COMIC REVIEW: FTN reviews Superman Unchained #3

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Jim Lee (Back-up: Dustin Nyguen)

Published by: DC Comics

With nothing but questions raised in the first two issues of this book, it’s about time we get some answers! But, then again, it wouldn’t be a properly awesome comic book if more questions weren’t raised in the process. It’s simple, really. In every storyline, there needs to be at least one issue where action might take a backseat, otherwise all action and no plot developments makes me a bored reader.

I don’t think I can compliment enough on how much I love Snyder’s writing of Superman. He’s intelligent, sassy, aggressive, and polite. But I also really enjoyed reading General Lane as well. It’s a given that he’s not the most likable character in the world right now, but the way he was written, it felt to me like one of those ‘bad guys’ where you kind of see where he’s coming from. Not so much that you agree with him, of course, but you understand, and those are the best type of adversaries.

And it’s probably terrible of me, but my favorite part has to be the last page of the main story, where Wraith just completely nonchalantly says he’s going to kill Superman later, like it’s no big deal or anything. Superman’s face is just priceless.

For an issue with minimal action, Jim Lee still shines in just about every area. Even when the characters were just talking he was able to make the panels engaging and interesting to the eye. I’m a sucker for double spreads, especially two in a row. But I have to say; I think my favorite page was of Wraith, Superman and General Lane walking into the Machine. Then my smaller panel favorite is Wraith punting Superman across a few states, because anyone can do that, right? Oh, who am I kidding. My favorite page was every page!

Dustin Nyguen’s pages are such a shift from Lee’s, and you can’t help but love it. It also completely fits too, since thus far whatever Luthor’s up to has nothing to do with our new alien friend Wraith. My only problem is, being a huge fan of Streets of Gotham (and Li’l Gotham), my first thought looking at Jimmy Olsen was that he was long forgotten Batman ally Colin Wilkes.

As more answers surface, more questions pop up too. We’ve learned of Wraith and his history, but who was that person who saved Lois Lane and those pilots in Nova Scotia? And what the heck could Lex Luthor want with Jimmy Olsen?

5 out of 5 nerds