Superman So Far

We’ve had two short stories to take a look at what Brian Michael Bendis has in store for our Man of Steel. 

The short story in Action Comics #1000 provided a look at Superman being challenged by a foe of equal or even greater power than his own, an enemy who presents an epic and history making change to the Superman mythology. This is something that Bendis was known for at Marvel, presenting an antagonist that challenges the protagonist at a profound and significant level.

This is something that Superman has needed for some time. Too often, writers just keep going back to the well of Luthor and Braniac over and over.  In Rogol Zaar, Bendis has created an enemy that has the potential to be a significant and long term threat to the Man of Steel. 

The story in DC Nation#0 brings us a Superman that is back to Earth, an extended sequence with Clark Kent and Perry White at the Daily Planet. Clark seems to be in character but Perry comes off a bit hyper, like an ersatz J. Jonah Jameson but not quite as mean.

art by Jose Luis Garcia Lopez & Dexter Vines

There’s a story point about Lois Lane no longer working at the Daily Planet, that she’s off writing a book. I worry that the book writing gig is a cover story for an otherwise more sinister reason for Lois’ absence. Look, we just got back a married Lois and Clark (and with a son, no less) and damn you, Bendis, if you take them away from us now.  

There’s also a plot point of a new reporter joining the Planet staff who is up to something nefarious. Standard soap opera sub-plotting stuff but at least it helps keep some focus on the Daily Planet which is a good thing. The Daily Planet is a vital part of the Superman mythos.  

So far in these two short outings, Bendis does seem to be in tune with Superman as a character. But Supes has had to put up with a lot of crap over the last few years. There was Flashpoint and that whole New 52 debacle we put up with for 4 years. Peter Tomasi and Dam Jurgens have spent the last two years making Superman good again. I just don't want to see all that good work tossed aside by the new kid in town.