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Superman: Son of Kal-El #12

Scheduled to arrive in stores: June 14, 2022
Cover date: August 2022

"Insiders"

Writer: Tom Taylor
Pencillers: Cian Tormey & Ruari Coleman
Inkers: Cian Tormey, Ruari Coleman, Scott Hanna & Raül Fernandez
Cover: Travis Moore & Tamra Bonvillain
Variant Covers: Roger Cruz, Norm Rapmund/Luis Guerrero, Mario "Fox" Foccillo & Prasad Rao (Pressy)/David Talaski

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
Click to enlarge


Superman reunites Shrapnel with his family after the attack on the Hall of Justice but realizes the the sleeper attack has distracted him from the Safe House where Lois, Jonathan Snr and Martha are hiding with Jay and Batman.

Luckily the 'threat' isn't Luthor or Bendix but Krypto on his return from his adventures with Kara (See "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow").

Superman reveals to Batman recent goings on and both Jonathan and Batman agree that The Rising cannot be stopped without evidence. Superman smiles that a plan is already in motion.

Dick Grayson calmly walks into Lexcorp for an introductory meeting with Lex himself. Dick probes Lex for answers and while Lex talks away Dick plants a bug in the office. He tells Superman that they need to gather as much information as possible before they remotely destroy the bug.

As suspected, Dick's questions prompt Lex to call Bendix and Jay is able to listen in to the call. The trio discover Senator Henderson is in league with Bendix and during a press conference, Jay and Jon publicly expose him for assisting in trafficking teenagers and the attack on the Kent Farm. Henderson tells them he doesn't have a choice and out of nowhere Krypto attacks him.

At first everyone believes The Truth and Superman have murdered Senator Henderson, but then, he mutates.

Bendix is in control and fights Superman and Krypto in the form of a giant octopus creature that was once Henderson. Jay meanwhile uses his intangibility to sneak inside Henderson's body and locate the chip Bendix implanted.

Following what Superman did to save Shrapnel, Jay is able to deactivate it and joins Superman outside. Unfortunately for him, his chameleon mask did not phase through Henderson and The Truth is now exposed to the world as Jay Nakamura.

To Be Continued...

4Story - 4: The story is moving along and I like the team element but I really want Jon to take the lead more instead of Nightwing and Jay. I like that he has a supporting cast that is prominent but would prefer him to be the driving force.

I underestimated The Rising in previous issues and it seems to have suddenly gotten much bigger in scale and upping the stakes for Jon is a real plus point for me. He just has to step up and fight for his legacy.

As a side note I would have liked an explanation of why Krypto is back. A note or video message from Kara would have been great but it may be something we explore in the future...

4Art - 4: I'm not sure if it is the larger amount of artists and inkers this issue but it helped the story visuals a lot to have them forced to create a consistent look. Usually it creates a horrible reading experience but in this issue it seems to work. I just hope that it isn't something they continue as this might be a one off! Kudos for making it work.

4Cover Art - 4: I have mentioned before how these covers are a visually stunning series, this issue is no different. I love that Jon and Krypto are smiling, there is only so much of the glowing eyes and gritted teeth Superman readers can endure. I like that this series is focused on hope.

4Variant Cover Art - 4: Echoing what I just said, here is Jon bonding with kids and having fun, being joyful and reaching out to a generation with a personable approach. The happiness on the kids' faces says it all.

3Variant Cover Art - 3: Following the theme of happiness and optimism, here we have a relaxed Jon soaring over the skies of Metropolis. I am not a fan of the art style and excess of anatomy but it is still visually striking.

4Pride Month Variant Cover Art - 4: A fun image following the same theme as the others, but this time, fully realized as a painted visual. It is great to have a cover like this existing in representation. I'm sure it will strike terror in the hearts of some but I am hoping it moves beyond a variant to the norm in modern comics.

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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