Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
On this entry, we are looking at an anniversary issue from DC Comics that is truly astonishing. In the illustrious history of the Man Of Steel, there have been many titles with Action Comics clearing over 1000+ issues. Now another title inches its’ way closer to 1000 but hitting #850 is nothing to overlook!
Superman #7 (Legacy #850) by Joshua Williamson, Gleb Melnikov, Edwin Galmon, Dan Jurgens, Alejandro Sánchez, Norm Rapmund, and Ariana Maher continues the latest challenge to the Man of Tomorrow along with setting the stage for his next 850 issues. Let’s take a closer look and see how things fare, shall we?
Superman #7 (Legacy #850) by Joshua Williamson, Gleb Melnikov, Edwin Galmon, Dan Jurgens, Alejandro Sánchez, Norm Rapmund, and Ariana Maher (Credit: DC Comics - Cover : Jamal Campbell)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story begins with Perry White reflecting on Superman. Readers can see the internal reflection on top of the Daily Planet. It is capped off with Superman flying overhead. The iconic image makes a footnote to Perry. Suddenly things snap back to present time where Perry is having a rally for his political run for Mayor of Metropolis.
During the rally, The prisoner that Lex Luthor had imprisoned away makes a grand entrance. The figure known as the Chained attacks. Perry knows him as Sammy Stryker. Before they can talk, some help arrives by way of the Super-Family! Connor Kent, Supergirl, Steel (Natahsa Irons) and Super-Man Kenan Kong fight back against the big threat to no avail.
Meanwhile, Superman still imprisoned underneath Stryker’s Island Penitentiary. Readers begin to question if can he escape? The fight with the Chained rolls out onto the Metropolis streets. Can Superman escape to save the day?
Readers begin to see how the key players are put into position. The danger escalates as the Super Family struggles against the powerful foe. The resolution builds for what’s next but that won’t be the only key story piece in these pages. The story of Lex Luthor’s current situation escalates quickly but not as fast as the closing act. There is much to process as a classic character arrives with a plan that will send chills down readers’ spine until next issue.
Superman #7 by Joshua Williamson, Gleb Melnikov, Edwin Galmon, Dan Jurgens, Alejandro Sánchez, Norm Rapmund, Ariana Maher (Credit: DC Comics - Cover: Greg Capullo)
Williamson shows readers why Superman will forever remain a symbol of hope. Right from the start, the early reflections of Perry White illustrate how much the Man of Steel impacts a normal citizen. Rolling this into hos own sub-plot, Williamson keeps readers guessing at what secrets he has in his sleeve.
The escape from Stryker’s Island is well done demonstrating Superman’s never ending drive to do help others. The resolution leaves much open for fans to ponder. The other two big stories get their fair share of spotlight with bigger implications down the road. What a time it is to be a Superman fan with Williamson wirting!
Gleb Melnikov took the majorty of art duties for this issue. The two page spread of Superman flying drives home the iconic image he gives off to those watching from a distance. The action scenes with the Unchained bring another level of excitment to the book.
Edwin Galmon and Dan Jurgens add their unique styles to the sub-plots which gel very easy with the overall issue. The latter story pops off the page as it foreshadows where things are heading after this monumental issue.
Superman #7 (Legacy #850) by Joshua Williamson, Gleb Melnikov, Edwin Galmon, Dan Jurgens, Alejandro Sánchez, Norm Rapmund, and Ariana Maher (Credit: DC Comics - Cover : Lee Bermejo)
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The anniversary issue of this Man of Tomorrow title sets the foundation for a great reminder for the future of Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow. Williamson weaves a multi-layered book with many tales to be excited about. Backed by an all-star lineup on art duties and this book needs to be in your collection by the end of New Comic Book day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Superman #7. Thanks for reading!
