Writer: Tom Taylor | Artist: John Timms | Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb

It’s easy to be skeptical of someone other than Clark Kent using the Superman moniker. In the pages of Superman: Son of Kal-El, Jon Kent struggles against the weight of his lineage, the son of the galaxy’s greatest hero, Superman, and the world’s greatest reporter, Lois Lane. Jon attempts to find his place in the world as he figures out how to be the savior our society demands but also the catalyst for change it needs. With his head full of doubt and his future uncertain, Jon Kent turns to the one friend he can trust, Damian Wayne.

Tom Taylor’s writing and John Timms’ art go together like peanut butter and jelly; smooth and with a taste that’ll stick around for a while. The last few years of Jon Kent’s history, from his introduction to the comics until present day, can be convoluted to say the least. This is a great jumping-off point that doesn’t require a doctorate in DC history to decipher. From the first panels which showcase the birth of Jon Kent while the Justice League wards off an attempted planetary invasion (emphasis on “attempted”) to Jon’s heart to heart with Damian all while they fend off a ninja assassination attempt, the entire issue is a fun trip through the DCU and Jon’s life.

If you’re a Superman purist who’s not adjusting well to the rapid changes the Big Blue Boy Scout and his supporting cast of characters have endured over the last few years then this series is definitely not for you. It might be hard to accept someone else wearing the big red “S,” going by the name Superman, and fighting for truth, justice, and a better world (rather than the American way). For everyone else, this book is going to hook you for sure!