When Superman #28 launched the “Legion of Darkseid” story arc, fans probably were hoping to see some twisted take on the superhero Legion after falling into the influence of Darkseid. They probably didn’t expect to see Super Boy Prime of all the characters on the final page. Superman #29 goes to pick up this amazing cliffhanger as Superman and Superboy Prime travel through time and space to find help in the battle against corrupt legions. They quickly learn that the future is not the future they remember.
Of all the big swings Joshua Williamson has ever filmed in Superman’s run, the introduction to Superboy Prime is one of the biggest. Prime is a polarized character, as the modern storyline, which includes the infamous endless crisis, tends to use him as a mouthpiece for how some fans view modern stories in DC comics. He has also become a poster child of Edge Road trends in recent years. It also says something in comic book scenery that includes characters like Spawn and Lobo.
Williamson can justify the appearance of Superboy Prime to explain that Superman needs someone who needs someone Legion doesn’t expect, and that who might try to cross the line he doesn’t. However, knowledge of the universe comic book in Superboy-Prime tends to be a double-edged sword. On the other hand, he can traverse time and space in a unique way (most fans will probably get a kick from how this appears), but at certain points he doesn’t sound like a superboy, he sounds like a deadpool.
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The constant that fans will be happy to see is Art’s Danmora. It took a little while, but Mora was able to give his work against Superman a smoother and cleaner look than the Steel Man. By contrast, all members of Darkseid’s Legion looked hard and jagged, from armor to appearance. In particular, Chameleon Boy receives a horrifying upgrade that isn’t out of place in alien movies. Even in the future, I feel particularly harsh under Mora’s pencils. The remains are scattered as far as you can see, and the members of Legion who have not entered the Darkseid slar appear to have gone through hell.
Mora also keeps pushing the envelope from an action beat perspective. On the first page, Superman and Superboy Prime literally roll through time and space, reflecting behind them different eras of the DC Universe. Another splash page introduces the Legion of Darkseids in its horrifying glory. Alejandro Sanchez also deserves great credit in how his colour art changes. This problem is because it jumps from the sunny plains of Smallville to the crackling of a future that has been ravaged by the war with the reddish black energy of the signature fueled by every movement of Darkseid.
Superman #29 brings back a character no one has expected and begins to set the stage for what may be one of Steel’s biggest fights to date. Whatever it is, readers should be even more surprised if Williamson and Mora keep up this momentum.
“Superman” #29 is full of surprises
Superman #29
Superman #29 brings back a character no one has expected and begins to set the stage for what may be one of Steel’s biggest fights to date. Whatever it is, readers should be even more surprised if Williamson and Mora keep up this momentum.
Williamson throws plenty of curveballs to readers, including the surprising appearance of Superboy Prime and non-evil superhero members.
Mora’s art incorporates a smoother, more refined look that benefits Superman.
The colour of this book will leap from Sunny Small Building to a hellish future. This fits the character Superman is fighting for.
The characterization of the Superboy-Prime is headed between the Dollar Store Deadpool and the Remorseful. Mileage is different.
