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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN ANNUAL # 7 (1995 DC Comics)

Written by Karl Kessel

Art by Ron Wagner; Josef Rubinsten; Linda Medley; & Albert DeGuzman

Cover Art by Walt Simonson

SUMMARY:

Published in 1995 by DC Comics, this 56-page, Year One-themed annual is entitled “Truth and Justice.”  Set a decade ago (during Issue # 2 of John Byrne’s 1986 Superman-rebooting Man of Steel mini-series), a rookie Superman’s tentative alliance with the Metropolis Police Department is explored.  While The Daily Planet’s Lois Lane is repeatedly thwarted in her efforts to track down the Man of Steel for an exclusive interview, Intergang schemes to take a Metropolis hotel hostage to force Superman’s showdown with their hired gun from Apokolips.  It’s left unexplained how/why Intergang has established contact with Darkseid’s world. 

Among the first encounters Superman experiences are cops Dan Turpin, Maggie Sawyer, SWAT commander Greg Reagan, & Captain Henderson; Intergang’s Mannheim; Kalibak; and, in a replay from Man of Steel # 2, Lois Lane.  Meanwhile, Clark Kent hopes to find a Metropolis apartment and possibly his first scoop as The Daily Planet’s newest addition.   

REVIEW:

It’s a decent excursion, particularly re: how Superman establishes his stance towards both the police and the media.  Also, the Dan Turpin vs. Kalibak face-off is somehow well-played, as Superman is busy tangling with Intergang.  In that sense, the art squad’s visuals don’t let down writer Karl Kessel, as they are consistently above-average.  Of note: coincidentally (or maybe not), a Daily Star reporter, Toby Raines, briefly appears a few times, and she resembles the traditional Lois Lane far more than the abrasive Lois seen here (with a brown bob-and-bangs hairstyle). 

More significantly is that Kesel includes a grim crime scene where Superman helps investigates a triple-homicide.  While the art team doesn’t play up gore, one still sees a murdered cop clearly shot in the forehead as background in one panel.  It’s really only this questionable Law & Order-like sequence that keeps Adventures of Superman Annual # 7 from being a kid-friendly visit to Superman’s first days in Metropolis.  In the end, this comic is really meant for Superman die-hards for that era, while offering a likely one-and-done proposition for casual readers.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN # 644 (2005 DC Comics)

Written by Greg Rucka; Nunzio DeFilippis; & Christina Weir

Art by Darryl Banks; Karl Kerschl; Adam Dekraker; Wayne Faucher; Cam Smith; Robin Riggs; Tanya Horie; Richard Horie; & Pat Brosseau

Cover Art by Karl Kerschl

SUMMARY:

Less-than-subtly entitled “Blame and Remorse,” this issue was published by DC Comics for November 2005.  As both Superman and Clark Kent, the Man of Steel defends his friend Pete Ross’ tarnished reputation, despite the public scorn once Ross was revealed as the nefarious Ruin.  Arguing with his wife, Lois Lane, Clark then seeks out Zatanna Zatara to mystically detect if the late Maxwell Lord’s recent mind control has left any latent effects on him.  After a disheartened Zatanna’s confession that her controversial brain wipes included an effort to reform Winslow “Toyman” Schott, Superman & Zatanna track down Schott.

Rescuing homeless children from a delusional Schott’s makeshift jail cell inside a condemned building, Superman battles Schott’s toys while Zatanna magically enlightens Toyman re: his latest horrific offenses.  An exhausted Zatanna receives a much-needed pep talk from the Man of Steel.  Elsewhere, Lex Luthor and his assistant, Mercy, locate the female Parasite in the Metropolis sewer system.           

REVIEW:

It’s a relatively good story, but the all-too-obvious visual switches between art teams is distracting.  For instance, the Clark-Lois sequence is written particularly well, but the suddenly middling artwork doesn’t rise to the occasion.  While the dual notions of Superman encouraging Zatanna to forgive herself after Identity Crisis and Superman’s own regrets following Wonder Woman’s murder of Maxwell Lord are solidly played, the Toyman’s implied treatment of his young captives is unsettling. 

Further, the cliché of the psychotic villain somehow escaping imminent death is weakly deployed — signaling Toyman’s voluntary demise would have likely made a more fitting conclusion.  If anything, a consistent visual approach would have certainly bolstered this issue’s lackluster art.  On the plus side, though, Superman & Zatanna’s underrated team-up chemistry (i.e. the neat cover image) makes up a lot of the difference.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC in Demand” column hypes some upcoming projects, including All Star Superman # 1.  A thumbnail cover reveal of Adventures of Superman # 645 is also included.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7½ Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN # 628 (2004 DC Comics)

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Matthew Clark; Nelson DeCastro; Tanya Horie; Richard Horie; & Rob Leigh

Cover Art by Matt Wagner & Gene Ha

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Battery, Part Two,” it was published by DC Comics for July 2004.  Superman ruminates over his apparent killing of Replikon in front of abrasive Metropolis S.C.U. Lt. Lupé Leocadio.  At The Daily Planet, Clark fails to inspire new colleague Geraldine “Jerry” Frank to try harder on her Replikon assignment.  Preparing for a dangerous assignment to the Middle Eastern nation of Umec, Lois asks Wonder Woman to watch over Clark during her absence. 

Clark has another unpleasant encounter with Lt. Leocadio, who brashly dismisses Superman as one of her ‘deputies.’  In deep space, Green Lantern John Stewart helps Superman investigate the ominous debris leading to Replikon’s ravaged world.  While another threat awaits the Man of Steel, Clark & Lois share private time before she discreetly leaves for turbulent Umec.   

REVIEW:

Supported by top-tier artwork, this comic proves a solid read.  The sole oddity is why Lt. Leocadio’s second scene with Clark has her flashily dressed and driving a Porsche.  This hint of Miami Vice-style glamour just seems implausible for a relatively young police officer.  Still, writer Greg Rucka does a nice job with this story, including a great bit of sisterly chemistry during Lois & Wonder Woman’s scene.  The sequence where a disillusioned Jerry Frank tells Clark that he used to be a legendary journalist is an intriguing realization re: Clark’s career prospects.  The same applies to John Stewart’s guest spot, as his rare team-ups with Superman should inspire DC’s writers to give this pairing more to do.

The mostly low-key Adventures of Superman # 628 is spot-on depicting ongoing sub-plots in the Man of Steel’s life.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC in Demand” column includes a thumbnail cover reveal for Adventures of Superman # 629.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN # 584 (2000 DC Comics)

Written by J.M. DeMatteis

Art by Patrick Zircher; Jose Marzan, Jr.; Bill Oakley; & Wildstorm FX

Cover Art by Mike S. Miller; Tanya Horie; & Richard Horie

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 2000, it’s entitled “Bachelor Party.”  From deep space, a Galactus wanna-be dubbing himself ‘Devouris the Conqueror’ intends to conquer Earth by first destroying Superman.  Running for the U.S. Presidency, Lex Luthor attempts recruiting corporate tycoon Colin Thornton’s support, unaware that Thornton is really the demonic Lord Satanus.  During a boring evening at home, Lois and her pregnant sister, Lucy, bond until Lois hatches a scheme.  Relieved to escape his father-in-law, General Sam Lane, at Ron Troupe’s bachelor party, Superman confronts Devouris.  Ron & Lucy’s wedding is briefly seen.

REVIEW:

As a standalone story, it’s a fairly enjoyable read with solid artwork (including an amusing cover image).  Writer J.M. DeMatteis nicely conveys the Lane sisters, as they contemplate their absent mother.  The chill between Clark and his father-in-law is also well-played.  Though the ultra-clichéd beginning (i.e. the Devouris sub-plot) doesn’t bode well, it’s cool that DeMatteis actually makes the scene a parody of sorts.  In that sense, Adventures of Superman # 584 (which DC notes as its 44th Superman-related issue of 2000) is a nice treat for long-time fans. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a single-page “Kryptograms” letters-and-answers column and a thumbnail cover reveal for Man of Steel # 106.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN # 558 (1998 DC Comics)

Written by Karl Kesel & Jerry Ordway

Art by Steve Yeowell; Denis Rodier; Glenn Whitmore; Digital Chameleon; & Albert De Guzman

Cover Art by Tom Grummett

SUMMARY:

Published for June 1998 by DC Comics, it’s a Silver Age homage taken from Kal-El’s diary entitled “Another Typical Day.”  In the Atlantic Ocean, with the U.S. Navy’s help, Superman plays charity ‘super-baseball’ with his cousin, Supergirl, who is an outfielder in space; Steel, who is second baseman at Mount Everest; third baseman Superboy in Paris; and a robot Superman at the Daily Planet home plate.  Playing with Krypto afterwards, Superman and Lois discover that Jimmy has mutated into an alien.  While babysitting the alien Jimmy, Lois declines Clark’s offer for a date.  Oddly enough, Jimmy’s ‘alien’ touch transforms the satellite-like baseball into pure gold.

At Metropolis’ new tourist attraction, Krypton Park, Lois talks with her sister, Lucy, re: their prospective romances.  Superman deduces a rigged volcanic eruption was Lex Luthor’s ‘golden goose’ ruse to abduct Jimmy.  Superman & Lois bicker over a ‘super-marriage proposal.’  All is resolved with an appropriately wacky Silver Age twist ending.     

REVIEW:

As a kid-friendly homage to DC’s Silver Age Superman storytelling, this nostalgic issue proves a welcome gem.  Bolstered by artwork reminiscent of Superman’s 1950’s incarnation, writers Karl Kesel and Jerry Ordway ensure that fans of all ages can appreciate this ‘super-adventure.’  Drawn from his own childhood, Tom Grummett’s cover image adds a wonderful personal touch.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “Watch This Space” column honors late writer-editor Archie Goodwin.  There is also a two-page “Kryptograms” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS ANNUAL # 10 (2007 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns & Richard Donner

Art by (See Credits Below)

Variant Cover Art by Dave Stewart & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 2007, this 48-page annual consists of five short stories and two bonus features, each with different art teams.

  • “The Many Deaths of Superman.”  Art Team: Art Adams; Alex Sinclair, & Travis Lanham (4 pages).

On a jungle safari expedition to retrieve a remnant of green kryptonite, Lex Luthor smugly contemplates the three known ways of killing Superman.  

  • “Who is Clark Kent’s Big Brother?”  Art Team: Eric Wight; Lee Loughbridge; & Travis Lanham (14 pages).

In Smallville, young Clark Kent meets the amnesiac Mon-El, who Clark believes may well be a close relative.  The teenage Mon-El’s exposure to lead forces Clark’s fateful decision.

  • “Mystery Under a Blue Sun.”  Art Team: Joe Kubert & Pete Carlsson (2 pages).

A Thanagarian space vessel investigates the unexplained disappearance of three police cruisers.  Even their formidable ship isn’t any match for a Bizarro reception committee. 

  • “Secrets of the Fortress of Solitude.”  Art Team: Phil Jimenez; Andy Lanning; Jeromy Cox; & Travis Lanham  (2 pages).

Spread across two pages is a twelve-point tour of the modern-day Fortress. 

  • “The Criminals of Krypton.”  Art Team: Rags Morales; Mark Farmer; Edgar Delgado; & Travis Lanham  (12 pages).

In the last days of Krypton, Jor-El’s tenuous alliance with Non, Ursa, and General Zod tragically backfires. 

  • “Superman’s Top 10 Most Wanted!”  Art Team: Tony Daniel; Brad Anderson; & Phil Balsman (2 pages).

Superman’s worst enemies list (and each foe’s present status) consists of: Lex Luthor; Brainiac; General Zod; Ursa; Non; Bizarro; Parasite; Metallo; Mr. Mxyzptlk; and the Toyman. 

  • “The Deadliest Forms of Kryptonite.”  Art Team: Gary Frank; Jonathan Sibal; Brad Anderson; & Phil Balsman  (3 pages).

Lex Luthor muses over the deadly potential of various colors of kryptonite, including how each of them will power a captive member of his new Revenge Squad. 

Note: Though not pictured here, this issue’s other cover is by Joe Kubert & Adam Kubert.

REVIEW:

Curiously, this assortment doesn’t sport anything reflective of its top-caliber cover image.  Still, the Lex Luthor book-ends (both his narrative and the stellar artwork) make a cohesive two-part short story.  The bonuses (the Fortress of Solitude tour and the Most Wanted list) are also fun to peruse.  Darkly reminiscent of 1978’s Superman: The Movie, “The Criminals of Krypton” conveys more details re: the downfall of General Zod’s renegades.  What’s really well-played is the grim irony that they actually share Jor-El’s viewpoint re: Krypton’s imminent demise.  The idea of Non as Jor-El’s ex-mentor/lab partner seems awfully contrived, but this tale is by far Annual # 10’s highlight.

The weaker elements, however, pertain to “Mystery Under a Blue Sun” and the Mon-El tale.  “Blue Sun” is pointless (i.e. a trio of murderous Bizarros), as there isn’t any further suggestion that this filler story will lead somewhere.  The tale of Mon-El’s arrival on Earth is more problematic.  Though Clark’s age isn’t specified (maybe he is twelve or thirteen years old), he is implausibly mature.  In fairness to the Silver Age Superboy, this tale poignantly portrays Clark’s heartfelt loneliness as Krypton’s sole survivor.  By itself, “Who is Clark Kent’s Big Brother?” is a great story, but it’s really more a single-shot homage to Superman’s Silver Age continuity as a high-profile Superboy.  Even this well-illustrated collection is merely odds-and-ends, it’s still a treat to read any Superman material co-written by director Richard Donner. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Dan DiDio’s single-page “DC Nation” column, as part of its ‘One Year Later’ banner, promotes the three-part World War Three mini-series, as DC’s super-heroes assemble to combat an unstoppable Black Adam.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7½ Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 999 (2018 DC Comics)

Written by Dan Jurgens

Art by Will Conrad; Ivan Numes & Rob Leigh

Cover Art by Brett Booth; Norm Rapmund; & Andrew Dalhouse

Variant Cover by Kaare Andrews (seen below)

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for May 2018, it’s entitled “What Would Superman Do?”  At home, Lois and young son Jonathan greet her estranged father, General Sam Lane, for dinner.  Lois and Jonathan argue with General Lane about Superman’s potential to threaten Earth.  In deep space, the Man of Steel diverts an asteroid on course to Earth.  Having second thoughts re: Jor-El’s creation of the Phantom Zone, Superman contemplates an alternate fate for Cyborg Superman Hank Henshaw.  Returning home, Clark mediates the conflict with his father-in-law, as he also reflects on his son’s vastly different grandfathers.       

REVIEW:

Boasting splendid artwork (including the cover image), Action Comics # 999 smartly delivers two poignant stories within one.  Writer Dan Jurgens capably depicts Lois & Jonathan’s tense reunion with General Lane, especially as Superman courts a potential disaster in Hank Henshaw.  Demonstrating his insightful experience from years of writing Superman, Jurgens smartly reflects Clark’s maturity as both a super-hero and a married father coping with his cantankerous father-in-law.  The well-played closing scene alone is worth the price of admission.  Though the Henshaw subplot is frankly hard to fathom (primarily, an excessively compassionate Superman), this comic is still a solid reading experience.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The single-page “DC All Access” announces two new graphic novel publishing imprints (DC Ink and DC Zoom) meant for young adults and middle schoolers.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 900 (2011 DC Comics)

Written by [See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art (2nd Print Variant) by Rodolfi Migliari

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for May 2011, this ad-free 96-page anniversary issue has a feature story followed by five short tales, each with different creative teams.

Note: Though the images aren’t provided here, three other covers were created by artists Adam Hughes, David Finch, & Alex Ross.

  • “The Black Ring (Finale): Reign of Doomsday:” written by Paul Cornell, with art by Pet Woods; Brad Anderson; Jesus Merino; Blond; Dan Jurgens; Norm Rapmund; Rags Morales; Adrian Syaf; Jamal Igle; Jon Sibal; Gary Frank; & Rob Leigh (51 pages).

In Metropolis, Lois Lane advises Superman that Doomsday has vanished, along with a critically-injured Steel with him.  Doomsday now holds a captive Supergirl; the Cyborg Superman (Hank Henshaw); Superboy; the Eradicator; and Steel aboard a space station hidden within the remnants of New Krypton. Despite Henshaw’s uncooperative attitude, the other four try escaping Doomsday’s grasp.  In deep space, Superman faces a now-omniscient Lex Luthor, who has merged with an alien force from the Phantom Zone.  Superman later joins the other five ‘Supers’ vs. Doomsday’s frightening new incarnation.         

  • “Life Support:” written by Damon Lindelof and art by Ryan Sook & John J. Hill (10 pages).

A young Kryptonian physicist is given the task by Jor-El of solving the issue of life support for a prototype starship.  The scientist’s own personal crisis poignantly echoes Jor-El’s. 

  • Autobiography:” written by Paul Dini and art by RB Silva; Rob Lean; Java Tartaglia; & John J. Hill (3 pages).

Superman is enthralled by the hippo-like alien Sarva’s tale of its galactic journey over millions of years.

  • Friday Night in the 21st Century:” written by Geoff Johns and art by Gary Frank; Brad Anderson; & John J. Hill (4 pages).

In a mini-sequel to “Superman: Secret Origin,” Lois finds her misplaced Legion flight ring.  She urges Clark that they host the Legionnaires for a dinner party. 

  • “The Incident:” written by David S. Goyer and art by Miguel Sepulveda; Paul Mounts; & Rob Leigh (9 pages).

Superman is privately scolded by the U.S. President’s national security advisor over his high-profile intervention in turbulent Tehran (a fictional Middle Eastern country).  The Man of Steel opts to renounce his U.S. citizenship, so the world will no longer deem him a pawn of the U.S. government.

  • “Only Human:” written by Richard Donner & Derek Hoffman and storyboard art by Matt Camp (15 pages).

Note: This story is depicted like a cartoon storyboard with four art panels per page accompanying the script.

Egged on by Lois, Superman accepts the challenge of a race from charismatic ex-superstar athlete Cliff Carter, who is now a corporate spokesman for the controversial Super-Tech company.  Wearing his prototype ‘power suit,’ Carter keeps up with the Man of Steel, utilizing its power-siphoning capabilities.

REVIEW:

DC  recognizes what a landmark accomplishment this issue is.  Starting with the five back-up tales, only “Autobiography” is filler material, though it is still well-illustrated.  Overcoming its clichés, “Only Human” would make a fine installment of “Superman: The Animated Series.”  Its storyboard novelty is a big asset, as readers glimpse behind the scenes of scripting a comic book or cartoon. 

“Life Support” is this comic’s most poignant tale, as its visuals are stunning.  Writer Damon Lindelof comes up with the inspired idea that someone else besides Jor-El engineered some of the prototype starship’s most vital components.  Though “Friday Night in the 21st Century” doesn’t accomplish much, it’s still a fun little gem from Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.  Frank also delivers splendid work in his contributions to the feature story.  As for “The Incident,” its stark realism is well-played, as this tale is more engrossing than the Doomsday tale.

Often over-indulging itself, the “Black Ring” tale still has numerous solid moments (including a Luthor flashback sequence re: a mystery that has been eluding him for years).  What doesn’t work is a godly Luthor deeming himself as judge, jury, and executioner against the Man of Steel, as it keeps dragging on and on.  Also, exactly how Superman withstands Luthor’s cosmic onslaught isn’t explained. 

Though parts of this Superman vs. Luthor ultimate showdown are satisfying, it misses the point of everyman mega-genius Luthor vs. Superman.  Taking its intriguing concept to an absurd extreme, Luthor’s future credibility takes a major hit.  At least the Joker’s cameo conveys the wicked irony Luthor brings upon himself.  As a commemorative issue, Action Comics # 900 is mostly dynamite, especially in terms of its nearly 100 pages of awesome visuals. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

From artist Brian Stelfreeze, a two-page spread depicts the ‘Evolution of the Man of Tomorrow,’ as Superman is seen in six different incarnations dating back to the Golden Age.  There is a single-page letters-and-answers column. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 870 (2008 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; BIT; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson

Cover Art by Gary Frank

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for December 2008, the five-part Brainiac storyline concludes with “Finale.”  Having captured Metropolis, as well as Superman & Supergirl, a triumphant Brainiac unleashes a supernova weapon to annihilate the Sun and Earth.  Lois (in Metropolis) and the Kents (in Smallville) can only look on in horror.  The two Kryptonians defiantly burst into action.  While Supergirl pursues the supernova weapon, the Man of Steel challenges Brainiac.  An unexpected explosion releases what becomes New Krypton.  Tragedy sends the Man of Steel rocketing to his childhood home.              

Note: The somber, beautifully-conveyed cover image is deceptive.  This image conveys Brainiac’s somber epilogue from the Superman: New Krypton Special # 1, which occurs next chronologically.

REVIEW:

Action Comics # 870 is stellar!  No artist draws Christopher Reeve’s likeness as Superman better than Gary Frank.  Frank’s realistic penciling is superb, as one can easily visualize Reeve once more suiting up.  Johns’ storyline is up to the task of making Brainiac a worthy Superman antagonist and giving his obsessive world-gathering collection a chillingly ruthless context.  Hence, Superman justifiably unloads on Brainiac with unusual fury. 

Wisely finishing with a near-wordless montage, Johns & Franks’ masterpiece reaches its poignant conclusion.  Echoing a pivotal scene from 1978’s “Superman: The Movie,” Johns & Frank deliver a very Reeve-like Superman at the end.  This creative team ensures that readers get their money’s worth.                  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In the “DC Nation” column, Eddie Berganza hypes the DC Universe Special – Halloween ’08.  There’s also cover reveals for Green Arrow/Black Canary # 13; Trinity # 19; Wonder Woman # 25; and Superman: New Krypton Special # 1.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            10 Stars

Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

ACTION COMICS # 869 (2008 DC Comics)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for November 2008, this fourth installment of the Brainiac storyline is entitled “Mind Over Matter.”  Held captive aboard Brainiac’s starship, Superman witnesses the robot’s invasion of Earth.  From The Daily Planet’s rooftop, Lois & Supergirl are horrified by Brainiac’s drones assaulting Metropolis.  Temporarily subduing Brainiac, Superman reunites with fellow captives: Aunt Allura and Uncle Zor-El, who are Supergirl’s parents.  Zor-El reveals how Argo City was captured by Brainiac and was merged with Kandor. 

A flashback depicts a younger Kara/Supergirl being sent by her desperate parents to locate and protect her infant cousin, Kal-El, on Earth.  After her overpowered cousin-in-law from a drone, Lois witnesses Brainiac’s starship abduct the Girl of Steel.  Initiating his inescapable force field, Brainiac captures Metropolis.  Smugly taunting Superman, Brainiac’s vessel launches its supernova weapon to destroy the Sun and, with it, Earth.  

Note: The terrific cover image of Clark and Jonathan Kent (with Lois, Martha, & Brainiac’s starship in the background) should be considered as an outtake from Action Comics # 867.

REVIEW:

On a major roll, the Johns-Frank team offers another spectacular issue that is both well-written and packed with impressive visuals.  Frank’s depiction of a Christopher Reeve-like Superman remains awe-inspiring.  Though Superman’s torture scenes aren’t too graphic, they could be deemed scary by younger readers.  As the Brainiac storyline’s penultimate issue, Action Comics # 869 is top-flight entertainment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Ian Sattler pens the monthly “DC Nation” column where he shills for the upcoming “Batman – Cacophony” project written by film director Kevin Smith.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars

Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.