SUPERMAN #19
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Ivan Reis
Inker: Joe Prado, Danny Miki, Julio Ferreira & Oclair Albert
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Andworld Design
Publisher: DC
Rating: 9/10
So after last issues reveal, which I really loved by the way, this one deals with the fallout. While some may think that the "reveal" was cheap or didn't really mean anything, I think it was an interesting way to do it and sets up some really interesting stuff moving forward. Bendis has a lot to cover, in terms of the repercussions of this information being open to the world, and we see the beginnings of that here.
Bendis' superpower is his snappy and heartfelt dialogue and this issue is a perfect example of that. We begin the issue with Clark sitting in the office with Perry, Lois and Jimmy discussing how he can possibly continue reporting for the Daily Planet now that he's outed himself. With Perry's hands tied, he fires Clark. But immediately hires him back full time. He does it because he loves his writing, but also sees it as a huge selling point having Superman on staff. While it's weird seeing Clark without his glasses, I guess it will just take some getting use to, it's awesome to see that he doesn't wanna give up his personal life/career. The way Clark gets called out for being late on his deadlines, was really funny. See it wasn't an act just because he was trying to maintain his secret, he's just as human as all of us and sometimes he just couldn't get it done in time. This was such a subtle way of showing Clark's humanity and was a real bright spot in this issue for me.
With his newfound status a the Daily Planet, he's offered his own office for privacy but turns it down. Ever the everyman, he wants to stay right in the mix of things with everyone in the newsroom. What happens next brought a smile to my face as I read, he walks out in to bullpen and is welcomed by the entire staff with claps and hugs. A heartwarming scene between him and former gossip columnist Trish Q, was a perfect example of the impact that Superman has had on people. But Clark knows he has a lot of work ahead of him as he deals with some of his adversaries and fellow heroes learning of his secret. While I would have preferred this to happen in the main book, this is set to be covered in the SUPERMAN: HEROES & SUPERMAN: VILLAINS one shots.
The use of splash pages by Ivan Reis in this issue are amazing. I love the way he gives us these wide shots and so much detail, it really gives this a cinematic feel. Ivan Reis is one of the powerhouses of DC's stable of artists and continues to show us why in every single issue. He has been churning out some of the best work of his career in this title. From his action packed scenes, to his quiet moment between characters. He conveys even the subtlest emotions, which is really evident in the scenes between Perry and Clark, in the first half of the book. Which is made even better with the out of this world coloring by Alex Sinclair.
The book ends with the heads of the United Planets looking to terraform a planet to use as their home base but are met by a being who would rather see their demise, Mongul. But Superman races to their protection after being late for the meeting with them. After Superman takes on Mongul by himself, we're left with a beaten Superman and a Mongul that is set o destroy the United Planets before it every truly begins. The inevitable battle with Mongul, is sure to be action packed and I'm excited to see him used again. He's always been a great villain to see go up against Superman and the next issue should be a fun action packed issue.
Overall, this "Truth" arc has been pretty solid and I'm loving what Bendis has been doing. While I do wish there more cohesiveness between this title and ACTION COMICS, they each have been a lot of fun and some of the best Superman stories of the past few years.