Superman #3

ComicBook.com

It's been something of a renaissance era for Superman over the past year, and DC's newly launched Superman series has been one of the character's shining stars since it launched. The series continues to shine as brightly as ever in Superman #3, as writer Joshua Williamson turns what you expect to see in a Superman comic book on its head while also staying true to who the character is and what he embodies. Even infected by Parasites, Superman never stops being the hero we know him to be, and that is true of his time away from the skies as well. Moments both big and small are brought to stunning life by artist Jamal Campbell and letterer Ariana Maher, and it's not hyperbole when I say that their version of the DC icon will leave a long lasting stamp on the character. Superman #3 meets the high bar of its predecessors and continues to plant the seeds of what's to come in stellar fashion, and I couldn't recommend it more.

Comic Watch

SUPERMAN #3 is a masterclass in pacing and compressed comics writing, fitting so much in without the book feeling rushed. While rife with teases, the book never loses focus of the story it's in. Williamson continues his excellent characterization of Superman's world as Jamal Campbell only grows even stronger as a premier Superman artist. This issue asks to take a leap of faith with Clark into this new era of Superman that is both familiar and completely alien to the readership, and it's a jump worth taking.

But Why Tho?

Williamson’s dialog, combined with Campbell’s art, do a good job of communicating the changes that Superman has gone through between the issues. He seems both compromised physically and mentally. The use of stylized speech bubbles combined with different color lettering is a great storytelling mechanic that’s used perfectly here. The dialogue itself is ironically very reminiscent of Bizzaro, who’s currently being dissected with blue kryptonite scalpels. Campbell’s colors are vibrant and really pull you into each page. His use of light makes the panels feel animated. Maher’s lettering is excellent at giving the characters a voice that you can hear in your head. They make sure you’re reading Williamson’s dialog with the correct amount of emphasis on each word. Some words are bolded or a larger font than others. Some even have icicles on them to indicate a chilling tone.

Superman Homepage

A nice end to the first arc which left some thing's unresolved for the future. I enjoyed the fact Superman came up with the plan to save Metropolis rather than rely on Lex. I also hope this puts to rest the misconceptions that Superman isn't as intelligent as Lex Luthor or Batman. I look forward to how this story unfolds, there is a great balance in the writing. A really enjoyable opening arc with a promise of more excitement and intrigue to come.

First Comics News

Three issues in and this series continues to be another hit for DC (Despite all the usual missteps they take in their approach to storytelling); Watching Superman face the odds of battling the Parasite while struggling with his newfound partnership with Lex Luthor but in this issue, we get a new layer to the whole SuperLex team that will have anyone screaming with joy (**NO SPOILERS**); I feel that it’s always great to see Superman and his dedication to saving the world that may be old-fashioned but to us loyal fans, it’s that special element that undeniably makes him the greatest hero of all time! Joshua Williamson’s writing manages to hit all the right beats such as dealing with an army of Parasites to seeing SuperCorp (Formely “LexCorp”) in its prime while the last page sets up for the net arc and I have to say, it looks promising and with Williamson as the writer, you know it’s going to be another “shock and awe” arc that will leave no stone unturned and while I’ve probably never admitted this before when it comes to a writer…but I definitely trust Joshua Williamson and the golden touch that he’s applying to this series. If you have to read one DC title then I would suggest this one due to the brilliance that the creative team has injected into their stories while letting the readers know that the best is yet to come.

You Don't Read Comics

Superman #3 is a great ending to an amazing story. Williamson has proved that he knows how to write Superman better than anyone could have imagined. Campbell is the perfect artist for this book, and Williamson definitely knows how to write for him. This is a stellar book, a wonderful addition to DC’s current Superman renaissance.

Geek Dad

While the first issue of this series introduced a lot of new elements, there has always been one thing at the core of this story—the uneasy, forced partnership between Superman and Lex Luthor, now that Luthor has left his company to Superman. When we last left off, the mysterious cabal of mad scientists that Luthor considers his enemies had upgraded the Parasite, transforming him into a self-replicating, ravenous beast that can convert other people with a touch—including Lois Lane. Now, Superman has no choice but to break into Strykers to get the one inmate who can help him—but it’s not Luthor. He needs Livewire, who has a bottomless supply of power that can lure Parasite in. Of course, his presence also allows Luthor to step up the manipulations and get closer to Superman—which makes Superman more than a little suspicious about who actually set this up. Jamal Campbell’s art is a highlight of the issue, and his depiction of Parasite’s transformations are truly creepy. But that plotline is resolved relatively early into the issue, with Parasite neutralized. Williamson does a good job of showing Parasite both as a threat and a sympathetic figure transformed against his will. While the action this issue isn’t entirely the focus, the conversation between Superman and Lois that follows about Luthor sets up the entire conflict of the series. Superman ultimately decides to trust Luthor—even giving him a signal watch so they can continue their work together—and embrace his new role as the head of Supercorp. It’s a major status quo change, and it’s impossible to tell whether this is the start of a bold new beginning—or a fly falling into the trap of a spider. This is a great Superman title, and continues to be the best Luthor content we’ve gotten in years.

Lyles Movie Files

Joshua Williamson was the architect of one of DC Rebirth’s longest and most successful titles with The Flash. Now he’s taken that same drive and creative spark to Superman, a title that’s needed a fresh perspective while retaining all the classic elements since the Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason era ended. (...) Jamal Campbell’s art is next level this issue as he crafts some imaginative body horror images fully taking advantage of a character like Parasite to create some amazing monstrosities. Campbell’s use of colors is phenomenal as well with warm, inviting reds, yellows and blues. Superman feels reinvigorated with this new creative team, who are bringing some much needed creativity to the title without sacrificing the elements that have made it so successful in the past.

Henchman-4-Hire

This was a wrap-up to the opening storyline, keeping things short and very, very sweet. Superman comes up with some novel ideas on how to defeat all the Parasites, and it involves teaming up with some of his enemies to make it happen. I love when super-villains can act rationally for the greater good. And I just loved the scene of Supes, Luthor, Mercy and Livewire working together to stop Parasite. It’s a fun scene, and a great wrap-up to this little storyline. Williamson created this big threat using classic Superman characters, and he wraps it up nicely in the same way. With the visual splendor of Campbell still going strong. And then we get a whole second half of the issue to epilogue everything and properly set up the new status quo of Superman working with Supercorp. It’s a neat idea and I’m all here for it! And now that Williamson has everything set up, I can’t wait to see where he’s taking these ideas next! This comic is doing the world’s favorite superhero proud. This opening storyline wraps up in a fun and entertaining way, making the most of comics and Superman’s cast of characters. The phenomenal art is some of the best in the business, and it’s fun to see it on such an important character.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: Williamson crafts an engaging story in this issue filled with great action, surprises and character depth, especially for Luthor. The plot continues to be intriguing and Williamson does a great job of balancing the mystery within the arc with great action, adventure and thrills. I look forward to seeing what happens next. The Art: Campbell delivers fantastic art throughout the issue. The visuals are beautifully detailed and compelling. I love the action scenes as much as I love the character moments with Clark and family.

The Comicbook Dispatch

Superman #3 wraps up the night of the Parasites story arc with a satisfying conclusion that lets each of the main characters play some role in it. It's got action, heart, and some bits of humor for everyone to enjoy, even the plan to stop the Parasites allows for Parasite to join in on the fun in his own way. The comic concludes the story with some slow yet steady progression with the Superman and Lex Luthor storyline while neatly setting things up for the next story arc for Superman fans to get excited for.

Comic Book Revolution

Superman #3 concludes the Parasite crisis story in a way that gets you invested in the future that Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell have planned for the series. This is definitely one of the premier titles for DC Comics that fans should be reading.

Comics Nexus by Inside Pulse

A high octane issue with a thin dramatic vein throughout. Intruguing cliffangers. Amazing art. A satisfying read.

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary

I hope we get some background about why they hate Lex. And how they are able to do what they are doing. But color me intrigued. I can't wait to see Campbell's take on Banshee. Another solid issue laying down more of that foundation while pushing things forward. Love the Lois moments!

AIPT

Now that the groundwork has been laid and our new creative team has settled in, the time is ripe for the games to begin. But what games is that? One that Lex Luthor is undoubtedly at the center of, and one that only spells trouble for the playing field that will undoubtedly be the unwitting city of Metropolis.

Weird Science DC Comics

Superman #3 delivers big action, stellar art, and a clever resolution to resolve Parasite's viral swarm. The pacing, dialog, and plot are top-notch, but an important-yet-unexplained plot point sullies the satisfaction level.