REVIEW: ‘Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent,’ Issue #2

With the final preparations underway, Jon, Val, and Red Tornado ready themselves to confront Ultraman before he can continue his rampage across the multiverse. But despite the power the three of them represent, will they be able to stop this runaway evil in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2, published by DC Comics, written by Tom Taylor, art by Clayton Henry, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Wes Abbott.

With Jon spending so much time in other worlds or in distant time periods, it’s no small surprise that this issue opens with a sizable amount of emotional turmoil. With both Lois and Jay present to send Jon off on his mission, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 isn’t shy about plucking at the heartstrings. Seeing Lois give Jay pointers on how to cope with seeing the Superman in his life leave is a lovely moment that reminds the reader that those who stay behind also sacrifice.

Once Red Tornado picks up Ultraman’s signal, the trio heads out to attempt to stop their foe before he can kill again. The battle that consumes the rest of Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 is a pleasant mix of surprising twists and classic moments. How the physical confrontation plays out delivers plenty of surprises as the situation goes far worse for the good guys, far faster than I expected. But when conditions are at their worst is when Superman shines the brightest. The art team of Henry and Bellaire drive home how powerful the combatants are and how determined they are to walk away the winner thanks to their fantastic lines and vibrant colors. Coupled with Abbott’s outstanding sound effects design, the battle has plenty of energy to spare. Where it gets predictable is in the verbal confrontation that ensues between Jon and Ultraman.

More often than not, predictable is used with a negative connotation. But there are times when you just can’t improve upon a classic, and Taylor shows that he both understands this with his writing in this issue as well as his skill in delivering it. Jon drives home his points with a succinct elegance punctuated with the power that Henry draws the character with. When Jon verbally shuts down Ultraman, Henry shows the superhero making his declarations with his whole being. You can tell that the character’s passions and beliefs are driving him throughout this issue.

While I loved Taylor’s delivery of this verbal sparring match, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2‘s ending leaves it ringing a bit hollow. No spoilers, but how the issue wraps up comes in such a way as to undermine what Jon was trying to drive home. While this could be the author’s intention, particularly given where the battle takes place, it doesn’t work in the end for me.

Despite a narrative misstep in the ending, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 delivers emotion, tragedy, and a top-notch superhero battle that absolutely has me looking forward to seeing where this story will take its hero next.

Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.