Written by Grant Morrison. Drawn by Ben Oliver.
Backup story written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by CAFU.
In issue zero, scribe Grant Morrison gently lays the foundation for the marvelous Metropolitans. Oliver gives the city a hazy morning look that matches the beginning of Clark Kent’s Metropolis career as Superman. In the cover, we see young Superman bursting through. He certainly makes an impression with friends and foes alike.
“The Boy Who Stole Superman’s Cape” contains a minor adventure with a kid who becomes empowered to protect his brother with the help of the invincible red cape. Their antagonist? Some sleazy, dirty “wife beater”-wearing buffon who talks with dirty letters. Letterer, I know how he would talk just by looking at him. Standard, boring comic book typeface does the job just fine, thanks.
Anyway, I also notice an amusing origin for Mr. Myxyzptlk. The silhouettes are also a nice touch, but the one with the red Supes silh against a black background would fit in better in a Batman comic. Also, Lois and Jimmy get their chance to show Perry White the Action Ace is reality. Superman acts heroically, but readers won’t truly witness them with shots of bullets on the ground or boots scraping the rails in place of direct action shots.
Morrison isn’t trying to push the envelope with this zero issue. We’re reminded that these are the classic characters of Metropolis about to have their lives change greatly.
Also, there’s a backup story, “Origin of the Species,” about a scientist looking for the secret that will enhance humanity but finds an alien named Adam about to depart Earth warning the scientist of the Earth’s impending doom.
Overall: recommended.
Preview this issue at Comic Book Resources.
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