Review: "Superman" #9

The "Escape from Dinosaur Island" story line began with a quite charming, albeit not flawless first chapter. The more surprising (or call it confusing) it is that Tomasi and Gleason have already concluded this story arc for now. 

Consequently, character developments and story elements feel overly rushed here, as Superman #9 tries to do too many things at once. It wants to be a Halloween-inspired Dinosaur/Monster rampage with detective story elements and a WWII aesthetic that also treats Clark's and Jon's father son relationship. Nothing here is a real failure, and Mahnke's aerial battles are deserving of a special nod, but a lack of focus and a supporting character that is both doomed by tiring clichés and a development that is way too rushed make this a rather underwhelming affair.

5/10 

Review: "Superman" #8

"Escape from Dinosaur Island" is the title of this new Superman story line. At best, you might think, this could be full of vintage B-movie charm. At worst, it might be an embarrassing oddity. But writers Peter J Tomasi and Patrick Gleason actually manage to do neither, and instead craft a story that (so far) is also intelligent and insightful.

It's especially the warm and close relationship between Clark and Jon, impressively drawn by artists Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza and Will Quintana , and the latter's careful curiousness that steer the story towards more serious topics. It's not what you'd expect, and it's all the better for it.

7/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Aquaman" #2 / "Superman" #2 & #3

Aquaman #2: Abnett is playing it relatively safe here, as the moral conflict between Aquaman and Black Manta is presented solidly, but relies too heavily on well-known tropes.

7/10

Superman #2: More than anything else it's the father-son relationship between Clark and Jon that shines most here, as Tomasi and Gleason finally nail this aspect and make the latter a truly integral part of the story.

8/10

Superman #3: The story around the Eradicators appearance is slightly underwhelming, adding to the sense of imbalance that pervades this comic as a whole. At least the end promises a badass next issue.

6/10

Review: "Action Comics" #959

We still don't really now why there are about three dozens Supermen in Metropolis here, but at least writer Dan Jurgens has finally started to unravel the mystery a bit. 

Otherwise this remains a fast-paced, fun and entertaining uber-fight between one of the Supermen and Doomsday, in which artist Tyler Kirkham manages to stay on top of the action at all times, with a clear focus of where he is going with it. Even though Lois Lane and Jon Kent still feel like an afterthought here, this is by far the strongest entry among the "Rebirth" Action Comics.

8/10

Further Links:

Action Comics #958

Action Comics #957

Keepin' It 360: "Superman" #1

"Rebirth" Superman already find his form in issue #1, as Clark Kent takes up the cape and shield with a visual blast by artists Gray and Gleason. It sets up many potential conflicts and encounters, including some more trademark DC characters. Only young Jon does not manage to convince entirely, as he becomes gradually more inconsistent in his emotions.

7/10

Further Links: 

Superman: Rebirth #1

Action Comics #957