Superman (2023-) #2 is published by DC Comics and written by Joshua Williamson. Artwork and main cover art (left) are by Jamal Campbell whilst letters are by Ariana Maher.
Superman (2023-) #2 is available now, in print and on digital, where all good comic books are sold.
Synopsis
NIGHT OF THE PARASITE! Superman is overwhelmed as Parasite’s new powers are unleashed! Can Superman stop all of Metropolis from being consumed by the power-hungry Parasite or will he need Lex Luthor’s help to save the day? Introducing a new antihero-Marilyn Moonlight, the Spirit of Metropolis-who only operates at night! Is she friend or foe to the Man of Steel?! And how does she connect to Metropolis’s secret past?
Review
Now that is how you follow up a blockbuster debut issue!
Whilst Williamson and Campbell’s new incarnation of the Man of Steel is really just a continuation following his return to Earth. There’s absolutely no doubting that a renumbering and creative refresh has done wonders for the Superman book.
Williams has undoubtedly embraced the world of the Super-Family and its villains. With plot points around the newly renamed Supercorp still lingering in the background. But rather than be bogged down in world building, the rapidly rising superstar has dived headfirst into an action-packed storyline which already has Supes trapped on the ropes.
There’s something so animated about Campbell’s artwork. It’s incredible. Every panel is full of life and bursting at the seams. This issue picks up directly from the end of issue #1 and mostly takes place at night. But even with an overall darker aesthetic Campbell is still able to maintain a dynamic palette which is incredibly pleasing to watch unfolded from page to page.
But whilst Campbell is drawing the hell out of Metropolis and its inhabitants, Williamson is injecting Superman with an incredible sense of urgency. More so than last month, Superman #2 has a palpable pacing to the story. As Parasite is multiplying all over the city Clark and other members of the family are rushing to hold the monster at bay.
There are odd scenes, one featuring the aptly named Secret Order of Mad Scientists springs to mind, which do cut through the pacing. But on the whole issue moves as break neck speed as the fight for the city rages on. Even sporadic scenes featuring Lex Luthor, still holed up in Stryker’s, add to the frenzy. You can feel Superman being backed in to a corner which is going to force him to rely on his arch nemesis and I look forward to seeing how Williamson writes that in to the story.
As touted on the cover, Superman #2 also features Marilyn Moonlight. A brand new invention of Williams and Campbell’s, calling herself the spirit of Metropolis. We learn very little about her character here and it feels a little shoe-horned in to an already busy night for the Man of Steel. But given the size of her role it is far too early to judge anything about her.
Verdict
With Parasite nipping at his heels (and his family), Superman has a huge challenge to deal with this month. Williamson and Campbell tackle it with all the might of a Kryptonian warrior and ensure that Superman #2 is a glorious, top tier read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
