This issue launches a three-part story arc that brings a character from outside the DC Universe into its regular super-hero continuity, and it's certainly an interesting idea. Unfortunately, that idea isn't emphasized at all in this opening chapter. Instead, the writers try to harkens back to the early 1990s to revisit the atmosphere that writers Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel and Louise Simonson created in the wake of the "death" of Superman. That "World Without Superman" was strong storytelling and certainly a milestone in the adventures of the Man of Steel. This new story arc, though, is a far cry from that strength. Fortunately, this issue does succeed in one respect, and that's to allow artist Karl Kerschl to really shine and strut his stuff.
In the days prior to Superman's reversal of the Brainiac-13 transformation of Metropolis, the city's citizens look up to the skies and wonder what has become of their blue-and-red-clad champion. It gives strangers and friends alike pause to reflect back on the last time the city had to do without the Man of Tomorrow, and many -- especially Lois Lane -- worry that a finality that was barely avoided last time around has come to pass. That's the thought that crosses Lois's mind when she finds herself in danger yet again... but a caped crusader miraculously appears in the nick of time.
What I enjoyed most about this issue, obviously, was the art. I've been a fan of Karl Kerschl's work since a year or two ago when I first glimpsed it on Marvel's Iceman limited series. Hell, I even own a page of original artwork from that book. Kerschl's style is something of a cross between Carlos (Arrowsmith) Pacheco's work and a soft, Japanese approach. Though this issue calls for unnecessary splash pages, it does let Kerschl show off the larger scope that he's capable of. His clean style and soft lines are always pleasing to the eye. I hope someone in mainstream comics takes note of his work and gives him a regular gig. He's certainly ready for it.
This issue is really more of a prologue to this story arc than the first chapter. The writers spin their wheels a bit before they finally get to the point, choosing instead to spotlight the rest of the various cast members -- super-powered or otherwise -- from not only more recent Superman stories, but those dating back a few years. It makes for an accessible read, but not a terribly exciting one.
Abnett and Lanning's attempt to recapture the magic of the "World Without Superman" stories form 1993 falls flat, mainly because there's no sense of permanence to Superman's disappearance here. The 1992-93 stories were a major event, and for a short time, there was a real sense of change and innovation to the books. Though readers knew DC would never cast aside the real Superman, there was a sense of suspense and permanence to his absence. Such is not the case here, and I think the writers would have been bette off focusing on the reintroduction of the hero who turns up at the end of issue rather than Superman's brief no-show.
