Reviewer: Mathan “Lois is kind of cute” Erhardt
Story Title: Lightning Strikes Twice
Written by: Judd Winick
Penciled by: Ian Churchill
Inked by: Norm Rapmund
Colored by: Beth Sotelo
Lettered by: Richard Starkings
Editor: Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue opens with a tracing of the trail of the sole remaining Eclipso Black Diamond and Bruce Gordon’s tracking of it. Shazam tells Captain Marvel about the path that it’s taken and hints at some ominous event in the future.
Then we follow the final thoughts of a tortured rock star before he commits suicide. After that we witness the thoughts of a bar patron before he commits suicide. We witness one final suicide of a man who straps himself with dynamite and jumps in front of a subway train. Fortunately, Superman arrives to prevent the derailed train from hitting any bystanders.
After dealing with the aftermath, Superman is confronted by a S.T.A.R. Labs employee, Dr. Jeanine Tracey, who appears panicked to talk to him. She also appears to be under the thrall of Eclipso.
Then we find Lois and Clark talking about the role of the media and the trials and tribulations of being part of it.
That evening Dr. Tracey has an argument with her boyfriend and succumbs to the will of Eclipso as she beats him and steals LexCorp battle armor from S.T.A.R. Labs. Superman witnesses the resulting explosion and rushes to save the day.
Upon encountering the armor, Superman gets a lesson on the Superman specific security measures built into the suit. Superman assumes Lex is in the suit and is shocked to see an eclipsed Dr. Tracey when the helmet is removed.
Winick has written a compelling story here. Shazam’s cryptic warnings are sure to add to the speculation about DC’s plans for the upcoming year. And Winick seems to truly inhabit the psyches of those suicidal characters, as well as Dr. Tracey. The book is a fun read.
Churchill and Rapmund have created a visually beautiful book. Captain Marvel looks amazing on page #3. Eclipso looks scary and Superman looks heroic and regal throughout the issue. The book looks flawless. Almost. Two minor quibbles; Superman’s cape seems a bit too long and Lois looks a bit “enhanced” in a certain area. But besides those minor issues this book looks fantastic.
