DCU Comic Book Reviews

SUPERMAN SECRET FILES 2009

The History Lesson

2009

Written by Geoff Johns, James Robinson, Greg Rucka, Sterling Gates

Pencils by Pete Woods, Renato Guedes, Jamal Igle, Francis Manapul

Inks by Pete Woods, Jon Sibal, Jose Wilson Magalhaes

Cover by Aaron Lopresti

Overall Review by Binkley (e-mail)

I liked these profiles; it helps to flush out the world and the characters more than the books.  All of them provide enough background information, not only of the characters history but also their roles in the current stories to help the reader.  I am not entirely sure the 5$ price tag is worth it.  However, I must admit that if some of the profiles were at the end of a trade paperback, I doubt I would read it.  And placing some of the material here and there in the back of the regular books dilutes the information.  Having it in one place like this is the best, despite the cost.

Why is Captain Atom on the cover?  My first reaction is that the really weird back-up in Action Comics will lead into the current story (and I think he is being held and tortured by General Lane; the flashbacks are part of the torture).  Anyway, there is no profile for Atom in the book, so his placement on the cover is a little odd. 

The omission of Steel (who is also on the cover) is a little strange, especially when you consider he is a pivotal part in the upcoming story.  In fact, Steel is even mention in the profile for Atlas!  Speaking of Lane and Project 7734, I was hoping for something on Mirabai, but she is missing as well, although she is mentioned and there is a small picture of her on the Lane profile. 

Vigil

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Pere Pérez

Review

Whenever anyone thinks about the second Superman movie and the ultimate bad guy, they think of General Zod.  Along the way, Ursa and Non have become nothing more than just sidekicks to whatever Zod is doing.  I think this was the same for the comics when Zod made his first appearance.  This story goes a long way to making Ursa a three-dimensional character.  Granted, she is still dependent on Zod, but it shows how and why.  It also explains her sadistic tendencies and help to explain her strange behavior during the Brainiac invasion.  This was very well done story and probably my favorite of the bunch. 

Double Act

Written by James Robinson

Art by Matt Camp

Review

This story wore on me after awhile because there was not much to the story other than the fact that Billi and Jonathan don’t know each other and Jonathan is very weird.  All of the dialogue and the situations just seemed to repeat on this theme.  I like the idea behind the story and I think it helps to define these two characters, but the repetitive nature of the story hurt it. 

Blood-Sisters

Written by Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka

Art by Fernando Dagnino and Raul Fernandez

Review

This was a wonderful story.  I loved the way it helped to explain the relationship between the girls, but I also love the way it worked in Krypton mythology and the world, as well as provided hints of Kara’s religious connection via the Flamebird. And we also know that what Kara can’t tell her and what she tries to tell her at the end is her role as Flamebird, so it takes on an added dimension to older scenes.  This was very well done. 

Legacy

Written by James Robinson

Art by Stefano Gaudiano

Review

I want to point out two things.  First, the Lex Luthor profile failed to mention he was once President and given this story and the fact that being President is a big deal, seems like a pretty big omission.  Second, the watercolor look (if indeed that was what was used for the story) works perfectly for a story about reflection.  It’s short, but I think the three pages works perfectly to set-up exactly what it needs to do and time frame (in terms of DC universe time) and the situation (Ross taking over the Presidency) in which Ross signs the papers also works perfectly. 

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