Superman

Supergirl #21

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Supergirl #21 comic reviewSupergirl #21 is a transitional issue that gives Kara a new purpose and mission far from her adopted home. Recent events with Rogol Zaar have raised far too many questions for the Maid of Might, and after the discovery that even the Guardians of the Universe have something to hide about the mad man who claims to have destroyed Krytpton, Supergirl heads out to find answers.

Kara’s absence leaves yet another hole in Superman’s world as recent events have the character more isolated that he’s been in quite some time. The choice of Kara’s traveling companion is an interesting one that provides some familial bond and also gives Kara someone to talk to in the darker and lonelier moments.

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Action Comics #1001

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Action Comics #1001 comic reviewBrian Michael Bendis’ run on Action Comics begins with the writer quickly putting to rest the rumors that Superman is responsible for the rash of fires in Metropolis. The idea that a criminal would pay a kid to implicate the Man of Steel to shift the investigation offers some reasoning for the bombshell and also temporarily hinders Superman’s investigation (although is likely a big mistake in the long term).

From its opening scene involving a pair of criminals attempting armed robbery in Metropolis to later scenes showcasing a hidden underworld criminal and his enterprise, the issue gives us a look at criminal life in the big city showcasing the trouble of fighting Superman in public (to hilarious results) and why its best to fight the Kryptonian from the shadows.

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Superman #1

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Superman #1 comic reviewFollowing up the pair’s six-issue mini-series The Man of Steel, writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Ivan Reis begin their run on the new ongoing Superman title. Superman #1 re-introduces readers to Superman‘s world, offers the creation of a new Fortress of Solitude, and includes cameos of Justice League members checking in after recent events.

There are several little gems in this issue, but I think my favorite might be the short discussion between Superman and the Martian Manhunter. During J’onn’s plea for Superman to taking a more active role in the leadership of Earth, Superman keeps bowing out to solve some issue or another halfway around the world (but always giving J’onn 99% of his attention when he returns). A great illustration of Superman jumping into action whenever needed, it offers interesting argument from the Martian while still showcasing Superman’s modesty in the face of what he can do and what is asked of him.

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The Man of Steel #6

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The Man of Steel #6 comic reviewThe Man of Steel #6 wraps up the six-issue mini-series with one more confrontation between Superman and Rogol Zaar who battle from inside the Earth’s core all the way to outer space and back to Earth. With Supergirl making the smart play and stepping in to end the conflict by trapping the villain in the Phantom Zone, neither Zaar nor Superman actually wins the fight and several questions remain about the alien, his hatred of Kryptonians, and Krypton’s destruction.

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The Man of Steel #3

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The Man of Steel #3 comic reviewWhile Man of Steel continues the thread of Superman investigating the number of arson attempts that have sprung up over Metropolis in recent weeks, and even features a fun cameo from Batman who startles Fire Inspector Melody Moore, the crux of the issue continues to be the lead-up to Superman encounterin Rogol Zaar.

Once again, we see more flashbacks that suggest (but don’t confirm) that Zaar was responsible for hastening the destruction of Krypton. Learning that a Kryptonian still lives has led the villain to Earth and to the Fortress of Solitude where we he make a lasing impression on Superman by destroying the bottled city of Kandor. A piece of Superman lore that has been reused often over the years, its destruction (and Superman’s failure to protect it) sends a definitive message about what kind of villain the Man of Steel is dealing with.

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