Review: Superman #45

I know that Action Comics #1000 came out this week and that is an historic issue that should be first in the review chute.

But before I cover that book and the future of Superman under the reins of Brian Michael Bendis, I feel I had to close the door on the Rebirth/Reborn era of the Superman family. And that means covering Superman #45 by Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason. And this is an ending. It reads like an ending. And it reads like a metatextual ending as much as a storyline ending.

I said in a recent review, when discussing the ending of this run, that nothing gold can stay. There is some cosmic karma in that Robert Frost run because the team says it here as well. Yes, good things can come of change. Yes, people need to expand their horizons. But it is a shame when something that is still gold is going away.

The Kent family's life is changing. No more Hamilton farm. No more wheat fields. No more country days hanging out with Kathy. It is time to move on.

And this book is changing. No more Tomasi and Gleason leading this family forward. No more stories of father and son, no more mother and son, no more father and mother. This book sold well and was loved. And yet the creative team is being forced out to move on, cleaning up plot threads so 'new owners' can come in to the space.

It has to be both a story and a comment on things.

Thanks again Tomasi and Gleason. I loved this run and I hate to see you go.

On to the book.

In Dune, the Duke says (and I paraphrase) 'when nothing changes, something sleeps inside. We need the sleeper to awaken.'

In Hamilton, Jon is sulking, wondering why things have to change, why he can't continue to live his comfortable life with his friends. In some classic 'new Pa Kent' wisdom, Clark talks about potted plants needing to spread their roots and find new soil. To grow and become stronger.

Okay, the metaphor is a bit on the nose. Even Jon saw it wasn't plant talk. But I like these moments when it was Pa and Clark. I like seeing these second generations lessons. It reminds me of me ... telling the wisdom of my father to my kids.

But we get pretty specific to this book, both the characters and the creators. We are brought back to the tree where Jon accidentally killed the pet cat (remember, he was nudged by Manchester Black). But Jon is reminded how much he has already grown. Things are different even now.

But then we get what I think is some meta text. Clark talks about how life isn't fair. No one owes you anything. It is how you respond to those challenges that defines who you are.

I am sure that Tomasi and Gleason don't think it is fair to be taken off this book. Things change. DC doesn't owe them anything. Time to move on ... hopefully to a Super Squad book with the sons. But do it classy. No need to complain or bemoan Bendis getting keys to the kingdom despite the great work that Tomasi/Gleason/Jurgens have done.

They might not complain ... but I can.

Superman has suffered for so long. Rebirth and Reborn resurrected the franchise. It was fun to read Superman again. Fans were excited. And now it is over.

I can bemoan the loss of 'Truth, Justice, and the American Way'. That phrase can't be said anymore. I guess no one really knows what the American Way is anymore. In this splintered nation, I don't think there is an American Way anymore.

But if it had to be replaced 'Truth, Justice, and Family' is a great tinker. Always love and support your family and, by extension, people.

And there it is. 'Nothing gold can stay.' Nothing lasts forever.

The time in Hamilton is over.

Tomasi and Gleason's time together is done.

Nothing gold can stay.

Lois even sheds some tears cleaning out the house.

Someone new is moving in .., into the farm. Into the title.

Luckily, the Flash shows up when the moving van doesn't. In short sprints, he moves all the boxes. But he can't dawdle. He can't join the family at the county fair. Batman would be unhappy.

It is always good to have friends you can call on to help you move.

I knew this book was going to be special in Superman #7, a rest issue where the family hangs out at the town fair. That was were the feel of this book was cemented. This was going to be a book about the Kents, not just Superman.

So I was thrilled when Tomasi and Gleason bring us almost full circle, back to the fair.

Is it Clark or is it Tomasi and Gleason saying this has been their town and they have made special memories here. I suppose it is both.

This has been a special run.

My hope for a Super Squad book was stoked a bit when I saw that Boyzarro and Robzarro are still living in Hamilton with Kathy and hanging out with Nobody. This would be a fun book.

Here the Bizarro Sons are working a food truck. As before, Boyzarro is learning to speak some forward speak. But he is awkward. He tries to serve frozen fries. He sticks his hand in the fryer to cook them.

But my favorite thing is his saying hello instead of goodbye with his hand turned to wrong way. Love it.

I also love Robzarro and his slick moves. The side-eye by Nobody is fantastic.

And then a bit of a wrap-up.

Remember that Hamilton was populated by alien refugees in hiding.

Here, the mayor recognizes how despite all their differences, they are all working together. This is a place of unity and hope.

I suppose that is the American Way. We are supposed to be working together to make something better.

So why not have a nice statue in the town to honor Superman and Superboy for saving everyone and being the inspiration they were.

It is a nice moment. This has been a wonderful run. I have loved the Hamilton stories. I have loved Superman and Lois and Jon adventuring together. I have loved the introduction of Kathy and Nobody.

For me, as much as this is a statue for Hamilton it is a trophy for the creative team.

Who knows.  Maybe Brian Michael Bendis will blow my mind, writing great Superman stories. I still will recognize and love this run with these creators. With Rebirth and particularly post-Reborn, the Superman books have been consistently great.

Life isn't fair.

No one owes you anything,

Nothing gold can stay.

Thanks one last time Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, and all the artists who have helped out.

Overall grade: A

Posted in: Reviews