DC Comics reviews for week of 10/5/16 – Superman #8, Batman #8

Superman #8

Superman #8 was another showcase for the tremendous versatility of the Superman creative team.

Dedicated to late DC creator Darwyn Cooke, the issue was a wonderfully imaginative take on the limitless possibilities of Superman.

It’s a boy’s day at the Fortress of Solitude. Superman is helping Jon with his Science Fair project when the device teleports them (and Krypto) to a mysterious location with World War II wreckage

Writers Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleeson continues to nail the father/son relationship. Some of the issue’s best moments are simply watching Superman in this mentor/father role. Superman was a character that no one could really make a convincing argument he needed a Robin, Speedy or Kid Flash, but this title is showing why Superman might be the ideal choice for a junior partner.

Tomasi and Gleeson wisely haven’t made Superman too overprotective. Even in the face of pterodactyls and hungry, giant fish, Superman gives Jon room to operate. And when Jon gets too overwhelmed, Superman is fine letting Krypto make the save.

Doug Mahnke’s art is well suited for this large scale action. He handles the intimate scenes just fine, but Mahnke is in his world putting the characters into these big, sprawling battles.

There’s a nice tease at the issue’s conclusion suggesting a possible flashback/team-up with a beloved pre-Crisis old school DC team. Superman just keeps on delivering and this throwback Silver Age issue only solidified its status as one of DC’s preeminent titles.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Image Credit: DC Comics