Story: Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason
Pencils: Patrick Gleason
Inks: Mick Gray
Colors: John Kalisz
Letters: Rob Leigh
Superman #19 is part three in a crossover with Action Comics for the “Superman: Reborn” storyline. This issue picks up right where Action Comics #975 left off before diving into a bonus story. For me, Superman is one of the top titles from Rebirth. I hadn’t read too much (or any, possibly) Superman in continuity before this series. Despite that, it wasn’t too hard to follow and the family aspect of Superman’s life instantly grabbed me. Nineteen issues later and that still rings true.
Mxyzptlk is back in a familiar fashion. Anyone familiar with the character already knows he loves playing games and overdoes everything. The fifth-dimension is an interesting concept that isn’t explored too much outside of Mxyzptlk. That aside, he’s back and wrecking havoc on Superman’s life. He portrays this game he’s playing as an actual board game that resembles Chutes and Ladders.
Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason craft an excellent story. They put a nice emphasis on Jon in this issue, even if they possibly didn’t have to. They could just have Superman searching for him and it would be a totally different issue. However, this gives you a sense of what Jon is feeling and you get the same from Superman and Lois. It’s wonderfully told. Gleason on art brings the story to life with some great visuals. We get a creepy image of Mxyzptlk looking over the board game and the issue really portrays his love for games.
This issue has some dark scenes and during the “game” with Mxyzptlk they get considerably more colorful. Mick Gray and John Kalisz make a nice blend of the two to bring the issue together. Overall, it’s a good effort from the entire creative team.
Superman wasn’t the first character I got into when I started reading DC Comics (that goes to Batman). However, this run is making me realize there’s so much to dig into with this character. The “Superman: Reborn” story has been a nice little crossover that will conclude in Action Comics #976. It will be interesting to see how it ends.
Verdict: Buy Superman is such a joy to read in this crossover. Tomasi and Gleason bring an interesting story with Mxyzptlk at the helm of it. Superman is on a nice roll as of late.
