Review: Love Is In The Air In ‘Superman’ #5

Jimmy Olsen might be the greatest supporting character in all of comics. But one thing he’s not great at is love. Superman #5 sets out to change that in a very unexpected way.

Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell and Ariana Maher tell the tale of Jimmy Olsen’s greatest love, and perhaps biggest tragedy.

Silver Banshee has returned to Metropolis, but the former villain is claiming to be reformed and someone else’s puppet. Her story is backed up when none other than Jimmy Olsen appears to defend his girlfriend! (And to say ‘I love you’ for the first time!) Now Superman needs to try to save the life of one of his most dangerous villains, while navigating her new and incredibly potent powers!

I really thought the first arc of this series dropped off quickly (though that may be that there’s no way writers conclude Parasite stories besides a drain or an overload). However, this issue is so full of charm. It has some clever use of Superman and Jimmy, and a frightening as hell twist to the end. It’s easily the best issue of the series to date, particularly because it roots every bit of the story in the characters in it. There’s fun superhero sci-fi, and some great action but without the emotional core Williamson establishes, it would have fallen flat.

Campbell’s art continues to be a knockout. I’m dreading the moment that he needs to take a break. This volume of Superman will be known for Campbell’s art above all else, and he mixes dynamic action with the character beats that Williamson writes. The closing sequence- in which Clark just enjoys himself while something horrific is happening to another character- is just a masterclass in sequential storytelling. His colors make Metropolis come to life, both as a physical setting and as the science fiction world that Superman resides in.

Maher continues to do some great work too. She plays with Banshee’s screams as assorted sound effects. She makes the dialogue feel varied in pitch, tone, even adding music. She shows how much a good letterer can add to a story.

Superman #5 is available now from DC Comics.