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Superman: Son of Kal-El #13

Scheduled to arrive in stores: July 12, 2022
Cover date: September 2022

"Dreams and Nightmares"

Writers: Nicole Maines and Tom Taylor
Artist: Clayton Henry
Cover: Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain
Variant Covers: A.I. Kaplan/Clayton Henry and Marcelo Maiolo

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
Click to enlarge


To escape the revelation that the head of The Truth, that was attacking the President of Gamorra through pirate transmissions was actually Jay Nakamura, the previous ruler's son, Superman decides they should hide out in the arctic Fortress.

When they arrive they are shocked to discover Dreamer inside, but not Jon's friend Nura, from the future, but the original, Nia Nal.

She reveals that her newly emerged powers have revealed a vision of the future that sees the deaths of several Justice Leaguers. Jon thanks her for stepping up despite her unease with her new powers. He assures her that just by sharing the dream, she has changed the future and gives her a gift from Nura in return.

Nia is astounded to find the encounter has given her full control of her abilities and she quietly tells Jon that his father will definitely return to Earth, sooner than he thinks.

Elsewhere, the reveal of Jay's identity leads Bendix to exact a terrible revenge.

To Be Continued...

5Story - 5: A well deserved top mark for Nicole Maines and Tom Taylor who share a writing credit this issue. Nicole provides a great, unique insight to Nia having played the character in the "Supergirl" TV series for a few years.

The introduction is more than a publicity stunt as is integral to the story and serves as a way to link Jon's Legion days back to the present. The vision was full of shocks and did a lot of 'world building' in relation to 'The Rising' and I won't spoil it here.

The moment revolving around Clark was touching and the bickering between Jay and Nia did give rise to a few chuckles.

I hope Dreamer stays around, she's a really fun character.

4Art - 4: The airbrushing technique to color is a little difficult to embrace but for me this issue excelled with Nia's dream. Just brilliant, but I only wish it lasted longer! (But not come to pass!)

4Cover Art - 4: Nia Nal is here and what a cover for a debut! I think this is a really evocative cover that has that 'special event' feel. I feel it could only have been improved if Dreamer shared the spotlight with Superman - it is his book after all!

3Variant Cover Art - 3: Dreamer looks fantastic here but I'm not a great fan of Jon's depiction here, he looks almost caricaturist in nature. I feel that it really detracts from how beautiful the image is.

3Variant Cover Art - 3: The weakest of the three covers, for me it just does not have the epic feel of the others. I'm not sure if it is the pastel palette or the tame visions chosen compared to the screaming victims on the main cover.

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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