DC Comics reviews 6/20/23 – Titans #2, Nightwing #105, Wonder Woman #800

Superman #5

Under Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell, Superman hasn’t felt this fresh and exciting in years.

Williamson is one of DC’s best and that comes from his skill in incorporating the classic elements of characters while fearlessly introducing new challenges, obstacles and dynamics to freshen up the status quo.

This issue finds Superman struggling to cope with the bombshell that Jimmy Olsen is dating Silver Banshee. That’s a very much on brand development for Jimmy, but Williamson doesn’t make it a punchline. Instead, this is a fun, full of possibilities idea that refreshes the Clark, Lois and Jimmy dynamic.

Williamson also gets to expand on the Superman and Lex collaboration as Lex offers surprisingly useful tactics to stop Silver Banshee without causing lasting damage. Superman remains suspicious yet Luthor hasn’t given him a reason to distrust him yet.

Campbell’s artwork is exquisite as he draws a powerful looking Superman who’s expressive enough to never lose sight of the man. Campbell, who colors his own artwork, utilized some elegant coloring techniques for Silver Banshee unleashing her powers. Letterer Adriana Maher adds some nice flair to the dialogue buttons.

The one downside is the issue ends on a cliffhanger that won’t get paid off until after the Knight Terrors event plays out next month. DC doesn’t need another event especially one that’s so all-encompassing and bogging down enjoyable titles in a story that won’t mean anything in the long run.

I’m looking forward to the next installment of this arc as this creative team is soaring with this compelling take on the Man of Steel and his pals.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10