One would hope that, after reading the penultimate episode of a limited series, you would come to understand exactly what is going on. However, the fifth issue of Brian Michael Bendis’ The Man of Steel leaves us with more questions than answers. This seems to be the ongoing theme of the book. So much time is spent setting up different side-plots. There are scenes that should only be happening for five minutes that have taken four issues to get through. Yet, here we are, with dangling side plots, an uninteresting villain, and mysteries that are not quite interesting enough to compel you to keep reading. It feels as if Bendis has been killing time for five issues.
It feels like this story is meant to set up Bendis’ Superman run, but it’s unclear if that’s a good thing or not. Sure, it seems to be bringing some changes to Superman’s status quo, but in doing so The Man of Steel fails to function as its own story. Now, had this just been a part of Bendis’ Superman run, that would be just fine. However, a limited series just isn’t right for this collection of issues. Maybe everything will come together in the end, but there’s only one issue left and Bendis certainly has is work cut out for him if he intends to wrap things up by the end of this.
Again, it’s not all bad. The characters are fun. Bendis’ dialogue is magnetic. Superman seems like a much more fun and dynamic character here. Even when the Justice League briefly shows up in this issue, Bendis does an excellent job of finding each character’s unique voice. Still, it’s all just lost in a flurry. Reading this book has felt more like work than enjoyment. Trying to keep track of the different plots, while also trying to figure out how they are important to Superman and the central storyline has, at this point, become exhausting.
By now, you’ve likely already decided if you’re going to be reading Bendis’ Superman and Action Comics. Even though this story is quite coming together, the potential for the writer’s take on the character is apparent. Hopefully, even if The Man of Steel doesn’t get it together in the end, it will leave us all with something to explore in future stories. It’s just unfortunate that this is the most we can hope for from the series. If you still can, you should wait on this one. It will almost definitely be more effective in a collected edition, but we won’t know until next week’s final issue if this story will offer us a satisfying ending to this exhausting tale.
Final Score: 6/10
10 Things To Expect From San Diego Comic-Con 2018
It’s finally summer, which means San Diego Comic-Con 2018 is just around the block! The biggest pop-culture event of the year, all of the biggest names in comics, movies and television will come together at the San Diego Convention Center and share their plans with their biggest fans. Hundreds of people will be dressed as their favorite characters as they search through back-issue bins, look at exclusive prints and talk with their fellow nerds.
Marvel Studios won’t be showcasing any upcoming movies in Hall H this year, but there are still a lot of exciting things to look forward to. Dozens of new comics will be teased by the major publishers. Movies will be announced and secret cast members will be revealed.
Hit Next to learn more about 10 exciting things you should expect to see at San Diego Comic-Con 2018!
The post The Man of Steel #5 Review: Is Superman Down For The Count? appeared first on Heroic Hollywood.
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