Crippled by the events of “The Oz Effect,” Superman struggles to regain a sense of hope for humanity. As a strange new threat brews in the background, a faithless Son of both Krypton and Earth must make a choice: stay and fight for his adoptive homeworld, or answer a call from the stars.

With “The Oz Effect” over and the revelation of who Mr. Oz is behind us, we’re left asking what’s next? “The Oz Effect” directly attacked what Superman stands for and represents, the “hope” for humanity. Mr. Oz revealed the “true nature” of humanity for all its negativity and in that way attacked Superman while attempting to save him from whatever comes next.

This issue picks up from there with Superman questioning a lot of things, like what it means to be the son of someone so evil. It’s an interesting direction that forces Superman on a quest of some sorts and an ending that I’m sure will be spoiled elsewhere but I’m not doing that here. It’s a solid twist ending that has me excited to see the next issue and reintroduces a certain character into the DC Universe post Rebirth.

The art by Steve Pugh is solid. It’s slightly different than we’ve seen over the span of the series but keeps with a certain aesthetic style that’s consistent with what’s come before. There’s some solid emotional moments as Superman comes to grips with what has happened and what it all means and those are conveyed quite well through the art.

This is a solid follow up to an event that has shaken Superman and put into question the whole nature vs. nurture debate. But, it also sets up what feels like a hell of an adventure to come based on those final pages and it’s an adventure I’m beyond excited to see.

Story: Dan Jurgens Art: Steve Pugh Cover Art: Francis Manapul
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review