REVIEW: Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #1
Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 ushers in the welcomed return of Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Scott Godlewski to the pages of Superman. Picking up story threads laid down during Future State and WarWorld Saga, this issue is not one to miss.
The standard cover is by Scott Godlewski and Alex Guimarāes. Superman’s family crest stands out on a silhouette of Clark’s bust with the vastness of space for the background. It’s a great visual symbolizing the importance of the El family name and the legacy of Superman. Godlewski and Guimarāes are also the interior art team so this cover acts as a teaser for the look of the story as well.
Marguerite Sauvage’s variant feels more like a late ’80’s poster than a comic cover. Flying at super speed, Superman draws his “S” shield in the upper atmosphere of a planet. The colors give it a neon look which vibrantly stands out against the outer space background.
The variant by Rahzzah is a heroic pose of Superman against The Sun. It’s a truly colorful depiction in spite of the space setting. The piece also reminds us how cosmic Superman can be which plays well with this continuation of Future State and WarWorld Saga.
Two other great variants grace this issue. Keep your eyes peeled for works by Dan Mora, Riccardo Federici and Ariel Olivertti.
Scott Godlewski and Colorist Alex Guimarāes not only handle the standard cover, but the interior art as well. This issue hits the ground running and the art is just gorgeous. The visuals bring us right back into the epic scale WarWorld Saga commanded in a way that doesn’t feel like it was four years ago. Not only does this art team make a fantastic looking book, they also add a sense of artistic cohesiveness to PKJ’s entire story.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson, lettered by Dave Sharpe, doesn’t miss a beat getting back into the story elements he set up towards the end of WarWorld Saga. For fans of that era, this feels like coming home after a long day at work. That being said, this first issue is still rather inviting to newer readers. PKJ does an excellent job reintroducing us to the major players involved without relying too heavy on exposition. While there’s definite history between Superman and Kryl-Ux, the story isn’t reliant on us knowing those gritty details. The true brilliance was the unexpected event occurring in the last page which adds a nice level of uncertainty on how this story will play out. Also, don’t skip on the diary exerts at the end, they give some interesting insight on how everything ties together since Future State.
(10/10) I whole heartingly realize my own bias towards PKJ’s work is fully on display here, but I can’t help it. However, I don’t think it changes the fact this is a great first issue that promises to be an epic House of El adventure. This is definitely a must read for any PKJ fan, but it’s also a great “off the beaten path” type of Superman book that has potential to be something special.
