REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue 33

Superman Issue 33 is published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Alejandro Sánchez, and letters by Ariana Maher.

This is part of DC K.O. and Round 7 of All Fight Month. It’s Lex Luthor Vs Etrigan the Demon in the next round of the tournament.

This round sees magic face science in a very creative approach. This is such a rare and intriguing match-up, and the battle itself doesn’t disappoint in Superman Issue 33. Each of the three rounds presents a totally different set of circumstances, and Williamson writes a fantastic confrontation. You never see Luthor and Etrigan battle, so this conflict is fresh and exciting. The fight stretches from the skyscrapers of Metropolis to the depths of Hell. And each finishing blow feels surprising.

The actual victory is easy to predict, and that is a slight negative. But the individual rounds make up for that lack of jeopardy with some sensational moments. There are also some references to the other storyline in Superman Issue 33, including Superboy-Prime and Lois. It’s very much to the side, not really thought about, considering the fast-paced action, but it helps provide some context whilst the fight is erupting.

The two combatants are superbly written as they go to war in Superman Issue 33. Luthor is the narrator, giving him the chance to paint himself as the hero of his own story. Lex is always doing what he thinks is best, not necessarily trying to be a villain, but a winner. He despises anyone being above him or controlling him. There’s also an intriguing way to link him to the storyline that has run through all the rounds in All Fight Month, connecting the two stories fantastically.

As for Etrigan, Williamson gets the chance to play. When the Demon talks, he speaks in rhyme. Every single sentence has to rhyme, encouraging the writer to be creative while still sticking to the rules. And Etrigan talks for a considerable amount of Superman Issue 33, so Williamson has to transform into a poet when writing half of the competition.

The art is glorious at creating a scruffy, feisty affair. The angles Sherman uses make Luthor look old and fierce, and Etrigan monstrous and imposing. It’s technology versus mysticism in the best way possible. The locations for the first two rounds are excellent because they offer a delightful contrast between a vicious fight in boardrooms and offices. There’s a great clash of supernatural weapons against scientific and cosmic contraptions.

Etrigan breathes fire and draws blood with razor-sharp claws, whilst Lex fights in his battlesuit. The change of form leads to drastic, intriguing designs for Luthor. His battlesuit is iconic, but then it switches to another with a distinct logo on the chest. It raises an eyebrow, but even more so in the last costume change, which takes place in Hell. It shows Lex’s intelligence, his greatest weapon. Each time a competitor lands a fatal blow, it’s brutal and phenomenally illustrated.

The colors create an initial contrast that doesn’t last long in Superman Issue 33. The red and blue of Etrigan against the green and purple of Luthor is a classic showdown, but Luthor’s changing of his form leads to a variety of shades, many of which are more associated with other characters. The lettering features custom caption boxes and word balloons, but all are easy to read and comfortable on the eye.

Superman Issue 33 gets the best out of the DC K.O. concept. It brings together two characters from opposite sides of the DC Universe and pits them in a sensational clash. It’s intelligent, entertaining, and thrilling. It truly feels like a one-off. The novelty of his Etrigan talks and looks pairs really well with forcing Lex to think and strategise. The ending may have been telegraphed before the comic began, but there’s a lot to enjoy before we get there.

Superman Issue 33 is available now wherever comics are sold.