Superman: Son of Kal-El #9
Scheduled to arrive in stores: March 8, 2022
Cover date: May 2022
“World’s Finest Sons” – Part 2
Writer: Tom Taylor
Penciller: Bruno Redondo
Inker: Bruno Redondo & Wade Von Grawbadger
Cover: Bruno Redondo
Variant Covers: Travis Moore & Tamra Bonvillain
Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
(Part 2 of a two-part crossover with “Nightwing #89”)
Bendix and Luthor’s hero killers are forcing heroes around the globe in to a buddy system. Even Batman has to patrol with others to ensure the hit squad doesn’t come for him.
Of course Nightwing (Dick Grayson) defies the rule and is somersaulting all over the Metropolis rooftops, quickly attracting the attention of a trio of killers. However Superman (Jon Kent) reveals himself and the dynamic duo battle the leather clad foes until two escape to Lexcorp.
Jon is able to hold only one and tries to get answers but is horrified when Bendix detonates a bomb in the teen’s head. Jon is broken as the glowing ashes float away in the breeze.
Broken emotionally, Dick and Jon decide to head to the Kent home to recover. Dick offers Lois a job as the public face of “The Truth” to represent his investment and give them more credibility.
While she ponders the offer, Jon confides in Dick that Nightwing was the hero he always looked up to and that when he was trapped on the the Crime Syndicate’s Earth, it was Dick that he had hoped would rescue him, not Superman. Dick is taken aback offering to be the teen’s mentor going forward.
Jay arrives and shows them footage Bendix had secretly recorded of the earlier altercation. The grainy footage uses awkward angles to frame Jon as a murderer.
This is the catalyst for Lois to swear she’ll reveal the truth with the help of Jay, Dick and the post humans.
To Be Continued…
Story – 4: The bond between Nightwing (Dick) and Superman (Jon) continues to grow and feels more natural as the storyline progresses. I don’t feel like the retcon about Jon’s hero worship was needed as the familial relationship was already burgeoning. There is a little bit of a retread of the last chapter’s climax with Lexcorp’s basement hiding secrets, but I imagine if you were a casual reader it would need hammering home.
The new role for Lois is interesting and feels like a progression rather than forced change, though with Jon already working there it will be interesting how their dynamic might change.
Art – 5: Redondo’s presentation of acrobatics and motion is a delight to see. The joy in the art carries over to the characterizations, especially Dick Grayson. The action scenes are more dramatic because of the intricate character work. The color palette also helps to give the art some very welcome warmth.Cover Art – 4: A nice pop art and offset printing inspired cover, even petter if you couple it with the companion cover from Part One. I am not used to seeing Nightwing in daylight so it’s nice to see a Bat family member happy to somersault out of the shadows.Variant Cover Art – 4: Just as fun and positive in vibes as the whole book to be honest (barring the bomb of course). I really like the composition and though it’s not as epic as Aqualad/Superman cover, this is still a strong cover worthy of a print IMHO.
Check out the Mild Mannered Reviews contents page.
