My Adventures with Superman #3: Prison Break

The Ones Who Fell to Earth storyline continues in this month’s issue of My Adventures with Superman. Written by the head writer of the My Adventures with Superman TV series, Josie Campbell, and drawn by Pablo M. Collar, My Adventures with Superman #3 resumes Superman’s mission to save the human-like Amazo from the US government. After Clark Kent was arrested in the last issue, it’s up to Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen to keep the released Amazo hidden from the corrupted Team Seven. While Clark is facing problems with his Superman identity being revealed, Lois and Jimmy are facing problems with keeping Amazo from destroying Jimmy’s apartment. This issue brings the perfect balance of heart and humor that would be expected in a Superman story.

Josie Campbell’s version of Superman is incredibly new and exciting. Campbell’s Superman is meek and cuter than the usual broad-chested super-muscley Man of Steel. It’s a fresh take on Kal-El that still manages to stay true to the lightness that he brings to the DC Universe. I would be really interested in seeing this version of Superman interacting with Campbell’s version of Batman. Campbell really understands the amount of light, hope, and happiness that Superman represents and it’s refreshing to see. This issue really shows her understanding of the character as it highlights Clark Kent’s sense of right and wrong with an effortless blend of humor and emotion. Lois and Jimmy are also characterized perfectly in this series with Lois being a strong military brat and Jimmy being a goofy-yet-brave sidekick. The Amazo robot is also a perfect metaphor for Superman’s alien heritage and its clear why he works so hard to protect any form of life with emotion. It’s a beautiful story that hints at what Superman’s life could’ve been like if he was found by the wrong people. One of the most exciting things about this comic is that you didn’t have to see the My Adventures with Superman TV series to understand the plot. This series takes place between seasons 1 and 2 of the My Adventures with Superman series but is digestible for new and returning audiences. Although this issue is short, the pacing is perfect and manages to fit action, humor, and character-defining moments.

Artist Pablo M. Collar brings the true aesthetic of Superman to this series with his vibrant anime-inspired artwork. Campbell’s approach to writing Superman is elevated by Collar’s art style which is bright and cartoonish. Collar’s anime-like style really captures Clark Kent’s innocence and purity. The art in this issue parallels the whimsy and heart of the characters and demonstrates how fresh this take on Superman is. This team is designing some of my favorite Superman character designs.

This issue is filled with heart, charm, and humor and this new comic series is the perfect addition to the My Adventures with Superman TV series. This series continues to feel exactly like the TV show and will make you fall in love with these characters all over again.