Written by: Peter Tomasi
Art by: Allison Borges
Published by: DC Comics
After a series of high impact and action packed issues, we finally have an issue where the boys get to rest. Ah, who am I kidding? They can’t stand still and that’s what makes this book so fun!
This has direct implications of what happened at the end of Super Sons #4 and even though it is more downtime than this book has seen so far with Damian and Jon away from each other for most of the book, it does all come to a head toward the end. Tomasi has certainly managed to write these characters with charm and they have chemistry together on page. That is saying a lot, especially for Damian’s character who is shown just how much he has grown in the years since he was introduced to us as a spoiled self entitled brat to the version we have now. He is still those things (to a point) but he does see things differently and is able to work better with others.
There is one moment in this book that doesn’t even have anything to do with his misadventures with Jon, but a small statement that he makes about the Teen Titans, which shows that growth. Jon is certainly proving to be his best friend and maybe only friend close to his age, whether Damian wants to admit it or not. This is again where the book shines the brightest; showing Damian in this new light, that he is past or almost past the point where he wants to do everything by himself. He needs friends, and he sees Jon as a perfect opportunity, even though he would never admit it.
Jon has his own issues he is trying to get over, especially after the events in Superman and Action Comics, which are going to shake up his life a bit, and what child likes that? It is telling to see who he went to confide about these issues however, and that is where the charm and frankly greatness of storytelling shines here. They are completely different, but also have to deal in common.
We do have a guest artist on this issue, and Allison Borges’ art is continuing Jimenez’ portrayal of these characters. Even though the style is quite a bit different, it doesn’t deter from the issue. There is no jarring departure of the art styles, as Borges’ art still portrays Jon and Damian as kids first and foremost and we did not get an artist that draws adults with kid’s faces which would be completely distracting especially in a book like this, as this is a book about growing up and finding friends.
Overall Super Sons continues to surprise as to how poignant can book be without constant threats and just concentrating on the friendship aspect of the superhero angle. It has humor, action and never takes itself too seriously. This would be one Animated Show I would like to watch if it was ever made!
