After the shocking events of DC K.O., Superman is missing. But one hero steps up to take his place…Superboy Prime?! Normally, Prime has only been part of massive DC events, but now he gets a real shot at showing the world he can be just as great a hero as Superman! Superman #36 kicks off a new direction for the series as a new Superman takes center stage.

Superman has been a series I’ve read off and on over the decades, rarely lasting for a long time. My knowledge of Superboy Prime is very limited beyond he’s done some horrible stuff. So, going into Superman #36 was pretty much a blank page as this version of Superman has taken over as the original one has disappeared at the end of the recent event DC K.O. Generally, the issue does a good job of catching up readers with what they need to know about Superboy Prime as he gets settled into his new life and attempts to shed his questionable past.

Joshua Williamson keeps the comic moving with a wink throughout the issue. There’s a lot of talk about Superboy Prime’s knowledge of the DC characters, who are just comics in his world, giving the series a fourth wall breaking vibe that we’ve seen in Deadpool and especially Gwen-pool who also have similar concepts baked within. But, there’s something a bit more going on here in the small details, for instance Lois’ outfit which is similar to a popular one from the recent Superman film. The comic is aware of the fun it can have and goes all in with swooning women, and a main character with a massive ego and not much of a clue. This is the asshat we want to see if he can redeem himself but also features a big ominous flashing warning underneath it all.

As mentioned, the art has fun with the concept of the comic. Dan Mora‘s work with color by Alejandro Sanchez and lettering by Ariana Maher pops. It’s clear that the team is having fun here with so many references and small details that show off just a love of Superman comics and history. Lois’ outfit mentioned above, certain poses, comic covers, it all comes together for a comic that has a hell of a lot of fun with itself and concept. The action looks great, the characters, just everything about this shines and shows off why Mora is such a beloved artist.

Superman #36 is fun. It takes an overused concept and unlikeable character and delivers it all at a level and in a way that you want to come back. It breaks the mold in some ways in expectations and just goes all out with its concept while not going over the top with it. It’s a joke to read that delivers pop culture excitement and entertainment.

Story: Joshua Williamson Art: Dan Mora
Color: Alejandro Sanchez Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 8.45 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle