Superman's role in the story is scaled back significantly, but the strength of the title doesn't wane at all. Austen combines a strong examination of Jimmy Olsen as a character with a fascinating science-fiction story of a technological city that's come to life. The story blends humor and a chilling tone to great effect, and Zezelj's thick-lined, dark artwork reinforces the story by establishing a mature atmosphere.
Jimmy Olsen discovers that the Tech -- which claims to be Lena Luthor, the president's young daughter, thought missing or dead -- has not only taken up permanent home in his wristwatch, but he can't remove it. Meanwhile, after resurrecting the governor, the Tech has turned its attention to an elderly man living with his daughter in Metropolis, and it decides to give him a second chance as well. Meanwhile, Jimmy gets to know Rebecca better, and finds out why the photojournalist recently moved to Metropolis.
Zezelj's unconventional and darkly organic style might not seem like a good choice at first for a story about super-heroes and a futuristic city, but it works incredibly well here. I'm surprised at how well he captures Jimmy's youth. Of course, the visuals take on a creepy, alien tone when we see the Tech invade various human bodies, beginning with the second page. The colors add an even more stark and foreboding tone to the story. Villarrubia's coloring approach blends well with the artist's inky, quasi-cubist style.
Though it requires one to ignore Jimmy Olsen's long history, I rather enjoyed Austen's take on him as a still immature journalist. He's got the photography angle nailed, but when it comes to delving into a story, he's got a lot to learn. Jimmy seems a little aimless here, and it makes for an interesting parallel with the Tech/Lena plotline. Rebecca is also an intriguing new character, but Austen's really only whetted our appetite when it comes to this supporting character thus far.
The greatest strength of this book is Austen's exploration of two extreme possibilities when it comes to the Tech. Earlier in this issue, the Tech is seen as an almost magical thing, making young love possible and a new chance at life. Its dialogue boasts a playful tone, and the reader comes to enjoy it as a character in this story. But by the end of the book, we see it in a radically different light. It's cold and unfeeling and manipulative, looking upon life as its pet or plaything, something easily discarded after it has outlived its perceived usefulness. The earlier, warmer tone serves as the setup for the chilling, disturbing notion put forth on the final page.
