Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Superman: War of the Supermen #2 (of 4)

By Andy Frisk
May 14, 2010 - 00:04

Superwoman, back from the dead and more dangerous than ever, captures and brings Lois face to face with her father while Superman attempts, and eventually succeeds, in calming Kara’s wrath over the death of her mother and New Krypton, after they punch and throw each other around a little bit…meanwhile Zod’s forces deal a deadly blow to Lane’s defenses, but Luthor has a deadly weapon that might be the death of all Kryptonians…

Fast, furious, emotionally charged, and action packed are just a few of the words that describe the events of Superman: War of the Superman #2. This short, climactic series is speeding right along at a pace much quicker than World of New Krypton, but it is not sacrificing anything in the storytelling department. The focus on the connection between and familial love and concern between Superman/Kal-El and Supergirl/Kara Zor-El is the hallmark theme of this issue. The focus on the two is great as they really are the core of the Superman mythos, and Supergirl is easily the most interesting and popular of the Superman Family supporting cast. Family ties are an important theme overall here. The impending interaction between Lois and her father General Lane, mixed in with Lois’ sister’s role in this story overall is going be quite interesting as well. All of the infighting and consoling going on inside these families is metaphoric of the overall conflict between the remnants of New Krypton and Earth. The humans and Kryptonians are members of the same family spiritually despite their racial differences. They just don’t realize their connection, and are determined to destroy one another. It’s an interesting theme…

Penciller Eduardo Pansica takes the artistic reigns this issue from Jamal Igle, issue #1’s penciller. Pansica does a fine job of bringing to life the large cast of characters that the Superman Family has grown to while effortlessly creating nearly every kind of scene and background imaginable. From Mt. Rushmore, to a battle station on Mars, to Supergirl and Superman in action against Zod and Lane’s armies, Pansica pulls it off. It would be great to see more of his high quality work (his anatomy and choreography are excellent as well) on a regular Superman series.

The events of the final few pages of this issue leave the reader wondering just how our heroes are going to live to fight another day…or issue. Obviously they will, but the wait until next week is going to be a tough one. That’s how good this Superman series is.

Rating: 10 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12