The name that's bringing the most attention to this new stint on Superman is obviously Jim Lee's. He's the super-start artist who's responsible for the spike in sales, which coincides with his arrival on this title. But Lee is a known quantity here. He handles super-heroes quite well, and not surprisingly, he excels with the over-the-top, science-fiction elements to be found here. No, the question on the minds of more discerning readers revolves around the writer. How is Brian Azzarello, a writer known for noir crime drama as opposed to super-heroes, going to handle the ultimate icon of capes and tights? It turns out he handles him pretty well, fostering a sense of mystery on multiple levels in order to draw the reader into the story.
Two men wallow in their isolation, both overwhelmed by tremendous guilt. One is a priest in a majestic Catholic cathedral in Metropolis, a good man who turned his back on love in an effort to save the souls of those around him. The other flies overhead, dedicated to saving the physical forms of those the priest sees as his flock. Both feel lost and alone, confused and burdened. They share a common bond, a horrible event that has affected the entire planet. One evening, one approaches the other to discuss the Vanishing.
Jim Lee brings the immensity of the title character's power to life in a dazzling display of sci-fi warfare in deep space. He brings a grace and nobility to the Man of Steel that's in keeping with his perfect image, but he also instills a quiet melancholy in the character that drives home the offbeat and eerie tone of the plot. Azzarello also provides Lee with an unexpected setting here: the gothic angles of a church. Lee nails the cavernous nature of such a place, and that reinforces the sense of isolation that's a key element of this story. Lee's work here reminds me a little of the styles of Alan (Uncanny X-Men) Davis and John (Superman/Batman: Generations) Byrne. Sinclair's colors really bring out the energy of the space combat and the other noted DC hero, who makes a cameo appearance here.
This first issue of the Azzarello/Lee run is all about atmosphere. The plot is a secondary concern here. Azzarello is more interested in getting the reader's attention, hooking him and reeling him in. He does so by telling him as little as possible about what's going on. Sometimes such attempts fail, offering only an inaccessible muddle to the reader. This isn't one of those times. The writer offers multiple mysteries, revealing only the barest of answers along the way. The priest represents a number of enigmas, and I can't wait to learn more about him.
As mysterious as this new character is, though, Azzarello does an excellent job of keeping his feet planted on solid ground. He's a down-to-earth figure, one who serves as our gateway in the world of the Man of Steel and the unimaginable tragedy that has befallen mankind. I'm also pleased to see Azzarello incorporating a character who was just introduced in last week's Adventures of Superman. The level of continuity doesn't require the reader to follow both titles, but it does bring a welcome credibility and consistency to them.
