REVIEW: Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #5
Superman: Father Of Tomorrow #5 acts as the penultimate issue of the series and I have to say, I am not ready for it to end. I have really enjoyed getting to know this universe and I’m sure writer, Kenny Porter and artist Danny Earls have more stores to tell within it.
But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The main cover is by Danny Earls and it kickstarts the battle between Superman and Hex Luthor. I love the intensity of the cover, it matches the issue well and really shows the damage that these beings can do as the city burns below.
Taurin Clarke’s variant brings us a triumphant and glorious looking Superman. I love the shadowy contrast against the bright background which to me feels like the sun. We get a real good look at his suit here and I love the detail, it’s exactly where it’s needed.
The variant by Gabriel Hardman is probably my favourite of the covers for this issue. It feels like a movie poster due to the positioning and foreshadowing. The detail is excellent too, there is something about this art style that feels simplistic in terms of the linework, but is so effective.
Superman: Father of Tomorrow #5 continues Luthors’ rath as he comes face to face with General Lane aka Captain Atom and whilst we get a bit more on his rationale, we also see how formidable Hex Luthor is and he’s willing to stop at nothing to prove his point. Whilst Lex’s attack on General Lane was intense, he really sets up his own demise by allowing his ego to take the lead. General Lane is forced to take The Atom form permanently and as he explains his sorrows to Lois, she has him one upper which really riles him up.
Meanwhile we get more information on how Jor-El was responsible for the death of Lara and baby Kal and this is a truly heartbreaking story. It’s understandable that he feels responsible, but with that said, it wasn’t intended. but this does give an excuse for him and us to hear an inspiring and uplifting story and pep-talk from Martha Kent. We also see John Constantine comes face to face with Luthor and though it seemed he already knew his fate, his actions and words had a clear effect on Lex despite his calm demeanor. We also see Superman and Lex go head to hear for the first time since his upgrade and this was a BRUTAL right to say the least! For just a single issue there are a lot of interactions and conflict in one issue, there was a lot going on and in some moments I would have loved to spend a bit more time there, but due to the fact that this is a 6 issue series, I understand why that wasn’t possible for writer, Kenny Porter.
The interior art is by Danny Earls, colour by Nick Filardi and letters by Lucas Gattoni and I really enjoy it. It feels harsh and gritty, and that matches the tone of the book perfectly and has allowed this series to have a totally unique and instantly recognisable identity among others.
(9/10) With just one issue left of ‘Superman: Father Of Tomorrow’, I’m very excited to see how it ends but also equally devastated that it is. I’m sure writer, Kenny Porter and artist, Danny Earls have more stories to tell in this universe and I’d be more than happy to see them come to life in a second series.
