DC’S KAL-EL-FORNIA LOVE #1: Soarin’ Into Summer!

DC’s Kal-El-Fornia Love #1: Ever want to go on vacation to get away from it all but, just couldn’t catch that break? This issue is full of fun ad heartfelt stories from heroes who just want a minute of peace! ,

Creative Team:

WRITERS: Bryan Q. Miller, Meghan Fitzmartin, Christof Bogacs, Brandon Thomas, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Dave Wielgosz, James Reid, and George Mann.

ARTISTS: Gerardo Sandoval, Marcial Toledano Vargas, Jacoby Salcedo, Juni Ba, Bruno Abdias, Joey Vasquez, Jon Mikel, and Travis Mercer.

COLORISTS: Jao Canola, Marcial Toldedano Vargas, Francesco Segala, Chris O’Halloran, Eren Angiolini, Luis Guerrero, Ian Herring, and Andrew Dalhouse.

LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual, Ariana Maher, Taylor Esposito, Aditya Bidikar, Josh Reed, Steve Wands, Lucas Gattoni, and Troy Peteri.

COVER: Bernard Chang

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

We are going to break down each story briefly and do things a little differently to give each one its deserved justice!

See Spot Fly!:

This issue captures Clark’s inner doubts and worries as he navigates the duality of the two lives he leads. I loved how, in his mind, he draws from both father figures and arrives at each answer in the same way. Lois getting eaten, but, coming up as though it was just another roller coaster ride was spot on in capturing the essence of her relationship as well. The artwork in the way Superman is examining and listening, searching for heartbeats and to find them in the ocean then the powerful charge into the depths is culminated into fantastic detail and colors as the creatures seems to be nothing but an oversized puppy in the end.

The Gorilla Ex-Wife of Jimmy Olsen:

Name aside, this story is off the rails in the best way possible. The artwork is an homage to a classic style Jimmy Olsen comic from the 70s with a tremendous amount of hilarious details. Plastic Man floatie, a Gorilla in a bikini, and some beautiful background flashes of purple and blue as Jimmy has to have difficult conversations when he is not running for his life. The overall story of Jimmy challenging Gorilla Grodd, particularly in the context of facing his ex-wife, is a tale that most of us can relate to. It’s a mix of silly fun with an air of seriousness to it all, making this a standout story.

Before Sunrise:

Power Girl and Tora have some heartfelt conversations in this story as the team tackles how lonely being a hero can be, despite both having or currently dating someone. Although I’m not sure Guy Gardner counts as dating someone, Tora disagrees. Anyways, the realistic style of art takes these two on a night overlooking L.A. after taking down bad guys attempting to ruin the Talons’ game. It’s a story that, despite being heroes and having a higher duty, don’t be afraid to take care of yourself at the same time, which is a message we could all use.

Bizarro in Against the Wind:

James Reid decided he wanted to make us cry, as even Bizarro is not immune to searching for a purpose. After finding a cat, Mittens, he goes on a soul-searching journey thanks to an angry Green Lantern who was a bit harsh to him, and Reid makes us empathize with Bizarro. Mikel and Herring bring out the emotion in the detailing of Bizarro, who is left wondering what his purpose is if everyone hates him. This is a colorful and emotional story that hit me directly in my feelings in a way I wasn’t ready for!

Lois Lane in “Bite of the Apple:

Meghan’s story of journalism versus podcasting is a debate that has not been discussed enough in real life and shows not only why Lois Lane is the best at what she does, but, why we still need real journalism in society. Lois is always ten steps ahead, and even when visiting family uses her time for work, which I found to be a clever aspect I didn’t see coming in this story. The use of shading and detailing in the eyes, as there were flurries of emotions from both the Goddess in disguise and Lois, made for some excellent storytelling through the artwork. Never doubt Lois Lane; this story is a kind reminder.

Across the Room:

Juni Ba’s art stands out tall with this story and works for what is being told. There is a ruggedness to the art that I enjoy with Juni that leaves a lot of details to our imagination to fill in, and also reminds me of classic cartoons. Natasha and Jonn are supposed to be on a vacation that continues to get messed with, adding to the cartoon episode feeling that endeared me to this story and gives meaning to work hard, play hard!

Who Do You Belong to?

The Superboys meet up in an unlikely forest in California as Dave reminds us that not everything Lex Luthor touches is evil. Dave captures Connor’s spirit and makes a good point in that just because you live a life being told who you are supposed to be, that doesn’t mean you have to be that person. There are great lines and details within the panels as the pages show contrast between the Fortress of Solitude with the blue icy coloring and the green, lush forests. I enjoyed the similarities in detail with their suits, which connected the boys in ways they may not have seen.

Something in the Water:

This may be my favorite issue, mainly because George Mann brings together two characters we seldom see together in Supergirl and Constantine. Not only that, but the continuously humorous soccer references that Kara doesn’t get and the fact that all she wanted was an ice cream make this the most relatable story yet. The artwork by Mercer and Dalhouse is gorgeous as the tentacles of the world-ending Octopus wrap around the panels, and you can truly feel Supergirl’s might when she drills the “penalty kick.” Her movement in the water and the color mashing of purples and blues makes this visually eye opening and captured my attention immediately!

Final Thoughts:

If you have ever just wanted to go on vacation but the forces of the world were determined to ruin that, then this issue is for you. It is a light-hearted adventure full of action and emotion in which there is certainly a story inside that will steal your heart.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Be sure to check out more reviews from Matt and his weekly podcast at http://linktr.ee/hopsgeeknews