REVIEW: Superman #35
Superman #35, “Life Secrets” concludes the DC K.O. tie-in arc dealing with Doomsday and The Legion of Darkseid while also setting up for the “Reign of the Superboys” event. This issue also gives a little insight on how other DC K.O. tie-ins concluded which makes it act more like an epilogue story for the entire storyline. That being said, nothing is spoiled ahead of the event’s finale adding to the anticipation of that story’s end.
The main cover is by Dan Mora. Superman and Time Trapper/Doomsday appear to be floating in a white void of nothingness which sometimes signifies oblivion. Captioned “The End Is Nigh” helps indicate this is indeed the end of times and not a beginning. This fits the issue well as there is both a feeling of endings and beginnings happening with this issue. If anything, it’s another great Dan Mora piece to add to any collection.
Guillem March’s variant connects with his variant cover work on Superman Unlimited #10. This half sees most of Superman flying high over Metropolis with the Daily Planet in the background. Nothing quite displays the larger than life nature of Superman than the need to use two whole covers to properly depict him.
Just squeaking in before the end of February, Chrissie Zullo-Uminga gives us one last Valentine’s Day variant that’s absolutely adorable. L’il Clark carrying L’il Lois in flight isn’t really anything new, but Zullo-Uminga’s art style is just too dang cute and adds a splash of sweetness to a well used classic.
Other great variants to keep an eye out for are by Rod Reis, Davide Paratore, and Chris Stevens.
Artists Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Julio Ferreira are joined by Colorist Alejandro Sánchez for the interior art. This team has been working on Superman titles for awhile now and it’s easy to see why based on their caliber of work. Even with the darker tones of this issue, the art is colorful and emotive. The action feels fluid and the drama is exceptionally expressive. They definitely don’t skimp on the details as one particular panel has a tiny face of Darkseid within Saturn Girl’s eye. It’s simply a great looking book which makes it all the more enjoyable to read.
Joshua Williamson, lettered by Ariana Maher, delivers a satisfying conclusion to Lois and Superboy Prime’s involvement with the Legion of Darkseid in ‘Superman’ #35. The different perspective on Doomsday’s lore has been quite refreshing and seeing Prime’s commitment to his redemption is also exciting. We were left last issue with a promise of Prime’s gloves coming off, and while he deliveres that promise by taking on the entire Legion, he still restrains himself from killing. Also, Williamson does a spectacular job showcasing why Lois is such a great partner to Clark as she’s able to appeal to a side of Saturn Girl even Imra was unaware of. As they finally deliver Lara’s message to Time Trapper/Doomsday, he has a revelation and disappears. DC K.O. seems to conclude shortly after as we’re given a short “State of the DCU” which segues flawlessly into Prime’s beginning into the “Reign of the Superboys” arc next issue.
(9/10) With DC K.O. being a Superman centric story, this tie-in arc in Superman #35 has been really rewarding as a supplement to the event. I’ve been extremely impressed with Joshua Williamson’s take, use, and revitalization of two characters (Prime & Doomsday) that could have easily fallen back into their overplayed tropes.
