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Title: Family
Reunion, Part 1
Writer: Mark Millar
Penciller: Aluir Almancio
Inker: Terry Beatty
Colorist: Marie Severin
Letterer: Phil Felix
Cover: Mike Manley & Terry Austin
Summary:
After
being caught in an explosion, Superman discovers that a year has msteriously
past, and his entire life has fallen apart.
Description:
This
issue starts out with Superman disposing of an anti-matter generator gone
haywire. Superman flies up into the highest atmosphere and disposed of it, but
it caught in the explosion, but is unharmed. He then returns to Earth disguised
as Clark Kent and heads into the Daily Planet. He notices that everyone around
him have been acting funny. He soon finds out why -- he's been missing for a
year and he has no explanation on how that even happened! After Clark tries to
compose himself, he discovers that his parents were killed in a fire and
Supergirl has disappeared. Even Luthor has made Metropolis and Earth a bit
better in Superman's absence.
Clark Kent searches for Lana Lang (who knows his
secret), and they discuss his problem. He tells Lana that there is nothing left
her eon Earth for Clark Kent OR Superman. He heads to his Fortress of Solitude
to try and figure out what he is going to do about his current situation. Then,
out of the shadows appears his long presumed dead mother, Lara. She explains
that a big chunk of Krypton survived the explosion and that Jor-El was able to
construct a new city planet called Kryptonopolis. (which is the remains of the
main city of Krypton) Superman tires to decide whether or not there is anything
left for him. He sees that life has gone on since he disapeared. Lois Lane has
married and the city is protected thanks to a seemingly straight Luthor. He
decides to leave with his mother to Kryptonopolis.
Lara shows him around the city, and then
eventually to meet his father. Jor-El is outraged to see his son and curses at
Lara. Before Superman can get an explanation, he is attacked and put into
chains, then locked into a cell with his father. After calming down a bit, Jor-El
explains to Superman that the anti-matter explosion threw Superman into a
parallel dimension. Lara intends to use Earth as their 'New' Krypton. where they
will be gods enhanced with powers via the yellow sun. Lara introduces Superman
to the Superman and Supergirl of that dimension. Lara brainwashed Superman and
Supergirl to do her bidding, destroy Earth! Superman and Supergirl arrive on
Earth, prepared for battle and to take over the world.
Pages (out of 32):
Review:
The
story starts off a bit shaky, as does the art. The pacing is a bit uneven, but
straightens out when Millar begins to introduce various plots and elements of
the story. I like how Millar quickly paces all of the horrific revelations in
Clark's life. He paces it quickly, so we also are hit with the revelations like
a speeding bullet (pun intended). Almancio's art also starts off a bit uneven,
with a few art mishaps here and there. He's also able to smooth himself out as
the story continues with some great panels and some great shots. This issue is a
great teaser to the inevitable battle next issue.
Rating: 
˝
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