Finding a new avenue to present Superman stories can be difficult. In over 80 years of stories, the Man of Steel has virtually done it all. With the emergence of “DC Black Label” a few years back, it has granted creators a new lane to tell more mature stories involving DC Superhero Characters.
Clark Kent has been no stranger to the brand. “The Last Days Of Lex Luthor” is a recent example of this partnership. Now, a creative team known for “Ice Cream Man” is about to embark on an ambitious new saga for Krypton’s Last Son.
SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #1 by W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran, and Good Old Neon presents a new challenge involving Supes and his planet’s parting gift: Kryptonite!
Let’s see what the well-known horror team has in store for the iconic hero!
SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #1 by W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran, and Good Old Neon (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Prince plays into the quirkiness of Superman lore with the set-up. With a mysterious asteroid heading to Earth, Supes investigates. In his findings are four new Kryptonites. This news doesn’t escape Lex Luthor. His dialogue oozes of the classic Gene Hackman portrayal. This element would be enough to balance out Clark’s wonder. Luckily for readers, another player enters the game.
Batman’s introduction is perfect. Prince leans into their old friendship. The result is more two friends helping each other than superhero Hijinx. Their banter is priceless. It shows readers how well they know each other, for better or worse. This all changes when Clark experiments with Purple Kryptonite.
The new element causes quite the commotion. Prince walks the line with the action and internal breakdown. It challenges the reader along with Clark of what’s true perception. There are many solid moments mixed in before heading to close. Once here, the dialogue brings events full circle before setting a huge new course. Readers should have no fear of where the direction takes them into next chapter. There’s much to enjoy here.
Morazzo and O’Hollaran tap into the classic aura of Superman for this story. The half panel breaking down his powers is a fun nod to the past. Seeing Luthor and Superman appear to be looking at the other on pages works to create more wonder of the discoveries. Both give way for Batman’s entrance. The art takes a simple crime fight and amplifies it to a personal call between friends.
Watching the back and forth between heroes keeps readers guessing. It is a sharp set-up as the new discovery is very unknown. The full page image of Superman self experimenting shows the lengths he goes to. It gives way to the fallout. Using purple panels to exemplify the changes, Superman’s breakdown jumps off page. Panel structure is key to this sequence.
Even with a full page shot thrown in, the disassembling takes hold. It plays well with the emotional images popping up. All seems calm to the final page. Readers get a full page parting shot for the ages as the door shuts here. The moment encompasses everything rolling in these pages. This is sure to be a fun ride moving forward.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.3
When a new twist to a classic substance, Superman’s world is turned inside out. Prince’s writing walks a fine line handling this new challenge. Morazzo and O’Hollaran deliver on crafting a vintage aura. This is going to be something Superman fans won’t forget anytime soon!
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #1. Thanks for reading!