Review: Superman #43

If you knew how much restraint it is taking for me to not call issue 43 of Superman (DC Comics) downright”¦bizarre, you would be either incredibly disappointed, or very happy. In this issue, we find Superboy and his backward doppelganger exploring the differences in their family dynamics while learning how to deal with the strange behavior of each other.

In part two of Bizarroverse Black Mirrors, Bizarro boy, who has left Htrae and is hiding out from his parents, recognizes how much better the relationship is with Superboy and his father. Always the hero, Superman reminds his son that even though families may have some tough times, they need to work things out. At this point, it“s time for the trio to make a trip to Htrae. Upon arrival, they discover there is much more to deal with than an upset Bizarro.

Whenever I read Superman comics that involve Bizarro, I find that it takes me about twice as long to finish them, because I have to read the dialogue more carefully than other books. This is one of the fun things about the character. He is just as strong as Superman, and is supposed to be a mirror image of the man of steel. I“m not sure he always has ill intent, but he“s simply doing”¦the opposite. In fact, as I write this a question comes to mind. If Bizarro is the mirror image of Superman, would he not be week and feeble? (Deep thoughts)

Writers Patrick Gleason and Peter J. Tomasi do a nice job with the story. There are a few different things going on here. We have the budding relationship of Superboy and his alien girlfriend Kathy (AKA Beacon). There is also the dichotomy between Beacon and Maya (AKA Nobody), who seem destined to become best frenemies. These two may seem like rivals, but only in the same way Betty and Veronica do. The way they need to work together toward the end of the issue leads me to believe they will have a team up soon. Then, right in the forefront of everything, we find Superman trying to teach his son a lesson on how to do the right thing and help friends who are in need, (even when they don“t realize they need the help). There is a promising cliffhanger at the end of the issue that will also get you jazzed for what is yet to come. Whatever happens, it seems like it will be”¦fun.

This comic is fun. It“s Superman in his element. He“s being a good guy who tries to help others. As we move deeper into stories about Superman/Clark Kent the family man, these lessons seem to be something we will need to get used to. The dad lessons are there for sure, but all in all, it“s still Superman, and it“s still good.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason (A/CA) Patrick Gleason

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Bryan Spaulding

In his free time, other than reading comic books, Bryan enjoys listening to his ever growing record collection and driving his 27 year old roadster named Mingo.