Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Marvel's Spider-Man Secret Lair promotional image

    Get a Look At the Secret Lair x Marvel’s Spider-Man Superdrop

    09/08/2025
    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions gameplay still

    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions Is All About Adventure (with Friends)

    09/08/2025
    Chord in Persona 5 The Phantom X

    Now Is The Perfect Time To Jump Back In ‘Persona 5: The Phantom X’

    09/05/2025
    Cosmic Spider-Man card details

    [EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW] The Spider-Man Set Gets A 5-Color Legendary Spider

    09/02/2025
    Lee Corso from College Football GameDay in EA Sports games

    EA Sports Always Understood Lee Corso’s Legacy

    09/01/2025
  • Indie Games
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Apple TV+
But Why Tho?
Home » DC Comics » REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue #18 (2024)

REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue #18 (2024)

William TuckerBy William Tucker09/18/20244 Mins Read
Superman #18 (2024)
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

Superman #18 (2024) is published by DC Comics. Written by Joshua Williamson, art and colors by Jamal Campbell and letters by Ariana Maher. This is a tie-in to Absolute Power. Superman and Zatanna reach the end of their journey, making dodgy deals in the process.

This issue continues into unchartered territory for Superman, bringing him into the world of magic and making him severely uncomfortable. It’s an issue with multiple avenues and situations, transforming as it progresses. The first stage is an exchange between Zatanna, Superman and Neron. In a different time, the power structure may be different. But right now, the heroes are at Neron’s mercy.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

The pace slowly energises and intensifies as the journey along the Dark Roads resumes. The tension rises as Zatanna’s life is threatened. The possibility of a noble sacrifice becomes more prominent as the suspense increases. But then they reach their destination, and an enormous surprise is waiting for the heroes.

The plot combines many old stories, including Williamson’s previous DC event. Part of this tie-in was involving the Multiverse. That is achieved in a very unexpected way. Williamson also finds a way to entangle the two stories moving through the Superman tie-ins. As Superman and Zatanna travel, Lois Lane fights back in her own way. By the end of the issue, those two plots are brought together.

This tie-in sees the attention shift slightly. The previous issue was heavily about Superman, focussing on the Man of Steel’s weakness. His aversion to magic makes him vulnerable, which, mixed with what happened to his son, makes him volatile and angry. Superman #18 (2024) highlights the struggle of the magician in fishnets traveling alongside him.

Where Superman is weakened by magic, Zatanna is strengthened by it. Her whole life is based around it, and losing it has severe consequences. The level of which is a surprise and raises the stakes of the comic even further. Bringing two heroes that have such extreme connections to magic — generates a brilliant conflict of opinions. Superman and Zatanna’s relationship is gentle and caring despite their viewpoints on magic, with a lovely affection for each other.

The art is spectacular, tapping into the weirdness of magic and the Multiverse. The Dark Roads, which features some incredible imagery in its own right, takes the two heroes to some mind-boggling locations. They have been seen before but have been trashed by Waller and her army. Everything in this journey has been broken in some way, demonstrating the catastrophic damage that Waller has done to the whole universe in her plan.

That damage can be seen in Zatanna, who is weakening due to losing the magic within her. The way this is presented is fascinating, with Campbell’s linework doing wonders. The reveal at the end introduces a remarkable character that has a fantastic design. What makes this newcomer shine is the mysteries that make up its persona. The reader can only guess what they look like. It makes for a fantastic final fight that operates with an enormous spectacle.

The colors are magnificent. There is a stark contrast between the stories. Superman and Zatanna’s journey has been dark and shadowy, with little to no natural light. Zatanna’s decline is partially shown by thick shadows covering much of her face, threatening to swallow her in the darkness. The villain has some bright powers, but they are not a beacon of hope or positivity. With Lois, she is in bright, often intense light. This suggests that she is the light that Superman needs in his life, and that Lois is where he belongs. The lettering is consistently clear and effortless to read.

Superman #18 (2024) makes peace with a famous weakness. The previous issue saw Superman try to overcome that vulnerability to magic, almost resenting it and finding a way to push back against it. Through the damage done to Zatanna, this chapter forces the Man of Steel to embrace magic and recognise how important it is to the DC Universe. The story is constantly unpredictable, using callbacks to subvert expectations at every corner. It dips into magic and the Multiverse just as both are broken and unusable, identifying what can go wrong without them. The art style fits the mystical nature of the book beautifully, making it as uncomfortable a journey as possible.

Superman #18 (2024) is available where comics are sold.

Superman #18
5

TL;DR

Superman #18 (2024) makes peace with a famous weakness. The art style fits the mystical nature of the book beautifully, making it as uncomfortable a journey as possible.

  • Read Now on ComiXology with Our Affiliate Link

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW ‘Absolute Power: Super Son’ Issue #1
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Agatha All Along’ Episodes 1 & 2
William Tucker

William is a screenwriter with a love of comics and movies. Once referred to Wuthering Heights as "the one with the Rabbits."

Related Posts

Absolute Batman Issue 12 cover

REVIEW: ‘Absolute Batman’ Issue 12

09/10/2025
Red Hood Issue 1 cover

REVIEW: ‘Red Hood’ Issue 1

09/10/2025
Cover of Absolute Green Lantern Issue 6

REVIEW: ‘Absolute Green Lantern’ Issue 6

09/03/2025
Cover of Absolute Superman Issue 11 that features an image of Brainiac

REVIEW: ‘Absolute Superman’ Issue 11

09/03/2025
Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11

REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 11

08/27/2025
Justice League Unlimited Issue 10

REVIEW: ‘Justice League Unlimited’ Issue 10

08/27/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
The Long Walk (2025) film review promotional image
9.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘The Long Walk’ Is The Most Heartfelt And Heartbreaking Stephen King Adaptation

By Kate Sánchez09/11/2025Updated:09/11/2025

The Long Walk is a brutal watch. Equally heartfelt and heartbreaking, it’s one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

EA Sports FC Icons Match promotional image from Nexon News

2025 Icons Match Returns With Football Legends Bridging The Pitch And Video Games

By Kate Sánchez09/03/2025Updated:09/03/2025

NEXON has announced the return of the ‘2025 Icons Match,’ a live event that brings a full roster of legendary players to the pitch.

Gojo Jujutsu Kaisen - But Why Tho (2) Features

Everything To Know About Satoru Gojo

By Kate Sánchez09/07/2023Updated:02/16/2025

Satoru Gojo is the heart of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 — now, heading into Cour 2, here is everything you need to know about the character.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here