I enjoyed the colorful array of characters in the first issue, but I had concerns about accessibility and the actual direction of the story. Those concerns are allayed with the second issue, in which Johns not only provids key exposition for newer readers but reveals what's really prompted the story. I love the notion that what's seen as the real threat in this super-hero story is the creative direction the industry itself has taken over the past couple of decades. It's a clever mix of traditional super-hero storytelling and a metatextual approach that's a bit different. The art is, of course, richly detailed and vibrant, and the cosmic qualities of the plot are balanced by the personal, emotional moments shared by some key characters.
The Superman of Earth-2 takes Power Girl to the site of where is Fortress of Solitude once stood and introduces her to survivors of the Crisis on Infinite Earths: Superboy of Earth-Prime, Alexander Luthor of Earth-3 and Superman's wife, Lois Kent. Superman tells Power Girl an unbelievable story of parallel dimensions and how most were wiped from existence, with only Earth-1 surviving, albeit changed, incorporating small elements from other universes. The elder Superman fears mistakes were made when reality was saved and repaired, and he calls on Power Girl for her help. Meanwhile, Donna Troy assembles a team to investigate the anomaly that shifted the centre of the universe, while the villainous Society hatches a plan as word of their murders of the Freedom Fighters breaks.
The interior credits omit their names, but even if they weren't listed on the cover, it was clear that George Perez and his Crisis on Infinite Earths inker Jerry Ordway had a hand in this issue. The illustrate a flashback sequence detailing the origin and nature of the multiverse, and it's a real treat for fans of 1985's Crisis, such as myself. More importantly, it serves as an opportunity to compare Perez's work to that of Phil Jimenez, whom the elder artist inspired. The difference in styles is clear, and the shift to Perez's slightly brighter, less thatched approach serves as a symbol of the conflict between better days and a darker present cited by the Golden Age Superman as a problem. Jimenez's work brings an intensity to the characters that reinforces the tension in the plot and gets the reader further involved in this impossible scenario rather than questioning it.
Johns is wisely emphasizing the personal impacts of the crisis, and that makes for a more dramatic, touching story. The chaos of the villain attacks, the Omac attacks and more is exciting, but it's how the events are affecting lives in a small way that makes for engaging reading. Power Girl's joy at rediscovering herself works well, as does the Golden Age Superman's grief and anger.
Johns also teases the reader with short but strong scenes steeped in mystery. We wonder what Booster Gold is up to, or why the Society is so desperate to get its hands on a member of the Marvel Family. The scene in which the Joker "interrogates" the Royal Flush Gang not only reminds us of the Silver Age history the characters share but of the Joker's complete and utter malevolence. It's a chilling but entertaining sequence. 8/10
