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dc comics reviews 5-10-22
Comic Book

DC Comics reviews 5/10/22 – I Am Batman #9, Blood Syndicate #1

Jeffrey Lyles , , , , , ,
Superman Son of Kal-El #11

Superman-Son-of-Kal-El #11

What always stands out in Tom Taylor’s scripts is how he finds some way to add a personal touch to characters. Whether it’s new additions to the DC Universe or long-established icons, Taylor gives them that special something extra to humanize them.

That plays out early in this issue as Batman is being immensely over-protective of Jon Kent, prompting a discussion with Jonathan Kent. The conversation is a small one, but it gives Taylor an opportunity to further flesh out the deep bond between the Superman and Batman families. It’s a genuinely sweet moment — seemingly a rarity in comics these days — and shows the importance of a rich supporting cast.

Taylor continues to keep Nightwing involved as a feature character. If Batman is the protective uncle/godfather, Nightwing is the cooler older cousin that’s never too busy to take Jon’s calls. It’s a fun dynamic that reinforces why DC is at its best when embracing its legacy characters instead of killing them off.

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And while DC opted to kill the Justice League for…reasons, Taylor slyly works in a good number of League members in this issue as Bendix makes his next move against Jon. Taylor’s care for the characters is evident and it really feels like Taylor, Joshua Williamson and Jeremy Adams should be DC’s most influential writers guiding the direction of the universe now.

Cian Tormey’s art is decent. There still too many instances where the characters look a little off and expressions aren’t a strength, but the overall composition of the pages is solid. Federico Blee and Matt Herms’ color work is sharp with good use of bold colors.

Son of Kal-El is at its best when it’s focused on Jon learning the ropes of being a hero and actively seeking out assistance/establishing relationships in the superhero community. This was another example of why this title is one to keep an eye on through 2022.

Rating: 9 out of 10

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