Superman: Chains of Love Special #1: Hardwired

Love is in the scare as Livewire and Creeper find love in this special one-shot perfect for Valentine’s Day. Even villains deserve love, and this is the perfect issue to celebrate the season of affection. Superman: Chains of Love Special #1 follows Livewire as she is released from prison and tries to get her life back together. But a chance encounter with Creeper in the street changes her love life forever.  Livewire tries to return to live radio, but times have changed since she was imprisoned. But Jon Kent has an idea to get Livewire and Creeper a paid gig at the Daily Planet. The two live streamers start their own show, talking to villains: Hardwired. The show is a success, and behind their partnership, a love starts to develop. But when Livewire finds out the truth about Creeper, she’s not as thrilled. Will the two be able to find love in a hopeless place? Find out in this special one-shot filled with laughs, love, and purple blush.

Leah Williams is one of the most underrated writers in comics today. Her mini-series X-Terminators is one of the best books to come out of the Krakoa era of X-Men. Williams has a way of incorporating comedy and modern topics in her comics that works so well. This issue is the perfect example of that. The way that Williams re-imagines the role of a public radio host to fit the modern world is perfect. This issue highlights everything that makes a Superman story so perfect: the idea that love, not power, is the world’s greatest strength. The writing in this issue is smart, and the pacing of the story is perfect. The idea of two villains falling in love is nothing new, but Williams is able to make this issue feel unique and special. Williams is an exceptional writer, and I hope she returns for more issues of Superman as it seems this love story is not over yet.

The art in this issue is stunning. The different styles that Ig Guara works with in this issue add the whimsy and fun of the story. Facial expressions and body language carry significant emotional weight, particularly in scenes between Livewire and Creeper. The visual storytelling often communicates more than dialogue, allowing the quieter moments to resonate. From the very first page, this issue’s art captivates, drawing readers into its world with energy, depth, and breathtaking detail.