Written by Louise Simonson.
Art by Kevin Sharpe; Jesse Orozco; Tim Hamilton; Joe St. Pierre; Dave Bednar; Rob Leigh; Wayne Faucher; Jon Babcock; & Dave Grafe.
Cover Art by Phil Jimenez.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics for September 1995, this 56-page Year One Annual is entitled “Spilled Blood.” Spurned on by multiple childhood tragedies decimating his family, young John Henry Irons is inspired to become a wealthy high-tech engineer. To keep his beloved family safe and financially provide for them, Irons spurns baseball and later football to becomes Amertek Industries’ fastest-rising star in its weapons development division.
Yet, a test flight of his own flying armored suit alters Irons’ destiny towards eventually becoming a new hope for Metropolis following Superman’s death. Guest appearances include Guy Gardner, Superman, and a young Natasha Irons (long before ultimately following in her uncle’s heroic footsteps).
REVIEW:
For Steel’s fans, Annual # 2’s best asset is explaining his origin from the ground up. Yet, both writer Louise Simonson’s plotting and the art squad’s visuals (only improving in the last pages) are unmistakably pedestrian efforts. Spelling out John Henry Irons’ world, this unremarkable Year One effort is best found in the bargain bin.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
