Ray: Easily the most bizarre, darkest, and most meta book coming out of DC right now, Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum takes the constantly shifting tone of the creative team’s Ice Cream Man (they just released an issue that’s a literal deck of cards) and transfers it to the DCU. So far, Superman has been testing strange new forms of Kryptonite, resulting in unexpected transformations of his body and mind. But now, he might have experienced something even stranger. He’s trapped in the 5th Dimension, at least in his mind, not quite getting how the bizarre abstract world works. He’s trying to write articles on serious political issues while Perry White wants articles on juggling walruses, and his landlady only takes payment in nickels. It’s a strange, confusing mess of a world – with a ticking clock, because in the real world, his body is starting to break down under the pressure of the other dimension.
Lois, Batman, and other heroes are trying their best to break Superman out of this strange stupor, even bringing in magical expert Dr. Fate for an assist. But no one quite understands 5th dimensional lore – besides, of course, Mr. Mxyzptlk, who has been trying to contact Superman through all sorts of unique ways within the dimension. That’s where this issue goes from good to brilliant, as Mxy’s influence transforms the story into a journey through the actual creative arts, as the format of the book shifts again and again and the two frenemies try to deal with the threat of Brian-iac – not Brainiac, a surly little boy named Brian with no imagination, something that’s anathema to the 5th Dimension. With Batman and Bat-Mite entering the fray and a surprising new imp coming into being, things are looking up – at least until they return to the main world, and Luthor’s true plan starts coming into focus. Brilliant book, can’t wait for the next issue.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
Source: geekdad.com
