Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora unleash a stunning, high-stakes opening to “Legion of Darkseid” in Superman #28. This issue serves as a crucial cornerstone for DC’s “All-In” saga, dropping Superman into a conflict that is as deeply personal as it is cosmic.
The story opens with Clark Kent returning to his Smallville roots, a brief respite before the storm. Williamson uses this quiet moment to emphasize Superman’s profound connection to the Legion of Super-Heroes, portraying them as his true childhood friends and a symbol of hope for the future. This emotional foundation is vital, as the issue quickly shatters that hope with the appearance of a corrupted Legion, now serving Darkseid.
The central conflict revolves around a mind-bending psychic assault by a Darkseid-infused Saturn Girl on Superman. She probes his mind, twisting his deepest fears and confronting him with nightmarish visions of his friends (The Justice League) and family’s destruction. This psychological warfare is brilliantly rendered by Mora, forcing Superman to confront the very essence of his unwavering optimism against the overwhelming display of Darkseid’s influence.
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Williamson’s script is a fantastic balancing act, giving us both touching character moments and thrilling action. One minute you’re deep in Clark’s head, and the next you’re right in the middle of Darkseid’s massive cosmic schemes. The story moves fast, but it never feels rushed or messy. You’ll be hooked by the massive threats on the horizon and Superman’s emotional vulnerability. Plus, the very last page has a shocking twist that’ll leave you desperate for the next issue.
Dan Mora’s art, complemented by Alejandro Sánchez’s vibrant colors, is phenomenal as usual. Mora’s dynamic compositions and expressive character work breathe life into every panel. He effortlessly transitions from the subtle emotions on Clark’s face to the explosive, wide-scale destruction caused by the corrupted Legion. The psychic sequences are particularly striking, visually conveying the mental torture Superman endures with powerful, often disturbing imagery. Sánchez’s color palette enhances Mora’s lines, providing a rich and impactful visual experience that accentuates both the light and darkness of the issue. Ariana Maher’s lettering, especially the unique presentation of Darkseid’s words, further elevates the storytelling, adding danger to his presence.
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While largely successful, this issue is light on substance. If you’re familiar with Saturn Girl, you’ll quickly realize that everything Superman is experiencing is an illusion, which unfortunately drains some of the bite and tension from the reveal. Moreover, the story introduces a significant amount of untold backstory and several time-traveling elements that might overwhelm readers not deeply steeped in recent DC lore. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar opening.
Superman #28 is a tour de force, a potent mix of classic superhero heroism and psychological horror that kicks off a major new chapter in the DC Universe. Williamson and Mora have crafted an essential read that firmly establishes the terrifying threat of the Legion of Darkseid and leaves an indelible mark on Superman’s enduring legacy of hope.
‘Superman’ #28 Review: Dark Genesis for the Man of Steel
Superman #28 is a tour de force, a potent mix of classic superhero heroism and psychological horror that kicks off a major new chapter in the DC Universe. Williamson and Mora have crafted an essential read that firmly establishes the terrifying threat of the Legion of Darkseid and leaves an indelible mark on Superman’s enduring legacy of hope.
