REVIEW: ‘Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow,’ Issue #3

Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #3 is published by DC Comics, written by Kenny Porter, the art and colors are by Jahnoy Lindsay, and the letters are by Lucas Gattoni. In this latest issue, Superboy and the Cosmoteers are allies now, teaming up to face the Dominators. 

Although the issue starts immediately where the previous one left off, the structure of this issue stretches further than the last two combined. It finishes the confrontation, concluding the awesome image of Superboy riding on top of the spaceship into battle with the Dominators. The epic situation captures the excitement before the exposition continues.

The series then moves in time, using quick montages to tell the story rapidly, and allowing us to enjoy the adventure before things get more drastic. Suspicions keep mounting and then being diverted, cleverly distilling the tensions for the rest of the comic. Just when you think a confrontation is starting, a distraction appears. That is before a dark and dramatic reveal on the last page that could change everything.

The characters and dialogue in this issue are in-depth and terrific. Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #3 is very conversational, focusing on two characters in detail. One of those is Superboy, the title character and the newcomer within this corner of space. Still trying to establish a place of belonging, those he is working with aren’t yet entirely comfortable with him. But as the book progressed and time passes, a bond starts to be created. Superboy’s positivity and exuberance rub off on the Cosmoteers.

The other noticeable character in this issue is Travv, the leader of the crew Conner is now rolling with. Always cold and in opposition to anything Superboy does, the friction between the two gets more palpable until it is impossible to ignore. Porter’s script is excellent, as it is difficult to know if a character is telling the truth, especially as more revelations are made. It is also interesting to see one of the most established groups within cosmic DC stories start to have an impact on the book as well, showing that this isn’t an enclosed tale without consequences or outside influence.

The art is brilliant. The issue is energetic and that is exuded by the art, as Lindsay illustrates a fantastic selection of fights. The opening battle is huge and fast-paced, and the drama of the situation is captured perfectly. There is a general warmth and positivity. Much of that stems from how the artist draws faces. Large eyes and mouths lead to bigger and louder expressions. But this positivity can be fantastic for the red herring throughout this issue, hiding some of the real darkness that lurks underneath. One look can switch between mirth and menace, and the subtleties within this issue are superbly executed.

The colors are tremendous. There are moments of true beauty within the planetary skylines and interstellar horizons, as pastel colors merge. The relationship between lighting and how it radiates into the darkness gives those lights more emphasis and depth, The letterer has a lot of dialogue to place into the panels and they are almost always easy to read.

Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #3 is an energetic adventure. Whilst it is full of epic situations and a Superboy space battle in the beginning, it is also an example of masterful storytelling. Misdirections and shifts in the dialogue add layers to the script, taking a seemingly straightforward story and adding a completely separate tone. It provides the next part of this arc with a huge amount of strength to keep it maintained, with an art style that is not only gorgeous but intelligent too.

Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #3 is available where comics are sold.