Reviewer: Tim Byrne
Story Title: For Tomorrow (Part 8 of 12)
Written by: Brian Azzarello
Penciled by: Jim Lee
Inked by: Scott Williams, Richard Friend & Sandra Hope
Colored by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: Rob Leigh
Editor: Will Dennis & Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
Well, we’re starting to get to the business end of the ‘For Tomorrow’ story-line, and things are starting (just a little) to make a little more sense.
These issues are very difficult to review. Not just because of the density and sublety of the plot, but because there are very few ways in which one issue can be read and enjoyed independently of the others. Azzarello is obviously crafted a lengthy, multi-layered plot, that should be assessed in its entirety (then why wasn’t this a graphic novel, I hear you ask? Shhhhh.)
The story-line certainly progresses in this issue, with more details becoming apparent regarding the Vanishing, Superman’s current intentions, and ‘Orr’, the recurring dark figure in these issues.
In addition, the knock-down, drawn-out confrontation between Superman and Wonder Woman which has been proclaimed for several covers now finally happens in all its glory. Jim Lee’s splashy art is given pride of place here, and, apart from a slightly tacky panty-shot of Wonder Woman, truly excels.
As many guessed, the dense plotting of Azzarello, and the splashy look-at-me art of Lee don’t always make the happiest of partners, but both people are certainly at or near the top of their craft.
Here’s hoping that the end of this epic will be worth the effort which many are putting into it.
