REVIEW: Superman: The Stranger #3

Superman: The Stranger #3, “Part Three” brings us the first meeting of Superman and Lois Lane as well as the introduction of a certain glowing green rock. This Golden Age era’s story is really starting to take shape and it’s firmly grounded in the struggles of that time. Strangely enough, it feels very relevant to today’s plights as well.

The standard cover is by Wes Craig and Jason Wordie. Keeping with their visual theme from the last two issues, this cover showcases Lois Lane. Sporting a fashion sense from the ’30’s, we see her contemplating something with her pen near her mouth. The lines from her notepad are cleverly used as the background.

Bryan Hitch and José Villarrubia’s variant gives us a perfect visual of one of Superman’s taglines, “Faster Than a Speeding Bullet”. Giving us a smile as he catches a bullet meant for someone getting mugged (Lois?), Superman once again saves the day. This cover is definitely a reminder of how awesome Superman’s powers can be.

The variant by Jeff Lemire and Dave Stewart is a great depiction of the classic “Superhero landing” by a Superman that leaps instead of flying. The debris created on impact shows the shear force Superman commands and having his face shadowed gives him that mystery man mystique.

Wes Craig is still handling interior art alongside Colorist Jason Wordie. The way they’re presenting this story visually is nothing short of spectacular. The emotional cues all the characters deliver gives exceptional context to every interaction. You can see how Luthor’s staff think about him even if it’s never said and the fear in Lois’s body language in reference to Lex makes even the reader want to help her expose him. Craig and Wordie’s layouts still allow the art to shine by having inner monologues off to the side of their attached panels. This series is truly one of the best looking books on the shelves at the moment.

Wes Craig triple threats as writer with letters by Tom Napolitano. ‘Superman: The Stranger’ #3 gives more context clues to Clark’s past and to whom he writes his journal. There’s also a hint as to why he chose his emblem. It’s more a badge of penance than a recognition of familial heritage. Lois and Superman’s first interaction is pretty priceless. There’s a bit more realism in her initial reaction to him, especially based on some of the public opinions that are already circulating. We also get more insight to Luthor’s level of drive and depravity indicating just how out of touch with reality he may truly be. Finally, we’re left with a rather expected discovery that, for the time being, holds no other secret than being an incredible power source. The story is really starting to take shape and the brewing of a fateful confrontation feels destined on the horizon.

(10/10) Superman: The Stranger #3 really is a compelling look at history and how it reflects on our present. It also serves as a reminder of how Superman captured the hearts and minds of a nation when things seemed their bleakest. For me, this is why comics are such a powerful medium, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.