The foundation of the world of Injustice was Superman becoming so broken that he finally succumbed to the totalitarian philosophy that he had the power to enforce. In Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #3, the young Superman comes face to face with that Superman, and it may change both men forever.
Tom Taylor, Clayton Henry, Jordie Bellaire, and Wes Abbott take Jon into the world of Injustice.
Ultraman has been defeated, now Jon finds himself face to face with his savior, his father. This version of Kal-El has turned Earth into a Utopia, and is doing his best to manage it now. Jon is quickly going to learn that there’s a dark side to the paradise that his father has created.
On its own, I really enjoyed this issue. Jon exploring a Utopia of his father’s making, exploring an alternate reality has merit. Taylor makes that plot engaging and centers it on the characters in a way that’s charming and gives me the desire to see what’s next. Unfortunately the abrupt plot U-turn from last issue is still hanging over this issue. There was probably a way to get to the world of Injustice without the unsatisfying red herring that Ultraman’s role ultimately was.
Henry and Bellaire’s art is still one of the best things about the story. Jon’s wonder, confusion and trepidation is clear from the character’s body language and facial expressions. One close-up panel of Lex Luthor says so much about how he feels about Kal and his regime, with absolutely no dialogue. Bellaire’s palette creates a foreboding mood, which foreshadows Jon’s discovery of Superman’s true mission.
It’s generally a good issue on its own, but it’s still struggling as a part of a larger story. I’m hoping that future issues of the series can resolve those concerns.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #3 is available now from DC Comics.
The foundation of the world of Injustice was Superman becoming so broken that he finally succumbed to the totalitarian philosophyCOMICONRead More