Review: Superman Giant #3
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Paul Pelletier & Drew Hennessey
Colors: Adriano Lucas
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Luthor has bought out Winslow Shott’s toy company while Schott serves time in prison for his crimes as Toyman. Clark Kent believes there’s more to it than this. Clark gets his story, but not without Superman’s help when Metropolis is attacked by some giant toys!
Positives
As Robert Venditti has done with so many of his series, character comes first! In Superman Giant #3, between the intrigue, there’s a beautiful moment with Clark, Lois and Perry at a diner that delivers this strong characterization. It may not be a long scene, but it’s important because it builds the layers of the characters. It takes a few moments and subtly demonstrates aspects of the characters. The best part is that it ties directly into the overall story. It’s not a throw away moment, but rather a perfect example of the characters being the driving force of the story. Additionally, Clark’s desire to uncover the truth, a significant character trait, drives the main plot as he delves into Luthor’s purchase of Schott’s toy company.
There’s a timeless quality to this story, as with most of the original material in the Giants. It’s reassuring to see Lois and Clark’s marriage as part of the timeless aspect, because it hasn’t always been this way. Toyman hasn’t been used very often in recent years, and when he has it hasn’t been the Winslow Schott version. Also, there’s a larger story than simply Schott attacking Metropolis. This brings a little bit of sympathy for Schott while teasing the bigger picture of Lex Luthor’s plan.
Paul Pelletier depicts some really exciting and dynamic images of Superman that tell the story in an effective way.
Negatives
It feels like Venditti is holding back just a little bit and constrained by the format of the Giant. Hopefully, one day Venditti will be able to go full on Superman.
Verdict
Superman Giant #3 is another fun and enjoyable take on the Man of Steel. If you haven’t read one of the Giants yet, take the opportunity to check this issue out! Superman Giant #3 is rounded out by some good reprints by the likes of Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Sterling Gates, Jamal Igle, Ben Oliver and Grant Morrison. Superman Giant #3 is currently available at Walmart and was originally expected to be in comic book stores on May 6th. It is not currently on the updated list of books DC is planning on releasing that week.
