REVIEW: Adventure Of Superman: Book Of El #2
Adventures of Superman: Book of El #2, “Second Coming” continues directly where last issue left off. We get to learn more of this future Earth as the narrator is revealed to be a familiar face. Superman also discovers that returning to his rightful time may be more complicated than hopping into a Time Sphere.
The standard cover is by Scott Godlewski and Alex Guimarāes. An off panel threat causes the Supermen of two eras to stand together in defense of the El crest. Entitled, “The Fortress of the Future”, is also an appropriate teaser for where this issue ends.
Riccardo Federici’s variant leans into the sci-fi nature of this series as Superman finds himself approached by a huge space ship. Federici’s art is always superbly detailed and this piece is no exception.
Leirix brings their famous anime style art for another variant. There’s been a fight or some other destructive force that just occurred according to his surroundings, but Superman remains heroically stoic as always.
The variant by Serg Acuña focuses on the legacy Clark has created through Osul-Ra and Otho-Ra. The three of them flying the family dog appears to be a fun pass time for everyone except Superman. Regardless, it’s a fun work of art that reminds us family isn’t always defined by blood.
Scott Godlewski and Colorist Alex Guimarāes not only did the standard cover, but also handle the interior art. It’s always nice when an art team does both as it acts as a preview of the story inside. They do a masterful job blending familiar visual elements with an imaginative futuristic sensibility to create a recognizable yet alien Earth of the future. Although this issue could be seen as a primary world building installment, the sense of urgency is felt constantly. Plus there’s some really cool action sequences at the beginning.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson, lettered by Dave Sharpe, gives us more questions than answers this issue in the best ways possible. Being accustomed to time travelling situations, Clark wastes little time figuring out how to get back home. However, there’s some very familiar faces in play that suggest his stay in this future may need to be a bit longer. PKJ doesn’t give too much away to the reader, allowing us to experience the adventure alongside Clark, which is a real treat. Not only does this allow us to be in the moment with Superman but also adds to the excitement of not knowing what to expect from this series.
(9/10) Coming off the energy of #1, ‘Adventures of Superman: Book of El’ #2 does an excellent job letting us catch our breathe while maintaining the tension of the situation. The art is fantastic and contributes to the pacing that gives us a sense Clark is against the clock, which is ironic considering time travel is involved.
