Review: Man of Steel # 5

Synopsis:

This issue opens with our hero trying to rid the earth of the monster that destroyed the bottle city of Kandor. A creature named Rogol Zaar. This creature is responsible for the destruction of Krypton, yet the Man of Steel has never heard of it before. How did this abomination escape undetected? Our hero realizes that all his might isn’t going to help this situation. He is helpless before this creature and he has to find a way to protect earth, something he couldn’t do for Kandor.

The Creative Team:

After his time at Marvel halted to a creative standstill, Brian Michael Bendis seems to feel the creative juices flowing again. He had a good run at Marvel, but he couldn’t seem to keep the creativity strong by the end of his time there. The switch to DC seems to have done him some good. Here he keeps the reader guessing as to what has gone on and what is coming up. Here he is at his strongest in a long time. Not only does Kal-El have to face the creature responsible for the destruction of Krypton, but now his son wants to fly off with the spirit of his grandfather on some crazy mission to discover his roots. Will Jon obey his parents or give in to the temptation to explore his legacy? Great stuff includes Superman’s realization that he is helpless before his adversary and the struggle for Clark to keep control of his family.

Adam, Jason and Alex have a tough assignment in bringing this tale to the comic book medium and they succeed with flying colors. The art has a simple style but is somewhat complex in it’s execution. A style that is not easy to replicate but these artists make a complex turn look so simple. Highlights include the main splash as Superman takes on his antagonist and Supergirl’s carrying a team of friends via a rollercoaster car.

In Conclusion:

Brian Michael Bendis seems to have gotten his mojo back as he steers Superman into familiar, yet excitingly new territory and Kal-El will never be the same. It’s not easy bringing fresh insight into a character that’s 80 years old. But his take on the Man of Steel seems to be fresh and this story is leading the reader into innovative territory as Superman realizes that a cleansing is in order. He digs deep into the earth’s fiery crust to discover… to be continued! **** (9,0 rating)

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(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Adam Hughes (CA) Ivan Reis, Joe Prado

Author Profile

Kevin Given

Kevin Given has studied with â€œ Longridge Writers Group â€ and â€œ Writerâ€™s Boot Camp â€ a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the â€œ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter â€ franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of â€œ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter â€ # 1 and â€œ Files of Karl Vincent â€ # 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series â€œ Dracula Rising â€ (working title) and developing â€œ Foul Blood â€ into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given