Superman #5 review

An amped-up Silver Banshee has attacked Superman. The Man of Steel isn’t thrilled but it’s worse for the screaming demon – onetime supervillain Siobhan had reformed and was making a new life in Metropolis. She’s being forced to take on Superman by the happily evil Dr Pharm, who similarly manipulated the Parasite. Siobhan’s banshee scream is now connected to the Phanton Zone and it’s manifesting freaky sonic ghosts.

But Siobhan has someone in her corner.

Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen. And when Siobhan decides to get far away from the streets so she doesn’t inadvertently hurt anyone, Jimmy’s going to help her – even if Superman isn’t keen.

What a great issue this is for Jimmy Olsen. He gets a romance montage, he gets to show his grit…

…and he gets a blooming rocket pack!

This new Superman series just gets better. The Dr Pharm storyline is progressing nicely, with Superman finally confronting his new enemy. Sort of. Lois gets a great scene with Clark after the fight to save Silver Banshee messes up one of his super senses. The mysterious Marilyn Moonlight drops by. And while Superman has grave doubts about Lex Luthor’s sincerity in properly accepting the hand of friendship he’s recently held out towards him, there’s hope.

Sadly, Lex’s day takes a very bad turn after that.

Joshua Williamson’s story is becoming ever more compelling, and better still, it’s becoming more fun. The use of Jimmy here is great, and his relationship with Siobhan is sooooo sweet – it’s taken 80 years but he’s finally found a decent girlfriend. The presence of Supercorp – Lexcorp turned Superman’s personal tech team – is a big help, even if Superman does have to have a word with boss Mercy Graves about its go-to move.

Jamal Campbell’s full-colour artwork really suits Williamson’s writing, he’s giving huge personality to the characters. I especially like that Jimmy’s classic bow tie look has been given a hip vibe (mind, I hate his Calvin & Hobbes haircut). The panel-to-panel storytelling is superb, with the standout example being a three-frame sequence of the Man of Steel leaving Supercorp, flying across the city, tunnelling underground and emerging in Dr Pharm’s HQ. Watch for it.

Ariana Maher’s lettering sits superbly on the artwork, with some very imaginative font choices and, I believe, handcrafted moments.

And Campbell’s cover is another gem.

If you’ve not yet tried this new run of Superman, dive in – Metropolis hasn’t seemed so excitingly alive in years.