There are a lot of comics out there, but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we’re catching up with old favorites in a completely new context. The Blue Boyscout is back and this time he’s bringing The Authority from Wild Storm along for the ride. Celebrated writer Grant Morrison is returning to DC for the new series. Plus, we have a roster of incredible rotating artists including Mikel Janin, Travel Foreman, Evan Cagle, and Fico Ossio. We are here to tell you why you absolutely cannot afford to miss DC’s hidden gem, “Superman and The Authority.”
Who is this by?
“Superman and The Authority” is by Grant Morrison. Morrison has spent decades of their writing career over at DC. Morrison has shown an adept understanding of the Superman character. Morrison’s “All-Star Superman” that they crafted with Frank Quitely is heralded as a modern classic. Now that Morrison has created so many Batman and Superman comic books, it’s time for them to take on something a little more out there and off the beaten path. Mikel Janin is another really important DC creator. Janin has worked on important books stretching back in DC’s publishing history all the way to “Grayson.” Janin has worked on DC’s most important titles like the core “Batman” ongoing series with “Grayson” collaborator Tom King.
Creator Jordie Bellaire is lending colors to the series. Bellaire is an incredibly accomplished creator and several different publishers in addition to just DC Comics. Belaire even recently wrote a comic book called “Redlands” with creator Vanesa Del Rey. Prolific letterer Steve Wands is lending his talent towards each issue as well. “Superman and The Authority” even features additional creators like Fico Ossio. Ossio is a seasoned artist at publishers like IDW but a newer voice at DC starting with titles like: “Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom.” Artist Evan Cagle is also newer at DC, contributing to a recent issue of “Catwoman.” Finally, we have Travel Foreman, who helped out on interiors for the series. Foreman’s art is beautiful and haunting, Foreman is becoming a really important creator at DC contributing to top-tier titles like “I am Batman” #0, he’s also stepping on this series to bring his talents to Morrison’s twisted vision of The Authority.
What’s it all about?
“Superman and The Authority” features an aging Superman that is starting to recognize his own limitations as a person. Superman realizes that with his power set depleting he’s going to need some help to stop upcoming threats. Superman organizes an off-color team starting with the recruitment of DC anti-hero Manchester Black. The following issues show Superman recruiting the rest of The Authority team as the roster slowly starts getting sucked into a high-stakes, intergalactic threat. Morrison juggles the roster between established Wild Storm heroes like Apollo and Midnighter alongside more DC mainstays like Natasha Irons. In some cases, the title is about Superman rescuing DC players like Enchantress from trouble, and in other circumstances, he’s simply recruiting lesser-known characters. The juggle of not knowing where the cast members are going to show up is the beauty of the title. Morrison disorients their readers on purpose.
What makes it so great?
The one factor pushing “Superman and The Authority” into greatness is the fact that readers never know what to expect when they turn the page. Morrison can switch between several different artists, protagonists, and themes with the drop of a dime in this series. Manchester Black’s Rolodex of heroes features some really odd figures. The series really switches gears in the third issue to focus on June Moon who brings out the horror elements of the title. Morrison and Janin even allow for the first chapter in the comic book to be squarely focused on strengthening the relationship between Black and Superman. Morrison almost tricks readers into thinking they are reading a slapstick comedy between two unlikely friends instead of a superhero team book. “Superman and The Authority” does not have the structure of a traditional comic book. Instead of setting up the entire team and getting everyone together immediately, Morrison uses the vast line-up of artists to show Superman and his team rescuing some characters from their present conflict.
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No discussion of “Superman and The Authority” would be complete without mentioning the fascinating approach to the art. As a concept, story, and narrative “Superman and The Authority” is incredibly wild. The main artist Mikel Janin’s core job is to ground Morrison’s story in enough reality so the additional artists can shatter the comfortable feeling Janin’s art gives readers. Janin draws a great, powerful-looking Superman who shows signs of aging with elements like a small beard. Black’s face is more rigid and skinnier by comparison. Janin is really able to get the physicality of these two characters right. Also, the technology Janin lends to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude looks incredible. Issue #2’s workout sequence is a visual delight. Superman is always hiding some sort of gadget that turns the narrative on its head. Janin’s designs and backgrounds look great even if there can be some detail missing at times.
Fico Ossio’s brief work on the Natasha Irons story is remarkable as well. Ossio’s pencils are really nimble and rounded, he’s able to evoke a horrific feeling Morrison’s script intended for with grace. The wild character designs and satirical script look natural thanks to the personality and ambition captured by Ossio’s expressions. Cagle’s work on the Apollo and Midnighter sequences is a breath of fresh air. Cagle’s figures look more simplistic and regal. Cagle’s approach to the art lends an independent sensibility to Morrison’s off-kilter script. Travel Foreman’s art for June Moon’s story captures a horror vibe really well. Moon’s story is one of the freakiest moments of the series so far and really pays off in the stirring issue #3.
How can you read it?
You can read “Superman and The Authority” monthly from DC Comics. The title is a limited four-issue series published monthly from DC. The newest issue, #3 comes out this Wednesday 9/15.
