With the release of DC’s Superman Special #1, it’s time to set the stage for upcoming summer comics.
Unfortunately, this comic, which features Superman in “Escape From Dinosaur Island!” does not pick up a reader’s pulse.
The issue, with more pages than usual, provides three stories;
The first is the aforementioned Dinosaur tale. In it, Superman and his son travel to the land of dinosaurs, where Captain Storm, a DC War character from wayyyy back in the 1960’s has been waging a battle for survival. It’s unfinished business for Superman, who Storm had convinced to leave him there, but unfortunately, the story plays out by the book. And not an exciting book, more like Jurassic Park Relaxed.
Writers Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason team up with artist Scott Godlewski and colorist Gabe Eltaeb.
It’s a mild story, with some action, interesting situations but predictable dialogue, presented with a matter-of-fact delivery. And it’s 28 pages.
The second story in the book, Strays and Strangers is written by Mark Russell and Bryan Hitch. Alex Sinclair is on colors. This ten pager is more of the same; Supes interacts with the people of Metropolis, helping mankind in a thoughtful and sensitive way. There’s not a lot in the way of dramatic twists here. It’s a visual demonstration of the capability of Superman to care for humans in need.
The third story is a tad weirder. A character named Atomic Skull is in a quandary. Should he help Superman, and save Supie’s life, or just be an angry Atomic Skull? The weirdness works for the story or at least injects some mystery and drama. Ian Flynn writes, and Kaare Andrews draws and colors this one, in a cartoony indie style.
There you have it; an issue with perhaps no special plan, and unfortunately not quite as Special as I had hoped.
DC Comics, Superman Special #1, 47 pages of content for $4.99. Rated Teen
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