SUPERMAN: REBIRTH #1 Review

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*WARNING — SPOILERS FOR “THE FINAL DAYS OF SUPERMAN” STORY ARC AND DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1*

Storytellers:  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Penciller:  Doug Mahnke
Inker:  Jaime Mendoza
Colorist:  Wil Quintana
Letterer:  Rob Leigh
Publisher:  DC Comics

Superman is in an interesting place going into Rebirth.  Peter J. Tomasi guided the New 52 Superman through “The Final Days of Superman” which concluded with his death.  But never fear!  There so happens to be another Man of Steel from a long-lost universe who’s been hiding in the shadows.  But is he ready to step into the limelight and put his family in harm’s way?

As I’ve been reading more and more Superman books over the last year, the more I’m intrigued by this new status quo.  Tomasi and Patrick Gleason spend Superman: Rebirth #1 introducing the original Superman to the New 52 Lana Lang.  It may seem demented, but I can’t help wondering does the pre-New 52 Superman (O.G. Superman) look at the New 52 Superman as a failure?  I mean he’s older, wiser, died, and came back to life.  New 52 Superman got turned into dust and that’s it?  Granted O.G. Superman and Lana try to revive New 52 Superman unsuccessfully.  O.G. Superman – 1.  New 52 Superman – 0.

Speaking of dying, O.G. Superman tells Lana how he battled Doomsday, died, and was brought back to life.  This is where Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, Wil Quintana flex their artistic chops.  There is some detailed work shown in Superman and Doomsday’s battle.  Muscles and veins bulging.  A battered and bloody Superman.  The narration from Tomasi and Gleason and Mahnke’s visuals teleport the reader back in time to this pivotal moment in O.G. Superman’s history.

Even though O.G. Superman and Lana are meeting for the first time, you can still see how they easily get along with one another.  That friendship is still there, no matter the universe they both come from.

At the Fortress of Solitude, we get foreshadowing to another member of the Superman family of titles.  Someone that can carry on the legacy of Superman in the wake of his death.

*CLICK TO ENLARGE*

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE