The good news is that this issue is much stronger than Rucka and Clark's debut on the title last month. The bad news is that Rucka's examination of the journalism profession doesn't sit well and doesn't ring true. It's too bad, because otherwise, this is a solid issue with strong characterization and richly detailed and effective artwork. As a newspaper reporter, I have to admit to a significant bias here, though, so the aspects of this script to which I reacted negatively likely won't have the same effect on other readers. Despite my misgivings, I am now filled with hope and excitement about the future direction of this title.
Replikon's attack on Superman gives the Man of Steel cause to ponder two questions: who manipulated the creature into attacking and whatever became of Replikon's offspring? Superman finds he must go without an swer to the first question for the time being, and the second question yields an ugly and tragic truth. Meanwhile, Lois asks a friend to look out for her husband's well-being, and Clark Kent shares some information with a colleague in the hopes that it will spur her on to do better work as a reporter.
Matthew Clark's work on this title is dark and richly detailed, bringing a mature and realistic tone to the world of the Man of Steel. His art strikes me as a cross between the styles of Phil (New X-Men) Jimenez and Barry (Empire) Kitson. Everyone in the story is just a little too beautiful, mind you. The Hories' colors reinforce the energy and sci-fi elements of the story, but there's a darkness in the colors as well that reinforces the noir atmosphere elicited by the Replikon mystery.
OK, where Rucka lost me was with the conversation between Clark and Gerry. Clark's suggestion that Gerry's journalism was sloppy was incedibly out of line and not plausible at all. True, Gerry was just writing a quick hit and not delving into other angles, but she works in a place where super-villain attacks are routine. Clark comes off as arrogant and superior, and to be honest, I thought the appropriate reaction on Gerry's part would be a big FU. Furthermore, Gerry's judgment that Clark's assignment to the crime beat reduces him as a reporter in some way is perplexing. There are stories on the local level that are just as important as Clark's past efforts. The whole scene just didn't sit well with me, but I apprached it from a personal perspective. I'm a reporter, and I know that not every story can change the world. There are other factors to consider, such as deadlines and life outside of work. Reporters can't be expected to be on the scene with every story; the phone is a important tool in a journalist's arsenal. Clark's contention here to the contrary is unrealistic and arrogant.
Fortunately, there are strong moments in this script as well. Replikon proves to be a much more interesting victim than antagonist, and Clark's emotional turmoil in deep space rings true despite the fantastic circumstances. Furthermore, the tension between Lois and Clark adds credibility to their relationship. Lt. Leocadio attitude toward Superman is a playful, entertaining one, though her overtly sexual look in her off hours doesn't jibe with her no-nonsense attitude.
