The fantastic return of the Super Sons, at the hands of Peter Tomasi and new artist to the series, Carlo Barberi. It’s an absolute joy to have the pair back again.

This first issue of the story is rather simple, but as delightful as ever. It opens with Jon and Damian taking down a giant golden statue of Superman being controlled by the Puppeteer. A little fun ensues after Damian gets the controller, before jumping ahead to the last day of school before summer. Wonderfully appropriate. As the boys leave and we get a very good idea of how the pair are treated at school by the staff and their peers. Picked up by Alfred, the boys head to their newly rebuilt base before heading back out to the Metropolis area where some sort of monster appears to be on a rampage. While this is going on, we have a brief cut to a ship on the dark side of the moon, where someone is planning to kill the Super Sons. Arriving at the Mall, the pair save a family in a car, but are captured by a whole new group of villains. Kids actually. Kids from light-years away, armed with technology and gold kryptonite. Each of them resembles a famous DC villain, and with names to match. With Robin all tied up and Jon stripped of his abilities the pair are left at the mercy of Rex Luthor and the Gang. A simple if a little goofy set up, but it keeps the tone of the Super Sons series running extremely well. The dynamic between the boys is still an absolute delight to read. The brash and condescending Robin playing off the excitable and slightly cocky Superboy. But even with their differences, they complement each other. Acting as exactly what the other lacks.

The primary cover gives us a fantastic action shot. The boys running away from an unknown force, though the hands reaching out for them contain iconography related to various villains. Most noticeable the purple sleeve and toy ‘BANG’ gun of the Joker. The variant cover is classic Jimenez. Robin sat on the frame for a sign, similar to that of the building escape ladders you may see in Gotham. While the sign lights up Superboy as he flies upwards. A city skyline and bright sun illuminating him. Both are dynamic and wonderful covers that emphasis either the upcoming adventure, or the contrast between the boys.

The caption on the first splash page states that this 12 issue series takes place between Supersons #16 and Superman Special #1. While this is a smart choice as it doesn’t give away what Bendis maybe planning for Jon, it’s still a little disheartening to now be so much more unsure of whether or not Jon will return. He maybe missing from the main series for now but getting to see him play off Damian a little more is perhaps the next best thing.

Interestingly, this issue contains a lot of intertextual references to previous instalments of Superman. This is frankly refreshing to see, as DC more heavily pushes Batman iconography ahead of Superman but is fantastic to spot none the less. The opening scene, the boys are fighting a giant Golden Superman statue. This statue, based on its posture, costume and the inclusion of an eagle is heavily reminiscent of the covers to both Superman #14 (1942) and Adventures of Superman #424 (1987). When Robin goes to retrieve the Puppeteer, he comments on the statues creator, Alan Swan. This may be speculation on my part, but this seems to be a reference to Alan Moore and Curt Swan. The writer and artist behind the story What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (1986) a story which features a Superman statue in his memory, especially on the front cover of Superman #423. A classic reference if you are ever going to make one, but towards the end of the issue, as Jon is saving a family in a car. He catches it and strikes a similar pose to that of his father from the cover of his debut issue, Action Comics #1 (1938).

Finally, this issue seems to mark the first time Superman’s change in costume is addressed. With Action Comics #1000 (2018), the big blue boy scout finally returned to his classic costume with the red trunks. Something which pleased rather a lot of fans. Largely thought, this seemed to go unaddressed in the comics. No mention of it, just a sudden change in wardrobe. However, there is a cute little reference in the form of Superboy’s new belt. A remnant of Superman’s previous outfit. Something Robin points out, asking why he is wearing it. “My dad gave it to me. Said he wasn’t going to use it anymore since he was changing his uniform up. Cool, right? It has Wi-Fi, so I’m a flying hot spot!” Trust Tomasi to be the one to address this, even if the nod is small.

This issue was an absolute delight to read. Fun, with fantastic art and colouring. While the stakes aren’t that high yet, I expect Damian to get out of his restraints any moment now. It’s a return to the Super Sons after the end of their series, and something that is sure to make you smile with their charming but engaging banter.