Superman #7 review/Superman #850 review

Yes, Superman #7 is otherwise known as Superman #850, it’s a legacy numbering thing – add up the various series and DC counts 850 comics solo-starring Superman. But don’t try this at home – what with mini-series and so on it may not work.

What does work is Joshua Williamson’s script, which continues the ongoing storyline involving new – to Superman, anyway – villains Dr Pharm and Mr Graft and their attempts at revenge on Lex Luthor. Lex, apparently, tried to be a hero on first arriving in Metropolis, before Superman made his home there. Safe to say, Lex annoyed them and they’ve re-emerged, manipulating Superman’s enemies and putting Lex in hospital. They’ve also arranged the release of a weird guy who goes by The Chained from imprisonment in the bowels of the Supercorps building, Lexcorp as was. And having overcome Superman last issue, he’s about to interrupt Perry White’s big announcement.

People and vehicles begin flying into the air, and as Perry looks up and sees The Chained, he recognises him.

This is a job for the Super Squad! (I know that’s not the official name for the gang of Supers always hanging around Lois’s front room, but it’s going spare and I like it.)

Superman, meanwhile, watched by Supercorp manager Mercy Graves, is putting his mind to escaping The Chained’s chains.

Needless to say, he soon joins the battle, during which The Chained and Superboy share a moment.

Is ‘Sammy’ saying he’s a clone too? Or is he likening his obvious telekinetic powers to those of Conner?

That would be the latter, then.

Also this issue! Lois visits Lex in hospital and she’s not bringing flowers.

An even more adversarial figure arrives.

And out in space, computer villain Brainiac is pondering a problem.

As if Superman doesn’t have enough on his plate, it’s his other arch nemesis. Actually, if Lex is sincere about his reformation, his only arch nemesis. But I’m with Lois, no way will Lex be able to keep on the straight and narrow, especially with his horrible mother around. And she doesn’t come alone…

If you don’t know Lex’s daughter, fear not, I don’t doubt Williamson will be going into her complicated backstory, which dates back to the millennium. Notice those scars on her forehead? Remind you of anything? If not, swipe back to the previous bunch of images.

As for Leticia Luthor, I’m not sure she’s been in the comics previously but I could be wrong, with Lex’s family it’s really tough to keep continuities straight. Seriously, I thought daughter Lena was out of continuity – she was named after Lex’s dead sister, but we’ve had a very much alive Lena Luthor around for several years, she was referenced as recently as the current Steelworks mini-series. So now we have two Lenas.

Williamson seems to be subscribing to Grant Morrison’s Theory of Everything with this issue, not only having Luthors come out of the woodwork, but writing a spread showing Brainiacs from the villain’s entire comics history, which dates back to the Fifties, taking in several continuities and versions of Earth.

The Brainiac scene does motivate a visit to a planet well known to Legion of Super-Heroes fans, as his operatives devastate it in a far too violent scene. As for who’s doing the killing, it’s three people who, like Leticia Luthor, are surprisingly alive.

I’m thrilled to see Perry White on the scene, like Jimmy and Lois he’s a character who should always be around. He’s been in hospital for awhile due to Lex shenanigans and it seems he came out with a new wife… or Alice has had quite the makeover.

Dr Pharm and Mr Graft drop by briefly but don’t get up to much; interestingly though, a flashback of the young Dr Pharm does make it clear they’re male… or at least were, then. I’ve not been able to tell before now.

I enjoyed Superman using a Flash trick, even though it may not be entirely clear to non-Flash fans what’s going on – we see Superman say he’s vibrating, we don’t actually see him vibrating through the chains.

Brainiac’s fascination and frustration at the number of superhumans on Earth is intriguing, it reminds me of the old Invasion event, the alien alliance and their pursuit of the metagene… Brainiac apparently didn’t read that series or he’d not be asking the question.

Lois is on terrific form, calling out Lex and standing firm in the face of his attempts to convince her he’s simply a nice guy who’s made some mistakes.

I didn’t enjoy Superman giving Kara instructions as to how to handle a big rescue job – this is Supergirl!

Last issue’s artist, Gleb Melnikov, is back to draw half of this 40pp issue and turns in another quality job; his Superman is classically handsome, The Chained creepy, Perry peculiarly – but pleasantly – pugnacious and the Metropolis chaos compelling. That first shot of Supergirl is a tad off to my eyes, though, especially the electric shock hair.

The Lois and Lex scene, the equivalent of an Action Comics back-up, is beautifully illustrated by Superman Hall of Famer Dan Jurgens with regular inking partner Norm Rapmund. Jurgens is one of the best interpreters of both Lois and Lex, so perfect for this extended scene. The family resemblance between Lex and his mother is excellent.

Most of the issue is splendidly well coloured by Alejandro Sanchez but for the Brainiac business Edwin Galmon provides full colour art and it is stunning. Rarely has Brainiac had such presence, while the details of daily life on the Legionnaire’s planet are lovely. And while the carnage that follows is horrible, it’s undeniably a powerful scene – just too much for a book with a 13 rating.

Ariana Maher letters the whole book and does a great job.

Jamal Campbell’s cover is a head scratcher. Or maybe a bottom scratcher… why is Superman playing peek-a-butt with us? Is he trying to get some Nightwing style-fan love? It’s just odd. And ‘oversize’ is a word that should be reserved for solicitations, ‘giant’ is the traditional, fun, exciting term.

Overall, though, this is an excellent issue, and I heartily recommend it.