Superman #36 review

Superboy Prime is ready for his close-up. With Superman off somewhere in the wake of DC KO, he’s ready to hold the fort in Metropolis. The lifelong comics fan has interacted with his heroes in the Earth 0 realm several times and made a right pig’s ear of it – think insults and mass murder. But, several universal resets later, he reckons he’s not that boy…

And he has Lois rooting for him. She’s on the Justice League Watchtower, where an examination by Mr Terrific has confirmed her recent super powers are gone. Outside the exam room she comes across a few rather distracted Lady Leaguers.

They’re watching Prime, exercising shirtless. The sight doesn’t sway Terrific.

And so the Daily Planet editor suggests the Young Man of Steel finds more balance in his life.

So, he’s not going to work at the Daily Planet… what is the Clark Kent of Earth Prime to do with himself?

This issue also features a fight. A big one, with a major player from the early 2000s. And does Prime apply his new ‘what would Superman do?’ creed to the slugfest? I’m not telling, buy this book, it’s hugely refreshing after the massive scope of DC KO, a more intimate Super-story. It’s one guy with a cape trying to be the best he can be. Superboy Prime started out as a good guy, simply the Superboy of another Earth. Sent mad and murderous by his involvement in a Crisis or two, he saw the error of his ways during the Dark Crisis, the people he killed seem to be back, and he’s been learning at the side of Superman and Lois what it really means to wear the ‘S’. Given the goodwill and help of Mrs Superman, will he prove worthy?

I enjoyed this issue massively. Prime’s involvement in this series during the Time Trapper story has presented him not as the sourpuss constantly insulting fanboys, but as a wild card who makes every page he’s on more fun. He knows the cliches of comics, but embraces their majesty and fun, and just wants to be part of it. This issue really leans into his fandom, with some great moments from writer Joshua Williamson and artist Dan Mora.

I do have a question, though. Yes, Prime knows about the heroes of Earth 0, having read about them in the funnybooks on his native Earth. But what’s in these Earth 0 comics he’s selling? They may be licensed series about the DCU characters, but they’re not going to include their identities and other secrets… hopefully Williamson and Mora have it covered.

They certainly seem to know what they’re doing, with Prime touchingly keen to make Lois and the absent Superman proud, all the while fearing he’s going to slip back into old ways. There’s that action-packed super-villain fight, but also the humour of several swooning Justice League women – not all – undercutting Mr Terrific’s generalisations about how nervous Prime makes everyone.

The temporary Superman’s attempt at a catchphrase – ‘It’s Prime time’ – is a hoot, his version of the classic shirt rip is something to behold… it’s all rather delightful and I fully expect the next few months to keep up the momentum. And hopefully Mora, the busiest artist at DC, will, like Vigilante in the satellite, be with us for the whole ride. The draughtsmanship and energy Mora brings to every page are something else, and his partnership with Williamson sizzles.

Mora’s cover is a simple treat – does anyone know what that gesture he’s doing is? The only tweak I’d make would be to de-shine that logo. I’m on record as not being a fan of glassy film mastheads being transposed to the comics, and I’m certain Prime, too, would prefer a more classic take.

The colours of Alejandro Sánchez add to the vibrancy, his attention to detail helping make every panel a mini-masterpiece. And Ariana Maher’s measured lettering has us reading the dialogue at just the right volume.

I do wonder what ‘our’ Superman is doing while all this is going on, but I guess series editors Jillian Grant and Paul Kaminski will show us soon enough. Meanwhile Superman’s spirit is informing Prime’s every stab at greatness. More please.