After last issue’s shock, Superwoman has to deal with major questions about mortality, humanity, her own survival… Oh, and also a fusillade of missiles about to destroy the entire city of Metropolis. Your Major Spoilers review of Superwoman #2 awaits!
SUPERWOMAN #2
Writer: Phil Jiminez
Penciler: Phil Jiminez
Inker: Matt Santorelli and Joe Prado
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
Previously in Superwoman: After the death of Superman, Lois Lane discovered her own superhuman powers, taking up his shield and costume as Superwoman. But, she didn’t do it alone, as she convinced Lana Lang (who has gained electrical powers of her own) to join her in the field as another Superwoman. After a mysterious threat hijacked Lex Luthor’s floating battle station, Lois was seemingly destroyed, consumed by her powers and turned to dust just like Superman was a few short months ago. Now, Lana stands against a strange, unknown threat… but she’s not entirely alone.
LUTHOR: INFILTRATED
We open in dire straights, as The Gestalt, Luthor’s floating battleship, has been infiltrated by creatures who resemble Bizarro (which I love) and also the original Earth-2 Superwoman from the Crime Syndicate (which I doubly love.) Lana Lang is waylaid by two of the monsters, one of whom has replaced Luthor’s right hand woman Mercy, while the other uses the Gestalt to once again attack Metropolis. Superwoman escapes, meeting up with Steel (with whom Lana is now in a relationship) and heading back to their home to regroup. Steel’s niece Natasha is awaiting them, with a new project she calls The Insect Queen (Drink for the old-school comic reference!) before Superwoman and Steel have to take to the field to combat yet another threat in the Atomic Skull. As the issue ends, Lex Luthor (who is also wearing an S-shield and claiming to be Superman in an armored battlesuit) is taken captive by the one behind it all, a character who has a specific grudge against our would-be hero.
LOIS: DISINTEGRATED
Lots of lovely character interactions in this issue, as Lana gets debriefed by Maggie Sawyer of the Metropolis P.D., Lex’s captor (whom I’m not gonna spoiler for you, because it’s a great reveal) gets in a shot at “Superman”, as well as some nice relationship drama between Lana and John Henry. Jiminez does a great job of making the life of Superwoman incredibly complex without being confusing (such as a moment where she sees and/or hallucinates Lois trying to fight her way out of what may be the afterlife), all the while making references the whole 70+ years of Superman comics history. I also like how the art team manages to keep the sharp lines of his pencils, but Santorelli and Prado’s inks and C0x’s colors give different dimensions to his art style. There’s clearly a big picture that we’re still not filled in on (and Lois’ brief appearance makes it seem like she and her Clark could possibly return from their disintegration demises), while Lana’s health issues add tension and drama.
THE BOTTOM LINE: SUPERWOMAN: PRETTY AMAZING
In short, this book reminds me of the intertwined Superman continuity post-Zero Hour, where four books balanced Clark’s adventures on multiple fronts, all wrapped up into one title with excellent art. Part of me wonders whether giving everyone in the Superman supporting cast powers is a good idea, but it’s done so well that I can’t really call it a major sticking point. Superwoman #2 is a darn good comic book read, featuring a lot of good ideas that are structured well and presented clearly, and is really the comic that emblemizes Rebirth for me, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall. I am glad to see that my hopes about Lois not being permanently gone are fulfilled, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this all goes, especially if it means more comeuppance for Lex Luthor…
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