Review: Superman #19 Explores The Consequences Of The Truth
by Tony Thornley
One of the greatest secrets in comics lore is that Superman and Clark Kent are one and the same. When that secret is exposed at last, what consequences will it have for the DC Universe?
Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Danny Miki, Julio Ferreira, Oclair Albert, Alex Sinclair and Andworld Design dive deep into the days after the greatest reveal in comics history.
Clark Kent is living openly as Superman for the first time in his life. The truth has changed his work life – getting him both fired and rehired almost immediately – and his heroic life, even extending to his duties to the United Planets. However, not everyone is happy about the changes. Top of that list is a foe of the newborn United Planets and one of Superman’s greatest enemies- MONGUL!
Like last issue is a mixed bag, leaning more towards the positive. Bendis’s strength has long been in interpersonal interactions and the opening scene between Clark, Lois and Perry White highlights that. The trio feel genuinely with a real connection between them. These aren’t characters just talking at each other, they’re a group that have known each other for years and have the connection to go with it.
The shift to the science fiction story in the back half of the issue is jarring, but it’s an exciting shift in the storyline. Bendis makes Mongul threatening, and it’s a natural evolution for the story of the United Planets. However, it also seems to come too soon, as it leaves the exploration of the truth storyline unresolved. If it had been split into two separate issues, allowing each plot room to breathe, it probably would have worked better.
Reis’s excellent line work continues. He’s able to convey a lot of what’s going through Clark’s head in his body language and facial expressions. It’s a roller coaster that he’s going through, and that comes through in the art. One downside comes with the variety of inkers.
While most of them mesh easily so it’s difficult to even tell where one’s work begins and another’s ends, one of the inker’s style stands out, adding an angular line to Reis’s smooth work. It stands out, and not in the best way. It would have been fine for an entire issue, but for a page or two here it’s jarring.
The United Planets might be over before it begins, and I’m excited to see where this goes next. Hopefully, we also get the same sort of resolution with the unmasking storyline as well.
Superman #19 is available now from DC Comics.
