REVIEW: Superman Vs Lobo #2

Superman Vs Lobo #2 is finally here and Numen! What have you done!? Bringing Krypton back alongside Czarnia already goes against the natural order of things without the added bonus or should I say misfortune of sending the Man of Steel and Lobo to the wrong planet. Trapped behind an impenetrable force field no less. 

This monumental misunderstanding made by the seemingly omnipotent Numan is represented in very familiar fashion on the main cover created by Mirka Andolfo. Lobo takes on the role of Uncle Sam as he looks to ‘us’ the audiance for support as he looks to belittle the Man of Steel. I love how Mirka Andolfo has repurposed such an iconic piece of propaganda. This series has already intergrated real word issues into the storyline. Taking inspiration from historical imagery only adds to the realistic issues raised albeit delivered in a rather tongue in cheek manner.

The variant cover created by Fico Ossio is glorious as our two leads face off against the citizens of their newly adopted planets. Fico Ossios’ style really takes me back to the early days of Image Comics. Style reminiscent of artists such as Whilce Portacio and Erik Larsen. The detail used to create Lobo’s attire is just so intricate. The time and effort ploughed into his gear is evident when looking at the main man’s chains and demonic skull knee pads.

Superman vs Lobo #2 picks up a short time after the events of the first issue. The citizens of Metropolis attempt to come to terms with the loss of Superman, while Batman and The League discover the return of Krypton and Czarnia, the long dead home world of Lobo.

I love how the issue dives right into the lives of Superman and Lobo respectively as the pair acclimatise to their newly bequeathed surroundings. Superman is powerless surrounded by a race we know very little about, while the main man himself seeks to dish out as much anarchy as possible upon Krypton. 

Both populations having a working knowledge of what has befallen their respective cultures, as well as the second chance they have received has made for fascinating reading indeed. The Kryptonian cult known as the ‘Light Of Jo-Mon’ are of particular interest, as they have seemingly turned their back on an analytical way of life in favour of a more primal path to walk.

Superman and Dr Flik receive some interesting character development at this time as the duo look into the loss of Superman’s powers. Superman touching upon the pain he felt learning of a recording of his father was a sobering moment indeed. Not being able to hug the man standing before him or ask for advice really hit me hard. This is an aspect of Clark’s upbringing I never thought about and it certainly bought a tear to my eye. Learning about Dr Flik’s crush on Lobo really put a smile on my face, this really ties into the quirky tone of the series. I can’t wait to see where this goes.

By the halfway point of the issue I was finding it difficult to see where we were going. Writers Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie up to this point had done a wonderful job of reintroducing these two worlds to the audience as well as Lobo and Superman’s standing within there system, however I was starting to feel somewhat cut adrift.

Not long after being burdened by this feeling, Superman vs Lobo #2 soon found its way and then some as the Kryptonians machinations came into effect as they look to pillage Czarnia of all its natural resources. The action and combat that follows is over the top and not for the weak of heart. The blood and gore is very stylised and certainly fits the overall tone of the issue, and that’s thanks to the artwork by Mirka Andolfo and colours by Arif Prianto.

While Superman vs Lobo #2 reaches its bloody, over the top crescendo, writers Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie bring all the heart and emotion to proceedings featuring not only Superman but Lobo too. Superman has an exchange in this issue that brought me to tears, and it was a moment handled perfectly by the creative team. Superman featuring in a moment like this was a wonderful gift to fans but not entirely surprising, but I have to say Lobo getting his warm fuzzy moment was.

Lobo’s moment with a character known as Miss Tribb was the first tender moment I’d seen featuring the main man. It was a joy to behold and really added layers to an already complex individual.

This issue started off a little slow but featured everything I could possibly want. I knew it would feature action and gore and that quintessential Lobo humour, but I was not prepared for the heart and emotion it would feature. Writers Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie gave me a moment that I will cherish forever as a Superman fan.  

Superman vs Lobo #2 left me wanting more and more, I cannot wait for the next issue to come. If #3 follows the formula of the previous two, we are going to get a book that stands on its own two feet featuring new ideas and a story arc that will stretch our characters to their limits.

Haven’t picked up Superman Vs Lobo #2 yet? You can get the standard cover by Mirka Andolfo here (UK), or here (US).

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