Earth 2 #22 Review

Fly so high, in the sky…..

As a familiar member of the New Age Wonders returns, Val is about to get a crash course in being a Kryptonian.

While there are some big moments in this book, the overall tone doesn’t quite reach the frenzy that came before it. In some ways, it is good to take a step back and reflect on the crazy that has happened before, but it still feels off for some reason.

As much as I liked Robinson’s run, it never seemed like he got under the skin of the ‘new’ characters. Conversely, by using very familiar set pieces, Tom seems to be operating in autopilot. Both have their flaws and successes.

For me though, Tom’s run feels a little disappointing already. He’s spent too much time already on Val’s issues with seclusion and isolation, and in the process ignored many of the others (except for Batman). That doesn’t change with this issue as Val is forced to confront his fears until a very expected thing comes up.

Normally, I’m all praise for Nicola, but it seems like an off day for her. Her main problems were with Superman. Most of the times, the expressions were wrong (like when he’s watching a video of Batman and co fighting) or the face was (confronting Terry Sloan).

SPOILERS FOLLOW…………………

Basically, it’s Green Lantern is still alive somehow, Superman sees Batman among the rebels and attacks the new Kryptonian before apparently being dazed by seeing Lois alive (in a manner). Inside, Jimmy Olsen deciphers Dr Fate’s cryptic messages

There are little nuances thrown in though. The fact that Superman still believes Batman is the biggest challenge is a testament to their enduring friendship with a bordered fear of each other.

But the major problem is that the big moments come without any build-up. Green Lantern is suddenly alive, and Tom has to go into a lengthy exposition to say just that ‘the Earth saved him’. Also, two pages are wasted with Superman attacking Terry Sloan before learning that Batman is still ‘alive’ and heading to Gotham.

Also, the ending with Superman apparently ‘snapping’ out of his mad Darkseid slave mode on hearing Lois’ voice was a little too clichéd. It’s happened too many times and while I feel like Tom is playing a false, it doesn’t help.

What worked though was Val. Scott accurately portrays his delight and fears. The jump into space and the following first flight sequence worked, but not much else.

SPOILERS END………………….

While this was the start of the second act of War against the Dark Superman, awkward plotting and some surprisingly pedestrian artwork didn’t do it any favors.

Tom used too many words this time and it hurt the flow of action while Nicola has a bad day with the pencils.

So, I give it 6.0 out of 10.

+Val’s first attempt at flight was well drawn

+Lois is being well handled by Tom

-The artwork was patchy

-Too much exposition

-Clichéd ending