REVIEW: Superman #37
Superman #37, “Prime Time: Part Two”, sees Superboy Prime continue to try and acclimate to typical superhero life. Although the issue plays out as a week-in-the-life stylized story, it also sets up more antagonists that will eventually cross paths with CK. The consequences of his past actions seem to continue to haunt Prime, but so far he’s staying the course of redemption.
The standard cover is by Dan Mora. Tapping into the sentiments of most the DCU’s skepticism of Prime’s intentions, he sits arrogantly posed as he asks everyone, “U mad?”. It’s a great image detailing the theme this arc has had thus far, and of course Mora’s art is always great.
Cary Nord’s variant plays with the fanboy nature of Prime. Taking time to read comics off a shelf and blowing bubblegum, Prime demonstrates two things local comic shops don’t particularly care for when visiting. Still, he’s drawing the exact kind of attention he craves while also feeding his comic addiction.
The April Drool’s variant is by Tokitokoro. It doesn’t seem to matter what reality you hail from, Krypto will always rule if you let him. Here we have a great piece of Krypto flying circles around Prime, but since he’s on a leash, he’s tied Prime up and taking him for a ride. We probably won’t see too much if these two together within the overall story, but it’s fun to get a glimpse of their possible interactions.
Other great variants are by Rachta Lin, Nick Robles, and the “Things To Come” variant by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, & Alejandro Sánchez.
Dan Mora gets colored by Alejandro Sánchez for ‘Superman’ #37. Not sure what can be said differently about Mora’s art. He’s a fan favorite for a reason and it’s well deserved. The subtle alterations he makes to CK still has him looking like Clark but different enough to tell he isn’t. He even proves it by having Superman sort of have a cameo. Along with how he has Prime segue into a psychic vision, it’s easy to see why Mora’s art is so beloved.
Joshua Williamson, lettered by Ariana Maher, gives Prime a difficult time adjusting to his new life. We start out with CK visiting Jonathan and Martha Kent seemingly unexpected as he’s had a rough week and needed someone who’d hear him out. We really get an inside look into Prime’s feelings and temptations as he truly seeks redemption but fears it’s unattainable. To his relief, Jonathan and Martha more than understand, they extend their welcoming nature to help put his doubts at ease. Prime shows some great introspective moments that really show his desire to grow as a character, but sadly the deck seems stacked against him as even his one bright spot of the week may spell future troubles.
(9/10) Williamson has completely won me over on the redemption angle of Prime. I just hope we’re not being set-up to have him fall back on villainy by the time this story concludes. Otherwise ‘Superman’ #37 is a solid issue with lots of fun cameos and purposeful guest appearances.
