Publisher: DC
Writers: Aaron Kuder, Greg Pak, Peter J. Tomasi, Gene Luen Yang
Artists: Dan Jurgens, Rafa Sandoval, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ben Oliver
Colourists: Lee Loughridge, Tomeu Morey, Patricia Mulvihill, Ben Oliver
Editor: Andrew Marino
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $4.99

It is all creative hands on deck for the effectively written and strikingly drawn Superman Annual #3, which launches the Savage Dawn storyline. Clark Kent’s Kryptonian power has been reduced to almost nothing and he suspects new Justice League leader Lex Luthor is mocking him.

One of the interesting aspects in Superman Annual #3 is the origin of the psychopath Vandal Savage, beginning 50,000 years ago in today’s France (in the vicinity of Lascaux with its famous cave paintings; nice touch), and his exposure to an immortality-bestowing meteor fragment. Unfortunately he’s a monster and immediately commits patricide. From there Savage’s arc is kind of like the plot of the movie Star Trek: Generations; Savage’s efforts focus on finding the meteor.

Although the art styles in Superman Annual #3 change through out the comic book, it doesn’t detract from the action or the story. When things turn intimate and dirty as Superman wrestles a teetering Lexoil truck the colors appropriately turn dark. And a two-page spread of the Carrier is Jack Kirby-worthy, the highest praise there is.

If you’re hoping for a self-contained story, sorry. You’ll need to turn to Action Comics to see how Supes handles Savage. I know I have to now. And if I have to, you will too…..Get to it!

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker