The Supes has hit the fan (literally). Recovering from Lex Luthor’s latest moves, Superman tries clearing his head. Smallville is his destination. Once back home, trouble finds him quickly. This is in the form of the Legion of Darkseid.
An unlikely ally has emerged to help in this time of crisis. The Time Trapper aka DOOMSDAY has moved Clark into a pocket dimension. Once in this “new world”, a shocking face is staring back at Superman.
SUPERBOY PRIME IS BACK?!?! Yes, THAT Superboy Prime!
SUPERMAN #29 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez and Ariana Maher looks to provide some answers as time is running out on the Man of Steel.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest Superman saga.
SUPERMAN #29 by Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez and Ariana Maher (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Welcome back Prime! A notorious version of Superman comes back into focus to start events off. Readers get a quick recap of a twisted past to lead into the present. Once here, the moral conflicts start arising. Williamson plays into the snarky quips of the brash powerhouse. It leads up to an uneasy partnership. The writing carries this uneasiness into the next phase. Even as great as Superman is, he’s not prepared for what’s next.
The duo make their long awaited entrance to a dark universe. What they find, no one is expecting. The mood shifts to match the grizzly discoveries. It is hard for Superman to process this reality. As more truths surface, all hope appears to be lost. Leave it to Superman to try inspiring hope when all is lost. The dialogue is perfect for setting up the closing phase. Pacing speeds up as an old friend makes a return. Readers get some crucial information as the final pages start. Key players are in position before a predicable but not less impactful move ends events. How Supes finds a way now will be a must-read issue.
Mora and Sánchez launch events with a recap of Superboy-Prime. This is followed up by a great full page image of all parties meeting. Seeing Superman’s shocked face speaks volumes of the situation’s gravity. Reader watch as Prime shows off his insane power levels. It leads into a wild time-travel image. The attention to detail is incredible as various timelines are witnessed. Once the journey ends, the mood swings back to a dismal feel.
The two page splash shows the horrors of Darkseid’s vision. Panel set-up walks the audience through Superman’s discoveries. Even with a heartwarming past visual, nothing escapes the now. The art showcases more old friends return as the situation worsens. One return is given a near full page. Readers have been waiting for this reunion for months! The happy moment is quickly dashed in the closing pages. A two page splash sets up a grave stand-off. It’s made worse when someone makes a dire choice. This full page image is perfect for closing shop up for now but hopefully not long.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.2
With great power comes grave irresponsibility. Willaimson brings back the unstable force with a great set-up. Mora and Sánchez drop some incredible images as the vision of Darkseid grows with each page. This current arc has been lights out and shouldn’t be missed.
Let me know your thoughts about Superman #29 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!