Superman #702

So far, the Grounded arc in the Superman book has had such a great start, by having J. Michael Straczynski undertake the nigh-impossible task of humanizing Kal-El. With an equally impressive contribution on the part of Eddy Barrows and J.P. Mayer on the interior visuals, it manages to sweep readers off its feet. Yet, despite that, it faces some mundane criticism, who favor Supes to fight more aliens and doomsday situations as opposed to this story arc. Will issue #702 silence the critics? Join me, as we walk on over to review Superman #702.
 

The Good

First of all, my immediate praise goes to the visuals of Eddy Barrows, for he manages to show off a very good version of Clark Kent, mirrored in the likeness of Christopher Reeve, and for managing to consistently show off beautiful panels of Superman and his surroundings of Detroit, Michigan. Nothing seems forced in the art, and it all goes in a well-received transition. Equal compliments are also for Straczynski, because he has successfully built up on the foundation of a good story that he left off in #701. He even managed to get a little dose of action, just to shut up the people who kept or keep saying that this story arc is doomed to fail. How he manages to handle Superman's interactions with the residents of Detroit was also commendable, even with the undercover aliens who Superman have stumbled upon.

And how both JMS and Barrows exquisitely are able to show emotion in both the writing and the drawing, it truly is something to commend. From the joy of seeing Markey G get immediate praise for stealing the ball from Superman in a game of basketball, to seeing a man unfortunately die for a brief moment before being resuscitated by the same aliens that are living in Detroit, this tandem duo really know how to hit the high notes and know when to hold back in this issue. And even in the small action sequence that I alluded to earlier, JMS and Barrows make it short, but sweet at the same time. It's a potpourri of emotions that manage to be cohesive enough for this issue, but without overdoing those same emotions just for the sake of the story. Writing-wise, Straczynski's still got it, in making a character feel new and relevant again, and artistic-wise, Barrows' work accompanies this issue so perfectly, it can't be described as anything but perfect.
 

The Bad

There really isn't anything bad about this comic, in all honesty. But if you're one of those people that prefer less emotional dialogue, and more explosions and evisceration aplenty, then this issue is definitely not for you.
 

The Verdict

Amidst the small appearances by Lois, and a surprising, yet ambiguous appearance by Batman, this issue is a testament that the Grounded story arc is one arc that you don't want to sleep on. It's not trying to outright imitate Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's famous Superman contribution, All-Star Superman, but its continued emphasis on highlighting the little things easily bring back memories of the aforementioned book. Putting comparisons aside, this issue deserves to be read. And if it's any indication, this kind of quality in Superman issues will be a mainstay attribute of the book for issues to come, and maybe even past the Grounded story arc. Pick this issue up, it's a great read, with a little bit of everything for everyone. 5/5 PICK OF THE WEEK