REVIEW: Superman #22

After reading Superman #22, I now see why the previous issue kind of branched off from the main Doomsday story – to give our heroes some respite before the absolute chaos. But neat thing that Superman #22 does is ask the question ‘could anyone, or anything, be beyond his mercy – even his deadliest enemy?’

Dan Mora’s cover does the story justice as Superman goes to  “Planet Doomsday,” or rather it comes to him. Doomsday is a deceptively in-depth character – even the containment suit he first appeared in had lore that was expanded on by creator Dan Jurgens. Based on the red-spectacled and green hazmat-like suits (both colors representing Superman’s respective weaknesses), we’re going back to his roots.

If you need another “Death of Superman” Doomsday illustration for your collection, then look no further than Jonboy Meyers’ variant. His covers are always explosive, and he is known for his sleek, lamented-textured style. Various fandoms hope he graces their favorite series with a variant, and when he does it’s glorious. Meyers gives us classic Doomsday with his often-foregone hair and, of course, shred of Superman’s cape.

Another artist that is always great to see is Marguerite Sauvage with her warm art style. Fitting too, seeing how this is the series’ sweater weather variant. This one feels like a sequel to the World’s Finest –that Clark kept the homemade hot tub outside  of the Fortress of Solitude and continues to use it. At this point, it can be accepted as canon.

More variants are available from Mico Suayan, David Talaski, and David Lapham.

The last entry saw Clark and Lois go around completing side quests after putting a stop to Doomsday who is now in containment. But it’s only a matter of time before Time Trapper, pun not intended, returns for him. However, it appears he’s not the only one as the Calatonians arrive in Metropolis – threatening the planet if Doomsday is not turned over. Many may know Calaton as one of the planets destroyed by Doomsday before he came to Earth. In fact, it was the one right before Earth. They designed the containment suit after their own garb. Upon closing examination, it seems they are back from the dead, or right out of time itself.

Even after everything, Superman refuses and the Calatonian leader become their champion, Radiant, who was the reason they were able to contain Doomsday in the first place. The race to SuperCorp is on as Superman and his family and allies try to keep Radiant from reaching Doomsday. While Lex continue to be a valuable ally given his current condition, he may be beginning to remember things.

Joshua Williamson has come full circle in terms of everything Dan Jurgens-esque as a major entry in the Doomsday canon unfolds. I had said when this story began the influence of a Jurgens story was ripe. After the last issue and special, the focus is off on Lois as Superwoman in this one. Of course, she is included in this non-stop action ride that makes up the whole issue. There’s also the most unlikely team-up of all. 90s Superman fans continue to rejoice with this story. Letters Ariana Maher.

There’s no such thing as too much Superman by Dan Mora and Alejandro Sanchez. World’s Finest saw him tackle the Man of Steel in a Silver-Age-like setting, and now we see him tackling the Modern-Age with this one (specifically Post-Crisis). The composition of panels and never-ending action make this issue really feel like it shakes. It’s really diverse with how panels and even characters outside of them are posed. That’s complemented by the sense of urgency as Radiant approaches Doomsday in SuperCorp.

(9/10) Superman #22 makes it clear that there aren’t just stakes for Superman, but Doomsday too in what is shaping up to be a major chapter in the one that killed Superman’s story. When the trade of this story arc comes out, it should be included in any readers’ essential Doomsday reading list.