Superman: Red Son #2 Review

Archive

Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: Red Son Ascendant

Written by: Mark Millar
Pencilled by: Dave Johnson & Kilian Plunkett
Inked by: Andrew Robinson & Walden Wong
Colored by: Paul Mounts
Lettered by: Ken Lopez
Editors: Mike McAvennie & Tom Palmer Jr.
Publisher: DC Comics

This issue takes place in 1978. Democracy is in ruins as only the United States and Chile practice it. Superman is still the world’s protector, but because he’s the head of the Soviet Union he faces assassination attempts from a CIA backed Luthor. Luthor still happens to be married to Lois Lane. What a crazy world.

We also meet some familiar faces. We see Ollie Queen, Barry Allen, Iris West, and a certain protector from space. Wonder Woman also returns, but by far the biggest guest star is Batman. Of course he still fights for the people and of course that means going up against Superman, who turns all dissidents into robots. Superman is betrayed and defeated, and Wonder Woman makes an ultimate sacrifice for her unrequited love. The issue ends with Superman building a fortress, and Luthor in possession of the most powerful weapon in the universe.

Milar is very clever. His Batman seems real, his Superman is alien, and his Luthor leaps off the page. The banter at the Daily Planet was a joy to read. The conversation between Pyotr and Batman was equally well written. Through the entire issue I couldn’t wait to read what was coming next.

As for the art, this book is gorgeous. Check out how smug Lex looks on page four. Or how disappointed Wonder Woman is that Superman can’t take a hint on page nineteen. This entire art team conveys emotion like experts. The colors are lush. It is just a fantastic job.