Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Alex Sinclair; & Nick Napolitano
Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
SUMMARY:
Entitled “For Tomorrow, Part One,” DC Comics published it for June 2004. At a Catholic cathedral in Metropolis, police Lt. Lupé Leocadio speaks with Father Daniel, who is her old friend. Upon her departure, a somber Superman arrives for his own private consultation with Daniel. Bearing heartfelt sadness, the Man of Steel acknowledges he was off-Earth aiding Green Lantern Kyle Rayner when the ominous ‘Vanishing’ recently occurred.
With no explanation yet discovered, a million humans remain missing from Earth, including Lois Lane. Superman is left without answers.
REVIEW:
Sporting superb artwork, Superman # 204 suggests some intriguing potential, as to what catastrophe could darkly send even the Man of Steel into depression. Yet, what writer Brian Azzarello doesn’t explain is why multiple panels convey Superman’s terse glares at the priest without justification. One can only construe that either Superman is silently confronting the priest re: an unknown offense, or that Superman resents the priest’s probing stare. Though it’s likely the latter, Azzarello doesn’t do enough to spell out why.
As a new storyline opener, Azzarello inexplicably fails to make this story entertaining. Its heavy angst quotient is more fitting for Batman. Still, this comic’s asset is Jim Lee’s artwork, including a stellar cover image.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC in Demand” column includes a thumbnail of Jim Lee & Scott Williams’ cover for Superman # 205.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
