Page 1-2: Title and Introduction About Superman 28
The comic opens with the bold title "Summer of Superman", setting the stage for an epic storyline. Page 2 introduces Batman and teases "The Elseworlds Saga Continues", hinting at a crossover event. Andy Diggle and artist Leandro Fernandez are mentioned, and there's a reference to Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age, which suggests a connection between 2 stories either thematically or in the plot.
Page 3: A Villainous Perspective on Superman
A group of people who aren't known talks about Superman's secret life as Clark Kent. They make fun of how he acts as Clark, but they also admit he's a big inspiration to others. The dialogue reveals their disdain for his influence, calling him the "epicenter of everything". This foreshadows a threat targeting Superman’s legacy.
Page 4-5: Legion of Super-Heroes Tease
The "Legion of Vakkseu" (likely a corrupted version of the Legion of Super-Heroes) is introduced with dramatic cover art credits. Page 5’s cryptic text—"Yesterday Tomorrow The Mighty Whewhem Brought"—hints at time manipulation, a recurring theme in Legion stories.
Page 6-7: Clark’s Emotional Return to Smallville
Clark visits his mother, Martha Kent, reminiscing about his childhood and the Legion of Super-Heroes. He reveals that Validus, a powerful Legion foe, attacked Smallville, prompting his need to travel to the future. Martha’s wisdom—"The future is never a guarantee... it’s earned"—underscores the story’s stakes.
Related News: For more on DC's evolving Superman legacy, check out Warner Bros.' David Corenswet over Henry Cavill.
Page 8-10: Saturn Girl’s Dark Turn
Clark is ambushed by Imra Ardeen (Saturn Girl), who now serves Darkseid. She probes his mind, taunting him with visions of the Watchtower’s destruction. The reveal that the Legion has been corrupted by Darkseid shocks Clark, especially when Saturn Girl implies Cosmic Boy and Lightning Lad are also compromised.
Page 11-13: Watchtower Nightmare
A horrifying psychic illusion unfolds: the corrupted Legion destroys the Justice League Watchtower, killing its members. Superman’s anguish peaks as Saturn Girl revels in his despair, pushing him to mental breaking point.
Page 14-16: Psychological Battle
Superman resists Saturn Girl’s mental assault, realizing the horrors are illusions. Their fight gets stronger until Time Trapper shows up and stops Saturn Girl from holding on. The cryptic line "We’re still in the field" suggests the conflict spans timelines.
Page 17-19: Darkseid’s Legion and Time Trapper’s Warning
Time Trapper explains to Superman that Darkseid's power caused problems for the Legion. Darkseid calls Saturn Girl back and tells her to guard another important person, which suggests there's a bigger plan going on. Superman wants to save Martha, but Time Trapper says the future is in real trouble.
Page 20-21: Alternate Smallville and a Surprise Ally
Superman is transported to a twisted version of Smallville by Time Trapper, who reveals a hidden timeline. A mysterious figure (possibly a future ally) greets Superman with "'Sup, you old fart...", teasing a team-up in the next issue.
Page 22: Tribute to Jackson “Butch” Guice
A heartfelt homage to the late artist, featuring quotes from colleagues like Dan Abnett and Mike Carlin praising his timeless work on Resurrection Man and other DC titles.
Page 23-26: Worlds Collide Crossover Teaser
A backup story follows Batgirl and Nightwing confronting Catwoman over Pandora’s Box. The dialogue hints at mythological stakes, with chaos erupting as villains like Two-Face intervene. The story dovetails into promo art for upcoming DC variants.
Page 27: Blank (likely ad space or editorial content in print version)
Themes and Analysis
- Legacy and Corruption: Superman’s hope clashes with Darkseid’s nihilism, mirrored by the Legion’s fall.
- Time as a Weapon: Time Trapper’s manipulations suggest a multiversal threat.
- Family vs. Duty: Clark’s love for Martha conflicts with his mission to save the future.
Final Tease: The issue ends with a cliffhanger—Superman in an altered Smallville, poised to ally with a mysterious figure against Darkseid’s Legion.
Art & Writing: Fernandez’s art excels in action (e.g., Watchtower sequence), while Diggle’s script balances emotional depth (Clark/Martha) and cosmic stakes.
Rating: 9/10 – A gripping setup for a summer event, blending psychological drama, time travel, and superhero spectacle.
Next Issue Prediction: Superman teams up with the mystery ally (possibly Booster Gold or an older Legionnaire) to reclaim the Legion from Darkseid’s control.
Post a Comment