Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #7 // Review
In the first vignette of Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #7, Jimmy has an illuminating conversation with his therapist. His therapist makes a striking observation about all the different facets of Superman’s Pal, and all the different roles he plays, and how it’s hard to pinpoint the real Jimmy, who covers his face with a camera and acts as a perpetual witness. It’s very poignant and incisive. And Jimmy responds with a quip, and the therapist falls over. That, in a nutshell, summarizes pretty much everything you need to know about Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen.
This latest issue, like every issue of this title, bounces back and forth through time. We see Jimmy’s childhood with his siblings and more of the Luthor/Olsen feud. We see Jimmy get a job at the Daily Planet. In the present day, we see Detective Jim Corrigan (no, not that one) of the Metropolis PD come into contact with both Jimmy’s friend Dr. Mantel and his estranged wife, Jixelle, who have a surprising connection that even Jimmy is unaware of. And we see Jimmy try to relocate to yet another city after leaving Gotham, as he’s still on the run from whoever tried to murder him a few issues ago.
Matt Fraction’s writing continues to shine in this title. Fraction is juggling multiple characters and storylines, and it’s clear that there’s a place for every one of these different ideas. If this issue lacks a little of the drive and cohesion that some previous issues have had, it’s probably because Fraction needs to get the characters from point A to point B so that the next chapter can shine (or it may be because there’s not nearly enough Dex-Starr).
The art by Steve Lieber is excellent, as well. This issue introduces a new conceit, one where the adventures of Jimmy and his siblings as children are drawn in a Sunday funnies style, and Lieber uses that style--and moments where he goes back to realism--to significant comic effect. The muted colors by Nathan Fairbairn continue to give this title a very specific identity, and letterer Clayton Cowles uses the type itself to sell timing and certain jokes. The synergy of this particular team is thrilling to read.
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen remains DC’s funniest title, which can make it easy to forget there’s so much depth to it. But there is, as we learn from Jimmy’s therapist, and Fraction et al make it easy to identify with and feel for Jimmy and the people in his orbit.
