REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue 31

Superman Issue 31 is published by DC Comics. Written by Joshua Williamson, art by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira, colors by Alejandro Sánchez and letters by Ariana Maher.

This issue is part of the DC K.O. event, focusing on Superman and his allies as they prepare for what’s coming. As a tie-in to the blockbuster event, Superman Issue 31 has an interesting structure. The scenes take place alongside the first chapter of DC K.O., following Superman as he helps prepare for the perilous journey to the cosmic tournament, whilst also spending time with his family. Superman is the main character in that issue of the event, so it’s intriguing to get even more of him. But these scenes provide more context and detail to moments that had to move quickly in the main book due to the sheer volume of information to convey.

The first pages of Superman Issue 31 have a slow pace, but it is expansive. So many corners of Williamson’s run are explored, used for evacuating the planet or building weapons to take to the tournament. But then Superman is gone, and Lois investigates his past and family on her own. It’s there that the issue steps up a notch, bringing characters back from the future. It’s an intense conclusion that merges many previous stories into one.

The characters and dialogue are stunning in Superman Issue 31. Superman switches between soft and strong, but each change feels warranted and true to who he is. Clark can be the protector of Earth, with broad shoulders that keep those behind him safe. But when asking those he trusts, he’s also trying to reassure them that he knows what he’s doing, even when he’s terrified himself. Family has always been a key theme in the all-American hero, and that’s just as crucial here as it’s always been.

Even though Superman is invulnerable, his family is his strength. Some characters also need checking in on, such as Mercy and the reignited Lexcorp. Then, when Superman departs with many other heavy hitters. There’s a quiet vulnerability before an eruption of danger. A character we thought was gone suddenly appears, significantly altering the main timeline with their presence on Earth.

The art is magnificent. Barrow and Ferreira are often associated with dark, horror-related stories. And at many stages, those elements creep back in. The snippet of what Superman faces at the entrance of the tournament captured the incredible and bewildering spectacle.

The heavy inking accentuates things like veins and scars, making monstrous figures even scarier. Especially towards the end of Superman Issue 31, the villains get more nefarious and menacing. But the two artists also know when to turn down the shadows and the shading. In the Fortress of Solitude or in Superman’s home, the mood is lighter, and Clark looks more comfortable and secure.

The colors also represent very different tones. There is a stark, shining blue, most prevalent in the Fortress of Solitude, which is seen as Superman’s home. It’s pleasant and calm. But when Superman Issue 31 shifts to red and orange, it’s darker, and the heart pounds faster. It’s often a sign that Superman and others fight for their lives and everyone else’s. The lettering is very smooth and easy to read.

Superman Issue 31 exposes what truly makes Superman the Man of Steel. In the first issue of DC K.O., Superman was struggling to get his head in the game and switch off that part of him that never wants to go for the kill. Because he is just a genuine, kindhearted hero. His family means everything to him. But he needs to shut off the caring part of him if he wants the universe to survive.

The end of Superman Issue 31 does an incredible job of addressing the void left by missing heroes, providing a rewarding and satisfying surprise.

Superman Issue 31 is available where comics are sold.