Written by (See Credits Below)
Art by (See Credits Below)
Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
SUMMARY:
Published for August 2010 by DC Comics, this landmark issue occurs immediately after the extensive New Krypton saga has concluded. Consisting of three tales, they are:
- The Comeback: Written by James Robinson, with art by Bernard Chang; Blond; & John J. Hill (16 pages). Interrupting a high-stakes weapons deal involving the Toyman & Parasite, Lois Lane is chased by the Parasite inside a Metropolis warehouse. Once Superman intervenes, Lois observes her husband make quick work of his old foe. Later that night, Lois & Clark poignantly renew their emotional commitment.
- Geometry: Written by Dan Jurgens, with art by Norm Rapmund; Pete Pantazis; & John J. Hill (16 pages). Due to a Wayne Enterprises commitment, a tuxedo-clad Bruce Wayne must take a high society night off as Batman. Told to stay home and concentrate on his homework, young Dick Grayson chafes at the chance to prove himself as Robin. A restless Boy Wonder goes to the Gotham City docks to thwart a gang of weapons smugglers. Outmatched, a captive Robin needs the Man of Steel, who humorously later tries to help cover up Dick’s lack of judgment.
- Grounded (Prologue: The Slap Heard ‘Round the World): Written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Eddy Barrows; J.P. Mayer; Rod Reis; & John J. Hill (10 pages). In the wake of the New Krypton crisis, a grieving widow/young mother slaps Superman in full view of the media on Capitol Hill. Pressed into the Man of Steel’s mind is that he might have saved her dying husband, had he not been preoccupied with a galactic crisis. Haunted by her grief, Superman seeks out Batman and the Flash before remembering some pertinent advice from his late adoptive father. It spurns the humbled Man of Steel to make a renewed commitment to Earth in a way he has never done before.
Note: Though the image isn’t included with this comic, artists Eduardo Risso & Trish Mulvihill (with help from Neal Adams) created a variant cover.
REVIEW:
All three tales are exceptionally well-written, each with a different artistic style. What’s even better is that all three visual styles are fantastic. The vintage Gary Frank-Brad Anderson cover image is another asset. With its bits of charming humor (as told in part from Dick Grayson’s perspective), the Robin-Superman team-up is likely the most complete package of the three stories.
To DC’s credit, this issue is solidly low-key, as the stories are crafted in such a way that casual fans won’t be overwhelmed by current continuity. For all the right reasons, the classy Superman # 700 is a keepsake for fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There are single-page previews promoting upcoming storylines for: Action Comics (including a full-page cover reveal for Issue # 890); Supergirl (including cover reveals of Issues # 55-56); and the start of a new Superboy series. A five-page preview of Action Comics # 890 depicts a new storyline in progress for Lex Luthor. DC Editor Adam Schlagman pens a single-page “DC Nation” column promoting a new Green Arrow solo series spinning off from the Brightest Day saga.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
