- November 17, 2021
Superman: Son of Kal-El #5 Review
Written by: Tom Taylor
Art by: John Timms
Coloring by: Hi-fi
Lettering by: Dave Sharpe
Tom Taylor is two-for-two this week, between Superman: Son of Kal-El #5 and Dark Ages #3. Where in Dark Ages he twisted the world against our heroes, here he brings a newish hero into his own in the DC world we already knew. After five issues, the creative team has cemented that they understand something special about Jon Kent. He has all the heart of this father, never willing to give up, he’s ready to help people until his heart stops beating, literally.
At the same time, Jon is distinctly different from his father. Clark tries to understand people, he wants to understand everyone more than anything, and for them to understand him in turn. Jon is one of humanity already in a way Clark isn’t going to be. Jon doesn’t have a greater sense of sureness if that’s possible. He doesn’t toe the line on anything and never seems to be looking any with introspection.
Superman: Son of Kal-El #5 cements that Jon is his father’s son, and his own man. In terms of events, this doesn’t move the story forward all that much though. After meeting his new enemy, he leaves him just as quickly due to his temporary boost in power to help as many people as he can. The issue becomes a filler one in terms of plot, and that can be a negative in a way. I personally enjoy seeing Jon come into his own as Superman little by little, but I can understand if someone else wouldn’t.
Superman Kissed a Boy and He Liked It (I Like Bad Puns, Sue Me)
And of course, there’s the first kiss between Jon and Jay. I think the build-up explains their relationship and sets the tone for their dynamic. Jay is someone Jon doesn’t have to worry about in the way Clark has worries about Lois because of his powers. It’s a fine way to make their relationship distinctly different, but I hope and believe there’s going to be more to it than that.
So far this series has been one of the best this year.