Pop quiz! You’re in a comic store and you pick up Superman #39, what’s this book going to be about? Maybe you say it’s about truth, justice, and the American way. Maybe you’ll say it’s about big action setpieces with gods punching each other. Maybe you even say it’s about hope or whatever the “S” stands for. BBBZZZZZ wrong, so sorry. Because despite the DC logo on the cover, Superman #39 is none of those things. Instead Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora have made a twenty-two page love letter. A love letter to all comics.
Title: Superman #39
Creatives: Joshua Williamson (Writer), Dan Mora (Artist), Ariana Maher (Letterer)
Characters: Superboy Prime, Manchester Black, Superman
Villain: Manchester Black
Format: Ongoing Series
Our Rating: 10/10 Stars
What Is the Plot of Superman #39?
Okay fine, it’s a little bit about that other stuff too, but when you read this you’ll understand what I mean. Though this issue starts out with Superboy Prime getting a magically induced flashback to Infinite Crisis, the bulk of this issue involves Manchester Black using his newly found meta-powers to send Prime into every comic genre you could think of. His end goal is to pull a Jason Todd, using Prime’s reality wrapping punch to resurrect himself and wreak havoc on the DC universe with his newfound meta-manipulation powers. Prime has no intention of helping him, but Manchester Black is not so easily deterred, putting Prime in a labyrinthian prison of comics.
How Superboy Prime and Manchester Black Represent Comic Book History
As ridiculous as the plot is, Joshua Williamson is not actually writing about reality warping punches, but about comics itself and the slow degradation of pulpy optimism to gritty cynicism. Prime as a character was someone always drawn to the fun Silver Age, the happy and optimistic era of comics, but over time he has morphed into a dark and violent villain, a history that directly mirrors that of comics itself. This arc isn’t just about Prime’s search for redemption, but about the fight to bring comics back to their optimistic routes.
So who better to be the villain of this story than the personification of cynicism, Manchester Black. In a lot of ways, Manchester Black fills the same role that he does in the animated movie Superman vs. The Elite. He’s a brit who thinks that trying to be better is overrated. He wants Prime to be more like Injustice Superman or Homelander or, in other words, he wants Prime to be another deconstruction of Superman. But the story Joshua Williamson is telling isn’t yet another deconstruction. This story is a reconstruction, about the endurance of hope and optimism in comics, an unapologetic rejection of pessimism.
Dan Mora’s Art Styles in Superman #39
As much as I love everything Joshua Williamson is doing with this story, I think it’s safe to say that Dan Mora’s art is by far the highlight of this issue. This issue changes styles so drastically and frequently that you’d be forgiven for thinking this issue has multiple artists, but no. Every single page is Dan Mora. I’ve gotten so used to his era-defining art style that I’ve almost forgotten how much range Mora is capable of, but boy does he use this issue to flex every creative muscle. He pingpongs between styles effortlessly. Old school horror comics, Bruce Timm animated series style, indie slice of life comics, he does it all here in one of the most intricate and beautiful demonstrations of comic art across all genres. Superman #39 may be Dan Mora’s finest work, and that is NOT an easy feat. Words can not do this issue justice, and the art alone is more than worth the price of admission.
I also can not stress enough that this may be the best lettering I have ever seen in a comic. Usually I see lettering as the invisible hero of comics. It’s usually only something you notice when it’s being done poorly, but Superman #39 is one of those cases where lettering feels like an incredible standout. Ariana Maher’s lettering is not just a compliment to the different art styles, I’d argue that it’s integral to selling each genre shift.
The Verdict: Is Superman #39 Worth Reading?
This is the fourth issue in a row of Superman that I’ve showered with unfettered praise, and frankly it’s only getting better. Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora are building a legendary arc that perfectly incorporates elevated meta commentary with a relatively simple and heartfelt character arc about trying to be better. It’s full of brilliant writing and some of the best art that you can find in a comic book. I can’t think of a reason to not read this book, but if there was one, there sure isn’t anymore.
‘Superman’ #39 Review: Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’s Love Letter to Comics
This is the fourth issue in a row of Superman that I’ve showered with unfettered praise, and frankly it’s only getting better. Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora are building a legendary arc that perfectly incorporates elevated meta commentary with a relatively simple and heartfelt character arc about trying to be better. It’s full of brilliant writing and some of the best art that you can find in a comic book. I can’t think of a reason to not read this book, but if there was one, there sure isn’t anymore.
