On one hand, I appreciate that the creative team has come up with a character who can go toe-to-toe with the Man of Steel (though that doesn't actually happen in this issue). I like that Superman and Batman are friends here, and that Lois and Clark actually have a civil discussion.
The art by Jim Lee is terrific, naturally. The writing by Scott Snyder is strong.
But... I hate the fact that the U.S. Military is treated as the bad guy in this issue. That trope (already worked over in the movie this summer) has been done to death.
And there's no reason for it (except to underscore that the military is developing weapons that can take out Superman).
When he arrives at a military base to find some answers to a super-popwered mystery, he is immediately threatened by General Lane (Lois' dad). Is it really a good idea to attack Superman when he's calmly asking questions? It just seems like poor strategy (especially when Lane is standing six feet away from the target of all those high-tech weapons).
I also don't like the characterization of Soldiers as being trigger-happy, or easily spooked into attacking.
There are plenty of actual villains running around the DC Universe - considering the sacrifices they make on our behalf, there's no need to lump the military into that category.
It's lazy storytelling, and in my opinion, it's frankly offensive.
Grade: C
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3 comments:
Sounds like a scene out of an old Hulk comic. And you're right, it is cheap and lazy storytelling.
The Hulk I could understand the Military attacking, since he tends to be a rampaging, out-of-control monster. Superman doesn't tend to rampage unless provoked. ;-)
The soldier being trigger-happy may not go down well, but overall I like this issue. Especially the way Snyder lets the readers see what is going on in Clark's head.
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