DC Comics reviews 11/29/22 – Nightwing Annual 2022 #1, Justice Society #1

Superman Kal-El Returns Special #1

Keeping up with Superman’s continuity from the Warworld saga to Dark Crisis on Infinite Earth can be dicey. In this special, various creative teams get the assignment of filling in the gap from Kal-El’s return to his disappearance alongside the Justice League before they return to help Nightwing, the Titans and the 5G heroes. It’s tricky, but at least the stories are solid.

Writer Mark Waid and artist Clayton Henry highlight the special with a shorter story that would fit in just fine under the Batman Superman World’s Finest banner. Waid fully understands the Batman/Superman dynamic, so their interplay sounds authentic. Henry’s lively style works well with Waid’s classic take on the characters. If there were any downside to this story is the villain for a future WF arc gets spoiled.

The other standout was from longtime DC scriber Marv Wolfman with art from Jack Herbert. Jon gives Superman and Lois time to reconnect while tracking down a potential lead on finally nailing Lex Luthor. It doesn’t feel like a coincidence that Herbert got the call to do the art here as he’s got a style very reminiscent of Phil Jimenez and George Perez.

Due to the wonky continuity and other titles already moving ahead past this point the stories don’t feel particularly relevant almost right away. Still, if you’re a fan of Waid or Wolfman it’s worth a read.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

Photo Credit: DC Comics