Superwoman #7
Scheduled to arrive in stores: February 15, 2017
Cover date: April 2017
“Who Killed Superwoman?” – Conclusion: “Never Be Satisfied”
Writer: Phil Jimenez
Penciller: Phil Jimenez/Matt Santorelli/Jack Herbert
Inker: Matthew Santorelli/Jack Herbert
Cover: Andy Kubert and Hi-Fi
Reviewed by: T.A. Ewart (aka liheibao)
Superwoman and company face down Lena Luthor, and though successful, Superwoman’s final fate is still uncertain as she proceeds to mimic the same throes that befell the New 52 Superman before he finally perished.
Story – 2: This “conclusion” disguised as the penultimate chapter in the storyline, is a clutter of panels. It’s not that Jimenez’s artwork is difficult to follow, but the plotting amid the mass of characters is altogether consuming of any sequential clarity needed to enjoy the images. The aforesaid coupled with six straight issues of Superwoman failing to answer the titular question of who killed Superwoman. The book has no… it is taking a monumental amount of restraint not to savage this title from stem to stern. I went in with high expectations that were met until the last page of the first issue. I have waited patiently and professionally for some resolution and some validation of the threads lain in that same first issue. Now, it seems like the book will be cancelled outside of a year, for all the talent amassed, these issues feel as if they are marking time for something readers who have bought on, did not ask for. The ghost of Lois Lane, the brusque Lana Lane, the emasculated Steel, and the incredibly discordant Lex Luthor (whom is forced to apologize in a manner that is beneath a character if his calibre), make me shake my head wonder just what is going on.
Art – 5: Plotting issues aside, Jimenez is still a powerhouse of panelling. The care, the detail, everything works, even when botched by fill-in artists who shouldn’t be allowed to carry his water.Cover Art – 2: An ugly mess, and from Andy Kubert no less.
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Reading your reviews, it seems this book, and this arc, have been up and down (more down than up). I was planning on waiting for the trade until further notice, when it came to reviews and overall perception. Given what’s been said about this series, is the first Rebirth trade of Superwoman worth getting once its released?
If you can borrow it from the library, I would do that. I can’t honestly advocate for something I don’t believe is worth the hard-earned money. The art is quite good, but the story isn’t coalescing into anything worthwhile.
I asked that question concerning Supergirl. Just in case you haven’t seen it, I’ll ask it here: is the first Rebirth trade of Supergirl worth getting once its released?
No. It just isn’t a good story as yet. There are a lot of Rebirth stories that fall into this category, as if they are all just waiting for something so they can get started.