Mild Mannered Reviews – Superman: Red & Blue #5

Superman: Red & Blue #5

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Superman: Red & Blue #5 [of 6]

Scheduled to arrive in stores: July 20, 2021
Cover date: September 2021

Cover: Amanda Conner
Variant Covers: Art Adams and Miguel Mercado

Reviewed by: James Lantz


“Fetch”

Writer: Judd Winick
Penciller: Ibrahim Moustafa
Inker: Ibrahim Moustafa

A lonely young Clark Kent gets a surprise when a new visitor comes into his life. A dog with powers like those Clark has helped ease the boy’s solitude. We learn Jor-El had used him to test space flights, and baby Kal-El named him Krypto.

5Story – 5: This heart warming blast from the past puts a new spin on Krypto’s first appearance that could fit into “Superman For All Seasons”. I absolutely loved this story. It’s my all-time favorite in this series.

5Art – 5: Ibrahim Moustafa is a highly skilled and underrated artist. His depictions of this era in Superman’s life are spot on perfect.

“De-Escalation”

Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Penciller: Valentine De Ladro
Inker: Valentine De Ladro

Clark Kent helps college student Lisa Tran that’s okay to ask for help with studying and life when he helps a first-time thief see that robbing a convenience store is not the answer to his troubles.

5Story – 5: This would work perfectly as an opening scene in “Superman II”. Perhaps that was the intention. Whether it was or not, this story is incredible I want this team on a monthly comic.

5Art – 5: Clearly inspired by the Christopher Reeve films Valentine De Ladro has drawn this story perfectly.

“Your Favorite”

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Penciller: Chris Sprouse
Inker: Karl Story

During an interview, photojournalist Jimmy Olsen is asked about what his favorite shot of Superman might be. He’s hard pressed to pick one when readers get a look at a picture of Jimmy and Supes accidentally taken when Jimmy removed the lens cap.

5Story – 5: A short and fun story is what we need right now, and this is it, folks. It’s filled with iconic moments from Jimmy’s point of view, making it so entertaining.

5Art – 5: While the art doesn’t have the impact of what’s on previous pages in this issue, it’s still perfect for its purposes.

“Red Sun… Blue Dot”

Writer: Mark Buckingham
Penciller: Mark Buckingham
Inker: Mark Buckingham

Though he laments his people’s political hubris, Jor-El sums up what his son’s life will be like on Earth. This gives him hope for Krypton’s future in spite of the planet’s destruction.

5Story – 5: We shift gears hear as this story mirrors what many writers of comics and prose have discussed about humanity’s flaws for centuries, showing how, in general all beings are at their core while showing there is room for change for the better. It entertains while giving the reader food for thought.

5Art – 5: The art seems to pay tribute to the artists who came before Buckingham while adding his own style to the story perfectly.

“Generations”

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
Penciller: Daniel Warren Johnson
Inker: Daniel Warren Johnson

Jonathan Kent goes to Smallville’s local pastor for advice. He feels he may not be the best father for his newly adopted son. Yet, the story of God telling the world he is proud of Jesus during his baptism gives him hope, for everyday Jonathan tells Clark he loves him, he’s special and he’s proud of him. Clark does the same thing with the people of Earth.

5Story – 5: This is a social commentary on social media, and it’s a well done one at that. It wasn’t what I expected, but I liked it.

5Art – 5: The art is a bit rougher than the rest of the book. However, it works for this series’ concept.

5Cover Art – 5: Amanda Conner has proven why we need more Krypto in this fun cover.

5Art Adams Variant Cover Art – 5: We need more Art Adams art as well as more Krypto. Perhaps an Art Adams Krypto series is in order.

5Miguel Mercado Variant Cover Art – 5: This image is one that is iconic and the best description of the series’ concept. I don’t recall seeing Miguel Mercado’s art before, but I could be wrong. He’s an amazing Superman artist.

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BBally
BBally
July 22, 2021 12:44 pm

Best issue of the series so far.