Superman #702

The Story                                                                                                                                                        

 Superman continues his epic walkabout, which has brought him to "somewhere in Detroit".  Along the way he encounters many normal detroiters and some not so normal ones.  All while helping out when and where opportunities present themselves. 

The Good

 Let's where should I start.... Well first in comparison to issue #701 which was really just meh... Especially in terms of laying out the story,  #702 really improves upon where #701 falters. Balancing the normal everyday folk aspect with just the precise amount of action. There also is certainly a "Silver Age" feel to this storyline really highlighting Superman's paragon of virtue nature. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing I just don't think it transitions well in a continual story basis like it once did.  But on to the writing, JMS really delivers regardless of the stories conceptual issues in my opinion. From the solid character work to the general overall flow of the story. Next as far the art goes, Barrows has really done a very competent job of making  every-town USA look appealing. The visual style also complements the story flawlessly, with it's whole positive brighter side tone. It's most resonating factor however when you read it ,is it's definitely a story about having hope regardless of uncertainty during hard times.

The Bad

 I really only had a couple problems with this issue in it's entirety. One that stood out the most in particular was regardless of how solid the character work and dialogue was, it just always just seemed so contrived and forced in certain situations. This may very well have been attributed to the Silver-Age quality of being more hopeful and less indifferent. Secondly the political allegory, all though it is a very realistic issue in our society and is used in a manor that highlights the universe. It really only serves to make Superman come off very pretentious in nature, which generally really isn't a aspect of his personality. Other then that this story delivers on excatly what you'd except.

The Verdict: 4/5

 I really think as long as the self reflective, personal tone continues throughout the rest of the story and that it gradual brings about some sort of progression that the book is really going to finally get somewhere. The last page cliff hanger really peaked my interest and I can't wait  to get the next issue, I'd definitely recommended this issue based solely on the enjoyable read factor and it totally being worth the money but it also does just fin in all the other categories too.