The Fury Of Firestorm #3: Anyone Remember The Superman Theory?

The Fury Of Firestorm #3 continues to build the story as it focuses less on what with Firestorm and more so leans into the backstory of Martin Stein and his machinations which led to the creation of the Matrix. As somewhat expected (not a bad thing), the story leans heavily into the elements that Geoff Johns established in the Doomsday Clock series that bridged the Rebirth Era and The New 52 continuities with the  New History Of The DCU series

Lemire, without overselling it, works in the thread that Stein wanted to setup government run superheroes to keep Justice League and others in check.

Back matter from Doomsday Clock #5:

Lemire also fills in some of the gaps as to why Stein felt the need to advocate for the Government sponsored superheroes following the death of his son at the hands of Dr. Polaris, which was only hinted at in the back matter in Doomsday Clock #9

The issue also answers the question of where and what Jason Rusch, one of the former halves of Firestorm has been up to. Aside from directing Lorraine as to where Stein my be hiding, it is unclear if he will somehow be part of the ongoing story.

While it remains unclear as to when the events of the story take place there seem to be possible continuity questions as put forth by the Leaguers who arrive on the scene to try and subdue the Firestorm Matrix. Supergirl and Martin Manhunter both appear even though they are currently involved with Reign of the Superboys events, Supergirl in Kandor and Martian Manhunter over in Action Comics in Smallville with the young Clark Kent.

That aside, connecting this story to The Doomsday Clock is a great direction and puts storytelling beats such as “The Superman Theory” back on the board to be further explore as The Next Level and All In era continues.