Superman The Stranger #3 (of 6) is written by Wes Craig and published by DC COMICS. Artwork is by Wes Craig, colours by Jason Wordie and letters by Tom Napolitano. Main cover art (left) is by Wes Craig & Jason Wordie.
Superman The Stranger #3 (of 6) is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
LOIS LANE ARRIVES ON THE SCENE! Superman’s methods of cleaning up Metropolis are causing more problems than he wants. Everyone he’s stopped ends up back out on the streets. He needs someone who can help get him the information he acquires out to the masses, and Lois Lane is just the reporter to do it!
Review
So much works well in Craig’s Superman The Stranger #3. This continues to be a favourite. Looking at the mini-series simply as a piece of historical fiction, it is a gripping exploration of depression era America and the empty and hopeless feelings that weighed so heavily on the population.
There is also something very Raymond Chandler or Roman Polanski’s CHINATOWN in the way Superman is battling political and corporate corruption. Superman might dump criminals on the courthouse steps with evidence of their crimes, but this recklessness is not the way to accomplish justice. This version of Superman is the world-weary gumshoe. He wants to stand up for the ‘little guy’ but doesn’t think through his actions. As Lois Lane tells him, “That’s not how it works.”
What I continue to love is that this version of Superman is exactly right for the era he is operating in. It brings to mind Geoff John’s DOOMSDAY CLOCK, in that no matter the time, Superman emerges exactly where he needs to be, exactly as he needs to be.
The big moment of this issue is, of course, the meeting between Superman and Lois. A rooftop meet-cute, with Lois smoking a cigarette and all. It’s less romantic and more of a dynamic duo team-up, but it’s electric.
However, as much as I loved the first meeting between Superman and Lois, there is a rushed feeling to it. This is perhaps an area where audience familiarity does the heavy lifting. We all know the Superman and Lois dynamic. However, these are two very different versions of the characters. Peppering Lois throughout issues one and two, particularly moments between her and janitor Clark that led up to the iconic meeting, it could have gone a long way. We also haven’t had enough insight into her views on Superman, good or bad. Which makes her quickness to work with him feel a little easy.
Further, there is a moment when Lois reacts to the death of someone she knew. Admittedly, I can’t quite say who this person is. Even she admits to Superman that she barely knew them.
The hope moving forward is that Lois will have more depth across the final three issues. Because what we have got of her has been dynamite stuff. Nevertheless, it is a missed opportunity not to allow Lois and Clark to cross paths a little more while he’s mopping the floors or emptying the bins.
Don’t misunderstand me, this is a strong issue! And Craig has done a superb job fleshing out Clark/Superman. From his orphanage background to a harrowing scene in a sweatshop that burns down, and Superman’s questionable vigilantism.
Lex Luthor has also been nicely realised, and that continues here. How Lex manipulates and controls everything from business to politics and the police demonstrates how dangerous and sinister he is. He’s a regular Noah Cross—if you don’t know who that is, shame on you! And with Lois Lane pointing Superman in Lex’s direction, I anticipate a showstopper climax.
Still, Craig’s Superman The Stranger is a slow-burn thriller. If you’re expecting high octane, this isn’t what you’ll get. It’s a thoughtful, character-driven mystery that balances the grounded realism and sci-fi elements elegantly.
Yes, the pieces have taken their time to get set up. However, I have full faith in Craig to deliver. And as the mini-series enters the home stretch, I expect the narrative to not only heat up but focus. Lex Luthor’s big plan has become a little clearer, and it poses significant danger to not just the world but Superman, as he and Lois angle to take him down and draw him into the light.
Verdict
Superman The Stranger continues to be a refreshingly new and deliciously noir spin on the Superman mythos. It’s bold, gritty, and in your face in ways other contemporary Superman books are not. Wes Craig’s use of the Man of Steel to explore the character and unpack grim historical realities makes this a must-read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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