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Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #2 Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #2 KindleDownload iBookBuy Now

DC Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #2 [of 3]

Scheduled to arrive in stores: February 23, 2021

Cover date: April 2021

"Superman vs. Imperious Lex" - Part 2

Writer: Mark Russell
Penciller: Steve Pugh
Inker: Steve Pugh
Cover: Yanick Paquette
Variant Covers: Skan

Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
Click to enlarge


Superman and Lois approach Lexor. Lois warns the Man of Steel to be cautious upon his return as it's official United Planets business. Not an assault on the Reticulants and Lex Luthor.

Superman agrees to stay in the orbiting ship as Lois goes to meet the populace. Of course this doesn't last long and he sneaks onto Lexor's moon to reprogram the Reticulants.

As Lois is given a tour of Lexor she warns Lex that she is aware of his Reticulants looting nearby planets. Regardless of the United Planets involvement, eventually one of the planets is likely to seek revenge so under the membership that criminal activity should cease. Lois also examines the dismal financials of Lexor, assuring Lex that now as part of the United Planets Lexor would not suffer.

At this moment the mining workers are stunned to find Lexor's core is mountains and mountains of the most powerful mineral in the universe - Deuterium crystals.

Suddenly Lexor is the richest planet in existence and Lex is unwilling to share the Deuterium. Lex wants to withdraw his membership so he can keep the wealth for himself.

Lois points out, unless she withdraws Lexor, it is part of the United Planets. Lex of course orders the United Planets representative's execution and holds Lois hostage... until she changes her mind on membership.

Superman returns the the ship to see the live feed from Lexor, but with the red sun rising, he has only three minutes worth of superpowers to rely on.

With Lois captive Superman races to the rescue but comes face to face with Lex in his vintage battle suit and the Lexor population fighting on his behalf.

Lois meanwhile finds one of the miner's suits and powers it on formulating a plan of her own.

Of course Lex is no match for Mr and Mrs Superman, but the Kents have one final slap in the face to deal Lex Luthor and he won't take the aftermath lying down...

To Be Continued...

5Story - 5: With less focus on one liners, the story suddenly catapults to a new level. The danger is real, the plotting shows Lex is as evil as ever and stakes are high. I really enjoyed the character interaction. Lois' joke about Superman's sexual prowess felt funnier because it was part of the narrative. Lex felt more like a 'back to his roots' portrayal and that was so fun to read compared to what he had become recently.

Perhaps the most enjoyable Superman story since before the Bendis era, Russell shows he knows the core appeal of Superman, Lois and Lex. Interested to hear what readers think.

5Art - 5: As the issue goes on the art really grows on you. It's not often that the art and writing are in symbiosis but this is definitely one of those occasions. Superman's costume color palette is a little off for me, but not enough to spoil the book.

5Cover Art - 5: I really like this fun role reversal of the Lex/Superman relationship, it really gives an insight on how the Lexorians view their benefactor. Paquette is clearly having fun exaggerating the roles.

4Variant Cover Art - 4: A really well painted scene. I love the fur trim on Luthor's jacket. I really want to see this confrontation play out!

Mild Mannered Reviews

2021

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 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021

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