Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #2
DC Comics
Written by: Neal Adams
Art by: Neal Adams
Color by: Alex Sinclair
It’s more of the same as Neal Adams continues his classic Superman story. While the art remains as gorgeous as ever, unfortunately, the dialogue and pacing are such a hard departure from modern comics that I’m just not sure I have the taste for it anymore. Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #2 opens much like the first issue: Kalibak returns for yet another attack on Lex Corp, the other Supermen rush in to save the day and are quickly out-matched, and it’s up to Kal-El once again to show them how it’s done. Sure, there are mysterious reasons for the attack and a deeper plot involving Lex Luthor and his hand in all of this, but it all just feels clunky and repetitive. It speaks to a very particular set of comic book readers who yearn for the Superman of old. This is especially true in the dialogue, as Kal uses the word caterwauling at one point. You just don’t see “New 52” Superman whipping around this type of language, and while it can be refreshing and nostalgic for some, others may find it to be a huge turnoff.
Neal Adams’s dialogue may not be for everyone, but his art certainly is. If you find the story and dialogue to be out of your wheelhouse, then just sit back and enjoy the breathtaking art by Neal Adams and Alex Sinclair. Adams’s pencil work will have you believing men can fly as blue, red, and yellow envelop your senses and everything you love about Superman leaps off the page with each dynamic panel and every action-packed layout. Even though we are getting the same characters and scenarios, Adams is still able to make those scenes just as engaging and vibrant by essentially leveling up our villain while also presenting us with a new visual feast. Sinclair’s colors enhance each scene and present the classic tone and palette Adams’s art needs to thrive. It’s a perfect marriage. The art alone is worth the price of admission.
Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #2 is mostly more of the same, and while we do get some additional plot, the cheesy dialogue and deep dive into nostalgia maybe too much for newer comic book readers. But where Adams may lose you on story and dialogue, he will tighten his grip and never let go thanks to his out-of-this-world art style that begs you to be a fan of Superman.