Review – Superman #4 (DC Comics)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writers: Peter J Tomasi, Patrick Gleason
Artists: Patrick Gleason (Pencils), Mick Gray (Inks), John Kalisz (Colours)
Release Date: 3rd August, 2016

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to get to review Superman #1 and I said I believed that in the hands of Tomasi, Gleason and co., readers wouldn’t be disappointed with the direction DC’s definitive Boy Scout was taking. Now nearly a month later I find myself about to read the fourth issue of the series wondering if I had perhaps exaggerated the ability of the creative team or maybe expected too much from the Rebirth storyline.

However, after finishing this latest issue, I can confirm that I was one hundred percent right on both points. Chapter four races straight out of the gate with the Man of Steel taking on The Eradicator in the Fortress of Solitude, with Lois and Jon by his side as he fights to prevent what can only be described as the ethnic cleansing of Superman’s son by the demented robot who it trying to create a pure Kryptonian race.

What I love most about this story arc is not that it features Superman doing what he does best (which he most certainly does), but rather the humility shown by Tomasi and Gleason in their iconic lead character. For years we have seen Superman fight supervillains and unstoppable aliens alike but now we see him as a father, fighting to teach and protect his son like his father did before him. On the other side of the coin, we also have a son who is eager to impress and emulate his dad in a world he only half understands with powers that are just beginning into develop.

Once again Tomasi and Gleason have crafted a story which whizzes past at breakneck pace, barely letting up in their relentless development of the story while also mischievously leaving breadcrumbs in the dialogue hinting at where the story is to go. Messrs Gleason, Gray and Kalisz are drawing our hero in a more classic style, and by that I mean there is more than just a hint of Christopher Reeve about him in certain panels, which if I’m honest It I don’t mind one bit. If you’ve ever considered picking up a Superman book but haven’t quite got round to it yet, now is most definitely the time.

Rating: 5/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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