Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Final Crisis: Superman Beyond # 2 (of 2)

By Koppy McFad
January 27, 2009 - 02:06

Superman confronts the evil Monitor Mandrakk in an adventure that goes beyond universes in an effort to save Lois Lane.

Parts of this comic are printed in 3-D and cannot be appreciated without the special 3-D glasses inserted in the book. Parts of the story are also apparently in 4-D and cannot be understood by readers without a comprehensive primer, which is not inserted in this book.

There are huge concepts here as Superman enters the metaphysical/metatextual sphere to confront the Monitors and the threat to the multiverse. There are some clues as to how this all relates to the big FINAL CRISIS event but it is all too complicated without enough explanation given for the events.

Surprisingly, the book relies too much on narrative captions and exposition to describe what is going on. This helps in maintaining the sense of grandiose scale that has dominated the miniseries. But it still does not make things easier for ordinary readers who just wanted a story that makes sense.

The art is a saving grace. Even without the 3-D effect, it helps convey the sense of cosmic importance and ultimate evil involved in the struggle. The scenes of archetypal locations and impossibly vast objects are made believable to mere mortals like us, with our limited imaginations. Too bad the story did not do the same.

This is an exciting story and it has some very moving... and very frightening scenes which make Superman and the rest of the cast look very impressive but all in all, it still leaves the reader-- even the intelligent reader-- wondering what the heck just happened.

 

Rating: 5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12