Comic Book Review: Super Sons #1
The duo of Robin and Superboy make their monthly debut! Scripted by Superman scribe Peter J. Tomasi, [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MSLOM5T” locale=”US” tag=”bounintocomi-20″]Super Sons #1[/easyazon_link] brings our two favorite youngsters together again for a team-up of pint-size proportions.
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B01MSLOM5T” locale=”US” src=”http://boundingintocomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/61AhddBLUOL.jpg” tag=”bounintocomi-20″ width=”325″]
Not too long ago, Peter J. Tomasi gave us the two-part story “IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER” within the pages of Superman. That (awesome) story introduced readers to the origins of the Damian/Jon team-up. As if being a fan of both the characters wasn’t enough to have me hyped, in those two issues Tomasi managed to expose the viability of a union between these two heirs apparent that had me chomping at the bit for more. What we end up with in Super Sons #1 is a satisfying and solid start to what I hope establishes itself as a staple (and stable) series. In fact, if I had to use only one word to describe this issue, it would be solid.
OK. I should probably give myself at least one more word to describe the book. Mostly because while solid is a perfectly suitable description, it isn’t the most exciting. The more important thing to know about this book is that it is delightful. There. That captures the heart present in the story a bit better. Because, while definitely a lighter-hearted affair, Super Sons #1 is in no way lacking any heart. Which, for a tale centered around the forging of a fledgling friendship between the successors to such monolithic legacies, heart is crucial.
Considering that Peter J. Tomasi has arguably the most experience with our two tiny heroes, he is the most logical writer for this series that comes to mind. What he distills here, as far as characterization, is exactly what you’d expect if you’ve been following his writing of Damian and Jon in other titles. Damian is still the cocky and overbearing brat you know and love (or hate), and Jon is the young, recently super-powered boy trying to come to terms with the weight and responsibility of said powers. This heart and personality is the highlight of Super Sons #1, and absolutely makes it worth a buy.
The plot of the book is fine, if a little sparse. The situational aspects of it, such as Damian practicing his disguise techniques while following Jon around are a riot and ring true. The lack of actual progress is noticeable though, due largely to a four page prologue that serves in no way to enhance the events of this specific issue. It is told with the increasingly common device of the flash-forward. While this technique can be used effectively, the more times we see something, the less easily we are impressed. I would much rather have had four more pages in the present that helped move the story along. Presumably, this will be a non-issue for trade waiters.
Jorge Jimenez and Alejandro Sanchez handle the pencils and colors, respectively. Stylistically they are a great fit for these characters. There is a child-like whimsy to the illustrations that our youthful characters benefit from, but it never steps into overly-childish territory. Also, Jimenez’s character detail is amazing, in particular his Lois Lane. I would go so far as to say this is my favorite portrayal of the older Lane from “Convergence.” Sanchez opts for a brighter palette which is a great compliment to Jimenez’s art style, and it is especially pleasing in the scenes containing snow.
The Verdict
Super Sons #1 is a solid first issue that leaves me ready, waiting, and hopeful for the series as it continues.
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