DC Future State: Superman – Worlds of War #1 [of 2]
Scheduled to arrive in stores: January 19, 2021
Cover date: March 2021
“The Many Lives of Clark Kent”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Penciller: Mikel Janin
Inker: Mikel Janin
Cover: Mikel Janin
Variant Cover: Riccardo Federici
Reviewed by: James Lantz
Smallville, Kansas has become a tourist trap and mecca for Superman worshipers. Nobody knows where Clark Kent is, and he’s thought to be dead. Yet, one new arrival believes otherwise. In her heart she knows he will return. She even asks those who recount their tales of Superman rescuing them one question. Where is your hope? Their general response is another inquiry. Where is Superman? There are various theories, but the true answer is Warworld. The Man of Steel is battling Mongul’s alien gladiators. Will he be victorious? Will he return to Earth, or remain on Warworld?
Midnighter, Black Racer and Mister Miracle also appear in back-up features in this issue.
Story – 5: Someone blended Exile and Legends of a Dead Earth for this one. While many plot elements have been done before, they are done equally as well in this issue as they were in their predecessors. The back-up features in this and “Future State: Justice League” really should be in their own books. In spite of all that, this book is one of the best in this particular event.Art – 5: The art doesn’t look like it could fit into a regular Superman book. Yet, it is perfect for this one. Janin made his style suit this like he’s done with no other book in his career.Cover Art – 5: I’m reminded of the “Exile” story arc after Byrne left Superman when I see this one. Whether that was Janin’s intention or not, I’m not sure. I am sure that he drew a great cover though.Variant Cover Art – 5: I don’t recall seeing Riccardo Federici’s art before, but if this cover is any indication of it, I want to see more of it.
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Unfortunately (and this fellow Superman and Superman Family fan hates to say this come a second Future State Super title here), like “Future State: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman” #1 before it, “Superman: Worlds of War” #1 just felt overall… well, flat (especially when compared to say “Future State: Superman of Metropolis” #1). I couldn’t get into the stories (for example, the first one just felt *too* drawn out in its first half while only getting good towards its later part), and the only thing I loved was the multitalented artists art (e.g, like Mikel Janín’s hella dope af art for the… Read more »
I really liked this issue. I’m hopeful that Clark’s gonna get outta that battle a winner.