Review: New Super-Man Vol. 3 Equilibrium
As a child of the 1980s, I remember when there was a great influx of comics talent from overseas. This was when we started seeing names like Alan Moore and Grant Morrison, and when Neil Gaiman came on to the scene. We also got some excellent Canadian artists in the way of Todd McFarlane. We also got some raw talent from the Philippines in the way of Whilce Portacio, a still hidden gem of an artist.
This influx of talent to our shores also offered differing point of views at a time when the narrative in many of the comics became repetitive. As these talents went from burgeoning artists to full on rock stars, the craft evolved and became what most know now. These auteurs pushed canons to the brink of collapse, and even made us look at superheroes differently, like Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons did in Watchmen. Rarely, among this renaissance, did we see anything from the Eastern part of the world. This is why the importance of the narrative and the world building cannot be understated in the third volume of Gene Luen Yang and Billy Tan’s New Super-Man, as the world not only gets a Chinese version of DC’s most popular heroes but also the sensibilities and philosophies of that part of the world along with it.
Kenan’s mind is reeling from revelations about his parents. Meanwhile, his teammates in the Justice League of China are dropping one by one. And from across the globe, Task Force X Director Amanda Waller has sent in the one force that can stop the chaos and carnage from spreading: Harley Quinn, Deadshot and Killer Croc, a.k.a. the Suicide Squad!
But the Emperor isn’t the only Super-Man they’ve been licensed to kill. Unless Kenan acts fast, he’ll become a casualty of war.
Yet even as the struggle rages on, the New Super-Man is transported to Old Gotham City, to the era when the magic that fuels his powers began…and where his true enemy will reveal himself at last…
Overall, a sweeping epic chapter in the adventures of Kong Kenna and the Justice League of China, as he can be more than the typical superhero and may be more powerful than his Western version. The story by Yang is relatable, funny, action packed, and full of intrigue. The art by Tan is gorgeous and complements the story well. Altogether, a trade paperback which addresses some sociopolitical issues, dealing with wretched history, and entertains, all in one book.
Story: Gene Luen Yang Art: Billy Tan
Story: 10 Art: 9.7 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
As I remember growing up we relied on our parent and other relatives to show us what to do. This extended to our lives in school, as some of us may remember that one teacher who you connected to, and you thought knew everything about life. Eventually, as you leave school and away from the trappings of family and friends, the search for guidance becomes more difficult. For those of us in the military, we followed our superiors, but sometimes we meet someone, as I did, who guided us along and told you what things you must do to move on up the ladder. My relationship with that person extends to today, and I always liken to how Yoda thought Luke the ways of the force. That theme extends to comics, like DC Comics‘ New Super-Man. In the second volume of New Super-Man, Kong Kenna struggles with new found powers and the mystery of his mother’s death, as these issues will eventually collide.
“Superman” is synonymous with the best a person can do and especially when they go beyond. I’ve always wondered would Superman ever really look like one of us? I know the new show Krypton, shows the planet has as many shades as Earth does, even giving the ficticious world its first black General Zod. This has been a major milestone for the character’s canon, one which mostly has shown the character and his cast a certain way. Caucasian actors have usually occupied the roles. The world has become more “woke” and so has comics leading to their onscreen portrayals to follow suit.
Action Comics #999 Almost a filler story until the huge milestone coming up, but it’s not completely worthless as it ties up a few loose ends and resets Lois’ relationship with her father. Friendly enough at the end of the day, but I’d hold out till next issue at this point. 6/10
it’s Friendly).
Action Comics #995. Superman traveled backward in time to witness the destruction of Krypton, but screwed up the timeline and Krypton didn’t blow up. So time traveler Booster Gold went to stop him, and now they’re trying to escape. Or, rather, they did escape, but not alone… this Friendlyish comic can be read without much of a recap. But.. it isn’t great. 6/10
reading. 5/10
