Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #2 Review

Old School's In Session

Written by: Neal Adams
Art by: Neal Adams, Alex Sinclair and Erica Schultz
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 16, 2016

When this book was first announced, I can't say I was extremely excited to read it.  In fact, it seemed more like a novelty than anything else and my opinion didn't change until I finally read it.  I can't really explain why, but I really enjoyed the first issue of this book and while I know that seems like an odd thing to say, I think that most people who read it understand what I'm talking about.  Neal Adams' art was easy on the eyes and combined with the silver age like story that managed to scratch an itch I didn't even know I had.  The first issue may have been more style than substance (we barely even saw the Superman of the title), but I couldn't wait to read and drool over Neal Adams' creation.  So, was the wait worth it?  Let's find out...




The issue opens with Clark and Lois getting a babysitter for Clark's little buddy, Rafi.  With everything going on in this series already, it's pretty easy to figure out this babysitter is a lot more than she seems.  After a little canine wordplay, Lois and Clark head off to chase the big story going on downtown.

The big story is a full out Apokolips invasion and while the "Superman" are trying their best to fight the good fight, it takes Kal-El to jump in and fight Kalibak to turn the tide of battle.  At least that's what it seems as most of the invaders retreat in their boom tubes.

The old school feel continues this month in spades and I have to admit it, I loved it.  Neal Adams' dialogue is spot on for this type of story and he gives the reader a great combination of information overload and fun action to keep interest at a high.  The biggest thing we learn was who these Superman are and where they came from.  Adams leaves a lot of cracks for the reader to fill in and if you blink, you might miss some important stuff.  It all adds to the overall feeling that this is a comic from a day gone by that you just happened to stumble upon.

With the fight over, Superman and his "brothers" tend to their wounds and out of nowhere, Superman senses foul play.  Again, it's so silver age and leads to something and someone so awesome...Lex Luthor!  It seems that he is involved in testing the Kryptonians' blood and who knows what else.  Superman puts a destructive end to the testing, but Luthor has a trick up his sleeve, or in his stomach.  Adams nails the dialogue between these two and just seeing them together and at each other's throats made me so happy.  Then just when I was having the time of my life, that's when shit got real!

The issue ends with Kalibak coming back for round two, but it's less about a fight and more about "look what I've got."   It's personal and before Superman can react, Kalibak has escaped through a boom tube, taunting Superman to give chase.

I can't stress enough how much this book relies on a feeling of nostalgia.  The story, characters and interactions seem ripped from a time gone by and it's that charm that has me excited for this series going forward.  We do learn a little about the Supermen, but I need to know more right away.  I'll force myself to sit patient, but that means next issue better have some solid information.

It's no surprise that Neal Adams' art is spot on.  It fits the story so well and is quickly becoming some of favorite coming out from DC nowadays.

Bits and Pieces:

Neal Adams continues his Superman vs Apokolips story and while I wish we got more solid information, I was having too much fun to care too much.  The characters and dialogue were classic and whether you like it or not will depend more on what you are looking for than prior knowledge of the characters.  If you like Superman, the New Gods and/or having a good time, check this book out.

8.5/10