Comic Review: Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #12 (2019-2020)

Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #12

DC Comics

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artists: Steve Lieber and Nathan Fairbairn

With the new wave of Superman books since Bendis’ arrival at DC, Jimmy Olsen has consistently been the brightest star. Every new issue paints a clearer picture of the creative team’s vision, as well as deepening the mystery and doubling down on the weird. Now we have the final issue, and it does not disappoint.

This issue strikes me as different than the rest. It ditches the incredible zaniness that precedes it and instead aims for a (relatively) grounded and heartfelt ending. It’s still silly and quirky, but let’s just say you be won’t seeing Jimmy wearing Metamorpho as underpants in this finale. It takes it’s many plot threads, some of which I pointed criticism toward as being too loose, and very neatly ties them into a red bow tie. And it doesn’t end there, as Fraction and Lieber are not simply content with leaving these toys where they found them. Instead, they leave a significant mark on Jimmy with a couple of new additions to his character. Both of these could very well lend themselves to keeping Jimmy relevant in an age where most writers don’t seem to know what to do with him.

The characterization of Jimmy throughout this book is exactly the shot to the arm the character needs to put him back in the spotlight. It’s a version of him that feels true to who he’s always been while adding a refreshing new voice to keep him interesting. So, the book succeeds by way of creating an incredible self-sufficient story, while also setting Jimmy up with a new set of tools to keep him in the spotlight. He has his own supporting cast, all of whom are entertaining enough to stand the test of time alongside him. Whether or not the Superman writers of the next few years decide to look to this book for inspiration is up to them, but bit doing so seems the equivalent of throwing out a briefcase of golden bars.

I can’t possibly sing more praise for Steve Lieber’s contributions than I already have, but I’ll certainly give it a shot. He’s a master cartoonist, end of story. His storytelling is frankly unparalleled in the world of modern comics, and to pigeon-hole him merely as the “funny guy” does his work a great disservice. Yes, he’s very funny, but the level of craftsmanship on display here demonstrates a mastery of the medium, not the genre. Each expression delivers, every joke lands, and all of his choices are simply correct. Not once is a panel’s intent vague or a story beat half-baked. Put him on the biggest book you have, DC, or you’re missing out.

The credit doesn’t solely go to Lieber, of course, as the entire art team is at the top of their game to back the pencils. Fairbairn’s simplistic color palette is a perfect fit for Lieber’s style, as well as the book’s overall whacky tone. Additionally, Clayton Cowles does a wonderful job demonstrating how the letterer contributes to the big picture beyond sensible word balloon placement. He completely sells the best joke in the issue (involving Porcadillo) that makes for one of my favorite pages of the year. The entire art team fires on all cylinders.

I’ll miss this book. For the entirety of its run it’s been perhaps the best title in DC’s current lineup, and consistently delivers the laughs as well as the heart. Fraction’s scripts are teeming with life, and the artists deliver some of the most beautiful pages of comics I’ve read in some time. This is a diamond in the rough, and one that I can’t wait to watch readers discover for years to come.

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Read Jimmy Olsen #12 on Comixology