Brian Michael Bendis on Superman - Review
SPOILERS AHEAD
Action Comics # 1000
Brian Michael Bendis made his debut as Superman’s writer in Action Comics # 1000, in a 12- page opener that introduced Rogol Zaar, an alien who brags that he was the one who destroyed Krypton, and now he wants Superman dead, too. I posted at the time that I felt that Rogol Zaar was too much of a Doomsday pastiche, and I still feel that way. I also stated that I was reserving my judgment because we all needed to see more of what Bendis has planned. So the Action Comics debut was a solid action-packed opener, with more to come.
DC Nation # 0
Bendis followed up with a story in DC Nation # 0, a comic shop 25 cent “giveaway.” The story focused on events at The Daily Planet, and Bendis introduces Ms. Robinson Goode, who we soon learn has a secret agenda. She has her eye on Kent, and tells a mysterious stranger she plans on owning The Daily Planet. What this all means is anyone’s guess.
The Man of Steel 1 – 6
Bendis switches to full-power mode with this six-issue mini-series and to his credit the plot thickens along with the action fairly quickly. Bendis sets in motion major plot elements that will impact Superman’s life in the coming months, and some of this is riveting. We are introduced to Melody Moore, the new deputy Fire Chief of Metropolis, and right at the start a series of arsons have caught her attention. We also see more of a lonely Clark Kent. His wife Lois Lane and their son Jon (Superboy) are missing, and Bendis has been giving us snippets of that, but still leaves us wondering what happened to them. We are treated to a dash more of Robinson Goode who maintains an interest in Kent, and this subplot will undoubtedly develop over many months. The big shocker comes in The Man of Steel # 3 when Rogol Zaar finds the Fortress of Solitude and destroys both the fortress and the bottled city of Kandor. Destroying Kandor is big deal, and I thought the emotional impact this would have on Superman and Supergirl was downplayed for the sake of inserting some action. Bendis might have done better by giving us more of their extreme grief. We eventually learn that Los and Jon are traveling across the galaxy with Jor-El, who was revealed to have survived Krypton’s explosion in issues prior to Bendis taking the reins. I’m on the fence about Jor-El’s return, and I’m sort of hoping there’s a plot twist and this isn’t really Jor-El. Anyway, Jor-El wants to teach Jon about life, the Kryptonian way, and Lois has gone along to support and watch over her son. This is yet another subplot that will play out over a longer period of time. The key elements of the story arc are now evident, with Superman worried about his wife and son. With the solitary communication device between Supes and Lois now destroyed by his battle with Rogol Zaar, the Big Blue finds himself lonely, with strange arsons plaguing Metropolis, and some new players on the board who may not have his best interests in mind. Before the mini-series ends, we do see more of his emotional reaction to Kandor’s destruction. Interestingly enough, it’s the portrayal of Supergirl that is the strongest here. With Rogol Zaar banished to the Phantom Zone by Supergirl, she takes the initiative and announces she’s flying into space to investigate Rogol Zaar’s claims about destroying Krypton, and also to connect with Lois and Jon. Supergirl is angry, unrelenting in fact, and this tough as nails characterization is the best we’ve seen in years. Supergirl’s venture into deep space (carrying Rogol Zaar’s axe) will continue when her solo title resumes publication soon. Another element is the return to Clark Kent’s life at The Daily Planet, which will include established characters like Perry White and Jimmy Olson, but now includes Robinson Goode. Bendis is essentially playing with an established field and inserting his own dramatic sequences which thus far is refreshing. Bendis is also picking away at Superman, and forcing him to suffer. I suspect we’ll find out soon enough how the Big Blue will respond. Obviously the plot and subplots will thicken. Bendis didn’t waste any time, and his first eight Superman stories have set the stage for what is shaping up to be a memorable tenure. The artists for the mini-series are Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Jay Fabok, Doc Shaner, Steve Rude, Ryan Sook, Wade Von Grawbadger, Kevin Maguire, Adam Hughes and colors by Alex Sinclair.
Superman # 1
It’s vital that you read the eight stories that precede the publication of Superman # 1; which is the fifth number # 1 incarnation of this title since Superman’s debut. This may be the single most important re-boot in Superman’s long career. Bendis wisely begins the series with a recap tier of paragraphs on the opening splash page that brings readers up to date. The story follows immediately all of the action from The Man of Steel, and Brian Michael Bendis put the action into play immediately. With the Fortress of Solitude destroyed, Superman is in need of a new man-cave. Bendis has him choose The Bermuda Triangle, a brilliant choice that will clearly lend itself to plot twists in the future. As most readers and critics have already pointed out, Superman’s conversation with J’onn J’onzz, The Martian Manhunter who asks Superman to take a “leadership” role in global affairs. This doesn’t sit right with Supes, and the word “take” is a nagging point of contention. On the surface, the Martian Manhunter’s request might simply be a logical discussion about his role in handling conflict, much in the same way that Superman’s role was questioned in the classic “Must There be a Superman” by Elliot Maggin and Curt Swan from Superman # 247, in 1972. Except, no, none of us really believe that. Bendis is planting seeds for future stories, and frankly they’re compelling. The artwork by Ivan Reis is superb with colors by Alex Sinclair. DC Comics also switched to a new paper stock, and rather than the usual “slick” the paper is high-quality but still with the Old School pulp feel. Bendis understands that Superman remains an iconic representation of Truth, Justice and the American Way, and is a symbol of optimism in a dark world. The stories feel energized and fresh.
Action Comics # 1001
The storyline in Action Comics will run concurrent with Superman, but in a slightly different sequence. Keeping the storylines separate but concurrent might be a little tricky, and I’m not sure yet how Bendis will manage to avoid continuity gaffes. That’s okay, because I have no doubt he’ll pull it off. So far so good. Action Comics # 1001 is a solid issue. The arsons plaguing Metropolis are very much on Superman’s mind, and he quickly questions the boy that told Melody Moore, the new deputy Fire Chief of Metropolis, that Superman was the guilty party. That fact is swiftly debunked, and readers then learn about a new criminal organization in Metropolis, but Bendis doesn’t stop there. Superman’s activities are being monitored, but is it by this mysterious crime organization, or does it have something to do with Robinson Goode, the new Daily Planetstaffer? Bendis concludes the issue with two heart-stopping inclusions – first, the appearance of a new super-villain named Red Cloud. Readers have waited a long, long time for some new worthy villains, and Bendis delivers. Red Clouds origin won’t be revealed until Action Comics # 1005, and plenty of thrills are in the making until then. Finally, the seeming re-appearance of Lois Lane is quite a shocker. Why isn’t she out in space with Jon and Jor-El? Why is she hiding in The Drake Hotel? The artwork by Patrick Gleason is great, with colors by Alejandro Sanchez.
Summation
Brian Michael Bendis has done a fine job so far, and the series is exciting again. He is clearly respectful of the character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Superman represents hope for everyone, and in his Clark Kent guise he’s a bit awkward, but no coward, and considerate of others. Bendis is exploring Superman’s family life, which is unique and challenging. Bringing The Daily Planet cast back into the fold is a welcome move. We can hope that Jimmy Olson and Perry White will once again receive the occasional spotlight. The plots and subplots are all apparent thus far, and we can expect a rollicking first year for Bendis and Superman. Interestingly enough, Supergirl’s future is intriguing, although Bendis won’t be handling her series. DC executives are certainly aware at the public's disdain for constant reboots, and that awareness is reflected in the Bendis storyline. There is no re-imagining of Superman’s origin, and Bendis wisely inserts a recap paragraph on page one. The artwork by all parties has been fantastic, and in fact, the cover for Action Comics # 1001 by Patrick Gleason and Brad Anderson evoked memories of the highly revered artwork from the 60s and 70s. We come away from all of this with more questions than answers, but I’m game. Let’s see where Bendis takes us.
0 Yorumlar