In this review of Superman #20 we see a clash of the titans and a rematch for the ages: Superman vs. Doomsday.
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist and Main Cover: Dan Mora
Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez
Variant Cover Artists: Dan Panosian, Brad Walker, Dave Johnson, Chris Samnee, Carmine Di Giandomenico
Page Count: 32 Pages
Release Date: November 27, 2024
This comic book review contains spoilers
The Story
Superman #20 begins as Time-Trapper Doomsday tells Superman that he was created as a weapon to ravage planets. Every time he dies, he is reborn stronger, more evolved than ever. He explains that he was created out of selfishness and cruelty while Superman came out of sacrifice and kindness. However, since his latest defeat at the hands of the Legion of the Infinite Worlds, he has been unable to evolve. He wants Superman to kill him again so he can be reborn as a god. Doomsday warns of horrors to come and the death of Superman’s friends. He then wishes him luck in an upcoming battle with his former self before fading into the ether.
This battle begins instantly as Superman laps the globe Richard Donner style to build up momentum for an earth shattering punch. Superwoman (Lois) fends off hellhounds and Luthor and Steel rescue civilians while Superman fights Doomsday. Supercorp deploys Parasite who attempts to siphon Doomsday’s power until he is literally ripped in half by the monster. Superman is able to beat Doomsday into submission, and he and Superwoman flee the scene before the press arrive.
Back at Lois’ apartment, Jimmy calls to tell her that Supercorp has hidden all images of Superwoman. Lois says she’ll talk to him tomorrow and gets Clark to use cold breath on her bruises. He tells her time trapper warned of more horrors to come as we cut over to Calaton where a vengeful figure dons a mask atop a golden tower.
Analysis
If your primary excitement in seeing Doomsday return last issue was the prospect of another Superman-Doomsday fight, then Joshua Williamson gives you exactly what you want here. The emaciated Doomsday with time travel powers is only present for the first few pages where he teases future events such as a battle with Zod that renders Superman half blind. Following that and stating his desire to be reincarnated as a God, this version of Doomsday disappears for good.
The general set up of Superman #20’s conflict is confusing. This future version of Doomsday seems convinced that experiencing death will now imbue him with godlike powers but there’s no evidence or explanation given for this. He disappears before the mute monster form of Doomsday attacks, but again, this is abrupt with little to no explanation as to why the events are occurring.
Dan Mora’s art during the fight that takes up the largest portion of the comic, utilizes a chaotic layout that unfortunately makes the action hard to follow. I’m assuming the red ring around the earth is Superman building up momentum since he was already in Metropolis when the Doomsday fight started. Alejandro Sánchez picks up coloring duty this issue and while the comic looks good, his choice of yellow for fire, energy, speed bolts, and emphasis panels also serves to hinder the legibility of certain scenes.
Setting aside those issues, Mora’s art in Superman #20 continues to impress. The highlight of the main chunk of the story has to be Parasite’s brutal bisection. Holy… The strongest segments both from a visual and narrative perspective are the issue’s opening and closing moments. Doomsday’s Time Trapper design is so cool with the monk robe 90s chains, I was disappointed we didn’t get to see more of him.
Additionally, the final scene of Superman #20 with Clark and Lois is nice, although I would like to see some more depth given to their relationship now that it has evolved from partner to teammate. Luthor’s story is sadly given short shrift as he doesn’t appear beyond a cameo along with Steel saving pedestrians from collateral damage.
Superman #20 also introduces Chekhov’s Zod fight where Superman loses an eye. Doomsday speaks of the event like it’s a serious historical landmark. I don’t care if it’s the next issue or 5 years from now but that better happen. It better be given weight, and it better not be undone an issue later.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t the first or best Doomsday fight we’ve seen but there are enough interesting elements in the periphery to keep Superman #20 afloat.
