Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Throwback Review: Convergence: Superman #1 (2015) Review

This Looks Like a Job For...



Written by: Dan Jurgens
Art by: Lee Weeks
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 8, 2015

I am still getting a grip on this whole Convergence thing.  I've come to the conclusion that like all the Events before it, I will just judge each issue on its own merits and not get caught up in what makes sense with the where, what, when and how.  I don't know if it's that approach that helped or the fact that I'm a huge Superman and Lois Lane fan, but I really enjoyed this issue.  It also helped that of the Convergence books I've read so far, this one makes the most sense with the where, the what, the when and the how.  Come with me on a journey to Gotham City where a wannabe Batman is making his rounds...

Pre-Flashpoint Gotham seems to have everything, except enough Batmen (Batmans?), until now. The issue opens with a costumed vigilante breaking up a drug deal and while it's pretty obvious it's a non-powered Superman, it is still awesome.  Actually, it's even more so and having Lois Lane as his own private Oracle is just icing on the cake.  Mix in a roving camera-toting Jimmy Olsen and we have a near-flawless beginning to a Convergence issue.

Dan Jurgens did a great job of starting this issue by getting the reader up to speed instantly. He seamlessly shows the great relationship between Lois and Clark and while I love Wonder Woman as Superman's girlfriend, she can't hold a candle to Lois. When Clark gets in over his head right as Telos began his speech, I was hoping for the best and I got it. Dome down equals Superman is back.  It saved him from burning to death and then Jimmy from being plain dead.

After Jimmy over explains why the trio is in Gotham, Superman flies back to Lois and we see the worst kept secret of this whole Event...Lois is pregnant.  I really wish this was the good old days where stuff isn't spoiled ahead of time because the reveal would have blown minds.  After a little Gotham bashing and Lois not wanting Superman to irradiate their unborn child, Supes and Lois do a little investigating.  They study Telos' message. but better yet, Flashpoint Gotham.

Again, Dan Jurgens does a great job here by showing Flashpoint Gotham and it's most heroic citizens.  We get to see both sides and for once the bad guys aren't so bad.  Sure, they aren't on par with Superman and Lois, but when it comes down to it, they all just want their families back.

Superman goes out to meet the other heroes and it actually looks like all the ordered fighting may be averted until Jimmy shows up.  Oh, Jimmy Olsen, you ginger idiot.  The issue ends with El going to get Lois while Superman is involved in a super three-on-one.  I thought that Lois may find herself in trouble, but I never guessed from who.  Awesome!

I can't stress how much I loved this issue.  Dan Jurgens did a great job setting up the story, but also the two Gothams.  I loved the little touches...the mention of the casinos, Project Superman, Thomas Wayne wondering about Barry Allen and his own son. However, it's Lois and Superman's relationship that holds it all together.  This issue felt so complete and was just great.

I really enjoyed Lee Week's art.  Everyone and everything looked great.  From the dark and moody beginning to Superman regaining his powers to the awesome Flashpoint characters, this is the best looking Convergence title so far.

Bits and Pieces:

I loved this issue.  The big pull was supposed to be Lois and Clark together again and while it's great to see that, actually seeing Flashpoint Gotham was my favorite part.  Supes, Lois, and Jimmy have their hands full and I can't wait to see how it ends next month.  Lee Weeks' art was great and he and Dan Jurgens have my early pick for the best issue of the Event.


9.8/10

3 comments:

  1. i hate to be THAT guy...but shouldn't abin sur be a white lantern like at the end of his flashpoint comic

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    1. you are now officially "That Guy", Jody! I have let some stuff pass because I'm dumb, but also chalk it up to a year under the dome effecting things.

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  2. This was my favorite of all the CONVERGENCE tie-ins (and, coincidentally, the one I most looked forward to...which, usually leads to disappointment).

    All around great but, Lee Weeks is the real star here...he draws the hell out of Superman. I've enjoyed the New 52, for the most part, but I haven't seen Superman look this good in years.

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