[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Carlo Barberi
Reviewed By: Derek McNeil
Summary
“MOTHER’S DAY” part two! Talia al Ghul is back in Damian’s life, for better and for worse! As the world’s deadliest mom forces Robin to make the ultimate choice between his past and future, Superboy finds himself caught in the middle. But the specter of Damian’s murderous past life has shaken the bond between the Super Sons, and the body count is far from final.
Positives
The title of this series is Super Sons in reference to the protagonists’ famous fathers, Superman and Batman. But this issue instead focuses on their mothers, Lois Lane and Talia Al Ghul. Robin’s mother, Talia, has taken a contract to assassinate Superboy’s mother, Lois Lane.
I like the attention that Superboy and Lois pay to keeping Jon’s secret identity secret. It was amusing to see Jon come face to face with his mother, and how easily the two communicate while pretending not to know each other.
On the other hand, Damian struggles to communicate to his mother that he doesn’t want to follow in her footsteps as an assassin for his grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul.
Also, I love how Damian and Jon’s relationship showcases how the character has evolved since he first took on the role of Robin. Having Jon as a friend and peer allows Damian to drop his guard and show a brief moment of humanity. He tells Jon, “I learned I can be better. And that whenever I am, my mother loses and my father wins.”
And Jon in wisdom tells Damian that the only one winning is Damian. Jon is such a delightful mix of wisdom and open-eyed naivety.
And their banter is an endless source of hilarity. For example, when Superboy asks Robin to teach him swordplay, Damian replies, “I’ll tell you what. You teach me to fly and I’ll teach you how to use a sword.”
Negatives
Again, the only flaw I find with the title is that its demise has already been decreed, with only two issues left. However, there is a one-shot team-up with Blue Falcon and Dynomutt coming and Tomasi has hinted more Super Sons will be coming in the future.
Verdict
Super Sons is one of the best titles to come out of Rebirth. Hopefully DC will be wise enough to keep this duo active, preferably under Tomasi’s stewardship.
