Superman #29 Review

Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Ed Benes
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 26, 2014

I See London, I See France

Scott Lobdell gets a bum rap.  Has his New 52 Superman been great?  Nope, but when it was announced Geoff Johns was taking over, there was dancing in the streets, sailors kissing women...  Seriously, the book wasn't that bad.  I've said it in many of my Superman reviews, Lobdell is more of an idea man than a writer. H'el on Earth and Krypton Returns are really good on paper, just not the paper of the actual comics.  Before leaving the book he is giving us one last big event, Doomed.  This issue is a prelude to next months prelude. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I actually liked it for what it's worth.



Lobdell gets everyone up to speed right away.  Superman needs no introduction, so he gives us one anyway. We also get an introduction and brief history of Starfire.  I understand this a little more.  Not everyone knows her and to just drop her into the book could confuse readers.  However, I really don't like the way Lobdell writes her.  She comes off as a heartless jerk who uses her powers to show how superior she is.  He turns a really interesting character into two dimensional eye candy.  Boo to you, sir.

As for the actual story, it is a setup to the upcoming event.  The gang member Superman saved at the end of last issue didn't want to be saved.  In fact, we learn that humans have been giving themselves up to be vessels for demonites.  It may be an invasion, it may be a wake up call.  Superman and Starfire can't seem to agree on that.

They also can't agree on what to do.  Starfire wants to kill everyone (Boo) while Superman wants to save everyone (surprise).  Then Lobdell reveals who is behind the demonites and that's where it got good.  The Starfire history at the beginning set it up so nicely and I cant wait to see how it turns out.

I am a bit torn with Ed Benes' art.  On one hand I like the actual drawing.  I know some people don't like his style, but I always have.  The last page of the book was the highlight.  On the other hand, I know Starfire is supposed to be over-the-top sexy, but come on.  One of the pages is 90% boobs.  I'm sure someone will tell me that's how she is supposed to look, but someone has to make a stand and tone it down just a bit.

Bits and Pieces:

Superman #29 ties up some loose ends in preparation to Scott Lobdell's final Superman event and I liked it and hated it all at the same time.  I liked the story, but hated the characterizations. I liked Ed Benes' art style, even if some pages were embarrassing.  I am looking forward to "Doomed" and hope that Lobdell can go out on a high note.

7.0/10