Superman #673
posted by Tygrrius @ 3:10 PM
Superman #673 (DC Comics, April 2008 cover date)
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Jesus Merino
Colors: Kanila Tripp
Letters: Comicraft
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer, Jr.
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Peter Vale and Wellington Dias
The last several months of issues for both Action Comics and Superman have been terrific. Geoff Johns on Action and Kurt Busiek on Superman have both woven intricate yet interesting storylines that have added new depth to the characters we know so well.
Superman #673 is the third and final installment of "The Insect Queen." Not being overly fond of bugs, even of the alien variety, I did not hold high expectations for this arc. I figured after the compelling "Third Kryptonian" arc, "The Insect Queen" would be a quick throwaway to pass some time. Filler issues, if you will.
I was pleasantly surprised with parts one and two of "The Insect Queen." The alien ruler kidnaps Lana Lang, now head of Lexcorp, and holds her prisoner on Lexcorp's secret moonbase to use as a sort of breeding stock with the alien insects in her effort to dominate Earth and use it as the center of her empire. The queen actually takes on part of Lana's appearance and personality. She even manages to capture and subdue Superman so that he can be used in the process as well. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Chris has been suffering reactions from a red sun watch that subdues his powers. When Lois helps him remove it, there is an explosion of pent-up energy that levels the Kents' apartment.
As part three begins, Lois is trying to help Chris cope with his guilt about hiding the effects of the watch, while Superman is still within the clutches of the Insect Queen. After such a great start, the conclusion of "The Insect Queen" is a little disappointing. The main problem is that the ending feels rushed, and thus, necessarily contrived. A comic book issue is so short these days that I think expanding this story to at least another issue would have been warranted, especially after the buildup of the first two issues.
There are plenty of positives, though, including a couple of great scenes for Lana. I am a fan of strong, female characters and she really delivers a punch, both figuratively and literally, in this issue.
The interior art is mostly acceptable, though oddly inconsistent. While a character may look perfect on one page, that same character may be poorly drawn on another. The cover art, featuring the Insect Queen and one of her "super-soldier ants" is horrible. I will just leave it at that.
Though not as satisfying of an ending as his work in "The Third Kryptonian," Busiek proves again in "The Insect Queen" that he really knows how to write Superman. I will be sorry to see him leave the title after issue #675. At least he will go out with a bang, as that is billed as an anniversary issue (Superman's 70th) - complete with Alex Ross cover art.
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Jesus Merino
Colors: Kanila Tripp
Letters: Comicraft
Associate Editor: Tom Palmer, Jr.
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover: Peter Vale and Wellington Dias
The last several months of issues for both Action Comics and Superman have been terrific. Geoff Johns on Action and Kurt Busiek on Superman have both woven intricate yet interesting storylines that have added new depth to the characters we know so well.
Superman #673 is the third and final installment of "The Insect Queen." Not being overly fond of bugs, even of the alien variety, I did not hold high expectations for this arc. I figured after the compelling "Third Kryptonian" arc, "The Insect Queen" would be a quick throwaway to pass some time. Filler issues, if you will.
I was pleasantly surprised with parts one and two of "The Insect Queen." The alien ruler kidnaps Lana Lang, now head of Lexcorp, and holds her prisoner on Lexcorp's secret moonbase to use as a sort of breeding stock with the alien insects in her effort to dominate Earth and use it as the center of her empire. The queen actually takes on part of Lana's appearance and personality. She even manages to capture and subdue Superman so that he can be used in the process as well. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Chris has been suffering reactions from a red sun watch that subdues his powers. When Lois helps him remove it, there is an explosion of pent-up energy that levels the Kents' apartment.
As part three begins, Lois is trying to help Chris cope with his guilt about hiding the effects of the watch, while Superman is still within the clutches of the Insect Queen. After such a great start, the conclusion of "The Insect Queen" is a little disappointing. The main problem is that the ending feels rushed, and thus, necessarily contrived. A comic book issue is so short these days that I think expanding this story to at least another issue would have been warranted, especially after the buildup of the first two issues.
There are plenty of positives, though, including a couple of great scenes for Lana. I am a fan of strong, female characters and she really delivers a punch, both figuratively and literally, in this issue.
The interior art is mostly acceptable, though oddly inconsistent. While a character may look perfect on one page, that same character may be poorly drawn on another. The cover art, featuring the Insect Queen and one of her "super-soldier ants" is horrible. I will just leave it at that.
Though not as satisfying of an ending as his work in "The Third Kryptonian," Busiek proves again in "The Insect Queen" that he really knows how to write Superman. I will be sorry to see him leave the title after issue #675. At least he will go out with a bang, as that is billed as an anniversary issue (Superman's 70th) - complete with Alex Ross cover art.
Story/Writing: 7 (out of 10)
Art: 6
Cover Art: 1
Overall Experience: 6
Labels: by Tygrrius, comic books, Superman
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