Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2
Jon Kent, Val-Zod, and Red Tornado begin the hunt for Ultraman in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2, by writer Tom Taylor, artist Clayton Henry, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Wes Abbott. This issue is fast-paced and fun, ending with a moment that could go either way.
The issue starts with a flashback to when Jon was a child in the volcano, then jumps to the present, with Lois and Jay discussing how Lois handles Clark leaving on missions. Red Tornado lets them know that Ultraman has been found, and they go after him, after Jon grabs the Phantom Zone Projector and promises Jay he will come back. When they get to the Earth, Ultraman blitzes them, ripping through Red Tornado and bashing Jon. He grabs the Phantom Zone Projector and uses it on Val and Reddy. Jon fights back, but Ultraman is too much for him. When he threatens Lois, Jon’s new powers kick in, and he actually hurts Ultraman, but falls unconscious himself. Unfortunately, Ultraman recovers first and is about to kill Jon when someone stops him by breaking his neck: Injustice Superman.
There are a few differences from the regular Taylor-written Jon comic. For one thing, the pacing. This issue is more action-oriented, so the pace is much faster. It works very well, and that action itself is another big difference. Superman: Son of Kal-El wasn’t exactly an action extravaganza, so this book jumping head first into the fighting in the second issue is a big change. Jon himself fighting is another change, but it makes sense, especially given his history with Ultraman.
The book kicking off with a scene reminding readers of Jon’s trauma does a great job of explaining why a character who has never really been violent is pushed in that direction. Also in the book, Taylor does an excellent job with Lois’s character. It’s just a couple of panels, but it’s plain to see how well he gets her character. Val and Reddy being sent to the Phantom Zone feels a bit premature, but the ending of the book takes things in a new direction. Some people might groan to see Taylor and Injustice Superman together again, but this is an interesting little twist.
Henry and Bellaire are so awesome on this book. The character acting is excellent, the colors are terrific, and the action looks amazing. Henry’s linework is simple and clean, and everything looks fantastic. The highlight of the book is the way Henry draws Ultraman. He captures the evil and malice in the character, his figurework and detail really selling him.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 is a fast, action-packed ride with a cool ending. Taylor does some good character stuff, and the art team makes it all look wonderful.
