Superman #24: Have Mercy

The Many Deaths of Doomsday saga continues with Superman #24. After the memory-wiped Lex Luthor saved the day from destruction by freezing Doomsday and Radiant in time, Clark Kent Superman and Lois Lane Superwoman are invited to see Supercorp’s newest inventions. However, not everything is as it seems with Mercy Graves as the new Supercorp CEO. Plus, Superwoman embarks on her first Justice League mission and uncovers a shocking story. What evil plans are in store for the super couple? Find out in this month’s issue of Superman by Joshua Williamson with art by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira.

This arc has been exciting, but this penultimate chapter feels slightly out of place in the Many Deaths of Doomsday saga. I know the final chapter in this arc will wrap the story up nicely, but I was slightly confused why this issue had no mention of what the team would do with Doomsday. The writing in this issue is still no doubt exceptional and the pacing and twists feel exciting. The standout in this issue is Superwoman’s storyline as we get to see her on her first Justice League mission. Williamson naturally weaves classic Superman themes through the lens of Lois that feel organic and exciting. It’s like reading something brand new but familiar at the same time. It’s an interesting way of exploring Kryptonian power and the responsibilities that the Super Family holds. I think it’s great to see how Lois manages this responsibility and the way she reacts differently from Clark. Even if this issue seems out of place in the Many Deaths of Doomsday saga, it’s still a strong issue and this run of Superman has been exceptional.

This issue introduces Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira as the artists in place of Dan Mora. While I miss Mora’s incredible art, the art in this issue is still fantastic. Barrows and Ferreira do an incredible job at balancing their work, so each panel is distinct but also cohesive. This issue is action heavy and Barrows and Ferreira make each pose dynamic and engaging. The facial expressions of the characters are also expressive and human-like. My only complaint is that Lois Lane looks like a mix of Geena Davis and Kitty Pryde. But who am I to judge, maybe some people are into that. Overall, this is a beautiful and fun issue.