“Superman Reborn Aftermath”
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Penciller: Emanuela Lupacchino, Inker: Ray McCarthy, Colour: Hi-Fi
Superman isn’t sunshine. He isn’t all smiles. I was worried that in Rebirth they would leave out some of his tragedy. This is why I have a fondness for Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Clark Kent in the DC Extended Universe. It’s real. Superman is the strongest because he suffers, and he is more human than many. I like how they’re delving into mental health with this issue.
Reading this issue of Trinity, I was reminded of Wonder Woman v2 #175, 2001. He couldn’t save everyone. Clark fell into depression and needed to see a psychologist for “failing.”
As Clark battles with his mind and body in issue #8, Diana and Bruce feel at a loss. The aftermath of multiple Supermen existing on one plane must be a mind-screw for the poor guy. The trinity is a family, at least they’re trying to be. Batman and Wonder Woman have both lost their best friend from the New 52 Universe, and so, they’ve agreed to care for this Superman just like they would their old friend.
They are each other’s support system. Wonder Woman feels for Superman, while Batman is greatly concerned with who could impact the most powerful man in the world.
I admire Bunn’s use of idiomatic language. I know some challenge it, but this causes one to get into the character’s head and feel compassion for them:
“It always starts the same way.
A beautiful day in Metropolis.
A normal day.
Until it isn’t.”
I find his work different than other DC writers. One needs empathy for Superman to appreciate this issue.
As for art, the trinity shines their aesthetic appeal. The penciling and inking, in particular, is noteworthy. The muscle definitions and motion in McCarthy’s work is striking. Lupacchino’s inking does a great job to add emotions. The details in their facial features are moving. It enhances McCathy’s technique.
The colours are pretty simplistic, and I suppose this makes it hard to fall into the issue. However, Hi-Fi does a nice job with giving the effect of light, such as in Wonder Woman’s lasso and the background explosions. My main critic of the colours is that there is no theme to express the impact of what emotions are going on. DC’s colourists often complement the feelings of character narratives through colour (e.i. blue for sadness, yellow for fear). Consequently, this was missing and it didn’t match Bunn’s colloquial, relatable language.
I have hopes this will improve.
Conclusion
I’m greatly biased, as Trinity is my most beloved Rebirth series, thus far. I appreciate the development of their chemistry and combined strengths. However, unless you’re a fan of Superman, this issue might not interest you, but I’ll be looking forward to the continuation of this series. Props to Bunn for instilling an affinity for Superman in this issue.
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment