REVIEW: Superman #42

Superman #42 begins in a dark cemetery with a close up of Bizarro. On his son’s birthday, he is in a contemplative mood, having deep thoughts about how much his life has changed since his son arrived and what the future entails. “Bizarroverse Part 1” provides us a glimpse into the life of the Bizarro family. Jonathan, working with Kathy Branden, finds a way to look into this world (“like looking into a cracked funhouse mirror”), through a transportal device, and Jonathan and Kathy get the chance to see Boyzarro.

Patrick Gleason renders Bizarro wonderfully with a bulky, awkward frame, yet strangely sensitive, aged features. The early panels are simple, but effective in using light and shadows to shape the tone of the scene. We are also shown a few splash pages throughout the issue that provide the opportunity for Gleason and Gray to shine, and hone in on detail. Colors and specifically the palette used is nicely varied and each setting is distinct. I found the issue impressive from a complete visual perspective. The main cover is also a fun take on Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting.

The Bizarro-Speak used in the issue takes some getting used to, but once your brain accepts the translating required, it’s fun to read. I can see how some might be put off by it, and it’s in a good majority of the issue, so If Bizarro-Speak isn’t your thing, you are warned.

Outside of the Bizarro portion, I really enjoy seeing Jon and Kathy together and the short conversation they have. It makes sense that Jon misses small town life and all the outdoor activities it provides. His perspective on the busy and noisy life in Metropolis is interesting and likely parallels Clark’s thoughts when he first moved there.

Much has been said recently about how well received this current run of Superman titles has been. I feel a reason this particular series has been consistently great is the fresh focus on Clark, Lois, and Jonathan as a family unit and the lessons Clark teaches (and learns from) Jon. Superman (2016-) works well as a family book and this perspective gives the book charm and depth. Slight spoiler here, but think about the fact that this is a Superman issue that only has Superman in costume for one page. I have no complaints about this. We’ve seen Superman in world-saving action for many years, so I welcome the focus on his family with peeks into their day-to-day activity. I love that Lois and Clark hit the couch and watch TV after a hard day. They lovingly rib Jon into finishing his chores. Sure, this can come across as a bit saccharine, but it makes the characters more relatable knowing they have a normal life outside the universe saving stuff.

I give this issue 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a high-quality issue that serves its purpose in setting up the Bizarroverse storyline and continuing the strong family theme. As someone who loves Bizarro and the Superman family dynamic, I thoroughly enjoyed the issue.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Written by Patrick Gleason and Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray
Colors by Alejandro Sanchez
Published by DC Comics