REVIEW: Superboy: The Man Of Tomorrow #5
The major theme of Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #5 is about how acts of compassion effects all those around them, not just the recipients. Conner’s actions throughout the series begins to change the hearts and minds of the other members of the Cosmoteers and are forced to choose between their leader and their friend.
Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #5 has landed and is a huge turning point for the series. After his crushing defeat last issue, Conner sees first hand the positive consequences of helping people for the right reasons and how the smallest influence can make a big impact. Lines are drawn, allegiances broken, and a possible addition to Conner’s rogue’s gallery is created in this jam packed penultimate issue.
The cover art for all the variants are just spectacular. Jahnoy Lindsay pays tribute to Superman #75 with Superboy’s iconic jacket flying like a tattered flag amidst a backdrop of a battered cityscape. Mild spoiler: Conner doesn’t die this issue, but he does mention letting go of the kid he was and working towards the man he wants to become. Not only does that play into the title of the series, but the cover could easily be seen as a metaphor for the conceptual death of him being Superboy as he strives to be more Superman.
The variant by Adrian Gutierrez & Luis Guerrero is a simple but effective visual equation. Superman plus Lex Luthor equals Superboy. In a lot of ways, Kon-El embodies the best qualities of these men to become something all his own. Clark’s compassion mixed with Lex’s confidence along with their mutual determination to succeed has always made Superboy a compelling character. It makes perfect sense why both Clark and Lex are depicted with looks of pride as Conner takes the spotlight of this cover.
Scott Kolins shows us a Superboy to be reckoned with in his variant. Although battle worn, Conner stands triumphant atop a pile of various defeated villains. Considered to be a more lighthearted or carefree take on Superman, this cover and the story within showcases the no nonsense side of Conner that make him an unstoppable force.
Lastly, we have the company wide promotional variant for the Blue Beetle movie by Carlo Barberi. It’s a great action pose of Jaime about to bring some heat to some off panel foe… or is he threating us to watch the movie or else? Either way, it’s great Blue Beetle art.
Jahnoy Lindsay’s interior art is absolutely phenomenal. It’s rather rare to have one artist handle the entire art duties of a whole book, let alone make it look as good as Lindsay does. His range of motion and use of colors really brings each page to life. There’s also a sense of fun throughout his work that makes it very approachable to all ages and perfect for this Superboy tale.
Kenny Porter, lettered by Lucas Gattoni, explores the subtle complexities of Conner’s personality this issue. We begin with a fair amount of self-doubt and loathing as Conner believes he’s really made a huge mess of things but through the kindness of strangers trying to live through his example, he remembers what being a Super is all about and gains the resolve for another round against the Cosmoteer leader Travv.
The major theme of Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #5 is about how acts of compassion effects all those around them, not just the recipients. Conner’s actions throughout the series begins to change the hearts and minds of the other members of the Cosmoteers and are forced to choose between their leader and their friend. Sadly, Travv may be too far gone as he’s willing to nearly sacrifice himself in order to prove Conner wrong, and in doing so may have become a lasting villain in Conner’s life. The conclusion to the 2022 DC Round Robin winner is sure to be an explosive and exciting read to the very end.
