Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #9: Hurt or Afraid

Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #9 continues the epic sci-fi fantasy 12-issue maxiseries set to take over this year. Picking up the threads from Future State: Superman – House of El and Johnson’s run-on Action Comics, Superman has been transported to the future by his former ally-turned-enemy, Kryl-Ux. The Man of Steel finds himself in the middle of a battle and fulfilling the prophecy foretold in the mystical Book of El. He has met the leader of this future world, Brainiac, and must work with a mysterious future Kent to find his missing children. Together, they travel to Lanterholm to get help from another future Kent. But when Kryl-Ux unleashes a Sun-Eater, it’s up to Superman and his distant relatives to save the Lightborn people. After being hit by the Sun-Eater’s black fire, Superman is taken by the Warwolrd Phaelosians to be reunited with Otho-Ra, who risks her life to save him. Now this rag-tag team of Els must head to Tameran to find the closest living El. When they arrive, they find Tameran under attack by Warzoons. Will this broken family of El finally come together? And what does destiny have in store for Otho-Ra? Find out in this issue full of action, aliens, and light.

In interviews, Johnson describes this story as “the most epic thing I’ve ever written,” blending the mythic scale of Superman lore with visuals and pacing inspired by Samurai Jack. This issue really brings in the epic fantasy elements to this story. We get more than an introduction, and it feels like the next chapter in an unfolding saga, which is perfect if you’ve been following Johnson’s previous Superman work. Some new readers might have felt a little disoriented with the amount of cosmic mumbo jumbo in this issue. I appreciate the touch on Superman’s alien roots because there’s a quiet confidence here, a reminder that Superman doesn’t need to be human to be relevant. Themes of hope, perseverance, and moral clarity are front and center, but they’re presented with nuance rather than nostalgia. It’s incredible how Johnson is able to weave in Superman’s themes in such a different story. Seeing the way that Superman is a uniting force is inspiring. It’s done so well because the dialogue is sharp and purposeful, balancing philosophical weight with classic Superman earnestness.  One of this issue’s coolest features is the backmatter: each issue will include a chapter from the “Book of El,” chronicling the Superman lineage of the 31st century.

Johnson teases a mystery about the authorship that unfolds over the series. For long-time readers, such world-building is a compelling hook, a payoff for sticking with the saga through Future State and Action Comics. I will admit that I was a little lost on this story. I did not see the purpose, but this issue really sold it for me. It’s a look at what a world without Superman is like. What will people do when Superman is just a distant memory? Will his legacy live on? Will his hope live on? The narrative in this issue is beautiful and has really sold me on the story as a whole. However, this issue is a little convoluted and complex. It’s rather confusing reading month to month. I wish they had continued the back-end storytelling or had better introductions to new characters. It has been great seeing the expansion of this universe, but the reader needs more context. This story will likely read better in trade, but this issue is a key one that grabs readers. This issue is action-heavy, but still manages to get important plot points out in a compelling way.

Scott Godlewski’s art is dynamic and bold, perfectly suited for the sci-fi/fantasy scope of the story. This issue is monumental, and it really highlights Godlewski’s talent. The new family of El characters all look related, yet distinct. The splash pages in this issue are full of color and look incredibly stunning. Godlewski adds to the feel of this epic sci-fi story. Colorist Alex Guirmarães ramps up the drama with vivid, high-contrast palettes that accentuate action and atmosphere. The coloring of these different worlds is gorgeous and sells this space story. Combined with Dave Sharpe’s clean, expressive lettering, this issue visually delivers a cinematic punch. The art, pacing, and stakes make it a visceral and exciting start. It balances cosmic mythology with personal drama, setting up a journey that promises both scale and secrecy.