Summer of Superman Special #1 is several things. It’s a jumping-on issue for new readers. It’s a wedding special, in which Lana Lang finally weds John Henry Irons, aka Steel. And it’s also a sampler of all the writers taking over the core Superman comics this year. That it manages to be all of these things and a good story unto itself is something of a miracle.
Titled “The Past, The Present, The Future,” Summer of Superman Special #1 is split into three chapters. All three chapters are tied together by the sudden manifestation of the Legion of Super-Heroes villain Validus in Smallville. The first story, written by Mark Waid, centers around Superboy fighting Validus on the day he planned to reveal his powers to Lana Lang.
The second chapter by Dan Slott finds the Superman family doing battle with Validus and a freak storm in the midst of preparing for Lana Lang’s wedding. Finally, Joshua Williamson uses the last chapter to explore the cause of Validus becoming displaced in time. This final story ties into the larger story of DC All-In and the fate of the Legion following Dark Crisis.
Summer of Superman Special is a welcome jump-on issue
There isn’t a weak chapter in Summer of Superman Special #1. This is unsurprising, given the creators involved. Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson have both been handling the Man of Steel for some time and their chapters play well to their respective strengths.
Waid is the master of retro Silver Age action and Williamson a solid anchor, building up to a big reveal. Slott has perhaps the most difficult task, managing the middle of this relay. However, he writes all the supporting players well and works in a few funny gags.
The artwork is equally impressive. Jorge Jiménez boasts an anime-inspired style, with big eyes and expressive faces. The effect is reminiscent of the My Adventures with Superman show, but with a harsher edge. Dan Mora also amazes with the two-page epilogue that hints at what is to come.
The only point on which Summer of Superman Special #1 falters is explaining some subplots from the current comics. Casual comic fans, for instance, may wonder why Lois Lane currently has superpowers and is going by Superwoman. Apart from these things going unexplained, however, this comic is everything old and new fans of the Man of Steel could want in a first issue.
Grade: 8/10
Summer of Superman Special #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 16, 2025.
