Reviewer: Mathan “Whoa” Erhardt
Story Title: For Tomorrow part twelve
Written by: Brian Azzarello
Penciled by: Jim Lee
Inked by: Scott Williams, Matt Banning, Eric Basaldua, Sandra Hope, Danny Miki, Tim Townsend & Joe Weems
Colored by: Alex Sinclair
Lettered by: Rob Leigh
Editors: Will Dennis & Eddie Berganza
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue begins with Superman pondering his existence while engaging Zod in battle. Their battle is tremendous and since both of them are linked directly to Metropia (Superman, through it’s creation and Zod via the creation of the Phantom Zone) the battle is tearing Metropia apart.
Meanwhile back on Earth Father Leon awakens from his “tumor treatment.” As he awakens Mr. Orr details his transformation into killing machine via a computer link directly to Leon’s brain. Mr. Orr then gives Leon a means of escape from his bindings, with the hope that Leon would attack those who made him what he now is. But Leon finds the Orb that Superman had sent to him last issue, and uses it to try to end his suffering. But instead he ends up in Metropia and attacked by those loyal to Zod.
Superman tries to disable Zod long enough for him to check on Lois. Lois is trying to hold her own against Equus who is toying with her. Lara comes to her aid as does Superman. Then Lois and Superman share a private moment. But that brief moment is shattered as Zod smashes in and destroys Lara.
Zod and Superman continue their battle, which causes even more destruction to Metropia. Superman manages to incapacitate Zod long enough for Kal to use the Orb to return people to Earth. Meanwhile Leon has realized that he’s no longer in control of himself and has become what he abhors. Superman sees him and mistakes him for a malevolent creature like Equus.
The tussle is brief, until Superman realizes he’s fighting Leon. Leon then begs Superman to put him out of his misery, but Superman won’t kill. Equus sees Leon and recognizes they are now “brothers” and the two become locked in combat. They drift into limbo.
Zod is adrift holding on to a piece of the fractured Metropia. Superman offers a chance at salvation, but Zod relents and drifts into limbo.
We then return to Earth where those who were on Metropia find themselves in the disorienting situation of being “home” again. Superman retreats from Metropolis and sets up a new Fortress of Solitude in the jungle, as he ponders his final fate. The End.
Azzarello has constructed perhaps the most mature Superman stories in recent memory. This is one Superman story that felt as though it was written for an adult, and not a child. The themes of faith and salvation were omnipresent. The idea that Superman would try to atone for his father’s failures is a refreshing concept. Was the storyline an “easy” read; no. Was it a satisfying, fulfilling and dense read; yes. It will certainly read better in one sitting, but that’s more a statement on the “instant gratification/short attention span” mentality prevalent in society.
Lee’s art suffered from multiple inkers this issue. It was obvious when a new inker was plying their trade. But apart from the stylistic differences, the structure of storytelling didn’t suffer. The battle between Zod and Superman is epic and portrayed as such. The new look of Father Leon is tragic and Lee truly captures his agony at his realization of what he’s become. His begging for death is painful to witness. But the visual link between Leon and Equus was a very nice touch. The religious imagery continues this issue with Superman and Zod cast in a very familiar pose. Lee also does a great job of capturing Superman’s alienation as the issue closes.
Sinclair also does a great job of coloring the issue, particularly with the disintegration of Metropia and the lush greens surrounding the new Fortress. Leigh also deserves recognition for his conversation between Orr and Leon, the font truly captures the “voice.” His sound effects are also solid, in that they don’t distract from the story.
