SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #3 – GET READY FOR THE RIDE

Creative Team – W. Maxwell Prince(writer). Martin Morazzo(artist). Chris O’Halloran(colorist). Good Old Neon(letterer).

Published by DC Comics

Catch up with Superman: The Kryptonite Special #2 here!

This comic is reviewed by both Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast and Matt from the Hops “Geek” News podcast!

The Story

Matt – This issue was a lot more fun and emotional than I had expected it to be. Billy is the mature adult now in this issue, as he is trying to help Superman overcome becoming a child. There are some great things within this issue that I feel as though can translate into real life, such as drawing our feelings. Weaving this into the story is an excellent story point, and it’s a great therapy idea.

The story takes off as we find out the secret behind this new Kryptonite and what it truly is. This is a light-hearted issue for the villains, as well as there was almost a reference to a ride at the world’s most magical place that haunts my dreams to this day. Overall the story elements are really working for me in delivering a fun and adventurous new story with some of my favorite heroes!

Megan – In the continuation of learning about the different colored Kryptonites, in Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3, Clark is now a child. Joining adolescent Clark is Billy Batson, who we all know dons the superhero identity Shazam.

What’s interesting about this issue is that we go through what looks to be a therapy session in the story, starting with Clark who isn’t able to put his feelings into words. Billy offers the idea to draw it instead of speaking because it’s worked for him, as he has to take art therapy twice a week. So, throughout the comic, we see these drawings of emotions from the characters to put their words in a whole new perspective.

Along with the art therapy aspect of the story, there’s a bigger plan happening that involves a trap set for Superman and Shazam. Taking place in an empty carnival, we see the two heroes in a more vulnerable state than we’re used to seeing. With that, there’s also Batman behind the scenes trying to understand the rainbow Kryptonite, but makes a huge discovery that will undoubtedly change the course of the story.

The Art

Matt – The artwork is continuing to make this story work, and what really connects with me within this issue is how we use the therapy drawings to further the story along. There is a lot of emotion behind these childlike drawings that tell so much in them, especially for Billy, who has never had a home or true family. The color work to aid in this issue pops out and makes it a fun day at the amusement park despite villainous attempts.

Megan – Martin Morazzo, the artist of Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3, continues to impress with his work on the comic series. In this issue, it’s very different artwork from the others as there’s a good bit of hand drawn art from the character’s perspectives. With an innocent energy coming from the drawings, juxtaposing the action coming from the trap set by the villains, the back and forth changes are handled expertly by the artists. Morazzo is joined by Chris O’Halloran who handles the colors of the comic. O’Halloran has done a phenomenal job at making the pages pop with his work on the colors, and I think he really nailed the colors of this third issue. Together, they both work exceedingly well together!

Overall Grade – 8.3/10

Matt – 8.5/10- What makes this issue work for me is how the team truly dives into the tragic story of Billy Batson, and it helps Superman all at the same time. The dialogue comes off light-hearted; however, each word and panel packs a powerful punch.

Megan – 8/10 – With the big twist in the end, I’m very excited to see where this goes. W. Maxwell Prince and the rest of the creative team have made this exciting, compelling, and an all out fun time.