REVIEW: Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #8
Adventures of Superman: Book of El #8, “The Wizard and The Queen”, has us catch up with Osul-Ra as well as fill in more lore about future House of El members Pyrrhos the Red and Queen Theand’r of Tamaran. There’s also some questionable developments with Ronan’s secret friend that may or may not spell extra trouble for his and Rowan’s situation.
The standard cover is by Scott Godlewski and Alex Guimarāes. Focusing on the conflict Rowan and Ronan encounter with Pyrrhos, the art puts in perspective the dangerous reputation Pyrrhos commands. It’s at least a great representation of the heightened self-importance Pyrrhos sees himself whether or not that perception is warranted.
Lucio Parrillo’s variant is a great rendition of Superman in outer space. Their realistic style lends itself well to show Clark blending in with his surroundings making it seem he is one with the cosmos.
The variant by Ariel Colón gives us a great grouping of the major protagonists of this series. The orangey yellow background adds a hint of classic comic covers as Superman is joined by Osul, Otho, Ronan, and Rowan all in heroic stances.
Cian Tormey and Colorist Matt Herms handles the interior art for ‘Adventures of Superman: Book of El’ #8. These two are no strangers to Superman comics, and their art is well suited for the incredible amount of characters this story commands. They even give Clark a new suit that’s very reminiscent to his ‘Superman and The Authority’ days. Between the action sequences and political intrigue, this art team truly brings the issue to life that fits the epic tale being told.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson, lettered by Dave Sharpe, pacts a lot into this issue. We’re now following multiple storylines all pertaining to Kryl-Ux’s obsession to obtain the Fire of Olgrun within Osul-Ra. Honestly, it would be easy to get lost in all the goings on, but PKJ keeps it all sorted with perfect pacing between plotlines. He even pinpoints Pyrrhos’s origin which could lead to some interesting present day stories other writers could explore. Other than getting Pyrrhos involved, there’s also the political intrigue concerning Tamaran which already feels it’s at a tipping point. All this and a familiar character gets an upgrade that could definitely complicate things going forward. How things will play out is still anyone’s guess, but this issue continues to apply the pressure heading towards an epic confrontation.
(9/10) One of the things I love about PKJ is his approach to world building. We only have 4 issues left and it still reads like it could be an ongoing by how rich the setting continues to develop. The shear scope of it all could feel daunting and forgetable, but instead we’re getting a great Superman tale that deals with his vast legacy in a fun and epic way in Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #8.
