Comic Review: Superman (2018-) #14

Superman (2018-) #14

DC Comics

Writer: Brian Micheal Bendis

Artists: Ivan Reis and Alex Sinclair

Superman #14 begins the conclusion of Bendis and Reis’ three-arc “Unity Saga” story. With this issue, it becomes clear what the ‘point’ of the past 14 issues has been. It’s been a fun ride, but I began to wonder what exactly Bendis was setting the stage for. Everything’s coming together, and it has the future status quo of Superman looking brighter and more exciting than ever.

I’ll never stop praising Ivan Reis and Alex Sinclair for their consistency. Reis’ style may not be all that risky, but the fact that such a huge name like his has been on all 14 issues of this book is mind-boggling. Typically, these days, a penciller like Reis would be tossed aside for someone a little less expensive, consistency be damned. I don’t know if this is an editorial decision, or the art team flexing their own muscles, but whoever is allowing it to happen deserves credit. This consistency of art lends the book an artistic identity that many modern superhero comics lack. It’s a more than welcome change.

Beyond that, Reis and Sinclair are just real talents. There’s no cutting corners or rushing of the line-work to just get the book out on time. Not in any way that’s noticeable, anyway. The art team puts everything they have onto each page and it pays off. Specifically, the pages where Zod gives into his rage are spectacular. His rage is perfectly conveyed almost solely through Reis’ finely detailed pencils and Sinclair’s complimentary colors. It’s a marvelous few pages that demonstrate a strong storytelling ability from the team.

Bendis’ writing is also noticeably stronger this time around. It’s no secret that I’ve been on the Bendis train for a long time now, so it’s no small thing for me to say that he steps it up this time around. I don’t think it’s due to the other issues being poorly written, rather, it’s because his vision is only just becoming completely clear. The revelations and developments of this issue make the previous year’s worth of building feel so rewarding. Bendis has slowly been laying the groundwork to get us to this point. Had this been the first arc, none of what we see in this issue would feel earned. Bendis took his time, and the natural progression of this story benefits from it. Plus, the tease of Jon’s future as seen at the end of the book is a stroke of genius, as far as I’m concerned.

While I may have put Bendis’ plotting into question before, I’ve never had doubts about his characterization of the Super-family. His handling of these characters has been a consistent high point of the run. While we all scratched our heads as to why Jon needs to be a teen, Bendis puts those fears to rest. It’s all to put him in a place where he can flourish without being overly distracting. We probably all know what I’m referring to by now, but in case you happen to be out of the loop, I’ll leave it unsaid.

Superman #14 is possibly the strongest issue of the Bendis and Reis run so far. It hasn’t quite hit the highs of Action Comics, but that gap is closing faster than ever. The creative team’s plans are beginning to fully form, and it’s exciting. The occasional awkward bit of dialogue isn’t enough to hold back an issue so full of fun and fresh ideas.