Joshua Williamson poses a difficult challenge for Superman. He’s had to team up with Lobo to fight an army of brainiacs, temporarily lost his powers during Absolute Power, and is dealing with not one, but two different versions of Doomsday. Superman #21 appears to have Williamson stepping away from his computer and realizing, “I have to give Superman a break.” So this issue is dedicated to the Man of Steel and his wife Lois Lane, aka the newly minted Superwoman, going on a date night.
In true Superman fashion, things don’t go as planned. Clark and Lois are working on their own problems. He is still reeling from his battle with Doomsday, and she is struggling to cope with her newfound superpowers while serving as editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet. To Williamson’s credit, he actually lets Clark and Lois discuss their issues instead of burying them. This is a sign of a healthy couple.
There’s also the fact that Clark and Lois intervene to keep Gemworld’s princess, Amicest, out of the war. Gemworld resembles a very crystalline version of Middle-earth, and it’s here that Dan Mora swings from “regular superhero comic” to “superhero fantasy comic.” Mora begins with Clark and Lois playing their own version of “darts”, using moon shards in place of actual darts, and showcasing how “super” the Kents’ date night is Don’t skimp on what you do.
Credit: DC Comics
The best parts of Superman #21 are the three interludes that feature what the rest of the cast is up to. Jimmy Olsen and Silver Banshee have a simple movie night, which is very relatable. The apocalypse dreams of some rather disturbing moments, which Mora depicts in graphic detail. Sparks begin to fly between Mercy Graves and the amnesiac Lex Luthor. Not only is this a clever way to sow future plot threads, but it also shows how big Superman’s world is.
The only interludes are quiet moments where Lois and Clark walk through the streets of Smallville and discuss their relationship. If it weren’t for the fact that they both live in the DC Universe, you’d think this is just a normal couple. But as the great Grant Morrison once said, Superman is a man with problems just like anyone else, but his problems just tend to get bigger – and now it’s his It extends to the love of life, which is very moving.
Superman #21 delivers a standalone story that’s not only moving, but also a reminder of why Clark Kent and Lois Lane are the #1 couple in comics. It also ends on a massive cliffhanger, but at least Lois and Clark get to have a date night.
Superman #21 is available wherever comics are sold.
“Superman” #21 offers a surprisingly heartwarming standalone story
Superman #21
Superman #21 delivers a stand-alone story that not only moves you emotionally, but also reminds you why Clark Kent and Lois Lane are the #1 couple in comics. It also ends on a massive cliffhanger, but at least Lois and Clark got to have a date night.
Mora’s artwork continues to be a joy to look at.
Williamson writes surprisingly heartfelt and independent stories.
An interlude that plays up the romantic angle and sets up future story points.
Let me remind you why Clark Kent and Lois Lane are the number one couple in comics.
