Writer: Jeph Loeb
Penciler & Cover Artist: Michael Turner
Publisher: DC
Well, what can we say about a book written by Loeb and drawn by Turner but “WOW!”
I must confess that I haven’t been keeping up with this title or this storyline, so I’m a little bit in the dark. DC doesn’t seem to think it’s necessary to give a little bit of history or introduction to an existing storyline like Marvel does, but here goes…
As far as I can gather, Superman’s long lost relative Kara, cousin I think, has been taken prisoner by Darkseid and transported to Apokolips. It also appears that Kara’s abduction was quite against her will. She was on Paradise Island, enjoying life when Darkseid’s goons came to force her to Apokolips. Some of Wonder Woman’s warriors were killed during the scuffle. Anyway, they arrive at Barda’s Connecticut home to ask for some help. During the “planning” period before the operation, Superman starts his ranting and raving about how this situation is everyone else’s fault but his. We see the Man of Steel throwing a fit and about to explode on Wonder Woman and the rest. Anyway, it’s up to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Barda (former Apokolipsian bad girl) to bring her home.
When they arrive on Apokolips, the three Earth heroes split up and Barda accompanies Wonder Woman. It’s interesting that Batman has an exchange with Superman that confirms my “temper tantrum” theory. “And so we’re clear, Superman. Everyone goes home.” The girls start having a heart-to-heart as the Female Furies interrupt and begin the typical villain boasting and fighting. At the end of the battle, there’s a stalemate that should be interesting next issue. When will superheroes learn to never, ever negotiate with baddies? Batman has some trouble with a couple of Demon Dog and is apparently lunch for one of the monstrous beasts.
The most interesting action occurs when Superman finally arrives in Darkseid’s throne room and finds Kara. I won’t give anything away, but if Superman was having a bad day before, the big blue Boy Scout is going to need many years of therapy, or Confessions with the priest in Superman to work through their exchange. Looks like there are more twists and turns in the future than a Slinky.
It appears that Superman’s beginning to show more of his introspective side I’ve been seeing in Superman (204-206+) over the past couple of months. He isn’t the stereotypical one-dimensional character I always saw him to be. In this issue, he is really dealing with some deeply seated emotional issues that are refreshing if “strange” to see in the original superhero. We see him accusing others and being about two minutes from a full blown temper tantrum. (I know this because my 3 kids show the same behavior whenever they’re about to blow.)
Let’s just hope that Batman, Wonder Woman, and Barda can come to Superman’s defense soon before he has a major emotional meltdown.
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