DC Comics 9/28/21 – Justice League #68, Robin #6

Superman Son of Kal-El #3

This isn’t going to be breaking news to anyone who’s been reading any of the titles he’s worked on over the past few years, but Tom Taylor is an excellent writer.

He gets every character he’s writing whether it’s long established legacy heroes from the 50s to the heroes of 5G. In an effort to properly sync up with Action Comics #1043, Superman departs Earth to save Warworld leaving Jon behind to carry on as Superman.

Taylor makes this a rightfully emotional farewell while laying out some breadcrumbs for Jon’s potential role in bringing Superman back. Jon’s friend, Jay, is prominently featured again and it’s nice to see Jon have a friend who’s not part of the superhero community.

This issue was about more than Superman’s farewell and establishing Jon as a “rabble rousing” activist willing to take the kind of stand that could be considered divisive for Clark Kent’s Superman. In this sense, Taylor’s Superman represents a character more in line with contemporary issues. There’s little doubt Taylor and Action Comics writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson couldn’t have done the same with Kal-El, but shifting to Jon makes it easier for new readers.

Artist John Timms had a bit of an off issue this time with missing details in characters’ faces on several pages. Gabe Eltaeb’s color work was stunningly vibrant showcasing the primary colors of Superman’s costume.

Son of Kal-El really gets going next issue without the “crutch” of Superman. Taylor has set the book up well and it will be interesting to see how the title progresses going forward.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics