Superman Homepage
KindleDownload iBook

Mild Mannered Reviews - Smallville Comics

Smallville: Chaos - Chapter #10

Smallville: Chaos - Chapter #10

Released Digitally: August 8, 2014

"Chaos" - Part 10

Writer: Bryan Q. Miller
Artists: Agustin Padilla
Colorist: Carrie Strachan

Reviewed by: Matt Schorr

Click to enlarge


Superboy and Supergirl take down an Eclipso atop a building while a news chopper covers the action - and the reporter inside is apparently arguing with her producer over whether or not to comment on the fact Supergirl isn't wearing a skirt. The chopper is caught in the crossfire, and Supergirl rescues the reporter and the pilot. She also makes a point to thank the reporter for her "solidarity" on the skirt issue.

At street level, Hank Henshaw battles another swarm of Eclipsos. He utilizes probing cables that are part of his body to probe the minds of the Eclipsos and get a better idea of what they're dealing with. He learns that Eclipso has existed for many generations, many times as a deity both worshipped and feared by ancient cultures. Henshaw suggests that Superboy and Supergirl offer themselves to Eclipso, which will likely draw the entity out of all the normal humans in order to manifest itself in super-powered beings. While it attempts to do that, they believe they can stop it.

Supergirl goads Eclipso, and he takes the bait.

And in the Bleed, the Monitors listen to Lex Luthor's proposal to reboot the universe. Superman and Lois interrupt his proposal, calling him a monster. Lex insists he's the only one actually trying to save the world by reasoning with the Monitors. The Monitors end the transmission, saying they have much to discuss.

First, however, they intend to kill Superman and Lois by jettisoning them into the Bleed. Superman says he can get them out of this situation, but Lois will have to trust him and let the Monitors kill him first.

3Story - 3: Another decent chapter in this tale, but a somewhat unsatisfying one.

First off, the whole conversation about Supergirl's skirt seems a bit out of nowhere. It's never been brought up before. Have readers been fussing over Kara's costume in this series? Is this Miller inserting commentary into his work in response to something of which I wasn't aware? Did I miss something?

I mean, I've heard complaints over New 52 Supergirl's costume, but those were due to the fact a teenage girl was wearing something so provocative. I shared those complaints, in fact. But Smallville's Supergirl? Not so much.

If have missed something here, perhaps someone can enlighten me.

The other point that knocks this chapter down a peg is our first glimpse of Eclipso. We're given very little insight into what and who he is. The images offer a very broad and vague picture, but very little substance. If we're offered more in the next chapter, I might reconsider being so critical here, but as far as this chapter goes, it leaves me wanting more (and not in a good way).

On the positive side, though, Lex's scene was a satisfying one. He remains the most engaging and interesting characters in this series - with the exception of our hero, of course. (I believe I've said this before, he's my current favorite Lex interpretation portrayed in DC Comics.) He makes a compelling argument for his side. I don't agree with him - at all - but he makes valid points, especially his statement that, while Superman has typically resorted to violence, he's trying to resolve the issue pragmatically and without dangerous conflict.

I still don't trust him, of course.

4Art - 4: The art continues to be solid in this series. Padilla draws excellent versions of all the characters involved. While the story might've been a bit disappointing, the artwork certainly wasn't.

4Cover Art - 4: A very effective illustration of what's inside. The previous covers have left a bit to be desired. Not so with this one. Supergirl, Superboy, and Henshaw battle an army of Eclipsos. It's striking and memorable, just what a comic book cover should be.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2014

Note: Except for digital first releases, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic went on sale.

January 2014

February 2014 March 2014 April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 September 2014 October 2014 November 2014 December 2014

Back to the Mild Mannered Reviews contents page.

Check out the Comic Index Lists for the complete list of Superman-related comics published in 2014.

DISCLAIMER: SUPERMAN and all related elements are the property of DC Comics. TM & © 2024

This Superman Homepage is Copyright © Steven Younis 1994-2024
All Rights Reserved

Dedicated to Andrew J Gould - the original keeper of the Superman Homepage!

Since May 2001, the address is www.SupermanHomepage.com

Our Privacy Policy.