A Parasite In Metropolis: ‘Superman’ #2 Reviewed

Superman has long been Metropolis’s protector. But Lex Luthor has secretly been doing the same and Superman #2 reveals exactly what he’s been protecting the city from.

Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell and Ariana Maher continue their new tale of Metropolis’s latest horrors.

Parasite has been transformed, mutated by the Secret Order of Mad Scientists. Superman has a ticking clock to try to stop the being once known as Rudy Jones before he overruns the city. But are there other players in the game, with their own agendas? And will Superman finally have to break down and ask Lex Luthor for help?

I’m of two minds on the story here. The plot is a lot of fun- the Order is a great new foe (which includes a couple familiar DC faces) and their first shot at Superman is genuinely tense and a bit scary. The problem is that Williamson does a little bit too much here, adding the introduction of Marilyn Moonlight, more development of Super-Corp that could have taken a little more time, instead of adding to an already very packed plot. I’m not normally about decompression, but in this issue’s case, it would have helped.

The art is far and away the best thing about the issue. Campbell’s Parasite redesign is scary but fascinating. His depiction of Clark’s powers are awe-inspiring. He also has a great sense of laying out a page that keeps everything engaging and driving the story forward. With his colors adding depth, this continues to be one of the best looking books DC has released in a while. Maher’s letters add to the visual landscape Campbell has laid out as well, while conveying the dialogue clearly in complement of the art.

This continues to be a strong start to the series, but needs to slow down a little bit. With more deliberate pacing, it can really be something special.

Superman #2 is available now from DC Comics.