Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Steve Lieber
Colors: Nathan Fairbairn
Letters: Clayton Cowles
The misguided adventures of Superman’s best friend continue in Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #2. Just like the previous issue Jimmy’s hijinks are once again the center of attention, but unlike last issue where the social media fanbase adored Jimmy’s recent destructive shenanigans in this issue Jimmy’s older brother, Julian ‘Julie’ Olsen, is less then thrilled. Julie Olsen is not a fan of his younger brother since Jimmy’s antics seem to help Lex Luthor in his efforts to turn Metropolis into a town people only work in as they choose to live in bedroom communities and use the new Luthor Light Rail to commute to work each day. It appears that since the pre-Metropolis days the two founding families, the Luthor’s and the Olsen’s, have been battling for control of Metropolis with the Olsen’s being the altruistic first family while the Luthor’s have more ulterior motivations. It’s this family dynamic that kicks off the beginning of Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #2 and sets the stage for the best part of the issue. Jimmy decides to tone down his social media profile to appease his brother and rather than jumping from a rocket Jimmy decides to spend an evening with his best friend Superman discussing what Superman’s powers are. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening and may be one of the best modern depictions of why Superman (not Clark Kent) and Jimmy are such good friends. There’s also some minor movement on the overarching storyline of why people close to Jimmy are dying but anyone wanting a quick wrap up for that story should put the brakes on their feelings. Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen doesn’t seem like a series that is going to be linear storytelling but rather it’s going to be an irreverent romp through the Daily Planet’s number one money maker.
Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber seem right at home with this high entertaining series. Matt Fraction’s socially relevant yet satirical writing style is right at home with Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen. With the use of Jimmy’s brother Julie and wonderful flashbacks to the early days of Metropolis that kick off each issue gives the reader brilliant insight into what makes Jimmy tick. Yes, he is still a bumbling photographer who is go to comic relief for most Superman stories but why Jimmy is this way and who he really is has become more apparent and it creates a more well-rounded Jimmy Olsen going forward. Steve Lieber’s art is a perfect fit for this series, with his wonderful comedic timing and perfect facial expressions. Putting Fraction and Lieber together on this series was a stroke of genius and I for one cannot wait to see where they take us over this twelve-issue maxi-series.
Verdict: Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #2 is a great second issue that gives us more of the greatness from the debut issue but add more to who Jimmy is and why he does what he does. Fraction and Lieber are at their best in this issue and it is an absolute Buy!
