The cover says this is a DC KO tie-in, which it is to an extent, but more than that it’s a continuation of the Darkseid’s Legion storyline. And I am loving it.
The issue opens with a flashback to the day Superman and Fortress of Solitude major domo Kelex assessed a new line of Superman robots. Kelex pointed out that so far they weren’t at the stage of Superman sentience whereby they would choose sacrifice over self-preservation.
In the present day, temporarily superpowered Lois Lane and newly revised Superboy Prime are leading one of those robots to the Justice League. Prime has learned something about Darkseid’s evil Legion that, he says, would give Superman the Hope that could help him beat the dark mirrors of his old friends. The Man of Steel, though, is currently embroiled in the KO Tournament to find the ultimate champion who might foil Darkseid’s current plans. So, Lois and Prime are hoping to catch up to the Time Trapper, currently on the side of the angels at the League HQ, in the hope he can use the information wisely.
Back at the Fortress, Darkseid’s Legion generals – Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy and Lightning Lad – have come looking for Prime. They’re too late, giving them time to look around Superman’s home from home, and a display catches Saturn Girl’s eye.
One Legionnaire appears twice… and it’s not Duo Damsel
The mentalist’s train of thought is surprising, given her whole attitude so far has been evil. And what’s up with her partner, Lightning Lad?
Interrupted by Colossal Boy, Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad re-focus on their mission, catching up to Prime and Lois at the League’s Watchtower. There, Saturn Girl mocks the fact that the absent Superman thinks about Lois a lot, a threat implied.
Interesting! Saturn Girl is back to thinking about emotions… is she going to do an anti-heel turn and betray Darkseid, with Lightning Lad at her side? I wouldn’t be against that… I would be irked were she and the rest of Darkseid’s Legion to be ‘redeemed’ and star in the upcoming LSH series coming this year – having slaughtered good Legionnaires from across the Multiverse, they’re too tainted at this point.
Plus, we’re already being asked to accept Prime is now a repentant good guy, that’s enough.
Speaking of Prime, on the way to find the Time Trapper he, Lois and the Superman Robot come across one of my favourite villain teams.
While over at the DC KO tournament…
Last issue was almost all DC KO, with Lex Luthor fighting Etrigan the Demon, this time the proportions are reversed, and I couldn’t be happier. Our three heroes have a fascinating dynamic, while even an evil Legion gets my attention. Fights to the ‘death’, not so much.
One thing I did expect this issue, after the first scene, was the Superman Robot going biblical on some bad guys. That final panel…
… coming so soon after Superman’s fears the robots weren’t safe to send on missions had me thinking ‘Chekov’s Robot’, and his recent injury evokes Cyborg Superman. I was wrong. So far, anyway.
Maybe next time, because the story isn’t over yet, with this chapter ending on a wonderfully dramatic note.
Writer Josh Williamson, a good dialogue man, is doing a terrific job of keeping all the balls in the air, bringing us a story that’s satisfying in chapters but may well be an even better read when collected.
And part of that is down to the team of artists we’ve had. This issue brings the return of Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira, whose rich, sinewy lines are perfect for superhumans. And their facial expressions are excellent value – you can see Prime is having a ball as the Superman-approved hero, Saturn Girl’s mixed emotions and more. The action scenes are suitably breathless, but my favourite thing this issue is Superman’s scientist outfit in the flashback, the lab coat is functional and cool; I hope we see it again.
The colours of Alejandro Sánchez are superb, subtle for skintones, searing for energy blasts, and so on. And Ariana Maher’s letters are just the job, I especially liked this clever bit of business as Kelex is attacked.
Dan Mora’s cover is just brilliant – not a perfect fit for this issue, but it’ll be spot on for the inevitable collection of this storyline.
Every issue of this storyline has been a treat, and Superman #34 keeps up the standards. Buy it.
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 