Comic Vine Review

40 Comments

Superman Unchained #3 - Answered Prayers

5

We want answers on the new character in the series and we get some. Superman will have his hands full with his new playmate and if that wasn't enough, Lex is on the loose as well.

The Good

In the last couple issues we saw hints and glimpses on a new powerful character. Batman even suspected this character was more powerful than Superman. The fact that he's at General Lane's top secret government instillation adds a great air of mystery to the story. The big question is, how much of a threat is this character to Superman? Let's just say we get some nice action scenes courtesy of Jim Lee here.

Aside from finding out more about the mystery character, this isn't the only part of the story. Scott Snyder puts Lois smack in the middle of her own crisis. It's not at the same level as what Superman is going through but there is something incredible about seeing Lois simply be put to the test on her own. She doesn't cry out for Superman to save her in the hopes his super-hearing will pick up her distress. She takes command of the situation and does everything she can. But will it be enough?

And if that wasn't enough, of course there's more on Lex and his…strange vehicle we saw last issue as well as more on Jimmy (courtesy of the backup with art by Dustin Nguyen).

Snyder gives Jim Lee plenty to work with. Even though this issue delivers a lot of answers and exposition on the new character, we do get plenty of big "Jim Lee action scenes" that drives the story and suspense along. Lee's depiction of Superman in action is great as are his scenes with Lois. Dustin Nguyen's style sets up the mood perfectly for whatever might be headed Jimmy's way.

The Bad

It's spelled out why General Lane would be willing to give Superman some answers. It just seemed a little odd that, given the position he ended up in, he would cooperate with the Man of Steel. He was against the new character even given Superman his name yet later fils him in on the whole story.

I'm a little unclear what Lex's plan is. Unfortunately I can't help but wonder where his escape fits in with the current Trinity War. But maybe it's better not to worry about that "event" and simply enjoy this series.

The Verdict

This issue was a blast to read. It's not often we can see a new character more powerful than Superman and have it make sense. Scott Snyder is creating an interesting story with this new character and his take on the New 52 Superman fits nicely. With each issue, you can't help but want to see more of Snyder's take on Superman, Lois, Jimmy, Lex...and just everyone. This is a Superman story you can immerse yourself into. We have a new character and new threat. This series just feels so explosive. Scott Snyder, Jim Lee and Dustin Nguyen are making Superman so much fun to read.

40 Comments

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batmannflash

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great issue. I have high hopes for this one since the other Superman titles are bad

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Squalleon

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Edited By Squalleon

This title continues strong, nice to have an above average Superman title. Jim Lee seems to get better by the issue instead of worse, his Superman was certaintly better.
I feel that Lane was convinced by Wraith to talk to Superman.

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HollowPrince65

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I was very happy to see this book pick up the pace a bit

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gmanfromheck

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Edited By gmanfromheck

@squalleon: Yeah, I agree. It makes sense. Lane was just a little too cooperative. But I am deeply intrigued. I love seeing Snyder's take even on General Lane. If only this comic could be double or triple-sized so we get more.

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Mucklefluga

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So after Scott does this big arc what is going to happen next? Will Scott stay on or will a new writer be introduced?

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ajshadowhawk

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Just finished reading it. And I liked it. The first two issues were decent, but nowhere near as great as Snyder's work on Batman or The Wake. The exposition definitely helped since a lot of things were finally revealed. Good stuff, and I'm definitely looking forward to #4.

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The_Greatest_Green_Lantern

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Great issue! I can't wait to see Snyder write the Justice League in the next one. I really like that this book is tying in other heroes without losing the focus on Superman.

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saoakden

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One of favorite DC books. Love the series. Parts of me wish we were getting this kind of Superman story when the New 52 began. I think if Scott Snyder and Jim Lee where on Superman when the New 52 began, Superman might have a better track record. I can say the same for Green Arrow. I'm glad we are getting the good quality stories now.

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BR_Havoc

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Edited By BR_Havoc

Good book so far but I am still confused if this is even set in the new 52 or if its just its own titles that is disconnected from everything else like Wonder Woman?

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Hanson724

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I thought the first 2 issues were ok but this one stepped it up. The action scenes looked great-- I'm always surprised when people crack on Lee's style saying its dated or whatever, I don't see it-- and the story was moved along a bit. Was considering dropping g this but now I'll definitely be buying at least this whole arc. Btw is this an ongoing? I thought I read it was only going to be 12 issues but I'm also pretty sure I read it was changed to an ongoing.

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Shallbecomeabattoo

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I have high hopes for the series, since it will be a while until I get my hands on it (trade waiter), but I have to say that Jim Lees villain designs are really a weakpoint of his work, when I look at the guy on the cover next to Supes. As great of an artist he is, he somehow has a lot of bad ideas when he has to design a look from scratch.

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ColaNicole

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Edited By ColaNicole

Does Superman fight this new threat or just dither?

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Squalleon

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This series is so enjoyable that it reads so quickly :-)

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SOG7dc

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I don't even know what I want out of this series anymore....so im just along for the ride

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Squalleon

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Supes was Severely out of character, I could at least tolerate that when he is YOUNG but now as an adult he couldn't get passed his Pride to Just stand done? Please.

Agreed.
That bothered me too. Especially the "COME ON,COME ON"
He sounded so rediculous

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manwithoutshame

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Edited By manwithoutshame

Superman Unchained is pulling me in more and more. My only complaint is why this really cool character has a stupid name like "Wraith." He seems interesting, why not give him a halfway decent name?

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ColaNicole

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Hawkguy

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Edited By Hawkguy

@squalleon said:

@theacidskull said:

Supes was Severely out of character, I could at least tolerate that when he is YOUNG but now as an adult he couldn't get passed his Pride to Just stand done? Please.

Agreed.

That bothered me too. Especially the

"COME ON,COME ON"

He sounded so rediculous

I don't see Superman ever kneeling down and being threatened for no reason. All he wanted to do from the start was talk. I get it's kind of out of character but then again, its kind of not.....

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Hawkguy

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@manwithoutshame said:

Superman Unchained is pulling me in more and more. My only complaint is why this really cool character has a stupid name like "Wraith." He seems interesting, why not give him a halfway decent name?

Yeah its silly but at least its an acronym and not just the word "wraith".

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jointron33

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This is a good example of a Superman book that's more than just "big dumb punching" stuff.

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HollowPrince65

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I've never been a huge Superman fan. I always thought of him as an overpowered boyscout. As soon as I read #1 though, I was hooked. I love Snyder's writing and the art was beautiful. I cannot wait to see where all this goes. I must say I am not sure where all this fits in with the other Super books...like...is this happening on top of Action Comics and Superman? Or is this its own thing entirely?

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ULTRAstarkiller

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Can't wait to read XD

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Michael_Moran

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Not sure how I feel about this issue...I think it felt flat compared to what was kind of.teased in the past issues.

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SandMan_

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@theacidskull: not with this new Superman. It was said from the very beginning, this new Superman wasn't going to be a boyscout

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bladewolf

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I've never been a huge Superman fan. I always thought of him as an overpowered boyscout. As soon as I read #1 though, I was hooked. I love Snyder's writing and the art was beautiful. I cannot wait to see where all this goes. I must say I am not sure where all this fits in with the other Super books...like...is this happening on top of Action Comics and Superman? Or is this its own thing entirely?

This series is canon, it just focuses on a storyline that isn't happening at the exact same moments as Superman and Action Comics.

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SmashBrawler

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@squalleon said:

@theacidskull said:

Supes was Severely out of character, I could at least tolerate that when he is YOUNG but now as an adult he couldn't get passed his Pride to Just stand done? Please.

Agreed.

That bothered me too. Especially the

"COME ON,COME ON"

He sounded so rediculous

That kinda annoyed me as well. Didn't really matter to me in the grand scheme of things but yeah, it was pretty odd to see Superman so hot-headed, especially when this is set in the present.

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TheIncredibleSuperHulk8642

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Blackdog2009

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Edited By Blackdog2009

I'm liking a lot about this storyline. I think Snyder is doing good with Superman. The art is great, I can't complain. I do have a problem with SNYDER's version of Lois Lane. All of a sudden she's James Bond, she can pilot a plane, she gives orders and emergency pep talks and knows the pressure points of airplane windows in the cockpit. It's too much IMO. That is not Lois Lane. Yes Lois is a gret reporter, she's a daredevil, smart, but she IS NOT more resourceful than trained military soldiers. She's annoying me in this story so far.

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longbowhunter

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I like Wraith as a character but god what an unsightly design. The red lightning, the bird on his chest and a hood? Why, just why? Part of me wishes this story had been done earlier in the New 52 and used Martian Manhunter instead of Wraith. It would been a better introduction to the character and given J'onn some much needed attention.

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Squalleon

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than trained military soldiers. She's annoying me in this story so far.

She is a military brat, she grew up on military bases, she is a daredevil as you said and as a result she accumulated knowledge to survive her own curiosity.

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KingStandup

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Edited By KingStandup

Another great issue in an awesome series. I'm really impressed with what they're doing with the Man of Steel. It's been a great year for Superman and his fans!

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SavageDragon

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This series is so fun. Awesome issue.

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KingsCastle

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Edited By KingsCastle

@squalleon said:

@theacidskull said:

Supes was Severely out of character, I could at least tolerate that when he is YOUNG but now as an adult he couldn't get passed his Pride to Just stand done? Please.

Agreed.

That bothered me too. Especially the

"COME ON,COME ON"

He sounded so rediculous

Yeah I agree. In that scene I thought Wraith was acting more like Superman would than Superman himself.

I still really loved the issue though...it was great. ^_^

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reactor

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It's hilarious that people keep calling Superman out of character. Stop applying the persona of a previous incarnation to the current - otherwise you're ALWAYS going to be finding fault. Most often seems to be that Superman can get hotheaded and shortsighted in tense situations. If someone consistently acts a particularly way more often than another, then they are not out of character - that's their characterization.

Give Supes a break, this isn't the same character. Stop treating him like he is.

That said, loved this issue, and can't wait for #4. I got the feeling that Superman is going to be forced to rely on strategy and tactics to take out Wraith, which is always really interesting ground for him.