Superman: Son Of Kal-El #11
Jon deals with Batman’s revelation and unfinished business that could destroy the Hall of Justice in Superman: Son Of Kal-El #11, by writer Tom Taylor, artist Cian Tormey, colorists Federico Blee and Matt Herms, and letterer Dave Sharpe. Taylor and company turn in yet another exciting issue, building the conflict between Superman, Bendix, and Luthor even more.
Superman and Batman discuss Jay before Batman leaves. Jon Kent and Batman discuss Superman, the situation with Jay, and the Kents relationship with Alfred. Superman asks Nightwing for advice and goes to Jay, asking him about what Batman told him. The conversation reveals some truths about what Bendix has been doing, one of which makes Superman realize what happened with the Burning Man in the first issue- he was under Bendix’s control. Jon rushes to the Hall of Justice and, with the help of the Flash and the Atom, tries to remove a device from the Burning Man’s head. It almost fails as Bendix takes control, but Superman is able to not only save the Hall but the young man as well. Later, Bendix tells Luthor it’s time to get serious about killing Superman.
Taylor does a lot of great things in this issue. To begin with, the conversation between Jon Kent and Batman is money. Batman seemingly respects him, and the two discuss the situation. The coolest part of the conversation is when Jon reveals he and Martha talked to Alfred all the time, revealing something that everyone would have guessed: Alfred bragged about Batman because, of course he did. There’s also a nice bit of foreshadowing, explaining how Superman accidentally killed his cat and since then has tried his best to protect everyone. It’s also cool to see Superman and Nightwing talk again; Supes is scared of Batman in his own way, but he trusts Nightwing.
The reveal with the truth about Jay, both what Batman tells Superman and what Jay tells him, works well enough, but it would be better if it ended up being more sinister than what Jay lets on. The end sequence is exciting, and the pace really picks up then, a race against time to stop Bendix from detonating the bomb in the Burning Man, revealed to be called Inferno by Bendix and the Gamorrans.
The pacing works so well as much because of the art as the script. Tormey, Blee, and Herms do an amazing job of capturing the tension of the moment, selling it wonderfully. Elsewhere in the issue, the team does an amazing job with the character acting and figure work, selling the conversations between characters. Tormey’s pencils are the best they’ve been so far in this issue; every character is well rendered, and it makes the book look that much better. The colors are bright and striking, really selling the pencils.
Superman: Son Of Kal-El #11 continues this book’s run of excellence. Taylor builds a great little story in this one. It’s very well-paced, ramping up as the book goes on. The art team does an amazing job supplying some of the best art this book has seen so far. Once again, this team drops another impressive story on readers.
