Superman #23: Jimmy’s Fatal Shot

Superman #23 continues the exciting Many Deaths of Doomsday Saga which follows Clark Kent Superman and Lois Lane Superwoman as they fight against the past and the future. Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Dan Mora and colors by Alejandro Sanchez, this new story has offered a thrilling blend of action, character development, and artistic flair that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. Radiant and his alien strike force are set on killing Doomsday by any means possible. But when a future version of Doomsday known as the Time Trapper tells Superman the future if Doomsday is killed, the Super family does their best to defend him. Will the secret alien strike team manage to get their hands on Doomsday? Or will Superman and Superwoman save the day? Find out in this month’s issue of Superman filled with action and aliens.

This arc has been exciting and Joshua Williamson is proving himself to be the best modern-day Superman writer. Williamson’s portrayal of Superman is both relatable and inspiring. This arc has the added benefit of Superwoman, who introduces interesting ways of thinking about Kryptonian power and the responsibilities that the Super Family hold. This issue really explores the responsibility of being a hero through the lens of Lois Lane, and it’s really effective. I think it’s great to see how Lois manages this responsibility and the way she reacts different from Clark. Williamson has a way of bringing emotion to his Superman stories that stays true to the heart of the Man of Steel. The inclusion of Superwoman is a fascinating way to show the different roles that Lois Lane plays in a Superman story. It proves that she is more than just the love interest, and demonstrates how her power and humanity inspire Clark. I’m happy that she hasn’t been pushed aside as just a “hot woman in a skimpy outfit” and takes up more page time than Superman in this arc. I appreciate the use of Lois as the narrator and the thoughtful way she approaches the conflicts set before her. The interactions feel authentic, grounding the story in relatable themes. From dialogue to storyline, Williamson is just an overall fantastic writer. The pacing of this issue feels right with moments that get your heart racing as the action builds. If I had one complaint about this issue, it is that it was relatively short.  That complaint aside, this may be the strongest Superman arc we’ve seen in a while, and I am happy to see the Man of Steel and Woman of Steel in the spotlight.

The art in this issue is breathtaking per usual. Dan Mora’s art is stunning, and he is unbelievably talented. The artwork by Mora and Alejandro Sanchez complements the story beautifully, with dynamic action sequences that leap off the page. The cosmic aspects of this issue are highlighted through the art and neon coloring. This issue is dialogue heavy, but Mora and Sanchez manage to balance it out with dynamic paneling and plenty of action. This is an all-star creative team, and it feels like they are not holding back their talents at all with this arc.