Review: Superman: Red & Blue #4
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writers: Michael Conrad, Robert Venditti, Francis Manapul, Mark Waid
Colors:Â See Graphic Below
Letters: See Graphic Below
Artists: Audrey Mok, , Cully Hamner, Francis Manapul, Alitha Martinez
Reviewed by: Carl Bryan
Summary
Superman: Red & Blue #4 – This new series presents fresh new visions of the Man of Steel in his two signature colors of red and blue! Around the world, everyone knows that when they see a red and blue streak in the sky, it’s not a bird…it’s not a plane…it’s Superman.
This month our cover star Bizarro leaves the Red & Blue family by not being in a story all about his very own birthday.
Which of course means we definitely have a story in here about Bizarro’s birthday, as well as four more about the Man of Steel himself, including one about a social media star who inspires a very dangerous trend in Metropolis that nearly runs Superman ragged.
Also, learn the story of how Jimmy Olsen was able to take what became his very favorite picture of Superman.
These fantastic tales feature some of the best writers and artists in the business, only using Superman’s special colors to make them come alive!
Positives
I’m a sucker for all Superman stories that involve a relationship between Clark and his Pa, Jonathan Kent. As an adoptive father myself, I really identify with Jonathan Kent and his love for his son, but the constant “what ifs”.  Robert Vendetti hits a home run with A Little is a Lot. “Be the example they need”….. Love these nuggets of wisdom that Jonathan imparts through the pen of Venditti.
Francis Manapul Prospect of Tomorrow allows us to see Bizzarro in an empathetic way.  Historically, this character has been seen as a pawn, a creature of rage, and arguably a demi-god with more intelligence than we give the character credit for. Manapul paints him in a sympathetic light where Superman and h are a bit of kindred souls.
For the Man Who Has Nothing is another Bizarro tale of his birthday…poignant, sad, and a point of view story that bares the soul of Bizarro. “Bizarro am sad!”
Mark Waid’s Namrepus highlights the Imp from the Fifth Dimension, Mr. Mxyzptlk. Who knew he was such a romantic?
Rich Douek’s #Saved by Superman is a great commentary of how even Superman has to deal with the selfie generation…the urge to post, and the realization that all the special moments in life do not have to be a a part of social media!
Positives 2.0
This began with Batman: Black & White, followed by Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red. It now continues with Superman: Red & Blue. Soon it will go further with Wonder Woman: Black & Gold, so why don’t we get some others, like Green Lantern: Green & White or maybe something like Booster & Beetle: Blue & Gold …so many playgrounds for a host of authors and artists!
Negatives Â
You have to know going in that each story is like a playground for both author and artists. Some stories will be poignant that will cause you pause. Some will not be your cup of tea as you see the human side of Clark versus the hero side of Superman. Either way, the reader gets to explore sides of Clark that we did not know existed as we get a variety of takes on his character from numerous authors!
Verdict
While the Black and White is Batman’s playground, Red and Blue fits our Big Blue Boy Scout just fine. When you think you have heard every angle to Superman, Red & Blue provides just more evidence that this character, and the many timelines touched by Superman, can go forever.
We are in a treat as next week will bring Wonder Woman featured in the same treatment. This playground has been great for both Batman and Superman. I appreciate that DC is providing more insight into these characters for authors and artists alike.
