Superman #22 review

Daily Planet legends Jimmy Olsen and Perry White have been catching up over brunch, with better halves Siobhan and Alice.

When they look up, up in the sky above Metropolis they spot what undoubtedly qualifies as breaking news.

Superman and Superwoman confronted by an alien armada. The crew call themselves The Aftermath, and their leader wants Superman to turn over the recently defeated monster Doomsday.

Superman isn’t soothed by claims Doomsday will be no threat in the hands of the Aftermath.

Lois seems to suspect they want him as a weapon.

Angered by the refusal to hand over Doomsday, the Aftermath’s leader taps into a power source Superman has seen previously.

The Radiant was a being created from the life forces of the Royal families of Calaton, one of the many worlds whose people fell to Doomsday. The first version beat the monster, but their successor fell before Doomsday’s ability to evolve to defeat anyone. This latest Radiant may or may not manage to contain the beast, but first they have to find it. Lois warns Supergirl that Aftermath’s champion is on their way.

Hmm, is Lena Luthor actively trying to bring back her father’s original treacherous personality? Supercorp chief Mercy Graves wouldn’t be happy, given she’s falling for the calmer, happier, beardier ‘Lexy’. And how commanding is Supergirl, given the task of standing guard over the dormant Doomsday? Why can’t we have this version of the character in backups and specials, rather than the empty soul we’ve recently seen?

Anyway, things just get crazier as the Joshua Williamson/Dan Mora Superman partnership kicks into high gear. By the end of the issue another recent plot strand is to the fore, as Lois faces a big decision, Writer Williamson’s Superman is spot on – smart, stolid, the original Blue Steel. Lois is the perfect partner, but I don’t like the fact she’s neglecting her day job while helping as Superwoman. Seeing Jimmy and Perry socialising is great but I wish DC would settle on what Jimmy’s status is in the office – sometimes he’s a peer, at other he’s acting like the office boy with his ‘Ms Lane’, ‘Mr White’ and so on. And I’m with Perry, Siobhan continues to be a great partner for Jimmy, as we see as this issue progresses.

The Aftermath leader is great, wonderfully melodramatic and able to recognise that Lois is our Queen. That double/split headshot is a thing of beauty. And what a fantastic design from Mora, in an outfit reminiscent of Doomsday’s classic underground vault look, but with a total glow-up, greatly aided by the fabulous colour work of Alejándro Sanchez. Just look at the gold effects, and as for the rest of the book, the skin tones are stunning.

In an issue of brilliant storytelling from Mora, I especially like the staging of the sequence in which the Aftermath leader rises from his throne – it’s marvelously uncanny. And Jimmy’s look at the end is simple, practical and all-round excellent. The only thing Mora could do to make me happier is have Superman’s S-curl be less timid – if his hair isn’t swept back in flight, we get just the suggestion of a curl. Come on, it’s iconic!

Ariana Maher’s lettering is rarely showy, getting big only for the very dramatic moments. I like it a lot.

As for Mora’s cover, it’s just the job – dynamic, nicely coloured and even truthful in terms of representing the issue.

Superman #22 juggles a number of storyline to great effect – don’t miss it.