Mild Mannered Reviews – Superman: Man of Tomorrow #18

Superman: Man of Tomorrow #18

Scheduled to arrive in stores: October 26, 2020
Cover date: October 2020

“Solitude”

Writer: Brandon Thomas
Penciller: Cristian Duce
Inker: Cristian Duce

Reviewed by: Craig Boehmer

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Someone has entered Superman’s Fortress of Solitude and designed an elaborate trap to destroy him. Superman enters and is confronted by one of the many species he protects in the Fortress. He is blasted first by green kryptonite and than quickly by gold, depowering him. A “recorded” message from the intruder plays throughout the Fortress, taunting Superman about his failure. Superman quickly notes that the intruder is still in the Fortress, this prompts him to make his way through the Fortress to get to a reset module. After a winding trip through the Fortress, he makes it to the villain, named the Key, and defeats him.

Story – 5: What a story! This story really allowed the artist to flex creative muscle. Traveling through the Fortress really showed off the cool and quirky beings that Superman protects from other planets. Plus seeing him wield a trident, like Arthur’s, was fun too. I loved his interactions with Casey, it was just another reflection of how Superman treats everybody. Creatures that would be viewed as monsters to most people, are friends to whom he offers sanctuary. Being impervious to harm, no doubt affords him this luxury. His concern for each creature in the Fortress, and his anxiousness to get back to Lois, ring true to the characterization in these digital first issues. I just wish that these stories could start using Jon in some capacity. They have all played it fairly safe with continuity and world building. Bringing back Jon would provide an opportunity to build this world a bit more.


Art – 5: This art was dynamic and fun. The story really would not have worked if the artist had not been able to portray all the different aspects of Superman’s Fortress in such an appealing way. My only quibble would be that some of the smaller panels deserved to be blown up, just so that I could get a better look at all the cool residents of the Fortress.


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