REVIEW: Future State: Superman Vs Imperious Lex #2

Future State: Superman Vs Imperious Lex #2 is finally here and since reading the first issue, I have been very excited to see where this intriguing story-line takes us.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The standard cover is by Yanick Paquette and showcases a perfect flip on the relationship and personalities between Superman and Lex Luthor. This is very cleverly done as it perfectly captures the vibe of the series itself. I adore this artwork though, it’s very effective and eye catching, whilst adding a ‘Bizarro’ style to portray Superman in the worst possible light. It really reminds me of a propaganda poster of sorts.

The variant cover is by Skan and again perfectly turns the tables on the dynamic between Superman and Lex Luthor as we know it. The realism in this piece is incredible, from the details in the clothing to the facial expressions, it allows us to perfectly imagine these fictional characters in the real world.

Future State: Superman Vs Imperious Lex #2 sees Lois Lane arrive on Lexor to welcome Lex Luthor and his people to the United Planets. But as Lois and her Survey Team find more than they expected to, Luthor has a sudden, dangerous and desperate change of heart.

During Lois’ tour of Lexor we really get to see how this planet is being run and it is exactly what you’d expect. Though in some ways Luthor is right and his people are happy, they do not know the truth and are being spoon fed very little so that they cannot funny understand what Lexor has been doing to survive. It also gives us a bit of an insight into Luthor’s ego and greed, which we are well accustomed to.

Writer Mark Russell has perfectly captured Lex Luthor’s traits and personality. There are aspects of this portrayal of him that remind me of the Joker in the sense of his irrationality, how quickly he flips and also the level of force he is willing to go to to ensure that his ways are followed. That’s not a bad thing at all, it actually adds another reason as to why Lex Luthor shouldn’t be overlooked, which I feel he often is as a villain.

I love how Lois and Superman work together as a team in this issue, though it is much to Superman’s surprise. Though I love both Superman and Lois, it is so refreshing to see her take a lead when it comes to saving the day, and also saving her husband in this race against time.

The interior art is by Steve Pugh and it is brilliant. It’s rather cartoonistic considering the tone and events of the issue, however I feel that adds a perfect balance to it. That is also thanks to the colours by Romulo Fajardo Jr, who really brings the vibrancy to this other worldly planet. Pugh does an excellent job of portraying facial expressions and postures, especially when it comes to Lex Luthor. My personal favourite panel within the issue is the final one, seeing Lex Luthor sulking in a bath tub with a lollipop is something I didn’t know I needed to see.

This is an excellent continuation to a very intriguing story-line, that flips the dynamics between both Superman and Lex Luthor. I am very much looking forward to seeing where the final issue takes us!

Haven’t picked up Future State: Superman Vs Imperious Lex #2 yet? You can get the standard cover by Yanick Paquette here (UK), or here (US).

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