Superman #39

The Good

Geoff Johns may be leaving the title but he's leaving his mark on Superman. We saw the birth of a new power, the Solar Flare. The problem with this huge release of energy, besides decimating everything within 100 yards, it leaves Superman powerless. Part of the result of this is with Clark revealing his identity to a certain friend, there's still the "Yeah, right" disbelief when he mentions he can't fly or anything. Seeing Clark get a paper cut is pretty great too.

Superman being powerless allows us to see what he's really made of. Superman is more than just about having superpowers. His heart and soul is what makes him stand out. You won't get a story where he goes up against a deadly powerhouse like Doomsday or Darkseid but we do get some super moments. Also, having Clark back at the Daily Planet and seeing both he and Lois run out after a story was fantastic.

John Romita Jr. continues to show he isn't just about drawing big action scenes. With the calmer nature of the story, we see more about the characters. This issue is more about the conversations going on and reactions to different situations. Romita nails those and makes the issue move at a fluid pace.

The Bad

There were some moments I struggled between thinking it was a little too tongue in cheek or just really great character building. At the end of the day, it's a great look at Superman and a fitting end for Johns' run.

The Verdict

We've seen Superman do some amazing feats but sometimes you need to step back and appreciate the little things. With Superman temporarily powerless, Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. get to remind us that Superman is more than just about a guy with amazing powers. With this slight exploration into who he is and what makes his so super, we also have some more on Superman revealing his identity plus some more Daily Planet action. After all the action and craziness in the last few issues, it's great to be able to catch our breaths and to be reminded how human this Kryptonian can be.

Haven't read it yet.

Still can't believe with his costume.

The original is better

This issue surprisingly made me like Superman even more than I already do

Is this a good jumping on point, or should I just wait til June?

Seeing this is an end to a fairly lengthy arc, I'd wait until June or go back and pick up back issues.

I like this story.

Man the writing is great but the art, man the art. Im not one to complain about art because everyone has their own style but when I look at the art in this book, I just can't.

@tristan95: Well, this new costume change may be moot with him going back to jeans and t-shirt in June.

@g_man: I think that is just moot as well. We all know he's not going to stay in t-shirt and jeans for long. Its not even a costume.

@the_stegman: you can pick this up and understand things perfectly.

This was a amazing issue. Minus the art. It's rough in some parts.

Amazing story.

But the art oh good, JRJR was at his worst in this issue. He has been doing 8 issues in the row and he just doesn't have the time to be thorough enough.

DC must give him a two month break to focus and catch his breath.

This was a really good issue, i want johns to stay longer but at the same time i'm looking forward to GLY talking over Superman.

This is a good issue, it does reference to previous one but to understand it, you don't have to read previous one.

I actually really like JRJR's art

Goddamn that Geoff Johns: his last issue was THE BEST SUPERMAN BOOK IN THE N52--counting Morrison and Pak's Action Comics runs too.

5/5...

Is that you, John Romita jr? Or are you Romita Sr? Romita is awful.

It's a good jumping on point, you don't need to read anything before it, if you know superman revealed his identity & what his new power does, then you're good to go.

Now imagine this issue....with art by Aaron kuder!

@2cool4fun: @deathfalcon182: @allstarsuperman: Cool, thanks for the info guys!

@squalleon: This is the kind of story Kuder wouldve excelled. =(

Κuder is by far the most consistent artist of new 52 Superman and has drawn my favorite new 52 cover ( AC issue 28). Although my favorite would be Rags Morales, he is too slow and he can't keep an ongoing, just look at Morrison's run.

@squalleon: Kuder is number 1, but I would be lying if I said I didnt enjoy Rocafort. Last Superman creative team had a bad writer, but good art work for me. This creative team had bad art, but good writer.

I wonder what Gene will bring. =D

I loved this issue. I don't care what people say but I think Jimmy Olsen is cool.

@superguy1591: different tastes I guess

High Five.

@squalleon: Rags was meh. Jim Lee and Tony Daniel have been the best. Rocafort, Mahnke and Kuder right behind. Not counting team books cause if so Reis and Fabok take that slot as well. But this is my opinion.

@mrtummytumms said:

Me too

@g_man: i don't like that t-shirt and jeans bro,i prefer this jrjr suit.

Just what the hell happen with dc?

This issue definitely deserves a 5/5! I loved it!

Jimmy Olsen is awesome. I have been a Jimmy Fanboys along time ago. This issue is great. Love it

Αgree to disagree. I find Lee's and Daniel's art to be just pin up art, that doesn't work. Static action scenes, with basic panelling and in the case of Daniel's incomprehensible too. I am not a fan of DC's house style.

I prefer artists like Kuder, Rags and JRJR at their best. Because their art is dynamic, their layouts great and they have an individuality imo.

@squalleon: I totally respect your opinion and honestly its cool that someone doesnt like the typical artists that most people do. I love Kuders work and when Romita is good he is good (ex: His work on Thor, Spidey, Hulk, Wolverine) but his Superman work is sub par. I normally like Rags but his work was just not up to his usual work.

You must be a huge fan of Frank Quitely, Chris Burnham, Ed McGuinness and Paul Pelletier with your tastes.

I agree. Except issue 32. I wasn't blown away by him. And agreed on Rags too. He just can't keep up with a monthly but when he is good he is great (ex. issue 1 or 8 of action).

You hit a soft spot. I haven't seen much of Pelletier except his work on Aquaman. I also like some traditional artists like Reis and Fabok. But because those are a class better than Daniels or Lee imo :P

I am actually excited for DC's new direction when it comes to art. I see a pretty diverse list of artists in June.

@squalleon: My sentiments exactly.

You should check Pelletiers Hulk work with Pak easily one of the best Writer Artist team ups after David and Keown and Mantlo/Buscema. I still love Lee. Dont forget Hitch hes fantastic as well.

My God, the issue was beautiful. Seeing Superman talk that mugger down with nothing more than the goodness in his heart made me love him even more. It just goes to show that New 52 Superman is becoming more and more like Pre-Flashpoint Superman.

And I actually like his new suit better than the old one, and I liked the old one. This comes from a guy who likes the red briefs.