Superman 14 review

So I only picked up 3 comics this week. That makes the usual first impressions post useless since I’ll eventually review all three comics anyway. I picked up Superman 14, Batman 14 and The Unworthy Thor 3. With that said, let’s start with Superman 14.

Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason, this issue starts with Clark Kent nearly running over Red Son Superman, who had just teleported into his universe somehow. For those who don’t know, Red Son Superman is an Alternate Universe counterpart who landed in Soviet Russia instead of the United States. I’ve never read the story, but I’ve heard good things about it. In any case, the issue jumps right into the action. There are these international beings known as The Gatherers, who are trying to gather up people on their list. Not much else is known about them by the end of the issue, but Red Son Superman is on their list (or “the lyst” as the gatherers say), as are a bunch of other interdimensional alternative superheroes. It’s a fun comic, with a good balance of a creepy mystery and action. That’s really all there is to it so far, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The art, also by Gleason, is great. The opening page shows a slightly bloodied Red Son Superman with Clark Kent’s lights shining on him. His outfit is well detailed with tears that remain consistent through most of the issue. Later on, the Justice League Incarnate shows up (an interdimensional superhero group), and there’s a great variety of different looks and outfits with them, most of them still looking at least somewhat familiar. Marcelo Maiolo handles the colouring. There’s brilliant use of lighting effects with Clark’s headlights in the darkness of night, the action panels are coloured red or orange to add to the intensity. The comic in general is bright, colourful and appealing to look at.

Of the three comics I picked up this week, this is easily the most fun. Since it mostly kicks off the Multiplicity story arc, I wouldn’t go so far to call it great, but it feels like this story arc could be a lot of fun. If it sounds interesting, check it out.

7/10