SUPERMAN #183
"The Secret, Part Two: -30-"
Mildly Recommended (6/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Ed McGuinness
Artist: Cam Smith
Colors: Tanya & Richard Horie
Letters: Richard Starkings
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
In my review of the previous issue of Superman, I noted that I was pleased to see the return of the element that initially drew me to Loeb's run on this title: his down-to-earth exploration of the profession of journalism. And now, a month later, I lament the loss -- at least in part -- of that strength once again. Still, this issue does boast some strong character-driven storytelling, and despite some flaws in the logic of the plot, I remain interested in the suspense and unpredictability of this story arc.
In the aftermath of The Daily Planet's story alleging that President Luthor knew of a coming alien invasion and allowed it to happen, the paper and its editorial staff are taking a beating, accused of reporting a flase story. Luthor offers to prove that he's innocent of the allegations, and Superman, along with his JLA allies, view the offer with understandable suspicion. The story isn't holding up to scrutiny, though, and publisher/editor-in-chief Perry White is forced into a decision he'd never thought he'd have to make.
McGuinness captures the power and majesty of the characters and events depicted here quite well, and he tells the story clearly despite the lack of action. Still, I can't help but wonder if a less cartoony style wouldn't have reinforced the more dramatic quality of this story better. Still, McGuinness's style certainly suits super-hero stories well; his portrayal of the Justice League was fun and dynamic.
This plotline hinges on something I find hard to accept. We're asked to believe that Clark Kent not only wrote a sensitive and critical story with no facts or statements to back it up, but that no one called it into question before it saw print. Mind you, Loeb offers a explanation in the closing pages of this issue, but it nevertheless doesn't sit well with me. How Clark and his friends conduct themselves is how a comic book about a man who's faster than a speeding bullet helps the reader to suspend his or her disbelief. We need those grounded elements... well, at least, I do.
Nevertheless, there were a number of scenes that I enjoyed in this issue. Clark's satisfaction with his life despite recent events, Lois's guilt and Perry's righteous ambition all ring true. The book still has its human heart(s), and the intrigue of the larger plotlines make me want to come back to book to find out what happens next.
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