REVIEW: Superman: Son Of Kal-El #9
This series continues to be a fantastic story with seemingly real consequences and impossibly keeps getting better and better.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #9, “World’s Finest Sons” Part 2 jumps us three days since the events of Nightwing #89 and right into the thick of things.
Nightwing and Superman are searching for answers when The Rising shows up adding more questions, but first let’s talk about the cover art.
First off we have the promised connecting cover from Nightwing #89 by Bruno Redondo featuring our heroes enjoying an open air flight as they head off into action. Putting the covers together with Nightwing #89 gives us a sequential from one cover to the next as Superman has grabbed Nightwing from his free fall and the two fly off. Being a fan of connecting covers, I appreciate Bruno Redondo capturing the essence of these books on each cover separately while having them be something more together.
Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain give us a ground up perspective of these two heroes arriving on the scene with their variant cover. You can’t help but feel a since of relief with these two smiling down. Moore and Bonvillain’s art is so crisp and vibrant; it’s hard not to want their work displayed on a wall for everyone to enjoy.
The International Women’s Day variant by Janaina Medeiros is a breathtaking depiction of Lois Lane that looks more in league with classic storybook illustrations than with comic book covers. Her minimalist use of color gives the piece a raw sketch feel while her inks capture the regal nature of DC’s Star Reporter. This unique rendition suits Lois well and is a very fitting tribute for International Women’s Day.
Bruno Redondo, with inks by Wade Von Grawbadger and colors by Adriano Lucas add visual cohesion to the crossover by doing the interior art for this issue. Their art style works well to bring this emotional story to life. You can clearly understand what’s going on without having to read the dialogue. The vibrant colors and use of the retro “comic book dots” adds an air of timelessness to the issue while still having modern sensibilities.
Superman: Son Of Kal-El 9 begins with Nightwing using himself as bait to flush out the murder suspects from part one. The Rising doesn’t disappoint as they think they have the jump on him. Superman then joins the fray and we’re treated to some fun action sequences and great witty banter. The laughs quickly come to an end as Jon is unable to save a life and begins doubting his role as Superman once more. From there we have a touching conversation between Grayson and Jon about the struggles of hero work.
Tom Taylor’s dialogue in this issue is just a joy to read and captures these character’s personalities perfectly. He brings these two heroes together so organically that it feels a shame they haven’t shared panels before now. He also, somehow, keeps raising the stakes as things go from bad to worse for Jon in the last few pages.
This series continues to be a fantastic story with seemingly real consequences and impossibly keeps getting better and better.
