Superman #1
Superman is back in Metropolis, but he’s getting some unwanted help in Superman #1, by writer Joshua Williamson, artist Jamal Campbell, and letterer Ariana Maher. This comic does everything a good first issue should do, getting readers interested in what comes next for the Man of Steel.
Livewire attacks, but Superman is there to stop her. Meanwhile, there’s a voice telling him what to do, giving him shortcuts to win. It’s revealed to be Lex Luthor, watching the whole thing on the news and giving Superman his advice. Superman ignores him and then comes through for a couple whose wedding was ruined by the battle. Back at the Daily Planet, Lois does her best Perry White, having taken his place, and she and Clark have a conversation about him being back and Luthor when they see something attack LexCorp Tower. Superman flies into action, but notices that the nanites whirling around the building have his S on them, as does the building. He flies in, and Lex’s old assistant Mercy tells him the whole company now exists to help him. Lex wanted it that way, and he’s made sure that if Superman gives up the company, everyone will lose their jobs. She presents Lex’s first gift to him - a hologram with Luthor as Jor-El, and Superman flies off to confront him. Mercy warns her boss, but he says Supes won’t make it. He’s right, as a Parasite attack slows him down. Superman figures it’s Lex who did it, and Superman comes across a whole colony of Parasites. Parasite tells Supes that it wasn’t Lex, at which point Lex lets Superman in on what’s going on - Luthor’s own enemies have come a-calling, and Superman has to deal with them, which means the Man of Steel is going to need help.
Williamson completely knocks it out of the park in this issue. First issues have to walk a fine line with a character like Superman. Superman is just returning from a fan-favorite storyline and what is possibly the best Superman story of the last decade. For many fans, “Warworld Saga” is the best Superman since Morrison’s Action Comics. So, Williamson steps onto Superman and has to follow up on that. That’s a hard thing, but this issue shows that he’s almost certainly up to the task.
Beyond how cool it is to see Livewire and Parasite again, the central conceit of Luthor talking to Superman and setting up everything for him is an excellent idea. It’s a wonderful Luthor plan - give Superman his resources, draft him into Luthor’s war, and then use him to fight his enemies. This is the best Luthor in a while, and it really brings this book to a new level. Readers saw a relationship between Luthor and Supes during the Rebirth years, but it was nothing like this. This isn’t the two of them working together in a positive way. This is Luthor lording over Superman and treating him like he’s treated so many - as a cog. Seeing where this story goes next is going to be a treat.
Campbell’s art is perfect. There’s really no other way to describe it. There are so many great pages - there’s a double-page spread with Superman’s origin on one page while he saves a couple from Livewire on the other that reminds readers of All-Star Superman but doesn’t copy it. There’s a spread of the colony of Parasites. Campbell’s figure work and character acting are amazing. He truly captures the grandeur and power of Superman. The detail never flags throughout the issue. Every page is a joy to peruse. His colors are bold and crisp, really making the whole thing look that much better.
Superman #1 is the best way to kick off a new comic. It’s fun and full of interesting plotlines. Williamson gives readers a little bit of everything, setting up everything to keep readers hooked. Campbell is the best Superman artist in a long time. His art is beautiful, and there’s no other way to describe it. Superman is in good hands.
