Written by George Pérez
Art by Trevor Scott; Nicola Scott; Brian Buccellato; Brett Smith; Blond; Carlos M. Mangual; & George Pérez
Cover Art by Wil Moss
SUMMARY:
Entitled “A Cold Day in Hell,” DC Comics published it under the New 52 banner for January 2012. While Clark Kent solemnly pays his respects at his adoptive parents’ gravesite, Lois Lane and Perry White are unenthused at The Daily Planet re: a controversial Superman documentary. A mega-blizzard inexplicably hits Metropolis, which transforms defenseless humans into pure ice (including Lois and Jimmy Olsen).
Sensing an alien presence speaking in Kryptonese, Superman finds that journalist Heather Kelley is somehow a pawn. Forced to use his heat vision, Superman seemingly rescues Metropolis. Yet, more pawns of the alien presence emerge.
REVIEW:
Primarily, this issue’s visuals are stellar. Unfortunately, writer George Pérez’s storyline suffers from significant plot holes that make Superman # 3 a less-than-satisfying read. Point 1: It isn’t addressed how/why Heather Kelley is selected as the alien’s new pawn. Point 2: Instead of showing Superman’s initial reaction, the Man of Steel is depicted caught in the storm mid-flight. It’s frankly a weak transition to the monster blizzard sequence.
Points 3 & 4: It isn’t conveyed how/why Superman’s heat vision amazingly thaws out Metropolis in one icy explosion. More importantly, Pérez conveniently ignores how ordinary humans turned into pure ice can somehow be restored to their pristine living selves. As there likely isn’t a rational answer, this ‘super-miracle’ must be attributed to ludicrous comic book science, even in loose terms. Despite the art team’s terrific contributions, Superman # 3 sabotages a reasonably good tale with far too little storytelling logic.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Including a full-page cover, there is a six-page preview of The Ray re-boot four-part mini-series by Jimmy Palmiotti; Justin Grey; and Jamal Igle. The New 52 column briefly interviews writer Palmiotti & artist Moritat re: their new All-Star Western series. Also interviewed is writer Mike Costa about his new Blackhawks series. DC Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras pens a single-page “All Access” column to promote current talent, i.e. Scott Snyder; Jeff Lemire; Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nieza.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
