REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue 32

Superman Issue 32 is published by DC Comics and written by Joshua Williamson, with 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. Superboy-Prime and Lois face the Legion of Darkseid whilst Lex interferes with the cosmic tournament.

There are two fronts to Superman Issue 32. Superboy-Prime and Lois are on Earth, with a story continually moving forward. They’re in the Fortress of Solitude, facing a trio of powerful villains. They have access to a secret origin, one that links Superman and one of his greatest villains even closer than they once thought.

The truth needs to be saved and secured, but nothing in this universe is secure anymore. It’s a fast-paced battle against figures that don’t stay down. But there’s another story going on. Lex has met Superman in the tournament, and Williamson reveals how the villains made it from Earth alongside the heroes.

So much of the story is about catching up, and Williamson controls the movement between the two plotlines with great skill. The comic moves forward, too, preventing the story from plateauing or going backwards. Both plotlines feature a mix of conversational exposition and full-throttle battle. The ending is a big surprise: a selection of weapons is revealed on Earth, making their resistance both easier and potentially troublesome.

The characters are terrific. Superman Issue 32 extends both Superman’s side of the event and Lex and the villains. All of the enemies that joined forces to reach the tournament are present. Williamson has Luthor, Joker, Giganta, and more, and writes them all spectacularly. They’re aggrieved that they’ve been left out, not only because they were supposed to be locked away in the Phantom Zone, but because they weren’t given the opportunity to help. So that iconic rivalry between Superman and Lex has intensified, cutting through the heat of the event.

Superboy-Prime is another pivotal figure in this tie-in, fighting alongside Lois, who has just regained superpowers again. He brings a level of unpredictability to stories that no other character can. He can control the narrative by breaking the fourth wall whilst wielding the power of a Kryptonian. It’s never easy to know what Prime will ever do. He’s volatile and petulant, on the side of the heroes for now, but it’s impossible to know how long that will stay for. He lives by his own rules.

The art is sensational. The heavy shadows implemented by Barrows and Ferreira make the villains look even more monstrous and menacing. The first meeting between Luthor and the other villains shows them off in all their glory. They’re vicious, demonstrating their prowess and capabilities for the tournament. Their designs and sizes range from the towering Giganta to the diminutive Starro.

Joker is a classic recreation, with beautiful details. The inking is lighter on the heroes, revealing more of their faces. The Legion of Darkseid’s design in this series is perhaps the best across the comics. They look like terrifying citizens of hell. The battle at the start of the book is tough, as Lois demonstrates she can now match the villains’ strength. Superwoman is back and looking awesome.

The colors create an ominous atmosphere that seems never-ending. The fire, lightning, and other extreme locations fill the pages with ferocious intensity. There’s a terrific contrast between orange and blue that occurs throughout Superman Issue 32. Occasionally, the crucial tones of the characters poke through, such as Green Lantern’s emerald or Booster Gold’s yellow.

The villains, in contrast, are surrounded by beige and browns. This is because they’re not paying off the main story at first, unnoticed and in complete secrecy. The letters feature a variety of fonts and custom word balloons for the many characters, including Starro and King Shark. But legibility is never a problem despite the changes.

Superman Issue 32 moves in parallel with the main DC K.O. book. It fills the gaps and connects the dots, but is more than just a companion piece. The glorious set is breathtaking, and the multiple storylines make this chapter feel full and expansive. Prime and Lois have more than just a supporting role; what they have found and are protecting changes the lore of Superman and Krypton completely.

Superman Issue 32 is available now where comics are sold.