ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #601
"Cult of Persuasion: Part One"
Mildly Recommended (5/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Joe Casey
Pencils: Pete Woods
Inks: Jose Marzan, Jr.
Colors: Rob Ro & Alex Bleyaert
Letters: Bill Oakley
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
Casey's efforts to adapt a Legion of Super-Heroes villain concept for Superman and the present-day DC Universe resumes. There's a lot of potential in the character... at least there was in his previous appearance, but Casey doesn't do enough here to remind the reader of what Cole Parker is all about. Still, some strong scripting, subplots and art make for a decent read.
A mysterious fellow inmate at Stryker's Island continue to mentor labour extremist Cole Parker on issues of power and violence, all the while, promising to grant him a gift that will enable him to enact the change he desires and to deal with Superman. the presentatin of the gift coincides with a massive breakout at the prison, distracting the Man of Steel of the real danger on the horizon. Meanwhile, Lois leaves Clark a disheartening message.
Woods does a fine job with the art. His lighter tone is consistent with that of regular penciller Mike Wieringo (who's moving onto Marvel's Fantastic Four soon), but he's not out to ape the style either. Woods's own take on super-heroes is intact. Ro and Bleyaert's colors offset the more cartoony quality of the pencils; the darker tones convey a sense of foreboding, of a bad moon rising in the form of the new Persuader.
Casey picks up on a subplot about a rift that's formed in Lois and Clark's relationship, and it stands out as the strongest storytelling element in any of the Superman titles right now. He doesn't overdo it, though, but he has me chomping at the bit to see how it plays out.
Though Casey communicates the importance of Cole Parker's transformation and the real threat he represents, he doesn't really clue the reader in on why he wants this power. Furthermore, the oft-seen gimmick of the mysterious stranger offering super-powers without mentioning the price that will have to be paid is rather cliched and not terribly interesting. Still, "Cult of Persuasion" could turn into a solid sotry arc if motivation is brought to the forefront.
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