Review: SUPERMAN #44
Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Penciller: John Romita, Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Colorists: Dean White & Leonardo Olea
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Publisher: DC Comics
Superman’s secret identity is known to the world. With this information being out in the public, it is open season on Clark Kent and his personal friends. A group of villains show up in Metropolis to take a crack at the under-powered Superman.
What I Liked
We get a slew of guest-appearances by villains Killer Crock, Shockwave, Atomic Skull, and the Royal Flush Gang. In fact, this may have been one of the first appearances of the Royal Flush Gang post-New 52. Even though their appearance is short, Gene Luen Yang uses them to introduce a theme that plays out through the book. That is doing whatever is necessary to protect your own. It makes sense for a group of people who grew up on the streets to adopt this mantra. But to see a beacon of hope like Superman openly admit this is what best for him shows the dire situation he’s in.
As much of a hero Superman has been to Metropolis, it is important to show not all allies are comfortable with being lied to. Perry White and a former Daily Planet employee are two examples of people who were friends of Clark Kent, but feel a certain type of way over finding out Clark Kent is Superman.
What I Didn’t Like
Superman #44 is a busy issue. Characterization is replaced with jumping from one fight to another. The Royal Flush Gang is dispatched with quickly. Then we move to Livewire, and then a group of mercenary villains. Everyone’s motive is “Hey Clark Kent is Superman….let’s go beat him up!” Which normally I wouldn’t have an issue with. But perhaps if the issue focused on just one or two villains, we could spend more time with theirs and Superman’s drama.
John Romita, Jr.’s art is rough in a lot of places. Especially during the fight scenes, I can’t tell if a headlock is taking place, or if arms and body parts are in their right positions. What really stood out was the Royal Flush Gang. One of the members included a woman, but she looks exactly the same as the men. I know siblings can look similar, but there needed to be a better differentiation between faces.
Also, there were a few lettering errors. For example, Killer Crock is called “Killer Frost” by Atomic Skull.
*EDIT* – Thanks to @PCN_DiRT from the Pop Culture Network for pointing out that Killer Frost does make an appearance. It’s so brief, that if you blink you’ll miss her. Which adds another negative point to the art and coloring in this issue. She appears in three panels, but the only word she speaks is “AARGH!” and in the third she’s a discolored mess laying on the floor.
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
