Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Mikel Janín, Jordie Bellaire, and Steve Wands
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: July 20th, 2021
Price: $3.99
Occasionally, even the Man of Steel uncovers a mission almost too unimaginable. Occasionally, even the Man of Tomorrow needs help TODAY! And furthermore, some jobs mandate strategies and champions that don’t accurately represent the JUSTICE LEAGUE. So, when backed into a corner like never before, SUPERMAN entices Manchester Black to construct a brand-new AUTHORITY commissioned with saving the world behind the scenes.
Now, not only will Manchester Black recognize the right prospects for this new band of heroes, but if SUPERMAN can compel him to conduct himself well (in a matter of speaking), then Clark will demonstrate that practically anyone can be a hero! Let’s soar into SUPERMAN AND THE AUTHORITY #1 by Grant Morrison and Mikel Janín as the Ultra-Humanite shapes his own crew to destroy the Man of Steel once and for all. You won’t want to miss this story that is prepared to embark on an all-new SUPERMAN status quo with narrative explorations set to echo throughout ACTION COMICS as well as SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL for the foreseeable future.
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THE DISPATCH
Grant Morrison has his specific style. Love him or hate him, there is no real in-between. He’s not going to hold the reader’s hand through the smallest minutiae details nor is he going to be straightforward enough to usher readers from start to finish with ease. He causes readers to think and unlock key components of his narrative as the story progresses. This stylistic approach can be exceedingly overwhelming to new Morrison readers. Yet, SUPERMAN AND THE AUTHORITY came across rather direct, informative, and seemed relatively easy to digest like Morrison’s SEAGUY, which I highly recommend checking out!
Other than a few minor questions related specifically to the story itself, readers will have a great time following along. However, this SUPERMAN is different. And, without spoiling too much information, he drastically needs help. Rather, things aren’t exactly what they seem from the Man of Steel. Why or how? Well, Morrison hasn’t told us that quite yet, which is good. Comic book fans need a hook to continue to read and Morrison delivers that with a worm big enough to attract the biggest Catfish south of the Mississippi.
You see, SUPERMAN AND THE AUTHORITY #1 focuses mainly on Manchester Black, getting him in on the idea of joining this new AUTHORITY, and hoping the rest of the pieces come into play. And personally, I love this SUPERMAN. He’s strong, but not insanely strong. He relies more on his character and intelligence. Sure, he can hold his own. However, for some reason, he’s just not the overpowered, god-like super-being fans are used to. This Man of Tomorrow is raw, real, and in search of individuals who together can mimic his abilities. Yet, Clark is still that wholesome, country boy at heart. It’s as if Morrison has found a way to provide fans with a more pragmatic approach to the character. Time will divulge the details and as of right now, I’m all in!
ART
Now, not only is Morrison a bit polarizing as a writer, but Mikel Janín can be as well. Why? Well, some don’t like the 3-D model approach and tracing. They view it as a type of CGI. Other more casual fans, look at his illustrations in awe with its impressive detail and design. I tend to lean more towards the casual fan simply because I’ve never sat down with Janín to go over his technique nor do I presume to know all the inner workings of what it takes for him to create an issue. From what I see, even if 3-D modeling is his approach, the art is gorgeous. Plus, his page layout is always spot on, especially throughout this issue of SUPERMAN AND THE AUTHORITY. Moreover, his style is very kinetic and provides a sense of movement that many artists today struggle with.
FINAL THOUGHTS
SUPERMAN AND THE AUTHORITY #1 delivers a fresh new take on a classic character with a nostalgic spin. Furthermore, Morrison’s style isn’t as polarizing or unconventional as many would expect with an average level of intensity and concept. That said, if you dig that Morrison-style approach, please don’t be deterred. The story is clever, unique, and dangles some intriguing questions to be uncovered as the series progresses. Morrison reveals just enough to wet your whistle while leaving the tab open for another round. Moreover, Janín’s style is fabulous. It provides the narrative with a realistic, natural look that adds so much depth and emotion to the issue regardless of how the set is rendered. Overall, I can’t help but be excited for this series and what’s to come. I highly recommend giving this issue a shot to see if you get hooked as much as I am. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!