death of Superman, and the gimmick that he can evolve from whatever kills him results in a supremely overpowered character – and those tend to be boring as all get-out. Williamson, on the other hand, uses Doomsday’s reappearance as both emotional fuel and to set up the ongoing mystery. There’s a massive reveal on the last page that is begging to be explored, and Lois is determined not to let Doomsday kill Superman again.
Speaking of Lois, her dynamic with Superman takes on a shift due to her new powers. While this isn’t the first time Lois has held the mantle of Superwoman, it’s written in a way that most readers will relate to. After all, we’ve all probably wondered at one point or another what we’d do with superpowers. Williamson takes that to its extreme with Lois, showcasing how she reacts to the power of flight and super-hearing.
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Mora proves himself to be more than up to the challenge of illustrating a huge Superman story, especially with how he pushed himself to his limit in Absolute Power. He opens the issue with a massive page of Superman and the Time Trapper at the end of the universe, flames circling them both. It’s a horrifying, yet hypnotic image that hints at the stakes to come. Other standout images from Mora include Lois putting her own unique spin on the “changing to Superman” moment, and a pitch-perfect replica of Superman #75 where she held Clark Kent’s bleeding body in her arms.
Mora and Alejandro Sanchez give Lois a new costume, as well. It manages to feel iconic, thanks to the same red and blue color scheme as Superman’s tights, but also like something Lois Lane would wear. There’s even a romantic undertone to Superman and Superwoman’s flight, that takes a left turn when Doomsday appears on the scene.
Superman #19 is full of surprises, whether it’s a new partner for the Man of Steel or a genuinely interesting take on Doomsday. That’s what makes the All-In initiative a success so far: it’s willing to take bold swings.
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