Review: ‘Adventures Of Superman- Jon Kent’ #2 Squanders Its Potential

The future of Jon Kent seemed to be bright, even with some bumps along the path of his relaunched opening issue. But Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 sees bumps turn fully into potholes.

Tom Taylor, Clayton Henry, Jordie Bellaire, and Wes Abbott thrusts Jon into a familiar world.

Jon has teamed with Val-Zod to find Ultraman, the killer that has been targeting alternate versions of Kal-El. Their journey brings them face to face with their target. Unfortunately, he may not be the most dangerous superhuman they find.

MILD SPOILER WARNING AHEAD

This issue was an interesting one. The opening was great. The character moments were interspersed perfectly with the technobabble. Jay is becoming more and more of a fully formed character, so his fears have depth to them. It’s a great opening sequence.

But then the issue shifts as soon as Ultraman enters the picture. The story quickly escalates, and suddenly, the supporting cast is removed from the picture and the antagonist is taken out. A set-up that’s been built for an issue and a half is just discarded with no foreshadowing and it ultimately makes the issue incredibly unsatisfying. Naturally, it’s possible not everything is as it seems or there’s more to the story, but feels here like a shocker for shock’s sake, and not a progression of the plot. We’ll see though.

I did really enjoy the art. Henry did some fantastic work with the characters. Jay and Lois’s anxiety about Jon’s mission was realistic- you could see it in their body language and facial expressions. Even the last page, even though I’d felt the issue jumped the shark a bit by then, has an emotional gut punch. The action is great too, with Jon’s new powers coming to life. Bellaire’s colors enhance the story, setting mood and emphasizing what’s in the line art. Visually, it’s all fantastic.

Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 is available now from DC Comics.