REVIEW: Steelworks #1

Steelworks #1 acts as a perfect set up to an intriguing storyline and concept that follows Steel and his niece Natasha as they find alternatives to saving their city. Writer, Michael Dorn perfectly slips back into the persona of Steel and pays perfect homages to the Superman Family and their supporting characters.

Steelworks #1 is a brand new solo Steel mini-series and in my eyes it’s the perfect time to release it, since the character celebrates his 30th anniversary this very month. It’s always fun to explore Steel, though he is already an established character, there are so many gaps in his history that need to be filled.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The main cover is by Clay Mann and Alejandro Sanchez and it is features a stunning sketch style which sees John Henry Irons removing his helmet. I love the technique, specifically with the shading and how the pair make the Steels’s metal suit shine is done to perfection.

REVIEW: Steelworks #1 ~ The Aspiring Kryptonian

The variant by Ariel Colón follows the same idea, John Henry Irons removing his helmet, this time in a very realistic art style which is nothing short of stunning. Colón has done wonders bringing this character to life, the same goes for the hyper-realistic shading on both skin and suit.

REVIEW: Steelworks #1 ~ The Aspiring Kryptonian

The Pride variant by Joshua Swaby serves us a sassy looking Natasha Irons as she poses mid-air with a flowing red cape. I love the realistic and beautiful background which sees the sun shining through every gap. This is a great looking variant that gives us another great look at Natasha’s attitude and new attire.

REVIEW: Steelworks #1 ~ The Aspiring Kryptonian

There are also three other variant covers by Jon Bogdanove, Sami Basri & Hi-Fi and Hélène Lenoble.

Steelworks #1 picks up moments after the attack on the company and announcement in the Action Comics back up stories whereby John Henry Irons revealed to the world that he was Steel. This issue perfectly sets up for what’s to come in the rest of the series and I have to say it’s great to see Steel basking in the limelight again. It’s also great to see his insight and take on everything that has been going on the in the recent Superman books and he has his own interpretations of it and also plans on how to tackle it. Even if it means hanging up his cape for good and I have to say that the reasoning behind is it extremely valid and one that I’m looking forward to exploring.

Michael Dorn, lettered by Rob Leigh, brings Steel back with a bang and slips perfectly back into character as he takes on not only him, but also his niece, Natasha. One thing that I adore, is how Dorn pays homage to Superman and the rest of the Superman family and also their supporting characters – that includes the likes of Lana Lang and Bibbo Bibowski. Of course being a member of the Superman family with something to say and with such optimism is bound to bring in the enemies… This issue sets exactly that up as two mysterious people on very different paths unwillingly come together for a common purpose.

The interior artwork is by Sami Basri and Andrew Dalhouse and it is fantastic. It has a real modern but classic style to it, with sleek designs in terms of characters, suits and also the technology around them. It sounds cliche, but their art really brings this story to life and fits perfectly with the tone of the issue and storyline so far.

Steelworks #1 acts as a perfect set up to an intriguing storyline and concept that follows Steel and his niece Natasha as they find alternatives to saving their city. Writer, Michael Dorn perfectly slips back into the persona of Steel and pays perfect homages to the Superman Family and their supporting characters.

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