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Superman: Son of Kal-El #8

Scheduled to arrive in stores: February 8, 2022
Cover date: March 2022

"The Rising" - Part 2

Writer: Tom Taylor
Penciller: Cian Tormey
Inker: Raül Fernandez
Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: Travis Moore & Tamra Bonvillain

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
Click to enlarge


Jon and Jackson are horrified at the death of Sparks. The Gamorra Corps are violently intent on a quick aggressive end to the problem, while Jon and Jackson want to calm the leviathan and send it back home to the depths of the ocean.

The Gamorra Corps under Bendix's control attack the creature and it naturally retaliates, however, being the size of Metropolis itself means its reaction sends a tidal wave that will kill thousands if it is not stopped.

Superman manages to save the city with some quick thinking and teamwork with the young Atlantean but in the view of the public his choice not to kill meant that citizens were hurt and property damage in the millions of dollars was caused.

It doesn't matter that he saved the city. The fact he didn't stop the creature immediately is the focus of the media. The Truth's broadcast does reveal what really happened but the damage Bendix hoped for was already done.

As the creature is led home but Arthur and Jackson the Gamorra Corps publicly question Jon's mantra not to kill and as Jon sees the disgust in people's faces that he refused to use his powers that way, it cuts him to the bone.

Bendix holds a world news conference where he belittles the world's meta human community and unveils his post human Gamorra Corps as a successor to Task Force X (Suicide Squad) and a product he's willing to sell to any country who wants one.

Jon comes to the realization that he can't be Superman all the time and does a deal with Jay that will have huge ramifications for the future of Superman.

To be continued in "Nightwing #89"...

5Story - 5: I'm torn. Bendix's masterplan turned out to be far duller than I had hoped. Conversely the other side of the story was absolutely fantastic. It's something that comes up in fandom all the time, think back to every versus comic (or recent movie *ahem*) where someone points out Superman could lobotomize his foe or worse. Here it is at the forefront an a major plot point for Jon's character development, his public persona and a major reason that Bendix seems to be succeeding.

Heroes don't kill but in the real world governments are often willing to do whatever it takes to end a perceived threat.

People writing off this title are missing out on some fantastic writing.

4Art - 4: Torn again... The Gamorra Corps look fairly pedestrian and generic. The press conference scenes could have had a bit more of a grandiose feel. However, the rest of the book looks good! The background detail is fairly minimal but that character work, their physicality, the action scenes and framing… chef's kiss!

4Cover Art - 4: Great cover! I really miss the fact that Superman (either one) doesn't do the shirt rip anymore. Perhaps as part of The Truth it might become a staple again? (Tom Taylor are you listening, please!) Mora's cover really brings an epic feel to the impending battle with the threat reflected in the windows.

5Variant Cover Art - 5: The cover has a real European art feel to it. Definitely a rarity in American publishing. Jackson and Jon look like greek gods here, not unlike the ancient sculptures. They look like mythological heroes and, given the legacies they have to live up to, I think it is a really stunning visual.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2022

Note: Except for digital first releases, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic went on sale.
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