Publisher: DC
Writer: Francis Manapul
Artist: Bong Dazo
Colourist: Hi-Fi
Editor: Brian Cunningham
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.99

What if Superman acted like an ass? That’s the idea underlying Justice League: Darkseid War: Superman #1. After villain Darkseid dies a few heroes inherit god-like powers, and some handle it better than others. Superman may be the worst. “Help! Help! That’s all I hear. It drives me insane! Why can’t you help yourselves?” Superman asks Jimmy Olsen after throwing him through a plate-glass window (and let’s be honest, there is a part of all of us that want to do just that).

Subsequent to absorbing the universe’s most powerful solar energy Superman now looks like a negative version of himself, all black with white details. And the change is not just cosmetic. Superman says he’s only on Earth for a good time. “Don’t confuse me for your hero,” says the super-hedonist. The plot reminds one of the 1983 movie Superman III where bad kryptonite creates a bad, drunken Supes.

Watching Jimmy Olsen’s pal be rude to everybody is a hoot, and writer Manpul gets the message across. And it’s not only the Kryptonian’s look and actions that are negative opposites. Now instead of Superman saving Jimmy, the reporter is now trying to save the new God of Steel. The only small complaint is that after acting so badly Superman too quickly realizes he’s in trouble. I’d personally like much more bad Superman! And maybe Richard Pryor too.

Bong Dazo’s art is effectively rendered and pleasingly detailed. A few panels have some faces that look rushed, but that doesn’t detract from the overall experience.

Justice League: Darkseid War: Superman #1 is not a deep dive into Clark Kent’s psyche, but it is an enjoyable read and I, for one, can’t wait to see what the new irritable Superman will do next.

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker