Written by: Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Art by: Doug Manhke
Published by: DC Comics
Part 5 of the Black Dawn storyline continues the stellar path of Superman. Tomasi and Gleason do here what King, Finch and company are doing for Batman, although from a different angle. Whereas Batman is a deconstruction of the character and mythos, Superman is about cementing what the character stands for, and what was lost during the New 52 era.
The reason this book is so successful is the family dynamic – their relationship and what they are willing to do for each other. The focus here is not just on Clark, but Lois, Jon and the supporting cast as well. What Tomasi and Gleason have created here is a treatise on the character of Superman and why he has resonated throughout generations. With this run, Tomasi ,Gleason, and Manhke have humanized the characters, and made them feel real.
Doug Manhke continues to illustrate this arc and his work on the action scenes spectacular, even though this arc is not about the action. It is Manhke’s work with the inner struggles of the family that are prominent here, which he handles masterfully and without pause. The moments with Jon and the villain towards the end of the issue are evidence of this, and the final page is a great cliffhanger in more than one way.
Superman continues to be one of the books that has not wavered since Rebirth started. It is evident that everyone involved loves the character, and more importantly, loves working on the character.
This is why Superman continues to be best book in the Rebirth line up. Family drama, fantastic action, characters you care for, engaging villains, you name it! If this book is not on your pull, do yourself a favor and put it there!
