Superman #21
Scheduled to arrive in stores: November 27, 2024
Cover date: February 2025
“Super Date Night”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Dan Mora
Cover: Dan Mora
Variant Covers: DJessica Fong, Dave Johnson, Chris Samnee & Mike Spicer, Davi Lapham & Lee Loughridge
Winter Wonderland Variant: Chrissie Zullo-Uminga
Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
Superman has a secret mission for Superwoman… in space!
When Lois arrives she finds Clark has carved a giant dartboard into the moon’s surface. Now that Lois has superpowers, Clark had decided to put a spin on a conventional date, after remembering a story Lois had once told him.
Onto part two of their date and a picnic on Gemworld is in order. Lois explain her recent struggles with writing (Superwoman Special #1) while Clark shares his recent dilemma with Time Trapper Doomsday.
He also reveals that the red kryptonite that Pharm and Graft had infected him with has manifested in him supercharging and losing control of his powers in times of stress. Lois is taken aback when Clark reveals the plan Time Trapper has to become a god and the threat made if he doesn’t comply.
As they digest each other’s issues Amethyst interrupts asking for their help with a war on Gemworld with the warrior, Onyx. The super couple agree but both have different tactics. Superman dives into the battle and tries reasoning with both sides while Lois approaches the two women and talks to them, to discover the root of their problem, ultimately diffusing it.
Superman apologises for their date night being interrupted and has an epiphany. They don’t need superheroics, they don’t need to be working on a story, sometimes, they just have to be Lois and Clark, the city girl and the small-town boy.
Of course a moment’s peace is fleeting and a call from Supergirl leads them to Metropolis. An alien armada, The Aftermath, demands that Doomsday’s body be turned over to them or Earth will face dire consequences.
The Be Continued…
Story – 5: After the misfire that was the Superwoman Special, it was nice to see Lois and Clark explore their status quo. It was a far more natural interaction and dealt with their issues in a more balanced way.
I also enjoyed the glimpses into the love lives of Siobhan, Jimmy, Mercy and Lex. Not only did they add to the main plot but it provided some much needed fleshing out of their characters, even more impressive is that these scenes happened on single pages!
The story fell on the interruption trope three times this issue, but overall the pacing and story was a nice break from the main plot and there was enough drama with the arrival of The Aftermath that promises something big!Art – 5: The art is consistently strong this issue and while embracing some of the sillier moments, like space darts, it doesn’t feel out of place when pacing shifts to a blood shedding war or the arrival of ominous aliens.Cover Art – 5: Another variation of a recent cover with Doomsday’s hand rising from the earth. This cover has a fifty/fifty split with Lois and Clark enjoying life and the threat of Doomsday promising to spoil it all. It’s a great narrative, my only critique is there is less attention to detail on the super couple than the threat of Doomsday.
Variant Cover (Jessica Fong) – 4: Nice line work and gives the impression we the reader are interrupting a private conversation. The watercolor style for me feels like it’s dulled the impact and left the scene looking a little washed out.Variant Cover (Dave Johnson) – 5: I love these throwback covers, there is something so wholesome, fun and nostalgic about the series. It definitely transports me back in time and not just in theme. The coloring techniques and even that coffee ring add those special attention to detail touches. I have the Superman Converse shoes, but where can I get some Super Shoes?!Variant Cover (Chris Samnee & Mike Spicer) – 5: Superman doesn’t spend nearly enough time utilising his sunstones. This cover embraces the encyclopedic knowledge the Fortress holds and the glimpses of Superman’s history. I love that there isn’t a huge reliance of computer editing or coloring to bring the image to life – the artwork clearly doesn’t need it.Variant Cover (Davi Lapham & Lee Loughridge) – 4: Fun cover that I almost wish was given lenticular motion treatment. It feels like a comic panel and despite my dislike of the color palette I feel like it showcases the fun of the character and his partnership with Lois Lane.Variant Cover (Chrissie Zullo-Uminga) – 5: A Hallmark Itty Bitty’s themed festive cover wasn’t on my 2024 bingo card but here we are! If you wanted a cuteness overload, this is the cover for you! It’s so unabashedly fun and colorful. Given the festive season, I think this is my favorite cover this month!
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