Mild Mannered Reviews – Superman: Son of Kal-El #2

Superman: Son of Kal-El #2

Scheduled to arrive in stores: August 24, 2021

Cover date: October 2021

“The Truth” – Part 1

Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: John Timms
Cover: John Timms
Variant Cover: Inhyuk Lee

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel

Since the recommendation from Damian, Jon has been an avid viewer of the videocast “The Truth” where a masked stranger fights for truth and justice by revealing dangerous criminal activity.

But Lois is unimpressed with Jon lazing around the house instead of getting ready for his first day at college. Jon has decided that he will try out a secret identity and thus Finn Connors is born.

But it is not long before the day is disrupted by a school shooting. This act of terrorism forces Jon into action, though not before a fellow student rumbles the connection.

Later, post excitement, Jon sits on the moon’s surface joined by his father. Clark offers wisdom and support before offering his son an early birthday gift: a key to the second Fortress and a costume made for his son by Martha Kent herself. Clark is cryptic at this point, hinting that he might not be a superhero much longer.

Back at home, Jon tunes into “The Truth” and is shocked to hear of asylum seekers adrift at sea with no country willing to take them in. Jon wastes no time rescuing the boat and bringing it to Metropolis promising to watch over them as they seek refuge.

As Jon flies to a nearby building and watches the city he is stunned when “The Truth’s” host appears, he reveals himself to be Jay Nakamura, the student that was present at the shooting. Jay promises to help Jon fit in so he doesn’t have to be Superman 24 hours a day.

Elsewhere the President of Gamorra, takes the actions of Superman rescuing the asylum seekers as an act of war…

Troubles for Jon are only just beginning…

Story – 5: Very enjoyable issue. I am enjoying Jon’s exploration of life and balancing it with a career in superheroism. I hope the secret identity isn’t lost. I’m not a fan of heroes not having a private life so it will be nice to see Finn established further and his friendship with Jay. I’m still a bit frustrated that Jon hasn’t got his own superhero identity but Tom Taylor is delivering a solid and likeable take on Jon Kent. I’m glad Lois and Clark are still part of the story and I also like that Jon has a more solid foundation to work with.


Art – 5: Really like the art style, it suits the book very well. Timms expertly handles the dramatic beats against the action sequences. Gabe Eltaeb deserves a special mention as his coloring really enhances the look of the book.


Cover Art – 5: This artistic take is bold and eye catching. It conveys the burden Jon is taking on extremely well. I think it’s a very creative cover that gets you thinking about the story.


Variant Cover Art – 4: I like the sentiment, but I don’t like the execution. It’s a rare miss by Inhyuk for me and to be honest, it’s a personal issue. I really hate when Jon isn’t consistently drawn the age he is meant to be. I should find the cover heartwarming but I’m not sure why I don’t.


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