REVIEW: Superman #17
Superman #17, “Absolute Power: Magic Misery Tour” sees Superman and Zatanna continue their quest to access The Dark Roads in search of help against Amanda Waller’s reign of terror. If being powerless and dealing with magic wasn’t enough of a bad day for Superman, the personal and strategic loss from ‘Absolute Power’ #2 makes it the worst day. Still, it’s his resolve that makes him super and this issue shows he’s still capable in a fight.
The standard cover is by Jamal Campbell and really strikes an eerie cord. Entitled “Down the Dark Path”, Campbell leans into the blacks and whites of both Superman and Zatanna’s outfits to capture the supernatural element of this issue. This isn’t a feel good story and the dark hues of the cover convey it well.
The variant by Stjepan Šejić has all eyes on Zatanna as she performs a bit of stage magic with major DC character emblems. It’s a really fun cover and invokes a kid level sense of joy. I mean, other than Superman, who doesn’t like magic?
The Swimsuit Variant is a fun cover by Elizabeth Torque. Standing shirtless in the shade, The Sun still finds a way to plant the El emblem on Clark’s chest. This really plays with the photosynthesis nature of Superman’s powers and the notion that no matter what Clark is wearing or doing, he’s always super.
Other great variants are by Tony S. Daniel & Tomeu Morey, Chuma Hill, Guillem March & Jason Geyer & Alex Saviuk, Chris Bachalo, and Mikel Janín.
Jamal Campbell’s art is simply incredible. Each panel flows effortlessly into the other in a way that makes the pages truly come to life. You easily know what each character is feeling and the tone their voices should carry. Campbell’s style brings out the fantastical nature of the story without shattering your suspension of belief making you invested in everything that happens. It’s escapism at its finest.
Joshua Williamson, lettered by Ariana Maher, is so good at flexing his DC lore that when he comes up with a new character, he makes it seem they’ve just not been around for awhile. He’s also not afraid to let Clark be human as we see Superman struggle emotionally with all the ‘Absolute Power’ shenanigans. It’s not a good time to be Superman, and yet he finds a way to overcome. We also get to see a gentler side of Zatanna as she compassionately guides Superman through some rather vivid illusions. Unfortunately things don’t get much better as Neron comes to offer a deal they may not be able to refuse. ‘Superman’ #17 is definitely one wild ride into why Clark hates magic and a great reminder to what truly makes him Superman.
(8/10) If you’re not reading ‘Absolute Power‘, you might be a little less empathetic to what’s putting Clark on edge this issue, but such is the way of direct tie-in books. Williamson does his best to keep the story contained to this title and Campbell’s art is just too good to pass up.
