Superman #5: Banshee, But I Hardly Knew Her…

It’s the fifth issue of Williamson and Campbell’s current volume of Superman. The team continues to build this budding relationship between Clark and Lex and Supercorp, along with the final battle with Silver Banshee, some more information on just who exactly Mr. Graft and Doctor Pharm are, and what their deal is, and a surprise ending that’ll leave some people talking. What exactly are their ties to Luthor? What’s happening with that underground city that the current Metropolis built itself over? What’s the primary goal of Graft and Pharm’s plans? A lot of questions regarding the first couple of issues.

Williamson has quickly ascended the DC hierarchy, driving the overall direction of the DC universe, beginning with Infinite Frontier, to Dark Crisis, and now onto the Dawn of DC. Williamson’s work has been hit or miss, especially with regards to stories that deal with a more extensive, universe-broad scope, but when it’s more character-based, focused on a sole hero and their supporting cast, or a team with a set cast (see: The Flash, Justice League Death Metal tie ins) is where he shines the brightest, and he continues that trend here. 

His continued plot of having Superman and Lex work together is okay, everyone knows it’s not going to last, including Clark, but that’s something that’s a core part of Superman’s character: he never gives up on hope for a brighter tomorrow, and everyone has the opportunity to change who they are for the better. Will this be the moment that Lex really, truly changes his spots? Of course not, but let’s watch as the adventure unfolds, especially with Mercy getting so much panel time. She’s a little one-note so far, but there’s a lot of potential there to cultivate in this new era for Superman. 

Dr. Pharm and Mr. Graft still haven’t impressed or left a mark as interesting antagonists, despite the novel use of Parasite, and with these last two issues, Silver Banshee, hopefully, that’ll change in the upcoming months. The best part of the Silver Banshee arc was Williamson putting Siobhan and Jimmy Olsen together as a new couple. Banshee is one of those villains who doesn’t deserve the respect she deserves. She’s tied to mysticism and magic, which can put a thorn in Superman’s side, but she’s not utilized to her fullest potential. What Williamson does here could make or break Banshee for the remainder of his run. 

Now let’s talk about Williamson’s co-pilot, Jamal Campbell. Jamal Campbell has been a growing superstar in the DC’s stable of artists; it’s nice to see him finally on one of their marquee characters’ flagship books. His style has this sheen to it that sometimes is some of the most impressive pages I’ve seen in a while, then within the same book, the faces or anatomy is just so wonky that it distracts from what’s going on in the scene, or can take you out of the scene altogether. Regardless, Campbell’s take on Superman and his world are some of the best visuals that we’ve seen in quite some time. Hopefully, he’ll be sticking around for a long time.