Supergirl Sighting: Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes #3

What better way to wrap up 2011 than by a looking at a past version of Supergirl who cropped up in an unlikely place.

Chris Roberson salvaged the end of the Superman arc 'Grounded', weaving in a lot of Superman lore into his issues as Superman staggered to some psychological healing. Roberson's issues really saved that arc.

So I was thrilled when I saw that he was writing a Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes crossover mini-series for IDW. I am a casual Star Trek fan. I have seen all the episodes too many times to count, I love the movies, and very much liked Next Generation. But my Trek fandom is sort of on the periphery of my geekiness. On the other hand, I am a huge comic book guy and a giant Legion fan for most of my life. So this was a mix of two disparate things that I like, a sort of 'chocolate and peanut butter' mix ... perfect.

And Roberson seemed like the right writer. In 'Grounded', it was clear he had a working knowledge of some little known Superman history. So I figured he would treat both the Legion and the Star Trek crew the right way.  The book has been fantastic so far as the Legion and the Enterprise meet in an alternate timeline where the Federation is a fascist and expansionist regime run by Tommy Tomorrow.

In the last issue, the Legion and the Enterprise crew compare the United Planets to the Federation, how both those timelines are superior to the one they are trapped in, and how they need to fix things.

During that conversation, we get a montage page of the Legion and their greatest enemies. This is clearly based on the Levitz/Giffen Legion based on the presence of Light Lass, the cowl/hood of Wildfire's costume, and the presence of Karate Kid.

And there among the Legionnaires is Supergirl! This was around the time that she came out of 'retirement' to help in the Great Darkness Saga and then hung around for some adventures with Brainiac 5. I have covered those issues in depth on this blog in the past.

How wonderful to see this version of Supergirl again, even in a group shot.

But as fantastic as that was, it wasn't the best moment of the book.

Now this amalgamation of Trek beings and Legion's Fatal Five was the biggest moment of sheer geek giddiness. A Gorn Persuader? A Mugato Validus? An Orion Emerald Empress? Now that is awesome sauce.

If you are an old school Legion fan, or an old school Star Trek fan, or any fan of either in any form, I advise getting this comic. It is fun and entertaining and well worth reading!

Review: Superman #714

Superman #714 came out this week and was a fascinating issue to read for a number of different reasons.

First off, this was the final chapter of the 'Grounded' storyline, an arc that I have maligned in places and praised in others. In some ways I think the timing was simply off. After New Krypton, after years of Superman away from the title and away from his supporting cast or even his rogue's gallery, sending Superman on a walk away from who he is wasn't what I was looking for. Add to that the relatively awful portrayal of Superman in the early issues of this storyline followed by the  PR hit of JMS leaving the book after being given the keys to the kingdom, and the arc seemed somewhat doomed.Certainly, I don't think 'Grounded' will stand the test of time as classic arc, referenced and mentioned by comic fans in the years to come. Sure, the cover says '"Grounded" No More!' but in my head I was thinking 'No More "Grounded" !!!!'

But there is more than just that here. This was the last issue for *this* Superman, the last issue before the relaunch of the DCnU. As such, this is the capstone of the last 25 years. Sure, the Superman here looks very different from the one John Byrne introduced in The Man of Steel. But it is the same character and we are saying goodbye to him. As a result, this issue needed to allow us to not only say goodbye to Grounded but also goodbye to the post-Crisis Superman. And as a finale, this needed to celebrate everything that makes Superman who he is.

Chris Roberson took over "Grounded" once JMS left the arc and has done his very best to resuscitate the book and Superman. And for the most part I think he has done a very very good job, having Superman work his way back to his roots rather than walk away from them. Last issue was something of a speed bump in the improvement of the book, Superman taking a step backwards in his overcoming his depression. Thankfully, Roberson rebounds nicely here ending the story and the title neatly, showcasing the basic concepts of the character of Superman. Yes, maybe their is a bit of whiff of sentimentality here but this is a goodbye issue. I expected sentiment.

And it was an absolute joy to see Jamal Igle's work on this issue. To see all that subtlety in character expression and body language again, adding to the story, making it a fuller experience was a joy. Heck, we even got to see him draw Linda Lang again!

The story picks up right where last issue left off, with the possessed school teacher threatening Lois and demanding a showdown with Superman.

Realizing that this is a job for him, Superman reclaims his costume off the tree stump where he left it that issue and flies into the fray. With a quick blast of heat vision, he is able to grab Lois and whisk her away. Dropping her off miles away, Superman promises to talk to Lois as soon as the threat passes. She also wants to talk to him.

The lack of Lois as a way to ... well ... ground Superman has been one of the things I have not liked about this story. Still, it was nice to see that the two are willing to hash things out here.

After a brief skirmish in the street with the typical property damage, Superman hopes to take the fight to a safer place. He calls upon the Superman Squad to open up a portal into Still Zone where their headquarters is.

It's a smart way to defuse the situation. There is no need to fight here, trapped in this realm. So the two may as well talk.

And so we learn about what happened to teacher Miss Jennings from Ohio.

It turns out the crystal she grabbed was an 'interrogation sunstone', a way of extracting memories from one Kryptonian mind and put it in another. Unfortunately, Jennings grabbed it just as Superman walked by, absorbing his super-depression, his doubt and fear and sadness.

The art works so well here, especially the shot of Jennings distorted face through the crystal, showing how she has become warped. Great stuff there.

I wonder if that was really what the crystal was supposed to be in JMS' version of this story.

Filled with that super-negativism, Jennings became the living embodiment of Superman's depression. And as time passed it gave her great power, both physical strength and the ability to warp Superman's perceptions.

Roberson actually shows us some of these events where Superman's senses were distorted. One of the more vile scenes in Grounded was the woman in the park telling Superman to take off, equating him to a gun. Here we see she said practically the opposite. We have seen this throughout the story ... panels from Superman's point of view are very different from panels shot from the reverse ... scowling people becoming smiling people, etc. This panel shows that Superman is still an inspiration for people.

Still, I don't know if I quite understand Jennings' motivations though. So as the living embodiment of Superman's depression, she wants him to become more and more depressed? At times she seems angry to have all these negative feelings in her head. You would think she might want him to get better.

In the middle of this exchange is this moment, probably my favorite of the book.

Superman apologizes to Jennings. He isn't angry at what she has done. He is sorry that he has caused her so much pain. That is pure Superman.

But even better, he finally voices that he is a victim of the destruction of New Krypton, suffering with guilt and grief. And he won't let anyone else be a victim of that tragedy. The destruction of New Krypton should be weighing on him; I was glad to see him actually say it.

If the crystal has filled Jennings with the negative feelings he has had maybe Superman can overwhelm the crystal with all of the good feelings he has reclaimed over his walk across America.

Grabbing the crystal,Superman floods it with hope. He remembers truth (an image of a young Clark with Pa), justice (shaking hands with Batman), and the American Way (looking up at the flag - defined as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by Roberson). All very nice images that show where Superman has come from, who he is. These feelings overload the crystal, exploding it.

Now I could pull out just last issue where Superman wasn't feeling so wonderful and warm and fuzzy, throwing off his costume. That's why last issue's opening scene with Supergirl and Superboy was such a step backwards.  Or I could ask why Superman heard all the good things the people had to say to him at the end of last issue if Jennings was warping how he perceived things. Or I could say this was a little schmaltzy.

But the truth is Superman stands for hope and truth and justice and the American way. To see him win a battle just on his convictions actually worked for me here. With the crystal gone, Superman answers the question nagging him. Must there be a Superman? The answer is yes.

Suddenly 'grounded', suddenly himself again, refilled with his beliefs and heroic ideals, there is little left for Superman to do but patch things up with the people he has hurt. First and foremost is Lois.

It is a short reconciliation scene, but he and Lois make up quickly. Appropriately, Superman apologizes to Lois.

But I can't thank Roberson enough for this portion where Lois shows why she is the right partner for Superman, why she is so strong. For me the worst issue of 'Grounded' was the issue where Superman manhandled Lois asking her to bury a story. Here she says she still ran it. Truth is one of her values, as much as it is for him. That's why Lois can stand that so close this icon. She is one herself.

And then he hands out signal watches to the expanded Superman family, including Steel, Super-chief, Iron Munro and Livewire.

And of course, he gives one to Conner and Linda too! This is probably the formation of the Superman Squad we saw first here in Grounded.

How great to see Igle drawing Linda again. My guess is Linda is another casualty of the DCnU.

And we even learn that Jennings must somehow retain some of her super-powers afterwards. She is the Superwoman in the Squad.

And that is a very nice tiny piece to this story too. Superman is an inspiration even to some of his enemies. She is a hero because of him. Maybe that crystal filled her with his hope just as it had his despair.

I would have loved to see more of the Superman Squad and I bet Roberson would love to write more.

And the final images of Grounded, of this Superman's story, is the Squad talking about how nothing could ever keep Superman apart from Lois and that together they fight for truth, justice and the American way.

The book ends with a wink to the audience, another great piece of Superman mythos.

So what is left for me to say?

Well, I still have to go way back and question just why DC would green light Grounded to begin with. Those first issues were flawed and made me wonder if JMS even likes the character. He certainly made Superman something of a creep in those early chapters.

That said, I really have to commend Chris Roberson for making the back half of this story a much better read. The approach of having Superman work his way back to his core by interacting with his friends and family, remembering what formed him, brought us to this satisfying conclusion. Grounded was a sow's ear before he came on. I'd love to hear how much he veered from Straczynski's initial notes to bring the story here.

And, as I said, this was a issue was a nice send off for this incarnation of Superman. It is a shame that we won't see what would have happened next for this reinvigorated version of the character.

Overall grade: B+

Review: Superman #713

Superman #713 came out this week, the penultimate chapter of 'Grounded'. And I can say without equivocation that I am eager for this storyline to end.

In fact, about the best thing I can say about this issue is that I was disappointed. You see, I have been pretty impressed with Chris Roberson's work on this book since taking over for J. Michael Straczynski. JMS' opening chapters were a complete disaster with Superman starting this walk for all the wrong reasons and then doing his best to alienate himself when the whole purpose was to get back in touch with the common man. Since then Roberson has been having Superman slowly work back to his core, seeing how he is viewed by future heroes, reconnecting with good friends and best friends. This issue's solicit made it seem like it was time for Superman to reconnect with his family ... a perfect lead-in to a reconnection with Lois in the last book.

Instead, Roberson has Superman take a giant step backwards in this issue. Where the last couple of issues of Grounded have ended with a smiling Superman, here we have the sulking confused Superman again. Could this be the emotional fallout of whatever was supposed to happen in the unseen 'Sharif' issue which was supposed to proceed this? Who knows? But after how reconnected Superman has been recently, this felt way way off.

The art in the issue is a conglomeration of Diogenes Neves, Eddy Barrows, and Jamal Igle. Outside of the differing styles making the issue seem shaky, the art is fine here. Neves seems to be channeling Leinil Yu a bit which is fine. But Supergirl's costume is again a variant.

The issues starts with a reunion of the Superman Family, Superboy and Supergirl catching up with Superman in Portland Oregon.

This page is done by Eddy Barrows. One thing I like about Barrows' interpretation of the Supergirl outfit is that he draws her shirt much bigger with a huge S-shield. He drew it like that in Blackest Night:Superman and it looks great like that. I think the S-shield needs to be massive, dominating the shirt. But again, the skirt is mistakenly colored red. While I prefer the red skirt, especially pleasing with the longer shirt look, it is basically an error.

And while I am a proponent of the skort look, the bike shorts under the skirt, these extra long blue leggings just don't look right. It looks like something Blossom or Debbie Gibson would wear in the 80s.

And then, the relapse of Superman into his emotional funk. He asks himself the question asked by Elliot S! Maggin 4 decades ago 'Must there be a Superman?' and Superman says the answer is no.

After his meeting with the Superman Squad, his lunch with Barry, his reminiscing with Bruce, his adventure with Jimmy ... this should be behind him.

But let's say he has had a relapse. He decides that the best way for him to continue to be a hero is to do it in secret. I guess he wants to be The Blur. And he wants Supergirl and Superboy to do the same. Oh man ... the last thing I want from my comic book Superman is Smallville-like doldrums.

Supergirl has about the same response that I did ... a face palm.

Nice contrast in the response of Conner and Kara though. Conner is angry at the stupidity of it. Kara, probably empathizing with Kal, just mutters about his depression.

And just like that, Clark has made his decision. He strips down and leaves his uniform on a tree stump.

Now, here is where Conner and Kara should walk with him, talking to him, telling why he is misguided, helping him. This is where family don't simply walk away but try to help each other.

But instead, Roberson has the scene end there. The two young heroes must simply fly off. And that felt really really really wrong. Especially from Supergirl. Over the last several years Kal has been there for a distraught Kara several times. I doubt Supergirl would just let him walk off.

Instead, Roberson has Clark meet a complete stranger in a coffee shop. Whoever this man is (we never find out his name), he is a big Superman fan. He recognizes Clark, he has read 'Under a Yellow Sun', and he gets a sneak peek at Clark's op-ed piece named 'Must there be a Superman'. Floored by the inanity of the piece, especially from one of Superman's friends, this guy decides to lead Clark around the blocks of Seattle to talk to passersby about Superman and what he represents.

A stranger ...

Couldn't Linda Lang and Conner Kent have led him around the neighborhoods to hear these testimonials? Couldn't they then add in what Superman means to them as a great capstone to these chance encounters? Wouldn't that have more clout?

Now the street side encounters are nice if a bit cliched. Maybe even saccharin. But somehow that seemed to fit right in with Grouded.

Children talk about not being afraid of Superman. Adults say how they know he is truthful even when it is difficult. Another person talks about how they know Superman is just, never acting as judge or jury. The stranger talks about how Superman stops danger, doesn't invite it.

It is a way to build up the 'Truth' and 'Justice' aspects of Superman.

And then we have the small moment of Superman saving a family's cat from a roof. Superman helps people enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Yes, it is a well-worn image. But one thing I like about Superman is that if he has the time to do the small things, he does. What do people want, Superman to fly by the cat dying on a roof, it's owner crying on the ground?

And look at the smile on his face here. According to the story, this happened recently. So where did the 'do good in secret' attitude slink into his mind. It must be after this right?

And then, the stranger sums everything up. Superman needs to be out in the open to inspire everyone else to be good, for people to aspire to be like him.

Now that is perfect.

But why from this guy? Wouldn't that sound better from two young people wearing the S-shield, living lives devoted to doing good, striving to be like him.

I just can't get over Supergirl and Superboy taking off.

And then the stranger says the person Clark needs to talk to about Superman, the person that probably understands him the most is Lois.

As if on cue, a news report comes out that the possessed teacher from Grounded has Lois as a captive and demanding that Superman come to her. Clark disappears, hopefully retrieving his uniform and flying to Seattle to save Lois.

So next month we get the face-off between this 'jewel Kryptonite' possessed teacher. Will we get a good explanation of who she is and why she is doing what she is doing? I hope so. Will Lois and Superman/Clark re-unite? Obviously. Will there be some showing of nation-wide love of Superman? Will we see him approach Kara and Conner sheepishly? I hope so. That is a lot of story for 20 pages and I haven't even mentioned the fight.

The bottom line is this was a misstep in Roberson's otherwise fine reworking of the mess that Straczynski started in Grounded. The individual encounters on the street were fine. But what we needed was Superman to reconnect with his family, the second to last step in his rehabilitation leading up to his reconciliation with Lois. Instead we get a glum Superman being helped by an unnamed stranger after his family flies off. That doesn't seem right.

The Superman books have been floundering a bit these last couple of years. Maybe a shot in the arm, even via something drastic like the DCnU, is needed.

Overall grade: C

Review: Superman #711

Superman #711 came out yesterday, another chapter in 'Grounded' written by Chris Roberson and drawn by Eddy Barrows. It also was another nice chapter in Roberson's reclamation of the story. As I have said before, much has changed in this arc since J. Michael Straczynski left the book and all for the better. Gone is the condescending, paternalistic, unlikeable Superman that was plodding across the country.

Instead Chris Roberson is grabbing on to the idea that this cross country journey is a way for Superman to reconnect with his roots and move forward from the tragedy of New Krypton. Taking a step back and looking at these issues, we have seen Superman moving closer and closer to his foundation. So we have moved from new friends like the Superman Squad to a good friend like the Flash to a better friend like Batman to his best friend Jimmy Olsen in this issue. We know that he meets up with the Superman Family in a couple of issues. That would leave only Ma and Lois for him to reconnect with.

But more than just reuniting with old friends, these Roberson issues have had Superman reliving and remembering all the lessons that made him the hero he is. And this issue is no difference as Superman not only rediscovers compassion but also says how proud he is of America and what it stands for. It is probably coincidence but this issue was almost the perfect rebuttal for the odious David Goyer story 'The Incident' in Action Comics #900.

And it was nice to have Eddy Barrows back on full art here. Nice stuff here.

As Superman is accepting a key to the city in Utah, he hears Jimmy's signal watch and follows that beacon to Las Vegas. There it is pretty obvious what's happening, Livewire is out of control and endangering people.

So there are some small things that I liked here. One, Jimmy is in Vegas investigating the Gorilla mob. Sounds like a Jimmy story. Second, I like how the DCU Vegas has a casino like the Daily Planet. I guess it is sort of a landmark because of its association with Superman. Again, a subtle way to show how beloved Superman is, how much he is a cultural icon.

But Jimmy and Superman are confused because Livewire has recently turned over a new leaf and was working at STAR Labs. So why is she acting so strange?

For example, she is holding hostages within a lightning cage and threatening to kill them if she isn't given 'all the money in Vegas'. Well, may as well aim big if you're a bad guy. But Livewire has never been that powerful before. And recently she hasn't been that malicious.

I suppose it has something to do with our possessed and evil school teacher who is there, front and center, in the lightning cage. Remember, she powered up the local town jerk in a previous issue ... so why not bump up Livewire's powers as well.

When Superman asks Livewire why she is doing all this, she says it is because she hates Superman. She wanted to be loved and people loved Superman more.I thought it was a nice touch that Superman calls Livewire by her name Leslie the whole issue. It humanizes her.

Hmmm .... that sounds like Livewire's inner demons roaring to the surface. More on this a little later.

One thing I have noticed is that Roberson has done on the last couple of issues is really flood the book with Superman references and Easter Eggs. It certainly helps support the idea that Superman has a strong foundation of experiences upon which his moral compass is built. I think it can be tricky not to overdo it.

Here, it just so happens that Iron Munro is actually in Vegas and trapped with the school teacher. This felt just a smidge forced. It is the third Iron Munro sighting since Roberson took over the book. He must have really loved Young All-Stars!

Now initially I thought that the teacher was definitely behind everything that was happening in Vegas. But when inside the lightning dome, she gets frustrated shouting she doesn't 'have time for this!' Could it be that she affected Livewire's behavior but didn't intend to be captured?

She runs into the cage and the shock makes her drop the 'jewel Kryptonite' that she has been carrying. When Iron Munro picks it up, his mind is flooded with the negative emotions that Superman has been suffering throughout Grounded: lost, useless, alone. It nearly floors him.

So I knew the jewel was the source of her power. But I wonder if this means that her ultimate plan is to get Superman to hold it, somehow saturating him with these feelings like a psychic grenade.

While that is happening, Jimmy learns that Livewire can absorb, discharge, and become energy. As a result, her personality can be labile, fluctuating with her her energy level. (I suppose it is like humans and blood sugar.) A containment suit could help stabilize her powers and therefore her attitude.

So if Livewire can absorb energy, could she be absorbing the 'negative' energy from the jewel? Could that be why she seems so psychologically vulnerable now? I have to think her anger and her amplified powers are all the result of our possessed teacher. Who is possessing her anyways?

But if a containment suit is needed, what better one to use than the 'Electric Superman' suit from the late 90's?

Crazy!

But just another way to incorporate more of Superman's history.

While Superman and STAR Labs reconfigures the suit, Jimmy takes matters into his own hands. He throws the key to the city into Livewire after connecting it to a flag pole, basically recreating Ben Franklin's famous experiment.

But it was totally worth it to hear Jimmy say 'Now that's what I call Grounded!' Fantastic!

Superman arrives and gets the suit on the Livewire and suddenly she is much calmer. And repentant. She can't believe the destruction she has caused. She gives herself up ... after some changes to the suit.

Who knew that their might be a legitimate use to the Electric Superman suit! Maybe she is part of the extended Superman Family now, like Super Chief.

Superman finds Munro and the two talk. I like how Superman seems a little nervous around Munro, like he is a fanboy.

Munro realizes that Livewire needs someone to stand up for her. After all, she really wasn't in control of herself. Jimmy is flabbergasted by that. Why would heroes stand up for her after she threatened to kill people?

And then we get the last page ... the antithesis of Goyer's The Incident.

Superman talks about how America means life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and second chances. How in America, no one is forced to be something they don't want to be. That freedom ... to become who you want to be ... is the American way.

That idea of personal freedom is for everyone. Look, Superman looking at the American flag proudly. Fantastic.

Over on Twitter, Roberson said that his script was submitted long ago, was not influenced by David Goyer's story. But isn't it amazing that these two books came out within weeks of each other? And do you think that this issue will get the press that Action Comics #900 did? Unlikely.

Still, that ending was like music to my ears. And it was just another step towards Superman becoming Superman again. And another step towards the end of 'Grounded'. I think it is supposed to end with Superman #714.

So Roberson does it again. Superman has a wacky adventure with Jimmy Olsen, reconnects with a piece of his past (even if it is the goofy electric suit), and discusses compassion and acceptance and forgiveness. That sounds like Superman. It amazes me the 180 that this arc has taken; it really is a tremendous reclamation job. I hope the trend continues ... and I can't wait to see the Lois reconciliation issue.

Overall grade: B+/A

Review: Superman 710

I can hardly believe that I am saying such a thing but I am actually enjoying Grounded right now. If you asked me if I thought that possible a couple of months ago, I wouldn't not think it was possible. And that means I again I have to say kudos to Chris Roberson as writer. If there was ever an arc that was suffering, it was Grounded. It did not look salvageable. But here I am about to praise the book for the third straight month in a row. It is hard to believe the about face this book has taken since that awful issue where Clark dismissed Lois.

I was never against the idea of 'Grounded', the idea that Superman needed to reconnect with his ideals and with the people of Earth, needed to get back to the basics and understand where he fit in on the planet as both a man and a hero. As has said here and in many other places, we have seen this sort of story before.

No it wasn't the plot that was holding 'Grounded' down, it was the actualization of that plot. It was the strange way Superman was choosing to reconnect ... telling a woman she could jump to her death, leaving the man with a heart arrhythmia on his porch, manhandling Lois. It all felt so wrong. None of those issues showed me a Superman trying to get back to his roots, trying to rediscover who he is.

What I am seeing now is Chris Roberson giving Superman a sort of roadmap, a way back to his ideals, that involves reconnecting with layers of his life and recalling key events that made him who he was. Last issue we heard about Kryptonian ideals and had Superman talk to a good friend, Barry Allen. This issue, Superman talks to a much closer friend, Batman, and talks about a time when they were early on in their heroic careers. Next issue he reconnects with his best friend Jimmy Olsen. In July he meets up with Superboy and Supergirl. It's as if he is going on a journey where he is reengaging the people in his life, moving inwards. At the center of this is Lois ... hopefully in the last chapters of Grounded in August or September.

But enough about the overall arc. Superman #710 is a microcosm of that big picture ... Superman reestablishing his friendship with Bruce, the first time they have met since Batman's return. And he remembers that early adventure where he first knew what kind of hero he wanted to be. It is another step towards healing.

The issue starts with Superman rescuing a woman in Utah from being run over by a truck. Blocking the semi with his hand, Superman flies her back to her 'home', a trailer at an archeological site.

One of the things I have really enjoyed about Roberson's run has been clear knowledge of Superman history and his use of that to supplement his stories. So when Superman says he knew it was a dig from his time spent with Professor Lang, I appreciated that. Small details help add depth to stories like this.

But look at the faces on the workers as they meet Superman and talk about their dig (finding Buddha-like statues in the middle of Utah). They are smiling, thrilled to meet the Man of Steel. It is a subtle but easily recognized change from earlier issues where Superman thought everyone was scowling at him. It is another detail that shows Superman is getting better.

As he talks to the team, he notices a Superman symbol in infra-red being reflected off the clouds. When he traces it back to its origin, he finds Bruce with a sort of modified bat-signal Super-signal.

I probably read too much into things like this but I love when Batman says 'I was beginning to think you would never look up.' Sure, he might be talking about literally looking up at the clouds to see the signal. But maybe he also means looking up emotionally, looking optimistic or happy. And we haven't seen Superman smile like he is here for a while. He looks 'up'.

Whether planned or not, I loved the subtlety of the language here.

Superman tells Batman how the archeology team is fighting a company to keep their dig from being demolished. That few against many theme reminds Superman of his earliest adventure with Batman.

Again, Roberson brings some continuity to the table. Batman asks if Superman means the Magpie adventure (their first meeting in Byrne's Man of Steel era) or the time they were on the Varanian Princess cruise ship (their first meeting in the Silver Age Superman #76). I know I like these small flourishes a lot.

I will say that Eddy Barrows, who does the framing sequence story, is either drawing Superman's chest to broad or his legs too thin. These two last panels seem slightly off.

Turns out Clark is talking about an adventure they had in their civilian identities in a temple in Bhutran. Both had been there in the past ... Clark out of love, Bruce out of training. I am sure this 'Bruce being trapped in Smallville' is another reference to a comic story I'm not aware of.

At first Bruce, ever the brooding loner, seems to treat Clark with some contempt. I think that makes sense given who these two are and where they are heading. Both know the woman in charge of the temple and she has called upon them to help her.

Vandal Savage thinks the temple knows the way to Nanda Parbat and he is going to invade with a faction of the Chinese Army to get that information.

Travis Foreman, who does the art on this inner story, does a good job in giving this a grittier feel than the slick Barrows pages. Even the muted colors give it a grungier texture, adding to the feel of this past adventure in a dusty mountain range. I love Foreman's Vandal Savage, a man who looks scary and as if he has lived a millenia already.

With Savage's army on the way, Bruce begins to plan how he will use the environment to his advantage while Clark erects a huge wall around the temple entrance with boulders. Both men now know their 'secrets' but have been sworn to keep them.

As their time together grows, Bruce becomes more amiable with Clark and both talk about Nanda Parbat and their respective heroes. Bruce talks about the Crimson Avenger, one of my favorite Golden Age heroes. Clark again talks about Iron Munro. It is interesting that both Clark and Bruce were comic fans and were fans of heroes much like themselves. Again, it is these building blocks of history, Clark enjoying Munro adventures, that are the foundation of who Superman is. This was a wonderful moment.

I will say I was hoping the Crimson Avenger would be Clark's hero ... red cape, newspaper man ... would be a nice fit too.

The battle is brief with Clark wading in demolishing tanks and melting weapons while Bruce fought on the ground.

But both talk about how that battle impacted them. Clark suddenly realizing how free he felt being a hero out in the open while Bruce learned to trust a partner, opening the door for not only the World's Finest, but Robin, etc.

Remembering this adventure has to rekindle those ideals of truth and justice in Clark, those very things he is currently missing in his heart. The heroes did the right thing, the just thing.

With the flashback over, it's time to talk about the what is happening now.

Bruce says he heard from Dick about how Superman was walking the country. Another thing Roberson seems to be doing is recognizing the failings of the early Grounded issues and addressing them as Superman heals. Remember when a woman told Superman he was like a gun in a crowd, remember when Superman preached to the man about how he should be a hero? Remember how awful I thought that was?

Batman comes right out and calls him on it, much like the fans called on J. Michael Straczynski. How could Superman lecture like that? It was wrong. (Last issue, Roberson cleared up the 'Flash only sees blurs when running' problem as well.)

Batman realizes that Superman was psychologically broken by the events of New Krypton. And he needs to grieve and get better. That emotional pain won't go away, but it will improve. Who better to talk about moving on from psychological trauma than Batman?

Another theme Roberson keeps bringing up is Superman's worries over his legacy. Is he a worthy role model, the right role model?

Batman talks about how he is a loner but knows the strength in numbers. I love the mix of art and words here as well. Batman looks almost as if he is preaching here, arms outstretched, talking about big ideas. But he also knows that Superman cannot lead until he deals with his loss. Like I said last issue, this is what normal people do when they are hurting, they talk to friends and lean on them for support.

It doesn't get better than the last panel, Superman heroically flying, smiling, looking confident while Batman tells him he is needed in the light.

It is another step in this journey of healing, this journey of Superman being introspective but also reaching out. Sure the flashback and framing story might seem a simple device but it works well here.

The two styles of art also complements the story-telling by adding the right visual tone. And I usually don't talk about the colorists (my bad I know) but the bright palette of the framing sequence by Dave McCaig just further accentuates a better disposition in Superman.

But as I have said before, I am hoping Grounded is nearing its finale. We know there are at least three more issues. And we still have to deal with the Lois reconciliation and battling the threat of the possessed teacher. Are there really going to be 6 more months of Grounded? That would make this a 16 issue arc (albeit with 2 interlude issues).

What I really want is to read a Roberson-written Superman book after Grounded. And if you asked me if I would ever say that after reading the Roberson-penned Superman #707 I would have said 'absolutely not'!

Overall grade: B+/A

July Solicits

The DC Comics July solicits have been released and there is a lot of great stuff coming out even while Flashpoint is swirling around, re-writing the DC Universe. As usual, there are a couple of surprises for Supergirl fans so that makes me happy. Here is the link to Newsarama's coverage of the solicits:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dc-comics-july-2011-solicitations-110411.html

SUPERGIRL #66

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK • Art by CHRISCROS and MARC DEERING • Cover by AMY REEDER and RICHARD FRIEND

Deep below one of the most prestigious universities in the DCU lie some deadly secrets that Supergirl is determined to expose! But if she uses her powers, she’ll blow her cover, thus ruining any chance she and Lois Lane have of catching the madman responsible for it all!

So this is the middle chapter of Kelly Sue DeConnick's three-part story. In some ways the description of this issue reminds me of some of the Silver Age issues either in Adventure or Daring New Adventures when she was in school and trying to break away to do the right thing.

In a recent interview, DeConnick talked about an older DC villain being in the story. Do the giant rats bring anyone to mind? I was wondering about Professor Milo.

It is nice to see Amy Reeder back on covers.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #59

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by BERNARD CHANG

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

Eclipso is triumphant! He has defeated the world’s greatest heroes, destroyed the moon and spit in the face of the greatest forces the universe. But one JLAer still stands. Can she make things right?

There is a lot to love about this solicit. First off, great cover by Brett Booth. But Bernard Chang is doing the interiors. I have loved Chang's work of Supergirl recently. I know he can do 'big battle' scenes extremely well from his stuff on Superman and Last Stand. So I can't wait to see his work here. And another David Mack variant! I have loved those covers.

But based on all the skeletons on the cover, the only JLAer standing has to be Supergirl. I bet somehow she is able to use her recent 'Dark' period as either a way to be immune to Eclipso or to turn around and use as a weapon to defeat him. I really like how Robinson is writing this book and Supergirl in particular.

SUPERMAN #713

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI and CHRIS ROBERSON

Art by EDDY BARROWS and J.P. MAYER

Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

1:10 Variant cover by JEFF SMITH

What could possibly make The Man of Steel decide to stop being Superman? Superboy and Supergirl catch up with him in Portland, Oregon, and they want answers!

So 'Grounded' is still cruising along but this seems like a key issue as we approach the end. Doesn't this seem like a crucible Superman must get through?

All along I have wondered where the rest of the Superman family is during all this. Shouldn't family have tried to talk to Superman early in his trek to see if they could help him? Figure out why he was doing this walk? Regardless of the timing, I am glad that Chris Roberson is bringing Supergirl and Superboy into the arc. They need to be part of this journey.

And as much as I like Cassaday's work (I haven't seen him do Supergirl before) I really want to see what Jeff (Bone) Smith will bring to the table on the variant.

ACTION COMICS #903

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Art by KENNETH ROCAFORT

Cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

1:10 Variant cover by DENYS COWAN

The mastermind behind “Reign of Doomsday” begins the final phase of his plan to destroy Superman and all mankind! Steel, Supergirl, Superboy and the heroes of Earth unite to try to stop the devastation, while Superman undertakes a dangerous journey in a desperate attempt to save the day!

Interesting cover here. It looks like Doomsday is leading the charge alongside the Super-family. I thought that Luthor was behind the Doomsday plot, as a way to keep the Supers away from his Black Energy quest. But destroying 'all mankind' is not a Luthor thing to do. So know I don't know who is behind all this.

All along I have said that the Doomsdays appearing in the prior titles aren't the Doomsday. I wonder if the cover Doomsday is the Doomsday, angry at having those dupes out there. I can't wait to see what Paul Cornell does with Superman.

And Kenneth Rocafort's work is just amazing. I love how he draws Supergirl on this cover.

SUPERBOY #9

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by PIER GALLO

Cover by KARL KERSCHL

Trapped in the twisted lair of the Hollow Men, Superboy, Psionic Lad and Simon must wage a desperate battle for the souls of Smallville!

Nice creepy cover here. Although there must be more to the Hollow Men then meets the eye. Pitchforks shouldn't scare Superboy.

This looks like a confluence of plotlines with the Hollow Men, Psionic Lad, and Simon all involved.

I have wondered if Simon will become a villain. How about the twist where Psionic Lad's body dies but he possesses Simon's. That's how Simon becomes a villain. You heard it here first.

Glad to see Pier Gallo's name on art again.

DC RETROACTIVE: SUPERMAN – THE ‘70S #1

Written by MARTIN PASKO

Art and cover by EDUARDO BARRETTO

DC Retroactive is an exciting event honoring the defining eras of DC’s core heroes, featuring an original story by the legendary writers and artists who helped mold the characters! Martin Pasko revisits the Metropolis of the 1970s, telling an epic lost tale as Mr. Mxyzptlk returns for another go at The Man of Steel. Will he succeed this time around?

Plus: Following the 26-page lead story is a classic tale originally published in the ’70s, also written by Martin Pasko!

I recently talked about this project. I think Eduardo Barretto is a good choice for art. He did some lovely work on Supergirl in the past.

And what could be wrong with a Mxyzptlk story set in the 1970s? I hope we see Clark as a TV anchor on WGBS!

TITANS ANNUAL 2011 #1

Written by ERIC WALLACE

Art by CLIFF RICHARDS

Cover by FABRIZIO FIORENTINO

“The Methuselah Imperative” begins, continuing into the next month’s issue of TITANS! It’s all been building toward this – a giant throwdown between Deathstroke and his Titans and The Justice League! And Roy Harper must face his old teammates at last and choose his future path, with either his old friends or his new partners in crime.

Although not seen on the cover, the Justice League is featured here and so I guess Supergirl will show up here. Looks like a punch-em-up storyline but none of these characters really interest me enough to think about getting this more than this issue. But maybe it will grab me.

Cliff Richard's art is a plus. I liked his stuff on Huntress:Year One.

And now the Flashpoint Super-minis.

FLASHPOINT: LOIS LANE AND THE RESISTANCE #2

Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING

Art by EDDIE NUNEZ

Cover by EDDIE NUNEZ and SANDRA HOPE

FLASH QUESTION: Lois Lane meets the mysterious leader of the Resistance – but will she survive?

Okay. So who is the shadowed figure? I'm guessing Deathstroke or Deadshot.

Too bad Lois is such a small element in this cover.

The more I see of Flashpoint, the more I wonder if I am going to like it.

FLASHPOINT: PROJECT SUPERMAN #2

Plot by SCOTT SNYDER

Script by LOWELL FRANCIS

Art and cover by GENE HA

FLASH QUESTION: Who is behind Project Superman?

This is a better cover. Is this figure Superman? Held hostage since his arrival? Is it Superboy (looks youngish), a clone of Superman?

I haven't read Scott Snyder before but his stuff is always critically praised. And I am a big fan of Gene Ha's work. So I am more optimistic about this mini.

And a couple of treats.

TINY TITANS #42

Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO

Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR

They said it couldn’t happen, but why did you believe them? It’s...young Bizarros in love! Who is the strange girl from a square planet floating in space? Join us as the Tiny Titans discover Bizarro World! Aww yeah!

Bizarro Supergirl in Tiny Titans? That is an 'Aw yeah!' moment. And how funny she seems smitten with Match. This will be a definite buy for me. I have enjoyed every Tiny Titans I have bought, especially the Supergirl moments. Looks great!

SUPERGIRL: BIZARROGIRL TP
Written by STERLING GATES • Art by JAMAL IGLE, MATT CAMP and JON SIBAL • Cover by AMY REEDE and RICHARD FRIEND
Enter Bizarro Supergirl! But how did she get to Earth and what does she want? The real Supergirl better find out fast, or else there won’t be much left of Metropolis to save! And to make things worse, an even bigger threat looms on the horizon with an eye for the Girl of Steel. Collected from SUPERGIRL #53-59 and ANNUAL #2.

I have been waiting for this announcement. This is going to be a big trade including the BizarroGirl arc, the Legion Annual, and the Dollmaker story. Despite that page count, I would love for an intro by Gates and Igle, sort of a capstone to their great run. Do the right thing DC!

Anyways, July looks like a very busy month and that's a good thing.