Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Superman #33
DC Comics
Johns, Romita Jr, Janson & Martin
The second issue of the Johns and Romita Jr storyline in Superman continues to be an entertaining read and brings some life and personality back to the pages of the man of steel comic book. This issue explores the facility that Ulysses comes from and it begins to unravel the mystery of what exactly happened. The comic's highlight is Perry White and how he interfaces with the cast of characters. The book doesn't quite hold that same standard with Superman but it seems to be getting there. This is worth a try.
The comic opens with one of the best scenes I've read in a Superman comic in a long time. Perry White is holding a staff meeting where he is barking at his reporters because another newspaper seems to have the advantage on the new super powered man in Metropolis (Ulysses, though they don't know his name at this point). The scene is very reminiscent of the scene in the 1970s Superman movie and Johns absolutely nails the tone, the dialogue and the mannerisms. It's a perfect scene.
Eventually Clark enters and he and Perry have an information exchange about Ulysses and the lab he comes from. The scene is good to push the plot along but looses all of the personality zip that Johns had established in the prior pages.
The backend of the book shows some of Ulysses integrating with the people of Metropolis before a small battle and then a big reveal. The book ends okay but nothing too great.
Generally this comic book hits its mark. There is some plot movement, some action and a decent enough cliffhanger to keep you coming back. The characterization is missing for Clark/Superman and its becoming apparent that this editorial's direction and not the writer's. Johns clearly can bring these characters to life, as he has done with Perry White, but the direction to continue with the mopey and boring version of Clark seems to win out. There's no charm, humor or anything distinct about his dialogue. It's a real problem.
The artwork is classic Romita Jr. He gives you heavy line work that gives some great expressions to the characters but works against him for the ridiculous lined costume that Superman wears. The book is extremely detailed which is terrific for the eye as the pages turn. This is a good artistic effort.
Johns and Romita Jr appear to be putting together a good series here. Sure, there are too many robot fights, but for the most part the book is taking a look at the characters and making them the focus. The Perry White opening pages are worth the price alone. Hopefully this book will continue the path it is on and become a smash hit. This is a decent book to pick up.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
