DC Comics reviews for 7/17/19 – Batman #75, Aquaman #50
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #1
If The Terrifics is DC’s answer to the Fantastic Four, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen is definitely the DC take on Archie featuring their own resident redhead screw-up.
Just one issue in and I’ve got a feeling this is going to be one of my new favorite DC titles. I’m glad Superman’s supporting cast is starting to get some of the spotlight as Batman and all 80 of his supporting cast members don’t need to have every spin-off book for DC.
Matt Fraction has an inspired take on Jimmy as an immensely likable well-meaning guy with a knack for getting into one disaster after another. After his latest mess, the Daily Planet’s insurance rates have skyrocketed, but Jimmy’s antics have made him the staff member most likely to go viral. It’s a pretty meta take on how Jimmy would be viewed in modern life and Fraction manages to make Jimmy the butt of jokes without portraying him like a moron.
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Steve Lieber’s art is sensational. This is a title that needed an artist who could have some fun with the wacky happenings and Lieber has a light enough style that Jimmy crashing to Earth as a giant turtle looks amazing. Colorist Nathan Fairbairn also keeps the lighthearted tone with a wide range of warm and bright color choices.
Typically, Jimmy gets written as the easily dismissed member of the Daily Planet staff, but he functions just as well in the spotlight. That shouldn’t be a major surprise since Jimmy headlined his own title that lasted a staggering 163 issues(!) until 1974. It’s been a long time since Jimmy carried a book, but with Fraction’s easy going pacing and anything can happen dynamic, this is going to be a big fan favorite book for a lot of DC fans.
I think this is going to be my new go-to DC book when I just need a good laugh over some unexpectedly ridiculous scenarios. Welcome to the big dance Jimmy. You deserve this moment in the spotlight.
Rating: 10 out of 10