There’s been a massive change in the status-quo for the Superman family. Their secret identities are a thing again, allowing them to live their dual lives and get back to the way things were some time ago. That includes Jon Kent who has to find his way now that his dad has returned to Earth and Metropolis. Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 looks to do exactly that, sending Jon on a mission across the multiverse with what seems like major implications.
Written by Tom Taylor, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 has a dual purpose. First, it needs to set up what’s to come and second, it needs to give readers a sense of where Jon is with his life. It does both of those in a nice transition that feels organic and natural. But, it drags all of that out through the comic making it a rather slow, but at the same time satisfying, start.
Someone is killing Kal-Els across the multiverse and Jon is the one being recruited to stop the villain. Why are versions of Superman being murdered? What happens after? None of that is really answered though we’re told the ramifications are huge. All of this is delivered by Val-Zod in an introduction that feels a bit odd at first. Val-Zod, known as “President Superman,” is a known entity to readers which makes the standoff-ish nature of the initial meeting between Jon and him a little weird. We know he’s a good guy but I guess they’ve never met, have they? Intelligently, Taylor forgoes the usual heroes fighting each other, and even makes a bit fun of that overused plot device.
The art by Clayton Henry is solid. The comic is able to go from amazing action sequences to a conversation at a kitchen table without missing a beat. With color by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Wes Abbott, the comic delivers a balance of ominous without being totally doom and gloom. Superman is being killed and yet the imagery and colors still pop. The lettering, especially at the opening, adds to the overall vibe of scenes and comics. It’s a good combo and look that delivers a comic that feels like its style fits with what we’ve seen from both Action Comics and the newly relaunched Superman. All three titles are able to do big battles and even weighty topics but still deliver a look and feel of cheer and hope.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 is a good start. It takes a bit to get to the end’s big reveal and also the mission ahead, but it does a good job as an opening chapter. There’s a lot we know that’s coming, and that’s part of the issue. While the comic sets up Jon’s adventure, it doesn’t get us to where we want it to go, him heading to the world of “Injustice.” That’s partially why it feels a bit slow getting to the point. Overall though, it’s a first issue that’ll fit in nicely as we get to read more of the series, sadly we need to wait for that to happen.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Clayton Henry
Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Wes Abbott
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
