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Our
Fighting Forces:
Superman: Our Worlds at War Vol. 1 & 2
A two-in-one trade paperback review
By Troy Brownfield
Writers:
7
Pencilers: 14
Inkers: 15
Colors: Wildstorm FX, more
Letters: Richard Starkings and Comicraft, more
More
Info: www.dccomics.com
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I'll
come right out and admit it: I simply wasn't enthralled with
the "Our Worlds at War" storyline when it hit the
Superman titles. Encompassing all four regular books and many,
many specials, I felt that the flow was jagged, the extras
were hard to keep track of, and the whole picture was hard
to see. However, I'm pleased to report that difficulty was
more a function of single issues. Packed together in two large
volumes, "Our Worlds at War" reads much better,
like a long novel with a cast of thousands and an overall
point that might have been missed amid the various specials
that featured side-stories.
The
two volumes collect all of the relevant Superman issues, and
several of the specials. One notable omission is the excellent
JSA special, wherein the team takes on one of the motherships
with an extended family of JSA supporting characters and little-seen
heroes. That issue, notable largely for the guest-stars and
the lack of casualties, would have been a great addition.
Sadly, it's nowhere to be found. However, the tremendous Wonder
Woman special, showcasing brillaint art by Phil Jimenez and
featuring one of the most realistic and troubling comic book
death scenes ever, can be found in the second volume.
Still,
I get ahead of myself. "Our Worlds at War" relates
what happens when the long-brewing threat of Imperiex and
his armies finally arrive at the doorstep of our Solar System.
Superman acts quickly, gathering an army of the planet's heroes
to fight in conjunction with an armada of DC's alien characters.
It doesn't make much difference at first, as the invaders
begin cutting a swath through the defenders of Earth. To give
you an idea of their power, the JLA is nearly wiped out in
their first skirmish.
Throughout,
you get the sense that the creative team is building the story
squarely on the character elements of Superman. How can one
man, no matter how super, endure the pain, sacrifice, and
choices that he must make? Again, this is brilliantly handled
in a Wonder Woman-related chapter, where Superman's attention
is torn between the endangered Diana and events in Washington
D.C. It's strong stuff with a surprising resolution. This
storyline sent ripples through fandom, largely in relation
to a few character deaths. Obviously, the two most major ones
(hint: fish, stone) have already been overturned, but several
of the scenes still shock.
The
art is solid overall, with Phil Jimenez, Mike Wieringo and
Ed McGuinness doing especially strong work. What also works
are the multiple levels of double-dealing, what with Darkseid,
Brainiac, and Luthor all hosting their own agendas. You begin
to question how Superman could possibly triumph in such circumstances;
and of course, that's the theme, isn't it?
In
total, "Our Worlds at War" is an entertaining read
that makes you question the cost of war. Coming out as it
did before September 11th, 2001, it also initially lacked
the personal resonance that some of the scenes now carry.
The final chapter, where the dead are buried and mourned,
is particularly effective. Overall, I'd say that the creative
teams did an excellent job of articulating the cost of conflict.
These are certainly worth your time.
Troy
Brownfield once waged a war with a bottle of Jaegermeister
at his Bachelor Party. He lost. Email Troy at: psikotyk@aol.com
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