REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue #18 (2024)

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.

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.