Superman #3: A Night of Parasites and a Dawn of Faith

Going into Superman #3, Williamson had seemingly set us up for a longer arc but saves us the fluff and brings his Night of the Parasite Arc to a tight close in this issue with brilliant narrative pacing and character progression that serves the overall future of this series. This issue should be looked at by those trying to write more compressed comics, as this issue is a masterclass in doing a lot with very little page real estate.

We pick up right where we left off, Lex ranting to Superman about his decisions as a hero, extensive blue holding onto to dear life as he fights off Parasites infection. This issue is full of surprising plot decisions made to wrap up loose plot threads from the previous two chapters in this storyline. However, nothing feels forced. Those plot lines, such as the Supercorp building or Livewire’s cameo, read as brief introductions for the play way later. Some are left open and touched upon at the end, teasing some exciting stories to come and inciting a rich status quo for Supes. So, seeing those ideas spring to life so quickly is exciting.

One of those significant plot events is Clark taking a chance on Lex, agreeing to partner up with him and work hand in hand with his worst enemy to build a better world. Lex going on a redemptive mission is not new, but it’s been one walked back on a million times over. Williamson frames their team-up in this issue as a natural result of Parasites’ never-ending replication, his grip on Clark and Lex’s personalities. They are still antagonistic towards one another, but as the two work to stop Parasite together, the argument for the future Metropolis is staked directly in their new relationship. It’s no surprise that Clark doesn’t take Parasite down without throwing a punch, but even Luthor helps to find a non-violent solution without any protest. Williamson should be commended for how he managed to keep Clark’s morality, Lex’s ego, and the nature of their rivalry intact while growing it into something completely new. Lex being good may not be the most original idea from DC, but the approach here is the most natural and entertaining to date.

Jamal Campbell is becoming one of the best artists ever to touch Superman. His character designs are rich with expression, movement, and innovation. Their take on Superman, his size, and the personality of his cape will wind up iconic. There are a lot of little, well-earned moments in this issue that are exciting, thanks to how Williamson and Campbell bring them to life in unison. Clark’s mid-issue suit change is classic as all hell, and his decision to not give up on Lex is delivered with such positive tenacity you can’t help but smile.

This finale has stakes, moments of desperate lows and glowing highs, and satisfying surprises.