SUPERMAN #31 - Review

• Written by: Joshua Williamson

• Art by: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira

• Colors by: Alejandro Sanchez

• Letters by: Ariana Maher

• Cover art by: Dan Mora (cover A)

• Cover price: $4.99

• Release date: October 22, 2025

Superman #31, by DC Comics on 10/22/25, finds the Man of Steel preparing his loved ones and the world for evacuation on the eve of the K.O. Tournament, but Lois perceives a useful secret is hiding in the Fortress of Solitude.

First Impressions

This issue looks phenomenal but runs light on momentum. The writing lingers on emotion and setup rather than action, which slows the pace to a crawl. It’s moving in parts, but readers may wish it packed more punch.

Recap

Previously, Superman narrowly escaped the Legion of Darkseid’s grasp after Superboy-Prime’s last-minute betrayal turned the tide. Imra, corrupted by Darkseid’s influence, sought to resurrect the tyrant using Booster Gold’s chronal blood. With the multiverse at risk, Superman fought desperately to free Booster and survive the Legion’s onslaught. In the end, Prime’s mocking defiance allowed Superman to regroup, even as the shadow of Darkseid’s return loomed.

Plot Analysis

The story opens with Superman confronting the mysterious Time Trapper aboard the Justice League Watchtower. The Trapper warns that Darkseid’s victory is inevitable unless Superman journeys to the “Heart of Apokolips” and crowns a “King Omega.” Skeptical but shaken, Superman begins preparing for the unthinkable: a battle to decide existence itself.

At the Fortress of Solitude, Clark activates a simulation of his father, Jor-El, seeking long-buried Kryptonian knowledge. Their conversation turns heartfelt as Clark questions why he alone was saved, learning that travel beyond Krypton was outlawed generations ago. When he asks about Darkseid or King Omega, the program reports nothing but hints that lost ancestral memories might hold truths erased from official history. This renewed mystery fuels Superman’s resolve.

Meanwhile, at LexCorp (formerly Supercorp), Lex Luthor’s assistant Mercy Graves briefs Superman on planetary crises: flaring Apokoliptian fire pits and seismic disturbances at Earth’s core. Lex’s team has built “Superships,” massive vessels capable of carrying entire cities using adapted Brainiac tech. Superman recruits them for a global evacuation, pulling in allies like Steelworks and the Titans to aid the exodus.

The issue closes with two parallel threads: Superman spending one last evening with his family before departing and Lois following her reporter’s instinct straight into danger. Her questioning of a Jor-El simulation unlocks hidden memories of Krypton’s ancient “Destroyer” legend - a Dark Omega opposed only by an “Alpha.” In a chilling final twist, Lara’s echo declares, “Doomsday is the Alpha,” setting the stage for their monstrous reunion and the next chapter’s chaos.

Writing

Joshua Williamson balances high-concept myth with family intimacy, but this issue leans too heavily on dialogue and exposition. The emotional beats land, yet the pacing drags, making it feel like a prelude stretched thin. The cliffhanger lands effectively, though much of the middle feels like table-setting disguised as revelation.

Art

Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira deliver stellar visuals that more than justify this issue’s existence. The deep shadows, emotive faces, and dynamic paneling give life to conversations that might otherwise stagnate. Alejandro Sánchez’s colors bathe the story in apocalyptic reds and icy blues, perfectly matching the tension between hope and despair.

Characters

Clark’s vulnerability, especially in his exchange with Jor-El, gives this issue its emotional weight. Lois’s fiery determination feels authentic and gives her purpose beyond sidekick exposition. Lex and Mercy provide solid contrast (corporate pragmatism against Superman’s idealism) but their subplot feels paused mid-stride, not fully developed yet.

Positives

The artwork carries serious heft, elevating even quiet scenes into visual epics. The father-son dialogue deepens Clark’s humanity, grounding the cosmic scope in genuine emotion. Lois’s investigative subplot also gives a fresh angle, hinting at a mystery bigger than any one hero.

Negatives

There’s little real action and almost no forward motion until the final pages. The Time Trapper’s warning repeats earlier beats from previous, interconnected issues, making this feel like a narrative stall instead of a new arc’s propulsion. For a comic with “Apokolips” in its title, the tension never quite ignites.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Final Thoughts

Superman #31 is beautifully drawn and deeply felt but dangerously slow. The art dazzles, the character exchanges sing, and the ending promises fireworks—but as a standalone read, it’s more dream sequence than knockout punch. The setup is strong; here’s hoping part two actually throws the first punch.

8.5/10

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