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 take a look at DC’s flagship Superman comic book, “Superman: Son of Kal-El” by writer Tom Taylor and artists John Timms and Cian Tormey! “Superman: Son of Kal-El” is a fascinating amalgamation of new Superman concepts led by Jonathan Kent, the titular son of Superman. Jonathan Kent has a new love interest, supporting cast, and team of villains that have made this series feel unique. Learn why you can’t miss the adventures of DC’s younger Superman in our Don’t Miss This for “Superman: Son of Kal-El!”
Who is this by?
Author Tom Taylor is currently writing important series for DC Comics including “Nightwing” with Bruno Redondo and “Dark Knights of Steel” and Yasmine Putri. Taylor continues to take on important comics for DC and has previously worked on titles like “X-Men Red” with Mahmud Asrar and Carmen Carnero and “All-New Wolverine” with Bengal and David Lopez at Marvel. Taylor has also gained notoriety for creator-owned titles like “The Deep” with James Brouwer which was adapted into a television series for Netflix. Taylor’s work with Dick Grayson and Jonathan Kent in these two ongoing series for DC has made him a key creator at the publisher.
Artist John Timms worked on “Harley Quinn” in 2016 with Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti over at DC Comics. Timms worked on quite a few issues of the series during the Rebirth initiative over at DC. Timms then started working with Brian Michael Bendis on “Young Justice” shortly following “Harley Quinn.” Timms nearly drew the entire series “Young Justice.” Timms worked on “Future State: Superman of Metropolis” with author Sean Lewis which was a key moment for Jonathan Kent’s transition into Superman.
Cian Tormey has worked with Tom Taylor on a few titles prior to working on the interior art for “Superman: Son of Kal-El.” Tormey worked with Taylor on “Injustice: Year Zero.” Tormey returned to fill in for artist Bruno Redondo with Taylor for “Nightwing.” Tormey is returning with Taylor now on “Superman: Son of Kal-El!”
What’s it all about?
“Superman: Son of Kal-El” is about Jonathan Kent succeeding his father as the new Superman of Metropolis. Jonathan has large shoes to fill. When the series first starts Jonathan works alongside his father Clark and there are two Supermen in Metropolis. The early part of the series is focused on establishing the mysterious new villain and love life of Jonathan as Superman
What makes it so great?
“Superman: Son of Kal-El” is notable for really kicking off the next generation of Superman. Over the past couple of decades, Clark’s adventures as Superman have felt stale. Writer Tom Taylor immediately starts introducing villains for Jonathan that help make Superman feel fresh again. Sadly it appears that not every comic book fan is ready for some of the radical changes in “Superman: Son of Kal-El.” Cable network and news outlet Fox had an issue with one of these radical changes. The former “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” actor Dean Cain used the Fox News platform to call Kent’s new love interest an example of DC Comics ‘bandwagoning’ because they were looking to appeal to a more broad audience. Cain was referencing issue #5 of the series with the Jonathan coming out of the closet with his sexuality. In other words, media gatekeepers literally criticized “Superman: Son of Kal-El” for being progressive. “Superman: Son of Kal-El” writer Tom Taylor recently responded to a Twitter post that attacked the sales of the title. On Twitter, Taylor stated that “Issue #5, where Jon Kent comes out as bisexual, made the Top 10 in comic sales for November.”
If I had any criticism to levy at “Superman: Son of Kal-El” it would be applied to the beginning of the series. “Superman: Son of Kal-El” does not get interesting until the final sequence of the second issue. Taylor uses this minor plot point to introduce Jay Nakamura, The Truth, and a strange villain peeking between comic book Universes. Taylor brings a familiar comic book character but new Jonathan Kent Superman villain Henry Bendix. The appearance of Bendix alone brings so much lore into the series. Jay and Bendix both have ties to aliens that continue to weave back into the plot. Taylor’s teases of DC’s acquired WildStorm Universe returning to DC Comics proper is one of the most revolutionary concepts currently at the publisher. Taylor has been relentlessly teasing the elements in the story to get readers excited for upcoming chapters.
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Artist John Timms draws characters that are really expressive and lanky. Timms artwork has slightly changed for this new series. I can spot Timms adding more detail on his work here and focusing more intently on the details in the backgrounds compared to previous work. Timms has done a particularly solid job enhancing the anatomy of his characters to better suit what they would look like in real life. Timms greatest weakness is still the missing details in the background and awkward anatomy but Timms is making strides here. There are lots of characters in certain panels that can be distinguished thanks to the character details. Timms draws very expressive art that can require readers to acclimate to the work before judging the artwork. Timms has a solid visual direction for Jonathan Kent’s younger adventures as Superman.
Cian Tormey expands on the lanky style cultivated by Timms and adds some more realism to it. Tormey spends more time than Timms on the body language and facial expressions of the characters. I like that Tormey and Timms choose not to copy each other’s interior work despite having such unique styles. “Superman: Son of Kal-El” is always interested in interior art no matter who is working on the specific issue. Tormey also has a knack for a solid page design that makes each page interesting to look at. The strained, meditative facial work that Tormey lends to the page enhances the subtext in a notable manner.
How can you read it?
If you would like to read Jonathan Kent’s first moments as The Man of Steel then make sure you do not miss “Future State: Superman of Metropolis” #1 and #2. “Superman: Son of Kal-El Vol. 1: The Truth” is available in stores on May 31st! Issue #8 is on sale today in finer comic book stores and Comixology!
