The epic “Truth” arc reaches its finale as the Daily Planet and its staff may be the first casualties of Clark’s identity being revealed!

Writer Gene Luen Yang (along with the other Superman writing crew) have been putting together an interesting take on DC Comics‘ Man of Steel. Superman #44 wraps up the “Truth” storyline, taking us into the next arc “Lies.”

Clark Kent has been revealed as Superman, and as expected, the villains are out to get him and/or his friends. This issue shows us exactly that as Superman has to go through a whole host of them (didn’t Live Wire just debut in Batgirl!?) to save folks.

To me, what’s more interesting is how Lois reacts through this all, and what Superman does towards the end that directly addresses the concept of a man with such power as a deterrent. Interesting ideas.

The pencils by John Romita, Jr. and inks by Klaus Janson are ok. I’m not a fan of Romita, Jr.’s work, but I understand why folks are. I think his art generally looks like the same person playing dress up, very similar faces with a different hat or facial hair. It’s all ok, but nothing that really blows me away and excites me, his being announced on the series didn’t at all, but you can tell it was a dream gig for him. That’s my personal taste, so yours may vary.

Yang is giving us a very interesting take on Superman (all of the writers are actually), and this issue is no exception diving into the need for duality, and a take on how Superman would react when his identity is revealed and friends threatened. If nothing else, for me, it feels like something new, and it’s definitely getting me to think about Superman, the symbol.

Story: Gene Luen Yang Art by: Klaus Janson, John Romita, Jr.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review