Absolute Superman #21 Review

 

Absolute Superman #21 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Rafa Sandoval

Breakdowns: Zander Cannon

Colorist: Ulises Arreola

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola

Variant Cover Artists: Jerome Opeña, Gabriel Hernández Walta & Marguerite Sauvage

Editors: Ash Padilla & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

They battled across the planet. Hawkman defied Talia al Ghul to fight alongside Superman. John Henry proved he deserved a better life than working in a slaughterhouse. Yet as King Shazam unleashed storms and natural disasters, Superman simultaneously protected people from the once and (perhaps) future king's fury.

 

As Ra's al Ghul knew, King Shazam refused to listen to reason. But will Superman? Or will Kal-El take Hawkman and John Henry's advice and kill King Shazam? Let's leap into Absolute Superman #21 and see!

 

Story

After Superman took Hawkman’s mace and John Henry’s hammer, and hurled Teth-Adam to the moon, the story returns to those tense moments before Teth-Adam returned to the shuttered Lazarus Corp building. Kal-El called Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen to warn them that they would arrive soon. Their friend realizes he must step up his attacks like never before. But in case he doesn't survive this final battle, Kal-El gives Lois and Jimmy a final request.

 

While the primary battle takes place on the moon, Absolute Superman #21 weaves Lois, Jimmy, and Talia al Ghul’s battle into the narrative. Amid all the fighting, it also shows how far Hawkman has come. Yet these are battles between people who have lost everything. Like Kal-El, even if they survive this conflict, they must chart a path to their new normal.

 

In Jason Aaron’s story, Teth-Adam and Kal-El have much in common. Both lost their parents and their worlds. Yet while the young boy sought to protect his people, Kal-El used his powers to help and protect strangers.

 

Perhaps Teth-Adam has suffered more than Kal-El. He was tantalized with the power to protect people from aggressors. As King Shazam, he transformed his world. Then, he endured the trauma of 3,000 years of imprisonment. He may have killed Ra's al Ghul. Yet, Teth-Adam also believes that safety can only be achieved through strength. But in Absolute Superman #21, Kal-El cannot accept that holding power over anyone will ever lead to peace.

 

Art

The twisted metal framework of the damaged building frames Lois standing on the shattered floor. Immobilized, Talia sits and watches. Jimmy charges down a flight of stairs as he implores Kal-El to save himself. Yet in space, Kal-El holds a hammer and mace. A storm of energy swirls around him, obscuring his features as it transforms his appearance.

 

Aided by Zander Cannon’s breakdowns, Rafa Sandoval stretches the action across pages as Kal-El's armor covers him with spikes. The thorned warrior glows amid the energy storm. Yet Teth-Adam’s features also change. Freed from the Father Box, Teth-Adam has grown younger. But while battling to build his perfect world, cracks race across his skin as he and Kal pound regolith into rubble.

 

Ulises Arreola frames the first page in orange as the red dust of Krypton merges with yellow energy. Lois bears orange on her shoulder, while indigo and green surround Jimmy. The green links Jimmy with Talia, as they once fought together in the Omega Men. Orangish red and yellow rage on the moon as the combatants’ hands and feet glow, and the symbols they wear with pride burn in their chests. Yet the blue void surrounding the fighters darkens, until a storm of power swirls amid Kal-El’s darkest night in Absolute Superman #21.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase text. The letters shrink for lowered voices and grow bold for intonation. Rage-fueled yells swell letters and deform balloons. Two characters speak into black fields, while large white letters indicate time and location. Yet Lois’ narrative fills beige boxes, guiding readers through the tragic events. Vibrant sound effects enhance the battle of two supermen wielding weapons fit for the gods as they shake the heavens. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Like Sol, Kal-El’s fallen friend, most people believe that the Earth is hopelessly flawed. Perhaps if they had the power, they could make it more balanced. Yet Kal-El saw the Klerics of the Science League destroy Krypton by rigidly controlling every aspect of their world. So, as he strives to protect his adoptive planet, Kal-El fights not to install a perfect system, but to protect imperfect people in Absolute Superman #21.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Absolute Superman #21. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Absolute Superman #20.

For what happened before that, see my review of Absolute Superman #19. 

For what happened even before that, see my preview of Absolute Superman #18.  

For more on Hawkman, see my previews of Absolute Superman #16 & Absolute Evil #1. 

 

Supergirl #15 Review

 

Supergirl #15 Review

Writer, Artist & Cover Artist: Sophie Campbell

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Variant Cover Artists: Rahzzah, Karl Kerschl & Kris Anka

Swimsuit Variant Cover Artist: Ariel Diaz

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 8, 2026

 

When Zora Vi-Lar, aka Black Flame, went on the warpath, Kara Zor-El risked everything to warn Lesla-Lar. And when Kara didn't return from the miniature city of Kandor, Conner Kent and Lena Luthor ventured inside without knowing if they could escape. While Zora gave Conner a beating, Lena and Lesla helped Kara reclaim her Supergirl status. And even if Zora gave Lena her freeze breath, Lesla became Luminary once again.

 

Can Kara and Lesla free Kandor from Zora's tyranny? And can Kara and her friends breathe life into the recently rediscovered Argo City? Let’s leap into Supergirl #15 and see!

 

Story

Finding her miniaturized home city inside Kandor should have been a dream come true for Kara Zor-El. Yet its inhabitants were long dead, and the city lay in ruins. Still, Lesla-Lar led Kara to a chamber where she learned that a Sun Crystal existed on Earth. But before she can reclaim this aspect of her Kryptonian heritage, Kara must quell Zora’s rebellion in Kandor. By using Thundergirl’s solar reservoir, Lesla has become Luminary again. But Zora still wears the Yellow Ring of Kandor. And in her anger, the Black Flame seems intent on incinerating everyone and everything.

 

Lena Luthor remains frozen in place. But in Supergirl #15, Kara leads Conner Kent, Thundergirl, and Lesla-Lar in a battle to save Kandor. While each member of her team demonstrates their strengths, Kara soon realizes that she must tackle Zora alone. Like Lesla, Zora disagreed with the Science Council’s leadership. But while Lesla poured her energies into scientific invention, Zora embraced anarchy. Kara recognizes that Zora has let her anger at the Science Council's rule consume her. So, she lures Zora away from the others to give the Black Flame the power she craves.

 

While Sophie Campbell’s story focuses on Kara and Zora’s battle for power, it also reveals the result of the Science Council’s repression. Bry-zan and Lesla-Lar’s parents sought to preserve their Kryptonian heritage. But they used their political power to prevent their society from evolving. With their miniaturized city in rubble, the people of Kandor must decide what their future will look like. And as Kara contemplates her own future, she wants to help Kandor rebuild. But first, she must prevent Zora from destroying the last vestiges of Kryptonian society in Supergirl #15.

 

Art

As Supergirl and Luminary battle the Black Flame in the cracked and crumbling chamber, Zora lashes out at Superboy as he struggles to rise behind his frozen friend. When Thundergirl finds her voice, Zora trails smoke as she flees Argo, while sunlight streams around Supergirl and her friends as they pursue her. The fibers Rust excretes from its Super-Substance body cover the wrecked buildings of Kandor. As Zora uses her heat vision to incinerate Lesla’s solar reservoir, Kara falls, trailing yellow smoke from the device that allowed her to fly.

 

As Sophie Campbell portrays Kara Zor-El’s fast-paced defense of Kandor and her friends, Tamra Bonvillain adorns Supergirl #15 with an appealing palette. Inside the bottle city, Rust's orange Super-Substance strung between the broken buildings evoked the majesty of desert hoodoos. Yet from inside the Fortress of Solitude, the strands of orange filling the bottle reveal the depths of Zora’s avarice. While Lesla and Bry-Zan both wear indigo, they disagree on how to best care for their fellow citizens. Despite their green attire, Thundergirl and Lesla’s parents seem unsure how to move forward. Still, although broken, the sapphire city remains a home that the Kandorians love. Still, the yellow on Supergirl's new uniform echoes the air inside Kandor, while the blue links with Earth's atmosphere.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. Zora’s balloons deform as she lashes out at everyone around her. Sound effects enhance the high-flying battle, while text in black balloons recalls a villain who threatened Midvale. Zora may have stripped Thundergirl of her solar reservoir. Still, Thundergirl surprises herself when she summons blue letters that help her become the hero her city needs. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El didn’t think she could mentor Lesla-Lar. When Lesla had to return to Kandor, Kara thought she had failed her. Disappointments and betrayals may have marred Kara and Lesla’s relationship. But when it really matters, Lesla inspires Kara to forge a new future and helps her fight for others in Supergirl #15.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl #15. 

 

For what happened last time see my review of Supergirl #14.

For what happened before that, see my preview of Supergirl #13.

For how Kara became a cyborg, see my review of Supergirl #12.

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Supergirl #11. 

 

 

Summer of Supergirl Special #1 Review

 

Summer of Supergirl Special #1 Review

Writers: Sophie Campbell, Gail Simone & Mark Waid

Artists: Belén Ortega & Cian Tormey

Penciller: Emma Kubert

Inker: Sandra Hope

Colorists: Tríona Farrell, Trish Mulvihill & Alex Guimarāes

Letterers: Becca Carey, Ariana Maher & Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Belén Ortega

Variant Cover Artists: Pablo Villalobos & Tula Lotay

Supergirl Movie Variant Cover Artist: Mahmud Asrar with Mike Spicer

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/Variant $6.99 US (cardstock)

Release Date: June 24, 2026

 

When the weather turned cold amid the holidays, Kara Zor-El started to feel down. How could Kara enjoy time with her new family and friends when all the people she knew in Argo City are dead? Yet, life has its rhythms. And even though Kara has taken a few beatings, when trouble shook the miniaturized Kryptonian city of Kandor, she arrived to save the day.

 

After Lesla-Lar offered Kara a means of regaining what she lost in Kandor, Kara also discovered something that could give her more power than before. But when she interrupts Lobo during his first job following his self-imposed isolation on Azzplaque Major, Supergirl's fate seems to intertwine with the newly reinstated bounty hunter. Will they frag each other into extinction? Or will Supergirl, Lobo, Krypto, and Dawg team up for an extraordinary mission together? Let’s leap into Summer of Supergirl Special #1 and see!

 

Main Man’s Best Friend: Story

After sitting in a jail cell, Lobo, Kara, Krypto, and Dawg attend a hearing. As they face the judge, Lobo pleads innocence, while Kara Zor-El contends they are both guilty.

 

When fate separates them, Dawg returns to Midvale with Kara and Krypto in Summer of Supergirl Special #1. Lobo’s best friend even helps as Kara uses her powers to aid others. But Dawg misses his master. And unlike Lobo, he doesn’t understand the reasons for their separation.

 

As Sophie Campbell examines the bond between a pet and its owner, she also illustrates how Kara’s attitude influences the people around her. Lobo remains the petulant child who didn't want to conform to rules on Czarnia. Yet a little love can go a long way in encouraging good behavior, turning enemies into friends, and helping make the world a better place.

 

Main Man’s Best Friend: Art

As a judge sits beneath an enormous seal, Lobo raises his chain-wrapped forearm. Beside him, Kara smiles at Lobo’s antics. As Kara’s counsel hovers before the judge, his dispassionate discourse infuriates Lobo. Yet as Krypto, Dawg, and Leegra follow Kara’s lead, Lobo’s counsel slumps and supports his head on the table.

 

As Tríona Farrell adorns Belén Ortega’s cheery art with a bright palette, blue creeps into the green courtroom as Kara makes her case. Red tinges Lobo’s retelling of events, and the evening sky on Plinko Astra. Yet as Crush’s red attire seems linked with her father’s antics, stars twinkle in the violet air when she meets Leegra in Summer of Supergirl Special #1.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters, while Kara’s thoughts fill white clouds. White offscreen dialogue appears in colored boxes. Sound effects accompany more property damage than the night of Clarissa Giltedge’s No Beer New Year party, while enlarged yellow letters help Kara appeal to Lobo’s deeply buried good side.

 

Lost Girls: Story

Taking an exercise break is a great way to relieve stress. But when Brad uses the company mascot to make a statement, Supergirl worries that it will hurt others. Yet instead of getting a good workout, Kara discovers she may have bitten off more than she can chew. When another hero arrives to help, Supergirl still wants to blow off steam. But by sharing her struggles with a like-minded person, Kara’s tension lessens, helping her reconcile with her painful past and look toward the future in Gail Simone’s story.

 

Lost Girls: Art

When a futuristic female robot tears through a concrete wall and a chicken-wire fence, guards brace to fire, while a fireman warns people of danger. As they gaze through a window, Brad’s coworkers look concerned and aghast, while his expression makes an unintended comparison with a supervillain. After Supergirl’s face reflects off the robot’s smooth metal face, Emma Kubert and Sandra Hope combine a tilted silhouette scene with a close-up of the robot’s attack.

 

When the gold robot induces fear, the guards respond with yellow-and-orange gunfire. While the red in her costume links Supergirl with the emergency responders, her gold belt suggests empathy for the robot’s plight. As Trish Mulvihill adorns this ten-page story in vibrant colors, Supergirl shares two colors of her costume with the hero who comes to her aid.

 

As Ariana Maher fills white balloons with black uppercase letters, the robot speaks in a machine font. Small black letters in a yellow banner locate the reader in time and space. Kara begins her tale by sharing her white thoughts in blue boxes. But her narration gradually disappears as Kara interacts with the similarly minded hero.

 

Who Is Supergirl: Story

Having regained a physical form, Red Tornado’s consciousness no longer inhabits the Justice League Watchtower’s computer systems. So, when he needs to recheck the data in the personnel files, Red Tornado asks Conner Kent to review the Super-Family archives. In Mark Waid’s story, Jon Kent finds Steel helping Conner with his assignment. Yet while both belong to the Super-Family, they are puzzled by contrasting entries. Jon may enjoy teasing Conner about living in the past. Yet as he recognizes Conner and Steel's concerns, Jon realizes he can help them understand Kara's place in the Super-Family.

 

Who is Supergirl: Art

As Jon enters the immense room, Kara's numerous costume changes fill a wall monitor in Summer of Supergirl Special #1. A white-and-indigo hologram showcases her origins, while a color photo displays Kara's arrival on Earth. Alex Guimarāes adorns Kara’s early choices with yellow, orange, and brown. But as Kara takes on more color, Cian Tormey’s blue line drawing of all the people who helped Kara appears behind her. 

 

Steve Wands introduces characters and the location with black uppercase letters in yellow boxes. Black uppercase dialogue fills white balloons as they debate Kara’s position in the Super-Family. Offscreen dialogue in white and colored boxes helps the trio realize the breadth and depth of Kara’s contributions to the people around her. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El may always feel like an outsider. Yet her vibrant spirit and positivity help her make friends wherever she goes. Lesla-Lar’s memory lingers as Kara protects Midvale while advocating criminal reform. And as friends bond over similar interests, histories, and food, Superman's son helps encapsulate Kara's rich history in Summer of Supergirl Special #1.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Summer of Supergirl Special #1.

 

For how Lesla-Lar offers to help Supergirl power-up, see my review of Supergirl #14.

For Supergirl's encounter with Lobo, see my preview of Lobo #4. 

For Clarissa's No Beer New Year party, see my review of Supergirl #9. 

For the latest entry in DC's Elseworlds Universe, see my review of Supergirl: Survive #1. 

 

End Of Life #5 Review

 

End Of Life #5 Review

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist: Steve Pugh

Colorist: Chris O’Halloran

Letterer & Designer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Gerald Parel

Variant Cover Artist: Matt Taylor

Editors: Matthew Levine & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/Variant $4.99 US (cardstock)

Release Date: June 17, 2026

 

Richard Smiley hasn't had much reason to smile lately. After losing his status as a national treasure and the income from his Wrong Dog theme park, the cartoonist forms a gang to terrorize his hometown. Then, into Pluto walks Eddie Stallion. And when he protects Leona and her son Trent from Richard's thugs, Eddie gains two friends for life.

 

Unfortunately, Eddie's received a death sentence from his former employer. After he helped the Murder Brothers raid the Raven's home, all the Menagerie's hired killers are gunning for him. Can Eddie evade the masked murderers long enough to rescue Trent from Richard Smiley? And after the Menagerie's top tracker visits George Stallion's home, does Sophie, Eddie's ex-girlfriend and a hospice nurse, need to visit Eddie's father in the future? Let's grab a gun and a mask, leap into End Of Life #5, and see!

 

Story

Eddie’s life used to make sense. But now, nothing adds up. He can’t adjust to small-town life. Nor is Eddie used to rescuing people or tracking them down. When Leona demands that he find Trent and bring him back to her, Eddie declaims any responsibility for Leona’s woes. So, Leona reminds him why she won’t let her son play in the woods anymore. And with the corpse of the Menagerie’s latest arrival near the gas pumps outside her minimarket, the police are only one phone call away. If Eddie hasn’t returned her son by the time they arrive, she may suggest the cops take a tour through the surrounding woods.

 

Without a handler to handle the details, Leona puts Eddie in a pressure cooker in End Of Life #5. The clock is ticking until the police descend on Pluto and create enough radio traffic to let everyone in the Menagerie know his whereabouts. Eddie realizes he must cobble together a game plan fast. He may not be a Menagerie tracker like Drahthaar. But even if he didn’t want to be there and tried not to get involved in people’s lives, Eddie listened to them and discovered their interests.

 

As Eddie gathers information, formulates his strategy, and launches into action, Richard Smiley also struggles to think on his feet. Like Eddie, he thought money could solve all his problems. As he rose to prominence, Richard believed his success would last forever. He may not have raided a Menagerie boss’s mansion. But after he lost his career through his poor choices, Richard realizes he’s made another one in Kyle Starks’ story. 

 

He abducted Trent in the heat of the moment. Now, the cartoonist doesn’t know what to do with the boy. As both men scramble to make the best out of a bad situation, Eddie Stallion and Richard Smiley both stand to lose in End Of Life #5.

 

Art

While Leona lashes out at Eddie, Kodiak’s corpse lies between them as Richard Smiley’s signature creation looms in the background. When she responds to his question with shock, Eddie’s jaw drops as realization strikes. As she demands he act, Eddie rubs his styled hair and looks away. Steve Pugh shows the SUV leap over a rise like a Rally car. While Rico urges calm, his boss has a meltdown. But Trent, who longs to tap on trees with sticks, gazes around and enjoys the ride.

 

As Chris O’Halloran lavishes bright colors on End Of Life #5, Leona’s green blouse links with Richard Smiley’s sweater as both people grow determined to resolve the situation. While Rico drives the indigo SUV, he urges Richard to let Trent go. Like another person who wears a blue shirt, Trent ignores their conflict and looks forward to what the next minute will bring. A person wearing an orange shirt misses the good old days when she had more than she has today, while a yellow map reminds Eddie that little time remains before the worst occurs. He may be angry that everyone blames him for the situation. Yet as violet fills the sky, Eddie races to save the day in his red suit and sneakers.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black, uppercase letters. The words grow bold for intonation and shrink for whispers. Fear swells words while shock turns them red. Metallic clicks signal danger, while booms signal that death has arrived in Pluto. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

After his mother left, Eddie Stallion never got along with his father. Growing up, he felt fatally flawed. Becoming a Menagerie killer helped Eddie develop a sense of self-worth. But after mastering his job skills and living the high life, Eddie discovers that his father invested his earnings much more wisely. Sadly, it may be too late for this Wrong Dog to learn new tricks in End Of Life #5.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of End Of Life #5. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of End Of Life #4.

For what happened before that, see my review of End Of Life #3.

For how this series began, see my review of End Of Life #1. 

 

Supergirl #14 Review

 

Supergirl #14 Review

Writer, Artist & Cover Artist: Sophie Campbell

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Variant Cover Artists: Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson; Bruno Redondo; Chrissie Zullo-Uminga

Supergirl Movie Variant Cover Artist: Jim Lee

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: June 10, 2026

 

Dr Kim-Da turned Kara Zor-El into a cyborg. The Science Council grew Team Thunder in the lab to kill Zora Vi-Lar and Lesla-Lar. Yet in her wanton attack on the Science Council bunker, Zora unleashes destruction that threatens her followers. While Zora attacks Team Thunder, Kara Zor-El rescues the Black Flame’s supporters. Then, realizing that she cannot defeat Zora, Kara goes to warn Lesla-Lar that the Science Council, including her parents Lan-Lar and Lora-Lar, has signed her death sentence.

 

Lesla-Lar admits Zora is using her to achieve her own ends. And Kara's willingness to forgive Lesla's betrayals wins Lesla-Lar over. So, when Lesla agrees to help Kara, she reveals something that means nothing to Zora, but could mean everything to Kara. But is there time for Kara Zor-El and Lesla-Lar to save Kandor from destruction? And after Zora also sent her plummeting to her death, will Lena Luthor share Kara's fate? Let’s leap into Supergirl #14 and see!

 

Story

Kara Zor-El never belonged on Earth. And when she arrived to protect Kal-El, only to find he had grown up, she lacked a purpose. But worse by far was the destruction of Argo City. Despite all her accomplishments on Earth, Kara could never forget all the people she loved who had died.

 

In Supergirl #14, Lesla-Lar reveals that Argo City still survives as a miniaturized city. As Lesla transports her inside, Kara realizes that everyone she knew and loved during her childhood is still dead. And like her broken and violated body, Argo City lies in ruins.

 

While Kara battles despair, Lesla-Lar encourages her. And although Kara may not realize it, Conner Kent and Lena Luthor have risked their lives to help her. After battling seasonal depression, when Lesla and Lena conspired to ruin Clarissa’s No Beer New Year Party, Kara couldn’t deal with their betrayal. But even after she cut them out of her life, when Kara faces her blackest night, Lesla and Lena still strive to help her in Supergirl #14.

 

Art

As the Super-Substance Science Scouts gaze down with concern, Rust looks the most horrific. Yet Lena awakens upon a netting of fibrous metaplasm extruded from Rust’s body. When Sophie Campbell switches the action from Kandor to Argo City, Kara and Lesla walk along a flooded street. With her unreliable cyborg implants, Kara may regard the empty city as a shadow of its former self. Yet the surviving architecture conveys the former grandeur of Kara's home.

 

While Tamra Bonvillain lavishes a vibrant palette on Supergirl #14, orange links Rust with Lena’s jacket. As long spikes sprout from Cut’s body, the Scout’s blue skin connects it with Argo's towers. Melt's violet skin links the Super-Substance Science Scout with its creator's clothes. Yet it also connects the Scout with Zora's hair and the costume of the hero created in Dr Kim-Da’s lab to kill Zora and Lesla. Still, yellow binds Lesla's most lively creation with an object that could herald Kara's brightest day.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. Kara's thoughts fill white clouds, while sound effects enhance the battle for the future of two Kryptonian cities. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

No civilization is perfect. And as Lesla-Lar transports Kara Zor-El to her long-lost hometown, she reveals another example of the Science Council’s injustices. Yet as a younger generation fights for reform, some embody responsible change, while others protest for less noble motives in Supergirl #14.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Supergirl #14.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Supergirl #13.

 

For how Kara became a cyborg, see my review of Supergirl #12.

 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Supergirl #11. 

 

For Lesla-Lar and Lena Luthor's betrayal at Clarissa's New Year's Party, see my review of Supergirl #9. 

 

 

 

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Review

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Review

Writer: Ian Flynn

Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas

Colorist: Matt Herms

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Pablo M Collar

Variant Cover Artists: R1CO & Daniele Di Nicuolo

Editor: Michael McCalister

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Release Date: June 3, 2026

 

When extradimensional gateways appear overnight, the people on two worlds rush to use them. Heroes also reconnect. They enjoy healthy competition and help each other battle foes. Best of all, they sample each other’s baking.

 

As the Justice League wonders who created the gateways and why, two villains celebrate. Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor combined their wits and resources to link the two worlds with their Luminous Extradimensional Energized Gateway Generator system. But are the villains interested in more than generating income from tolls and tourism? And can the Justice League discover what they’re up to behind closed doors? Let’s leap into DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 and see!

 

Story

Batman may be Earth's greatest detective. But when two worlds unite, he brightens the night sky with a Shadow-signal. The Hedgehog comes to the same conclusion Batman has. Shadow agrees that teaming up with the Dark Knight aligns with their mutual interests. But unlike Superman and Knuckles, Shadow is no more in favor of joining forces with Batman than Robin is of involving him.

 

Likewise, Lex Luthor and Dr Eggman make uneasy partners in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2. Each put on a show of enjoying the money they’ll make together. But like many ambitious businesspeople, they’ve already got their exit strategies in mind. Yet Lex has one advantage over Dr Eggman. He commands the Legion of Doom. And Black Manta, Sinestro, Captain Cold, Gizmo, and Cheetah have more history with Lex than they do with the mustachioed malefactor who wants to workshop their team's name.

 

Ian Flynn interweaves the “Doomers’” exploits across two worlds, as the Justice League and Hedgehog heroes investigate. As in any surveillance operation, wheels within wheels obscure who is loyal to whom. In this fast-paced plot, the “Legionnaires” play on the locals’ fears while the heroes wonder about their goal. It's just a foretaste of what's to come, should the villains succeed in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2.

 

Art

As a mushroom-like building rises from a swamp, the Legion surrounds Lex Luthor as they contemplate the future. Despite his brave words, maintaining his pretense of a partnership is a struggle. Yet when Lex beholds his partner, his eyes bulge. Unlike the Legion of Doom, Dr Eggman wears a wide smile. Catwoman and Rouge also radiate happiness. But then, all three have everything to gain and expect to profit from other people's actions.

 

As Matt Herms fills DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 with a vibrant palette, Adam Bryce Thomas conjures glittering locales without splash pages or double-page spreads. Two lovers gaze at a romantic fountain, while a gleaming tower pairs with a radiant diamond pendant. Yet when Lex Luthor grabs the spotlight, thin panels radiate from him like the rays of the sun as he dazzles the people waiting upon his every word.

 

Becca Carey fills balloons and boxes with uppercase black letters. Intonation makes letters bold, and the words occasionally shrink, as the light-hearted story zips along faster than Flash and Sonic investigating a cold case. Big white words introduce the changing times and settings, while sound effects enhance the Legion's multipronged plan. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor hold two worlds in their hands. They have the potential to wield more power and influence than ever before. Yet as they plot and scheme against each other, they demonstrate the dangers of the LEXEGG system in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2.

 

For how this series started, see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #1.

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Preview

 

When extradimensional gateways appear overnight, the people on two worlds rush to use them. Heroes from two worlds also reconnect. They team up for friendly competition and help each other battle foes. Best of all, they sample each other’s baking. 

As the Justice League wonders who created the gateways, two villains celebrate. Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor combined their wits and resources to link two worlds with their Luminous Extradimensional Energized Gateway Generator system. Are the villains interested in more than generating income from tolls and tourism? And if so, can the Justice League discover what they’re up to? 

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Preview

Writer: Ian Flynn

Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas

Colorist: Matt Herms

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Pablo M Collar

Variant Cover Artists: R1CO & Daniele Di Nicuolo

Editor: Michael McCalister

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Release Date: June 3, 2026

 

 

Dr Eggman joins the Legion Of Doom!

 

 

The worlds of the Justice League and Sonic the Hedgehog have become linked! Pulling the strings is the sinister Legion of Doom with the help of their newest member: Dr. Eggman! The pit of vipers is full of treachery and deceit, but they’re even more dangerous when they set their sights on the Justice League and the Sonic Heroes! Will the villains succeed in taking out the heroes in one fell swoop!? Will both worlds fall to the Legion of Doom?!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #1.

Absolute Superman #19 Review

 

Absolute Superman #19 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Rafa Sandoval

Colorist: Ulises Arreola

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola

Variant Cover Artists: Chuma Hill, Haining & Jeff Dèkal

Editors: Ash Padilla & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: May 6, 2026

 

After the Peacemakers killed Lois Lane's father, Talia Al Ghul revealed that she was Primus, the leader of the Omega Men terrorists. Then Jimmy Olsen's former boss said that the only truth was that everything was a lie. Yet 3000 years ago, a woman who also channeled Omega energy prophesied an age of heroes.

 

While Talia’s father wavers in his commitment to burn the world in his refining fire, Superman and other heroes are arising to protect the planet. But who tore through the Peacemakers like tissue paper with his mighty hammer? And how have time, power, and imprisonment affected King Shazam? Let's leap into Absolute Superman #19 and see!

 

Story

His magnetized hammer absorbed everything the Peacemakers could fire at him. But that’s no surprise. John Henry Irons invented the technology that gave them their name. After Lazarus Corps bound him to a contract, they paid John a pittance to work in a slaughterhouse. That’s something King Shazam can relate to. Freed from the Father Box, he remembers his family dying while they worked as slaves. Three thousand years later, King Shazam discovers that nothing has changed.

 

While the story begins months ago, Absolute Superman #19 swiftly returns to the present. Despite planning to kill Ra's Al Ghul for years, John Henry Irons gets caught up in King Shazam’s awakening. Because of the power he accumulated in his extended life, Ra's Al Ghul believed he was a god. But now, Ra's, Talia, and John Henry Irons find themselves before a living maelstrom of anger and rage. John recognizes that, once again, his world has changed.

 

While John Henry Iron’s planned revenge transforms into a rescue attempt, the biggest confrontation is between Superman and King Shazam. The Red Lands shaped them both. Neither approves of slavery nor of power-hungry leaders slaying their citizens through war. In Jason Aaron's story, both would gladly turn Earth into a paradise if the masters of this world would let them.

 

Kal-El has finally found peace after saving Smallville. But King Shazam is angry and overwhelmed by the same screams Superman constantly rushes off to address. And unlike Kal-El, when he pondered the ethics of killing evildoers, King Shazam doesn’t have a lifelong friend like Sol to help him see reason in Absolute Superman #19.

 

Art

Mounds of meat weigh down a conveyor belt as John Henry Irons works beneath the machinery that should drive it. Then he climbs from the blood-covered floor and exchanges a crescent wrench and screwdriver for a sledgehammer. His determined expression never relents. Nor does John look around as he trudges past hanging sides of beef and the butchers who greet him as a friend. Then the man who built a device to stun people without injuring them lifts his sledgehammer, as a cow, locked in a kill box, silently regards him.

 

Red dust swirls around Kal-El as a black storm rages around King Shazam in Absolute Superman #19. Kal-El bears the red-and-gold symbol of the Kryptonian working class on his chest, while a yellow lightning bolt granted by Brainiac glows on King Shazam’s chest. As Kal-El’s forearms glow yellow and white, lightning crackles from King Shazam’s glowing chest and forearms. Dense beards frame Ra’s and King Shazam’s faces as the two former kings of this world regard each other. But unlike Ra’s Al Ghul, King Shazam’s features gradually shed their age after escaping the Father Box.

 

As Ulises Arreola casts bright colors into the dark settings of Rafa Sandoval’s action-packed art, Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase text. The letters shrink for lowered voices and grow bold for intonation. Raised voices swell letters and deform balloons, while large white letters indicate time and location. White letters in red boxes evoke Sol’s counsel as John Henry Irons shares his thoughts. The white letters in black boxes reveal King Shazam’s off-panel dialogue. Sound effects accompany a raging storm, King Shazam’s fury, and explosions as gods battle in the heavens. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Despite how people try to embrace him, Kal-El shies away from forming ties with them. While he has grown up in this world, Kal-El cannot forget his parents and Krypton. He may resemble the Humans he tries to help, but he doesn’t share their culture. An orphan twice over, Kal-El has no family on Earth. Nor does he eat or sleep like them. Yet as an age of heroes dawns, this son of Kryptonian soil must decide if he will forever be a stranger, or if he will finally sink roots into his adoptive planet in Absolute Superman #19.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Absolute Superman #19.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Absolute Superman #18.