SUPERMAN: For Tomorrow hardcovers

The FOR TOMORROW storyline was writer Brian Azzarello’s year long journey into the Superman mythos. Presented over two hardcovers, volume 1 is issues 204 to 209 and volume 2 is issues 210 to 215 of the Superman comic book series by DC Comics.

synopsis: “ Superman faces the mystery of how millions of people seemingly vanished without a trace – including the love of his life, Lois Lane – only to find that he may be partially responsible. But the solution to getting them back might prove too extreme, initiating a royal rumble with Wonder Woman! And after a battle with the deadly Equus, Superman comes face-to-face with the mysterious villain who has been responsible for turning his life upside-down!“

This was a very poetic story from Azzarello, and really picks up in volume 2, when some of the questions are finally answered. It’s a rare delight to read a Superman story that is actually a Superman-centric story, rather than him being reactive to some larger external DC universe event. Wonder Woman and Batman make cameo appearances, helping Superman resolve some of his inner demons.

I’ve never really been a fan of Jim Lee’s art, even though I know he has a cult following and is a large influence over a generation of comic book artists, though I do find his work flawless in these issues.

I’m not so sure these hardcovers present real value of money, retailing for US$25 EACH. I would have thought collecting the entire storyline in one large hardcover for approx. US$30 would have been more appropriate. Though, I was fortunate to get both hardcovers together for a great price via eBay (AU$20 plus shipping).

7.5 out of 10.

SUPERMAN “Doomsday”

Tonight I watched the 2007 DC animation movie SUPERMAN DOOMSDAY, based upon the infamous Death of Superman comics from the early 1990s.

The voice talent is excellent, with Adam Baldwin voicing Clark Kent/Superman, Anne Heche (Lois Lane), James Marsters (Lex Luthor) and genuine voice stars of Tom “Spongbob” Kenny and John “Bender” Di Maggio voicing some supporting cast.

I was never a great fan of this storyline in the original comic book, but I really like this animated interpretation. The story has been presented in a very clear and less complex way, and the pace of the film was quite good.

There is plenty of action scenes, the big fight between Superman and Doomsday takes up much time, but the graphic nature of the destruction certainly deserves the PG13 rating for this release.

7 out of 10.

TORCHWOOD “Adrift” (S2E11 [No.24])

A Gwen Cooper-centric episode, in which she investigates a series of missing people around Cardiff over the past months.

A few weeks back I reported that Torchwood had its’ best episode of the second season with “A Day In The Death“, and after a couple average (though still entertaining) episodes, the show this week provided something even better, with “Adrift”.

An incredibly sad, emotional episode which I always believed would provide a happy ending, but instead gives us reality = more sadness.

Torchwood contains a great ensemble cast with a great variety of characters, and even though Captain Jack Harkness is the hero of the series, it’s Gwen Cooper that continues to carry the show. It’s difficult to believe that any other actress other than Eve Myles could do it better, either.

A special mention of the music score for this episode by series composer Ben Foster, which from start to finish was totally superb. I knew by the quality of the music in the opening minutes this episode was going to be something special.

Perfect!