Mild Mannered Reviews – Superman #28

KindleDownload iBookBuy Now

Superman #28

Scheduled to arrive in stores: August 2, 2017

Cover date: October 2017

“Independence Day”

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Scott Godlewski
Inker: Scott Godlewski
Cover: Ryan Sook
Variant Cover: Jorge Jimenez & Alejandro Sanchez

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel

Click to enlarge

Superman #28

The Kents arrive in Washington DC and stop into the United States Capitol Building. Here Lois & Clark teach their wide-eyed son the strength in freedom of speech as they encounter a lively protest.

The next visit is the World War II Memorial where Jon’s education continues. Lois ‘introduces’ Jon and Clark to her uncle Kurt Lane and tells them about his history and continued legacy.

At the Gettysburg National Military Park Jon is drawn into the historical conflicts that took place there, but is unsure of whether he is imagining the ghosts he encounters. It is a deeply profound journey and when they happen upon the Dowd family in the park they are touched by the family’s sad story of the their lost relative who went missing on the journey home to reunite with family after serving his country.

The tragic tale touches Superman who makes it his mission to make things right.

To Be Continued…

5Story – 5: A Hallmark movie? No, but a rare Superman story.

Tomasi & Gleason have crafted a touching, emotional story that reaches into the heart of Americana and puts Jon in touch with his roots, while exploring Lois & Clark’s own roots in American history. I still enjoyed the Hamilton Fair issue over this one but this story would thaw even the coldest of hearts.

I found this a breath of fresh air and much needed break from the super-heroism, but like last issue I hope Clark gets back into action next issue.

A little easter egg is hidden in this issue, can you find it?

4Art – 4: I’m not a great fan of this style of art and having no action doesn’t really help matters in giving it the spotlight.

Godlewski does a great job but you still get the sense he is holding back as he has little to do with the visuals.

5Cover Art – 5: A cover that perfectly encapsulates the journey that The Kent go on culturally and emotionally.

Like the interior it has little action to play with, the bus scene or the dive to find the lost soldier could so easily have been the theme that Sook went for.

Instead, like the last issue variant, emotion and education are brought to the fore in a beautiful family photo style image (plus ghosts of the past watching over them).

5Variant Cover Art – 5: This variant is great, nothing to do with the interior story and an image we’ve seen countless times but taken for granted. It is one of those scenes between the action-packed ones that every iteration of the Man of Steel has enjoyed – you know that ‘is it a bird, is it a plane?’ moment?

It is a great piece that runs on the theme of this road trip and I notice a great many cameos thrown in there too.

Thematic covers, I feel, can only work for characters that have been around a long time and are recognized for their actions. The looks on the faces in the crowd speaks volumes.

Check out the Mild Mannered Reviews contents page.

7 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
manoftomorrow
manoftomorrow
August 2, 2017 5:10 pm

That scene at the end (I don’t want to spoil it) was probably one of the most touching scenes I’ve seen in a comic book. Brought a tear to me eye.

This is why Superman is the best superhero.

B M
B M
August 2, 2017 7:47 pm
Reply to  manoftomorrow

Yup, I truly believe he is the only superhero in all of comic books that that scene could’ve been done with, and it not look out of place. He just is the greatest of them all

BBally
BBally
August 3, 2017 12:09 am

I haven’t read this or last issue but I’ve read negative things about this arc and even as far as being called Grounded 2.0

Steve Eden
Steve Eden
August 4, 2017 11:27 am
Reply to  BBally

I suppose that if all you want from comics is a big (often senseless) brawl, then yes, this one is lacking. But an occasional break in the action for some character development and a reminder that family is very, very important is a welcome thing. The big difference between “Declaration” and “Grounded” is that while “Declaration” only runs for two issues, “Grounded” went on and on. Tomasi makes the most of his two in reminding us what Superman is all about, while J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Roberson stretched their story out so long that it became a tedious marathon.… Read more »

supertorresmo
supertorresmo
August 4, 2017 4:59 pm

Another Wikipedia page in place of a comic book. Big waste of my money 🙁

ZorEl
ZorEl
August 4, 2017 6:53 pm

I have read about a thousand comics in the last year and I am putting this arc at the very bottom. I see this issue as a very polarizing one. You can choose to see this through rose colored glasses as a nationalistic tribute and enjoy it very much.
For me, at best it is a somewhat dull history lesson. At worst it is a propaganda piece that gives an eerily simplified glorifying picture of war, with Superman acting the mouthpiece.
Also, in what world is it ok to leave a dead body on someone’s doorstep and split?

manofsteel
manofsteel
August 5, 2017 9:24 pm

Great story. Simple but powerful.