The Truth story line from the Superman comics is one that is meant to make the character more approachable to the average fan, while also giving long term fans something more to read as the character’s fundamental meanings are laid out to be more apparent.  While it has only been partially effective in doing so, the intention is evidently there, to make Superman more of a likable hero than superpowered alien god.  That being the case, it makes one wonder why a different approach was not taken for this examination of the archetypal superhero, and Doomed serves as an example of a different route which could be equally effective.  This series is also interesting as DC has played at the idea of a Hulk rip-off before, notably with the new 52 version of O.M.A.C. but it has never really worked.  The dynamics of the Marvel characters are such that they are hard to replicate, but perhaps DC has found its green goliath after all, except in this case as one that can kind of turn into Doomsday.

The story here follows Reiser, a bit of a scientific prodigy who has gotten himself a job at S.T.A.R. Labs.  Although he is first introduced in his Doomsday persona, it is is not Doomsday which really defines this first issue.  The character is shown as a fish out of water, as the Metropolis, the City of Tomorrow, is seemingly replaced with New York City.  The character has to fight transit to make it to work, is hired basically as an intern, and has to squeeze an extra roommate into an already cramped apartment.  As these sequence of events take place he is accidentally exposed to something which causes that he has some kind of powers, although they are not powers that he seems to be interested in.

If there was meant to be a shake-up in Metropolis, then this is evidently a better route than the story arc that is dominating the other Superman titles.  This is s fresh take on the city and its superheroes, and the first real bit of something different for the city in a long time.  The character feel real and they are approachable, and his supporting characters even beg for more panel time as they themselves seem to have interesting stories.    Although this might be a little low on some people’s reading list, it probably shouldn’t be.  It was a fun read and it leaves the reader waiting impatiently for the next issue.

Story: Scott Lobdell Art: Javier Fernandez
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy