REVIEW: ‘Superman’ Issue 36

Superman Issue 36 is published by DC Comics and written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Dan Mora, colors by Alejandro Sánchez, and letters by Ariana Maher.

There’s a new start of the book as Superboy-Prime takes over protecting Metropolis.

A lot has changed in Superman Issue 36, even if a Kryptonian is still at the helm. Through DC K.O., Superman restored the universe and is now missing. In his place, the formerly evil murderer Superboy-Prime has become the world’s protector.

Williamson does a great job of shifting the comic’s energy to reflect that of the new hero. Superman is calm and protective, whilst Superboy-Prime is chaotic and manic. It means the story can move at a breakneck pace as the younger hero bounces between the situations. There’s a lot to re-establish, including a new job for the protagonist.

This is not Superman, and the reaction from the Justice League is proof of that. It’s not just about replacing Kal-El; the violent metahuman needs to build his own respect and status. That violence resurfaces at times in this issue, and the fight scenes are intense flurries. The battle with a classic Superman villain bookends the beginning and end of Superman Issue 36, demonstrating the brutality that threatens to spill from Superboy-Prime. The expedition from Mr Terrific is excellent, explaining the key aspects of Superboy-Prime and giving hints at the horrific things he’s done without getting bogged down.

Superboy-Prime’s dialogue is truly unique, and Williamson unleashes it brilliantly. He grew up in a world where the DC heroes were fictional characters in comic books. He’s got an encyclopedic knowledge of them and the books they existed in. When he talks, he discusses plot devices, fan theories, and the language readers use. But there’s more to it than that in Superman Issue 36.

It seems like Prime wants to emulate Superman, serving as a hero sans actually being good. It feels delusional, but everything about the Kryptonian is based on delusions. He’s wild and unpredictable, following the path he’s chosen. His actions are based on what he thinks Superman would do, rather than being instinctive like Clark’s. In the battle, you see that anger threatens to bubble up, just under the surface of his desire to be awesome.

The art is impressive. Mora’s depiction of Superboy-Prime perfectly encapsulates his personality. He resembles Superman, but is smaller and younger. To make up for the change in size, Prime wears armor that bulks him up. For much of Superman Issue 36, the young hero has a cocky smile, egoistically showing off his body. He enjoys being the hero, almost too much.

But when provoked into action by the villain of the issue, the rage bleeds through. His ferocity and power are unleashed, and his selfish, bloodthirsty old self emerges. The battle is rough and extreme, with Superboy-Prime being aggressive with his immense strength. At times, the young hero can look innocent and hopeful, with very large pupils, and it’s easy to forget just how much of a dangerous, deadly weapon he is.

The colors are terrific. Aside from the red cape, Prime has very different tones from Superman. His blue is darker, and ominous metallic tones adorn his armor. During the fight scenes, there’s an explosion of bright colors that makes it dramatic and exhilarating. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

Superman Issue 36 transforms the entire series by switching Supermen. It’s fascinating how much the entire feel of the comic alters, evolving into a story that is meta and intense. Williamson has phased the book from Superman into someone trying to be Superman. Prime and Clark may have similar powers, but they are universes apart. And yet Prime is desperate to be the star, emulating the man who came before with a massive S on his chest. He had to try really hard to be good, whereas Clark never had to try at all.

Superman Issue 36 is available where comics are sold.