Tales From the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman (2019-) #1
DC Comics
Writer: Jeff Loveness
Artist: Brad Walker, Andrew Hennesy, Norm Rapmund, & John Kalisz
For a bunch of issues based around the concept of cashing in on nostalgia, I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying these Dark Multiverse one-shots. These stories succeed in large part because they tap into one of DC’s greatest strengths, Elseworlds. Comic series such as Injustice and Red Son are some of DC’s most famous and critically acclaimed books. But now DC looks to reinvent the highest-selling event in DC history, the Death of Superman.
In just 22 pages, Tales From the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman #1 explores more interesting concepts of a post-Superman world than the entirety of the DCEU. The issue focuses heavily on Lois Lane after witnessing the death of her lover. But instead of being struck with sadness from Clark’s death, Lois is struck with anger. She holds the entirety of the superhero community in contempt for their inability to save him. This anger leads to Lois becoming the host to the Eradicator, with newly acquired Superman powers to boot.
But once Lois gains the power of Superman, she realizes he never went far enough. This is where the issue truly shines. Lois confuses Clark’s unwillingness to kill others as a sign of weakness. But Lois never comes across as over the top insane in this issue. Her new-found superhearing makes her question how Clark could ever sleep or stop being Superman. Did he ignore the cries of others? Was he truly helping anyone?
Although Lois remains a strong character throughout the book, the ending does leave something to be desired. Superman comes back to life only to die several pages later. Superman was never alive long enough to vocalize his fear for what Lois has become. I would have loved to see Lois end up killing Clark or even Clark just giving up after seeing the person he loves most turned into a vengeful monster. While previous issues such as the Knightfall one-shot offer more satisfying conclusions, this one plays it relatively safe.
Brad Walker’s art was surprisingly welcome in this issue. Walker has always been a capable artist, but the black and red color palette from colorist John Kalisz really makes the art pop. Perhaps having the time to draw this one-shot allowed him to refine his work more than if he were on a regular book. The beautiful colors certainly don’t hurt the art here.
Overall, Tales From the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman #1 is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Although it’s no Red Son or Multiversity, this issue was full of great moments.
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Tales From the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman (2019-) #1
This issue is great re-imagining of The Death of Superman with above-average Brad Walker art to boot.
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