Review: Superman Son of Kal-El #5

Story Thus far:

In the previous issue of Superman Son of Kal-El, Kal-El has left planet Earth to help other beings that need his help. Kal-el, in his stead he has left Jon Kent to fill in. Meanwhile Jon has incurred the wrath of the government of Gamorra, for raising awareness of the plight of Gamorran refugees.

President Bendix pf Gamorra, to realiate has opened a campaign of non-attributable terrorist attacks using unwitting post-humans. In one case it was a trap so that he would be targeted by a solar flare that deteriorate Jon’s Powers and his ability to control them. In the current issue Jon is still dealing with the aftereffects while trying to save the world. Also, Jon’s relationship with Jay takes a turn.

Script:

The Superman Son of Kal-el series has been amazing. It has been pitting a young idealistic Jon Kent against the reality of the accomplishments of his father. For anyone who has been questioning why Superman doesn’t do more, the reader gets to look over the shoulder of Jon Kent as he acquires a more mature view of how the worlds works.

Up to this point the dialogue for the series has been on point, though in this issue it was a little bit more straight forward and no fluff. Tom Taylor has added some romance to Jon Kent’s life, but it feels clunky and shoe-horned in. Though Jay’s(the romantic interest) character design is reminiscent of slice of life manga, Super-man Son of Kal-el feels dishonest in its portrayal of a romance and relationships between two teens. This is a good example for anybody who appreciates the more subtle parts of building a relationship. Those who were hoping to get a glimpse of where the relationship could be disappointed.

Art:

Kudos goes to the creative art team. The art by John Timm, and colors by HI-FI. We all know how powerful Jon Kent is, but the team took the time to demonstrate with breath taking landscapes to show the scale.

Covers:

SUPERMAN SON OF KAL-EL #5 has 3 different covers: CVR A by John Timms; CVR B by Inhyuk Lee; and Cover C Travis Moore. Be advised that there is already a second print of the Travis Moore cover planned to be in store in December.

2.5 out 5 stars. Basically the marketing hype hurt this book more than anything.

Author: Tom Taylor

Artist(s): John Timms

Colorist(s): H-Fi

Letterer: David Sharpe

GENRE: Action, Superhero, Teen, LGBTQ, Slice of Life

Publisher: DC Comics