I have been waiting for this issue of Superman to come out ever since I saw that J. Michael Straczynski was going to be taking over the title, also I knew this issue marked the end of the whole New Krypton cross-over that had been prohibiting me from being able to jump onto the Superman band-wagon. I was also excited that Stracynski was picking up the series starting with the milestone issue, which is always a nice place to start reading a series that has been going as long as Superman has.
One thing that is always interesting with milestone issues, is that you get to see the work of many different artists and writers that have been involved with the series over the years, which allows the reader to compare and contrast within a single issue. With Superman 700, the reader gets a story by James Robinson (War of the Supermen), Dan Jurgens (Death of Superman), and of course J. Michael Straczynski (Thor, Brave and the Bold). For the most part, these three stories were quality stories, but like any comic, they had their up and down points.
The first story focuses on Lois and Superman’s first encounter after the events of the 100 Minute War. After reading the entire issue, I can see why this was the first story featured in this milestone issue, since it was the least exciting of the three. I am fan of James Robinson’s, but after reading the action packed story that was War of the Supermen, a love story between Lois and Superman just didn’t compare. I was more disappointed with the art than anything in this story. My big problem with the story was that I feel as though when doing a love story in comics, the artist needs to be able to convey the facial expressions that come along with love and that just was not here in this story.
The second story in this issue was the “fun” story of the issue. The story doesn’t really focus on Superman, which was the only negative aspect of the story in my opinion and that is only because this is supposed to be the Superman anniversary issue. Regardless, this story was very entertaining and focuses on the ever-popular sidekick of Batman, Robin. One thing that made this story so entertaining is that it took place in the past, which usually provides a good setting for a story because it takes place back during a simpler time before events like Blackest Night and War of the Supermen. The story revolves around Robin’s interaction with Superman while Batman is off serving his duties as Bruce Wayne for the night. It is a fun story to read and it really shows off Superman’s true nature as a kind nurturing individual who will always be there in the nick of time for the people of Earth, which the reader soon finds out plays a large role in Stracynski’s story. The story is beautifully written and never has a down point, but what else can you expect from the guy who had the writing power to kill the Man of Steel?
The third story is the story that all the readers have been waiting for, the start of J. Michael Straczynski’s run, and the immediate aftermath of War of the Supermen. The story has a strong beginning, showing Superman answering the press’s questions revolving around the 100 Minute War, only for it to be halted by Superman receiving a slap that would cause Superman to re-work his whole sense of being; which is why this prologue is fittingly titled the Slap Heard Around the World. The story focuses on Superman trying to cope with the fact that during the time that he was overwhelmingly involved with the events that occurred on New Krypton, he neglected to fully protect the people that he had sworn to protect so long ago. As the story continues, the reader sees Superman interacting with a few of DC’s big wig characters, trying to figure out just what he needs to do to make up for everything he let happen during his time of leave. He would soon learn that it would not be the advice that he would get from his fellow heroes that would lead him in the right direction, but it would be advice that he received a long time ago from someone very close to him that would put him on the right path.
After finishing the entire issue, I was very pleased with the overall product. Straczynski provided a great story that just left me wanting more, like usual with his writing, and Eddy Barrow’s art on the last story was nothing short of impressive. He really knows how to bring life to the Man of Steel. The one thing that really bothered me about this issue as a whole was the price of the issue. I don’t mind paying $5 bucks for an issue if I am getting substantial material for the price, I was disappointed to say the least when I saw that Superman 700 was substantially smaller than Batman 700 just a week prior, which had the same price tag as this issue. I know Batman may be a bit more popular that Superman, but Superman fans need some loving too DC! Overall it was a solid issue and lived up to the majority of my expectations. I am excited to see what happens to Superman as Stracynski continues with his run, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be any less than spectacular.
9 out of 10
*Originally posted on the Chris' Comics Website
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