Superman #30 Review

Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Ed Benes
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 23, 2014

Six Pounds of Something in a One Pound Bag

Superman is a busy book.  A new creative team is on the horizon, but first, Scott Lobdell gets to say farewell with his part in the upcoming Doomed story.  In Lobdell's world, that seems to mean throw a whole bunch of plots and ideas at the readers with little to no transition, explanation or resolution.  Like I said, it's a busy book.

There is so much going on it's hard to sort through it.  Doomsday kills some honeymooners, Smallville's residents all fall into a coma, the eradicator holds Superman lovingly and warns him about Doomsday, Cat misses Clark, Kandor's citizens wake up and Lois is a 12th level intellect and newlywed to boot.  Did you notice my lack of transition and explanation?  Get used to it if you read this issue.



I have said over and over that Scott Lobdell is an "idea man" and he proves it again this month.  I really like some of the ideas here especially the Eradicator and the Kandor bit.  Some of the others are okay and then there is Lois Lane's part.  WTF?!  Unfortunately, even the best parts are weighed down by extreme exposition and awful transitions.  Then the book ends with nothing resolved and Doomed starting in a couple weeks.  I can only hope that all these plot points will be resolved before his run ends, but my guess is Lobdell just threw in all his ideas he had for the book before he leaves.  I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Ed Benes does a good job with the art this month.  He keeps up with the multiple stories without missing a beat.  He does his best to provide clean and understandable panels.  If only the story did the same.

Bits and Pieces

Superman #30 is a busy book.  Scott Lobdell throws so much at the reader you'd think he's rushing towards a major event or leaving the book...or both.  The ideas may be good, it's just hard to get a grasp on them before they disappear for the next one.  If you must read every prelude to Doomed, go for it.  If you are on the fence, you can skip this one and just wait until the event starts in a couple of weeks.

3.5/10