Just Stopping By To Say H'el-o
It's always weird when an issue is supposed to take place AFTER an issue that isn't out yet, much less two. This issue of Superboy apparently begins after the next two issues of Legion Lost AFTER this month's LL. I'm REALLY glad they managed to skate around any of the major bits of resolution there since Legion Lost ends with that issue, instead only getting to one pretty predictable revelation about Superboy himself.
Since it's Scott Lobdell and Kenneth Rocafort spearheading this crossover in Superman, I feel like R.B. Silva is trying to emulate Rocafort's panel style, to a less effective result. There's a lot of wild panels that leave the gutters very exposed, and it creates an odd kind of detached feel. It frequently feels like the characters are fighting in an empty space with no background.
As I said about Ravagers this week, DC seems to be stretching Superboy thin, not sure what to do with him. I was hoping this crossover would let his solo series branch away from Teen Titans, but it brings it right back. And touching upon Jocelyn Lure AND Dallas Sorentino. While of course using H'el to bring Superboy closer to the rest of the Superman family. I do actually really like the dialogue when the rest of the Titans are discussing their feelings regarding Superboy, but I'm kind of sick of seeing them in this series.
H'el is really doing a great job at tying the Superman family together. He makes references to the events of Superboy #0 and displays similar telekinetic abilities, albeit on a whole other level. He has an awesome design, and he's set up to be a damn impressive foe for Superman. It's interesting how Superman #13 was essentially a tease for this event, and this issue is almost a prelude. H'el is still a very mysterious figure, hasn't shown himself to the other two Supers, and has taken Superboy. He's building his plan for this big story.
In Conclusion: 4/5
This is one of the best issues of Superboy yet, this series had a rocky so-so start, and since The Culling has been in a painful rut; but despite some confusion, abundance of subplots, and awkward art; this issue has the potential to finally ignite this series on the right track. It's certainly gotten me more pumped for H'el on Earth.