If you threaten Superman’s family, expect a super beatdown. The ’90s villain The Eradicator has returned to DC Comics to ensure the survival of a pure Kryptonian bloodline, and to do that he’s committed to wiping out the human DNA of Superman’s son with Lois Lane. Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason have revitalized DC’s Superman title by telling a heartfelt story focusing on the title character’s relationship with his wife and son, and the series hasn’t lost its direction as the co-writers incorporate more of Superman’s mythology in the narrative. Jonathan Kent is still struggling to negotiate the two different sides of his heritage, and The Eradicator’s mission is a direct assault on the young boy’s identity that won’t go unpunished.
The last issue of Superman had a fill-in art team to give Gleason a break from pencils, but he’s back on art duties with this week’s Superman #4, joined by regular collaborators Mick Gray and John Kalisz on inks and colors, respectively. Jorge Jimenez did great work covering for Gleason, but Gleason’s role as co-writer gives him a deep understanding of the script that intensifies the energy and emotion of his artwork. These preview pages begins with a striking display of Kryptonian power as Superman and The Eradicator face off, and the force of the fight just gets stronger as Jonathan zips up his Superboy gear and leaps into action to help his dad. The two-page splash of father and son pummeling their opponent lands with incredible impact, and it’s a great example of how this creative team uses superhero elements to bring this family closer together.