REVIEW: Superman: The Stranger #2
Superman: The Stranger #2, “Part Two” introduces more elements of Superman’s classic lore to the setting. Namely that of Lois Lane. We also get more insight to this Clark’s past and Lex Luthor’s motivations. Plus we’re treated to a nice reimagining to parts of ‘Action Comics’ #1.
The standard cover is by Wes Craig and Jason Wordie. Lex Luthor surveys Metropolis from on high, symbolizing the elitism he feels and the economical/political power he wishes to wield. Even as viewers to the piece, he’s only allowing us to see him from behind which adds to the sense of overall contempt Lex feels to those he deems “lesser”.
Riley Rossmo’s variant plays on the positions of power from which Superman and Lex operate. Superman appears to struggle under the weight of Luthor’s giant head gazing upon him. Clark is just another person in the gears of the city fighting for a better tomorrow, while Lex is the all powerful puppeteer that makes sure everything is exactly where he wants it. From these positions it’s easy to see how impossible a task it could seem to be one man, even a Superman, against a wealthy powerhouse.
The variant by Matt Taylor is a nice piece using the title as part of the art. We also get a quaint image of Clark changing into Superman which is always a pleasant visual.
Wes Craig gets colored by Jason Wordie in this second part of the Black Label, Golden Age era story. The art for ‘Superman: The Stranger’ #2 is simply gorgeous. The way Craig does his layouts to allow the art to be fully seen with the script written to the side heightens the entire experience. Wordie’s colors hits the tone and mood of every panel perfectly which creates an emotional nuance to the scenes. If anything, this story is worth a read for the art alone.
Wes Craig is proving to be a triple threat by not only creating the cover art and drawing the book, but he’s also writing ‘Superman: The Stranger’. Letterer Tom Napolitano also shines by the clever use of newspapers and typewriter notes supporting the narrative without getting in the way of Clark’s inner monologue. Craig captures the essence of these characters beautifully. Luthor is genuinely scary and Lois’s no nonsense personality really stands out against the backdrop of this setting. Without the knowledge of being an alien, Clark’s thoughts really resonate as someone just trying to do the most good with the gifts they have. He’s also a Clark that wasn’t raised by The Kents and may be more susceptible to corruption through good intentions. Time will tell as this fascinating tale of Superman unfolds.
(9/10) Superman: The Stranger #2 makes this series already feel like a special kind of story. The kind you tell other people to read when they ask about Superman’s greatest stories. Even if it doesn’t land that way by the end, it’s definitely the best Black Label Superman story we’ve gotten to date.
