Superman: Son of Kal-El #3 Review

Writer: Tom Taylor

Art: John Timms, Gabe Eltaeb, and Dave Sharpe

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 28th, 2021

Recently, SUPERMAN comics have been a bit … lacking. Not in character, quality, or story… but in content and quantity! Each month, fans receive close to 15 to 20 comics about BATMAN. However, that hasn’t nearly been the case with SUPERMAN. For those diving headfirst into this series looking for something involving SUPERMAN, instead, they’ll find the focus surrounding Jon Kent. To many, that may sound refreshing and inviting. However, the purpose of the series seems to be the process of setting up Jon Kent as the new SUPERMAN. Yet, it’s also about the son of SUPERMAN juggling the premise of becoming the hero he’s meant to be while also handling the foreknowledge that his father will eventually leave at some point and never return. Let’s soar into SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #3 by Tom Taylor as readers see firsthand how Jon handles the pressure surrounding all that encompasses being SUPERMAN.

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THE DISPATCH

Readers, imagine the pressure of knowing your father was one of the strongest, bravest, fastest, and most kind-hearted individuals to ever walk the face of the Earth. And then, imagine you had to follow in his footsteps. Imagine you had to take up the mantle and be that same symbol of hope for an entire world. Yet, having the precognition that your father was eventually leaving forever (just not exactly when or why), you watch as your father’s abilities continue to diminish. Truthfully, I think everyone can somewhat relate. We’ve all watched as our parents gradually transformed from the superheroes they all were when we were children to the average, mistake-filled, older version of what our memories once remembered.

In essence, that’s where SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #3 opens with Jon stepping up to save people while his father struggles to do what he’s always been able to do with ease. Granted, it provides Jon with the opportunity to showcase what he can do with a rather impressive spread and page layout. However, it comes at the expense of the Man of Steel.

Nevertheless, there is a bit more going on in this issue. A new character is introduced that both SUPERMAN and Jon decide to help. And, things manage to become a bit heated as political issues within the public eye continue to flare up. However, the beat Taylor continues to focus on is the pure, authentic, and genuine nature, as well as attitude, of SUPERMAN, regardless of whether it’s Jon or Clark. Heck, regardless of political opinions or parties, SUPERMAN always remains that constant beacon of hope for the entire world. And readers, that shines through brighter than the sun in this issue of SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL which is what makes this issue so invigorating. Throughout recent years, writers have oftentimes lost sight of what makes SUPERMAN so… super! Or, what drives him to be that symbol of hope, trust, compassion, and to a degree: faith. Taylor recognizes that throughout this issue and drives the point forward with a strong passion that provides true prospects for long-time Super-fans.

ART

Now, not only is Taylor’s story beat a highlight of SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL- EL, but John Timms’ art goes on without saying. His style and charm almost add this sense of purity, innocence, and allure to Jon. Yet, the illustrations find a proper balance between virtue, integrity, and just a downright crisp superhero comic that’s clean, sharp, and intense. From the movement across panels to the sheer cascading nature of capes, this issue flows with almost a sense of eloquent, raw beauty. All this stated above helps make this issue rock solid without even mentioning the amount of detail crafted into each page. Again, Taylor’s story is outstanding but it’s Timms’ art that adds the weight and merit this issue deserves.

FINAL THOUGHTS

SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #3 is another example of what’s working at DC COMICS right now. It’s almost as if Taylor fuses the past, present, and future masterfully while still keep the core of what makes SUPERMAN the true heart and soul of DC COMICS. Moreover, Timms helps ground SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL giving it the classic feel that’s strong, confident, and pure to the character’s concepts and roots. Readers will leave this issue with excitement and satisfaction while waiting for what’s on the horizon. Together, this creative team is the perfect match for SUPERMAN and the future of the character while grounding the essentials in a strong rock bed of those who built the company on the back of his shoulders. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God bless!