DC Comics reviews for 10/10/18

Superman #4

Superman has to keep Rogol Zaar and his Phantom Zone allies at bay while the Justice League tries to get Earth out of the Zone.

It’s a fun premise and one that writer Brian Michael Bendis handles very effectively. This isn’t the normal kind of Superman plot and it’s always fun to see Superman battling it out with a powerhouse on his level.

In the issue’s weak spot, we’re shown a flashback of Superman talking with his son, Jon, about being patient with people. Bendis tries an analogy referencing the on/off tension with Batman, but it doesn’t quite work and is the first time Bendis’ Superman doesn’t sound like Superman.

Bendis also hasn’t quite gotten Jon’s voice down yet, which makes me wonder if that’s one of the main reasons he’s written him off the book. As entertaining as Bendis’ run has been it’s missing that amazing family dynamic that made the Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason Rebirth one so memorable.

Ivan Reis art (with inkers Joe Prado and Oclair Albert) is stunning. Bendis gave Reis ample opportunities this issue to unleash some massive Superman slugfest action and he knocks it out. The art is the highlight of this issue as Bendis doesn’t advance the story all that much. The pacing of Bendis’ Superman would play out much better if Superman was back to an every other week schedule. The story feels like it’s dragging somewhat with the monthly release pattern.

Superman #4 lets Superman throw down with a Doomsday level villain and features some nice cameos from his Justice League allies and incredible art from Reis, but Bendis is moving the story along too slowly to become fully invested.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10