Written by: Tom TaylorArt by: Clayton Henry
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: Wes Abbott
Cover art by: Clayton Henry, Marcel Maiolo
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: July 3, 2023
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5 sets the penultimate stage in Tom Taylor's goodbye to the character. When Jon grapples with the conclusion that saving Injustice Earth means stopping Superman, Damian uses Jon's idealism to set a trap for Batman and his allies.
Is It Good?
Meh. Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5 is fine for what it is. Tasked with creating a six-issue mini-series that sends Jon Kent off in style, Tom Taylor used a property that gave him his claim to fame (Injustice) but somehow can't make it interesting or exciting beyond basic superhero fare.
When we left Jon Ken in the Injustice Universe last, he sought out the alternate Jay Nakamura to get the straight scoop on the outcome of Superman's oppression. Damien Wayne, fueled by mistrust and jealousy (while still not explaining how he's aged up when everyone else isn't), put a tracker on Jon and kidnapped Jay after Jon left.
Now, Jon meets with Batman to talk about what needs to be done, he flies to the Fortress of Solitude to talk about what needs to be done with a Lois hologram and the living Ma and Pa Kent. Elsewhere, Damian convinces Superman and his allies to use Jon's tracking data to raid and capture Batman's resistance group. Oh, no. Will Jon save the day in the finale?
Again, this issue is fine for what it is. Taylor's pacing is adequate, the dialog feels natural, and the cliffhanger moves all the players into position for next month's finale.
So, why does it get a 'meh' reaction? Because this issue, which should be the big buildup to an explosive finale, is downright bland. True to form for Taylor, there's barely any action except for the brief capture scene, Jon spends much too much time thinking, talking, thinking, and talking some more to decide what's best while still finding time to lecture others about being better, and the setup practically ensures Jon is going to save the day and set an example for everyone around him far better than Superman ever could.
In other words, Taylor's penultimate issue is a mediocre mix of predictability, a lack of dramatic tension, and a hero who spends more time thinking, talking, and lecturing without empathy than acting.
How's the art? It's fine. Clayton Henry delivers cool character designs (respecting the Injustice origins) and nice-looking scenery, but Henry has nothing to work with here. Kudos to Henry for giving a mediocre script the star treatment.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces:
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5 turns the momentum meter up a half-notch for a penultimate issue that delivers lots of talking and hand-wringing but no excitement or dramatic tension. Clayton Henry is doing his best to make a bland script seem visually interesting, but this comic is a forgettable miss.
6/10
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