Sideways Annual #1
DC Comics
Writer: Dan Didio
Artist: Will Conrad
In a twist in the modern age, Sideways Annual #1 ties in with the main story and gives a proper conclusion. Derek James is currently in the Dark Multiverse along with the Seven Soldiers as they take on a great evil. Along the way, he gets separated from the Soldiers and is held prisoner in a castle by a being named Perrus. Perrus has gathered characters from different universes that resemble twisted versions of Superman, Lois, and Jimmy Olsen. Perrus looks to add Sideways to his collection. And if you thought we were done with the Superman appearances, let me tell you something. Because the biggest moment in DC comics is here! Sideways Annual 1 features the return of New 52 Superman!!! Please hold your applause.
As a fan of Grant Morrison’s run, I was so stoked to see him return in the last issue, I didn’t bother with the details of how he’s here. In the annual I got an answer…but it wasn’t a good one. Derek asks him what he’s doing here and Supes recaps what happened to him but adds a new detail. During the Final Days of Superman, apparently he somehow fell into the Dark Multiverse and was taken prisoner by Perrus and was held in a Kryptonite gas egg, never thought I would say those words…never mind that, the most important thing is my boy is back and is ready to kick some butt and that brings me to a problem with the issue.
I know this was a big deal but the book is still about Derek and as soon as Superman steps in Derek takes a step back. Superman commands the issue with Derek only butting in here and there to keep the peace or transport people literally driving the story along. His main solution to defeating the army was to let Superman handle it. Even the ending of the story doesn’t feature Derek as it focuses on the faux Superman cast as they find themselves on our Earth looking for a new home. The book does conclude the Dark Multiverse story but you can feel it sets up for something outside of Sideways, giving us no moment of rest. Overall the issue had good moments but I wish the win the heroes got was able to sit with us a little longer instead of building to the next story.
If you are a fan of Sideways you should definitely pick this up. If you’re like me and want to see New 52 Superman return, this should scratch that itch.
