DCU Comic Book Reviews

TANGENT COMICS:  SUPERMAN'S REIGN #8

Chapter Eight

December 2008

Written by Dan Jurgens

Pencils by Wes Craig

Inks by Dan Davis

Cover by Andie Tong

Synopsis

On New Earth, Superman and Power Girl approach Tangent Superman.  At first, the conversation is cordial, but when Tangent Superman reveals he wants to fix the world and supersede governments to do what he pleases.  The two Superman come to blows before the Tangent Superman teleports to Washington DC.  On Tangent Earth, Batman learns where the Tangent Superman has gone and seeks to find a way back.  To do so, they need a Green Lantern. On New Earth, the two Supermen confront each other again at the White House.  Tangent Orion uses magical beings to hold down Superman.  Tangent Superman then destroys the White House and Capital building.  Meanwhile, Batman sends the New Earth heroes and Tangent heroes to New Earth.  However, Batman stays behind to find a weapon to stop Tangent Superman. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

There are still a number of issues left in this mini-series, but it is really ramping up and I am really enjoying this.  Good stuff.  I like the confrontation between the two Supermen.  I think it was handled exactly how it should have been.  This is not the series to debate ideologies, of free will and making mistakes to dictatorship regimes with perfect societies.  But that debate is the core of what the two men believe.  So, it needed to be said.  Jurgens takes the right approach, presenting their viewpoints, showing they are at odds, and then pitting their powers against each other.  I think an extended dialogue or debate would’ve stalled the momentum of the series while not mentioning it all would’ve weakened the core conflict.  What Jurgens provided here was the right amount and with Tangent Superman blowing up the very symbol of democracy just adding to the conflict. 

I still say that the only weapon that can defeat the Tangent Superman is his ex-wife.  I am almost certain that is where Batman and the Joker are going.  Huh, that was a funny phrase to type:  Batman and the Joker. 

HISTORY LESSON:  Chapter Eight

Written by Ron Marz

Pencils by Andie Tong

Inks by Mark McKenna

Synopsis

Guy Gardner reveals the origin of Tangent Batman.  However, Guy is uncomfortable being part of the coup to destroy Tangent Superman.  He is told Superman will never find out; they have taken Guy to a secure location.  Tangent Superman can find them there, he is not God.  Guy’s not sure about that… 

Review

Where is this leading to?  I mean, I like the origin of Batman and it is nice to know what the deal is with him, but the other parts of this back-up is leading somewhere, but I am not sure why.  Maybe I am wrong and New Earth Batman is going to find Guy Gardner and that will be the weapon.  Or Guy will provide the origin for the weapon so when Batman finds it (her), we’ll know why it can take down Superman.  Even then, where is the plot of the coup leading to?  After all, Tangent Superman isn’t even on their Earth anymore.  Kinda hard to defeat someone is not there.