Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Gavin Guidry and Jordie Bellaire (colorist)
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 2nd, 2024
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #3 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #3 picks up where we left off, right after Superman’s first fight with, and defeat from, Metallo. Right off the bat, we’re introduced to new characters who never appeared in the films. It was already confirmed by the writer that the pilot introduced last issue is none other than Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern. It’s reasonable to conclude that the black solider at the beginning of this issue is most likely John Stewart. We are also introduced to Lois Lane’s father, General Sam Lane, who was alluded to in the first issue of this series. Plus, at the end of the issue we see the return of a familiar villain. The romantic feelings between Superman and Lois is explored too, though not as directly. It is clear that they both love each other, but are having misgivings about being honest about their feelings for one another.
ART
The art in Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #3 remains consistent with the art from previous issues. It captures good likenesses of Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper and Marc McClure. The fortress is very detailed, as is the Daily Planet, and Lois’s Kryptonian outfit fits her well. It even seems to suggest that she imagines it as a type of wedding dress the way she looks at her reflection. The issue also shows Metallo preparing for a rematch with Superman by lifting a tank and it showcases his strength he possesses through his superpowered suit. It also does a good job of depicting Clark being vulnerable to kryptonite, showing the pain on his face as he succumbs to his weakness, still suffering from the aftermath of his fight with Metallo.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #3 does a good job of introducing new characters to the Christopher Reeve Superman universe. They are all inserted flawlessly, in a way that makes them seem natural to the world of the films. The characters who appeared in the films are depicted very faithfully to how they were portrayed in the movies, such as Clark, Lois, Jimmy and Perry. With the reappearance of the villain at the end, how do you think he might factor into the events of next issue?