Mild Mannered Reviews - Regular Superman Comics

Superman #169

Superman #169

Scheduled to arrive in stores: April 4, 2001

Cover date: June 2001

2001 Shield No. 22

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciller: Paco Medina
Inker: Juan Vlasco

"Infestation: Chapter One"

Reviewed by: Nick Newman (NNewman8283@yahoo.com)


Superman stands atop a rocky landscape, pondering the blessings that he has received. However, despite all of his powers, he was unable to stop an unnamed evil. He couldn't save those worlds. He couldn't save Lois.

Eighteen days earlier, on an alien world, a man (Korsa) curses his computer. Viroxx is coming for his planet. A giant virus that lives only by destroying worlds, sparing the occasional life in order to enslave them to serve it. Three days later, rockets blast away from the planet. As Korsa and his family prepare to leave on the last rocket, Viroxx's slaves attack them. Korsa's wife is shot down. He tries to go back, but the hatch closes behind him and his wife is lost to the slaughter. Viroxx obliterates the world without hesitation.

Twelve days ago, Lois meets Clark in the park for a picnic. Clark suddenly picks her up and flies her to Fiji to celebrate the anniversary of their first date. Later, Clark tells her that he wouldn't know what to do without her. She tells him that he would take her love and go on.

Ten days ago, Korsa rendezvous with a space armada that consists of the survivors of the worlds ravaged by Viroxx. Korsa announces that he has heard of a man with great power, named Superman. They need his help.

Nine days ago, Superman catches an airborne train before it crashes into the streets below. Re-aligning it on the tracks, he then examines the tracks and discovers traces of a bio-explosive. He traces it to a fleeing truck and stops it in its tracks. One of the occupants threatens to blow Metropolis up, but Superman solves the problem by removing him from Metropolis. The terrorist quickly surrenders. Talking to the press, all of the people are suddenly frozen around Superman. Korsa introduces himself to Superman, and asks for his help. Later that night, Lois sees Superman off as he blasts into the skies.

Six days ago, Superman is introduced to the survivors of a thousand worlds. Superman agrees to help.

Five days ago, above the planet K'areeee 2, Superman leads the assault on Viroxx. The survivors' army takes out the individual warriors as Superman begins to subdue the leaders. He easily dispatches the first, but soon he is swarmed by dozens of warriors. He forces them off. Korsa tells the army not to stop for anything when he suddenly hears a voice. He looks up and sees his wife, now enslaved by Viroxx.

Currently, Superman stands and thinks to himself. He can't just go on without her, but what can he do?

4Story - 4: I liked this, a lot. It's been awhile since Wolfman wrote any Superman and I enjoyed it. The new villain is perfect for a short story-arc, and doesn't have to have any long-term side effects. Having Superman out in space again is always a nice change, and his relationship with Lois was well done. I'm going to reserve final judgment until the end of the arc, but so far its looking good.

3Art - 3: It was average, nothing spectacular and nothing horrible. I don't like the Young Justice style, cartoon look on Superman; it just doesn't work for me. McGuinness does a nice dynamic look but this just comes off as looking silly. However, it wasn't as bad as some (last year's Superman annual for instance) so I think it deserves a three.

4Cover Art - 4: A very dynamic cover that really catches your eye and makes you notice this book. It really has nothing to do with the story at all, but who cares? The smashing looks very good. The only problem I have with it is the expression on Superman's face. It just doesn't look right to me. But regardless, a cover that does what it is supposed to do.


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Mild Mannered Reviews

2001

Note: Month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic was on sale.

January 2001

February 2001 March 2001 April 2001 May 2001 June 2001 July 2001 August 2001 September 2001 October 2001 November 2001 December 2001 Annuals

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