Parasite has always been one of Superman’s greatest threats, what happens when there are thousands of them?  Your Major Spoilers Review of Superman #2 from DC Comics, awaits.

SUPERMAN #2

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Jamal Campbell
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Editor: Paul Kaminski
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: March 21st, 2023

Previously in Superman: Parasite’s new powers have Superman overwhelmed.  Countless clones of the villain have poured into the streets of Metropolis, while an incarcerated Lex Luthor claims he can save the day.

NOT QUITE ON HIS OWN

Superman #2 opens with Superman nearly succumbing to the attacks of the Parasite clones.  But with a last surge of power, he’s able to escape and run away to the top of Supercorp tower.  Elsewhere a cabal of mad scientists is discussing their plan, which involves the Parasite clones, as dissension begins to form in their ranks.  Utilizing their super-hearing, Clark is able to contact his son Jon and Kara to get an update from them, he then informs them that they need to stay out of the city or risk becoming Parasite food.  Jon then reveals he couldn’t find Lois Lane.  All the while, Lex Luthor has been talking to Superman, knowing he can hear him from miles away, telling him that if Superman would just listen, he could save everyone, to which Superman refuses.  At The Daily Planet, Superman encounters a gun-toting vigilante calling herself Marilyn Moonlight.  She leaves Clark with a warning after recharging his powers with hers.  Not soon after, Superman discovers that Parasite has evolved again.

AN EXCITING INTRODUCTION

Superman #2 does something that isn’t often accomplished, even if it isn’t trying to do it, and that puts Superman in actual peril and shows him weakened.  This is mostly done by utilizing the main villain in an effective way, but also by putting him in a position where he has to contend with his history and opinion of his greatest foe, Lex Luthor.  What’s impressive is that the creators manage to do this while not getting preachy or melodramatic.  They acknowledge that these two characters have a long history and depict each of them being exasperated with each other as long-time rivals would be.  The highlight of this issue though is the introduction of Marilyn Moonlight.  Joshua Williamson plays this reveal perfectly.  In the brief interaction between her and Superman, the reader learns quite a bit about her, on the surface level.  But a lot of what’s going on underneath is left unexplained, which creates a decent amount of intrigue without being obtuse.  The one complaint to be had with this issue is that the reveal near the end of the issue regarding Parasite’s new evolution is fairly unimaginative in how it’s shown and it looks like we’re in for another zombie-type situation, which has been increasingly prevalent in the DC Comics Universe as of late.

LOOKING GOOD MS. MOONLIGHT

It should come as no surprise to anyone who read Far Sector, but Jamal Campbell is one of the best artists in the business right now and it’s on full display here.  Even mundane and quiet moments have a ton of depth.  Each panel looks like it was painstakingly constructed, from the framing, to the angles, to the illustration themselves, everything just feels like it’s serving a purpose visually.  Once again, the big standout in this issue, visually, is Marilyn Moonlight.  Some promotional material had already given away her design, but it really comes alive here in this issue.  Her look is like a cross between Moon Knight and The Shadow, and it works great.  Some of the glow effects given to her are a bit distracting though.

BOTTOM LINE:  A COMPELLING CONUNDRUM FOR SUPES

Superman #2 benefits greatly from not being a first issue.  Rather than trying to redefine the character or introduce a new status quo, Superman #2 simply gives Superman a problem to deal with that he can’t just power through and it’s entertaining to see.  On top of this, an effective introduction of a new character baits the hook nicely to encourage continued reading of the series.  4 out of 5 stars.

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Superman #2

80%

80%

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Second issues in a new series can be fairly hit or miss, but this one is a definite hit. Superman and his villains are well utilized and Marilyn Moonlight’s introduction sticks the landing.

• Writing

  8
• Art

  8
• Coloring

  8
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