COMIC BOOK REVIEW - Superman: Fury At World's End
Look clearly I’ve been enjoying this time off that I now have, and that means I get to revel in my comic books and bring you guys some good reviews. I’d been easing my way back into DC, but recently have just wanted to read some of the main series for the Trinity, so I thought I’d see what Superman was up to. The ‘Action Comics’ series has been progressing averagely, but I had hope for the actual ‘Superman’ series!
‘Fury At World’s End’ is the third novel in the New 52 series of Superman. It starts with a flashback issue to Krypton, where Jor-El, Superman’s biological father, is investigating what is occurring at Krypton’s core. He realizes the planet is doomed, but when he attempts to alert Krypton’s leaders he’s ambushed by a group of radicals who wish to see the destruction occur. We then cut to present day where Clark Kent, aka Superman, is having a tough time at work where he feels he is unable to write articles about things that matter. Unfortunately for him, his life as Superman isn’t going any better, especially when he finds himself battling a large dragon, with a power he’s never seen before. However, just as he’s able to put the beast down, he’s confronted by his cousin, Kara. Kara’s still new to the planet, and she just wants to return to Krypton, so when a mysterious character named H’El turns up claiming he is the protegé of Jor-El, Superman is skeptical. H’El claims that he is able to bring back Krypton, but when he attempts to show his intentions by taking down Superboy, Superman steps in to take down this heretic. Kara and Clark don’t see eye-to-eye and H’El banks on this when he whisks Kara away and breaks into the Fortress of Solitude. Superman must now gain the help from friends and foes alike in order to claim his Fortress back and stop H’El from carrying out his master plan. Can he, Superboy and the Justice League prevent Armageddon? And when the dust clears, just where does Supergirl lie in the conflict?
Perhaps it’s because the first few Superman novels I’ve read have been a little boring that I was expecting something in a similar vein, but ‘Fury At World’s End’ surprised me. The story is not too extensive, but not brief either. The pacing is done well, and we really get a fair idea of how difficult it is for Clark to manage his two identities. H’El as a character poses an interesting question, is Superman more human than Kryptonian and I think most would agree that he is. It forces a younger Superman into a moral dilemma, knowing that he could bring back his planet but at the risk of his new home. But Clark is adamant whereas Kara isn’t and I think that could be extremely interesting for the future of both Superman and Supergirl comics in the New 52!
The artwork was definitely the highlight of this novel. Kenneth Rocafort is an excellent artist who has the ability to create masterpieces that look painted but portray character expressions so well. I cannot fault the art nor the covers! Overall, a much better novel in this series and one that I can get behind. I’m looking forward to more of this now!
Favourite Panel:
If people ask why Lex Luthor is Superman’s greatest adversary, show them this panel.
Favourite Character:
I like this Superman. He’s young and brash whilst staying true to who he’s always been!
Rating:
Story Arc: 12/20
Character Development: 13.5/20
Artwork: 18/20
Enjoyability: 14.5/20
Re-readability: 13/20
Overall: 71/100
Level: Advanced