Get ready for a Metropolis shake-up! Waid, Williamson, Slott, and Jimenez unleash the Summer of Superman Special #1. John Henry and Lana are getting married, but threats spanning time are converging to ignite massive new conflicts for Superman and his family. Can this celebration survive the start of major new conflicts for the Superman Family? Let’s find out!
Thanks to a new blockbuster movie, Superman is gearing up for a big summer, and the comics are getting in on the excitement. Given their recent work, it feels right that Joshua Williamson (who’s been killing it on the Superman book) and Mark Waid (from World’s Finest) are writing this. And it’s great to see Dan Slott, who is most known for Marvel, back in DC with the newly announced Superman Unlimited. Add Jorge Jimenez’s gorgeous, vibrant art, and you’ve got quite the lineup. Honestly, this Summer of Superman Special #1 hits the right spots – it’s got a lot of heart, clearly loves the character, and does a great job weaving together Superman’s history with where he is now, all while hinting at future conflicts.
Credit: DC Comics
This story starts with a charming flashback to Smallville, where 16-year-old Clark Kent’s heartfelt moment with Lana Lang is shattered by an attack from Validus, a classic Legion of Super-Heroes villain. After Clark and Krypto manage to engage the powerhouse, they’re unexpectedly pulled through a time portal, showcasing wild past and future scenes brought to life by Jimenez’s clean art. Waid beautifully captures the youthful dynamic between Clark and Lana from the get-go.
Flashing forward to the present, Validus crashes Lana and John Henry Irons’ pre-wedding gathering, unleashing more chaos (even giant twisters!). Although Lana and John finally tie the knot amidst the madness, Clark knows Validus needs a permanent solution. He teams up with Mr. Terrific and Omen to devise a plan to close the time loop, trapping the villain. The real shocker comes when they learn Validus was actually on the run, his appearances seemingly manipulated by a mysterious Justice Leaguer, setting up dire warnings for the DC Universe’s future and a larger event unfolding across Superman comics this summer.
Credit: DC Comics
This comic absolutely nails Superman’s energy, with Jorge Jiménez’s dynamic art being a major highlight. His pulp-influenced, visually striking style truly brings the character to life, making it clear why his work defines DC’s modern house aesthetic. That first splash page featuring Superboy and Krypto perfectly illustrates Jiménez’s talent for balancing the epic with the charming—it just works.
While the creative team handles the transitions between the issue’s different segments smoothly overall, using three writers feels unnecessary; a single strong voice might have sufficed. That said, the shift into the second part felt particularly seamless, and this part, focusing on a scrawny young Superboy reminiscent of the classic Legion of Super-Heroes cartoon, was arguably the strongest. There’s a definite appeal to his “small but mighty” portrayal.
Dan Slott’s contribution, however, felt the most jarring. This wasn’t solely due to the transition but also specific narrative choices. Superman stating his origins in how he does feels stilted, given the audience likely knows this already. Furthermore, the environmental commentary immediately following a tornado strikes an odd, somewhat forced note. While the point may be valid, its placement feels less organic and more like groundwork for future plot threads. Finally, Joshua Williamson brings the issue home effectively, expertly teasing intriguing developments to come – plenty of exciting seeds are planted here.
Credit: DC Comics
Tomeu Morey’s colors are a perfect match for Jimenez’s art, bringing vibrant energy to the action. Thanks to their collaborative work, Superboy looks fantastic, and Validus’s striking purples really pop. Dave Sharpe’s lettering integrates everything cleanly and smoothly. The effects are particularly effective—the distinct “FWEET,” as Clark calls Krypto, and the raw power in young Clark’s “AAAAAHHH!” are memorable highlights.
Summer of Superman Special #1 is a great launch to a Superman-centric summer. A time-spanning threat connects his past and present, setting up exciting future conflicts for the Super-family. Jimenez’s stunning art and a clear love for Supes’ history anchor the story. While multiple writers cause minor bumps, it’s a heartfelt and thrilling start.
‘Summer of Superman Special’ #1 Review: A Super Start to Summer!
Summer of Superman Special #1 is a great launch to a Superman-centric summer. A time-spanning threat connects his past and present, setting up exciting future conflicts for the Super-family. Jimenez’s stunning art and a clear love for Supes’ history anchor the story. While multiple writers cause minor bumps, it’s a heartfelt and thrilling start.
