Superman #40

I'm stoked to see James Robinson and Doug Mahnke teamed up on an issue of Superman. I don't know how else to put it. I'm stoked and can't wait for the next issue from the two of them. Read Full Review

Robinson adds some late twists that look to make the second chapter more unique. Despite the unfortunate timing of the Green Lanterns story, Robinson seems to have enough differences to make this story stand on its own. Read Full Review

"SUICIDE PLANET" part one! Far away in a distant solar system, a world stands on the brink of destruction, much as Krypton did so many years ago. As Superman and son venture off into space to help, an unexpected adversary stops our heroes dead in their tracks: these people wish to die. Read Full Review

This is a good start to a new arc that features Superman and Superboy going on an adventure to stop a tragedy similar to Krypton. It might require Superman to make some rather rash decisions, but the underlying story of religious zealots ruining everything is well timed and relatable. Read Full Review

"Superman" #40 is an impressive way for Robinson to join DC's flagship title. Read Full Review

It seems to me that this title is at its best when it has focused on Superman and his family adventuring together. Despite DC's reluctance to allow major changes to Superman's status quo, family life really seems to suit Superman. This title demonstrates perfectly how DC is moving into the future while staying true to their past. Read Full Review

So will this descend into some quagmire of preachiness? Or will this rise up and be a science fiction parable told well? In the current comic market, both are equally possible. But I have some faith in Robinson and Mahnke. So fingers crossed. And while I'm glad Supergirl is mentioned, I would have loved to see her a bit more. Given that she was old enough to feel the pain of Krypton's destruction, she probably would have been very interested in saving Galymayne. Read Full Review

It's not a standout issue, but it does hit most of the intended points and I actually enjoyed it more than quite a few of the arcs by the main creators. Read Full Review

This isn't a masterpiece, but it's off to a good start. Read Full Review

I don't want to say it falls flat. Robinson weaves his narrative into the preexisting canon and thematically, it builds off The Oz Effect and the idea of a lost home, and Super Sons of Tomorrow and Jon's attempt to take control of his personal life. But it's rough around the edges, a bit heavy handed at points, and too on the nose. The issue has its moments though, and if you're fan of Superman, you'll find something to enjoy. Read Full Review

Superman #40 is a decent if somewhat-troubled excursion to a dying world in an attempt to stop history from repeating itself. Its not perfect, but its fun enough. Plus, Mahnke, Mendoza, Hanna, and Quintana bring some great art to the table. I can recommend this, even if its not a must-buy. Feel free to check it out. Read Full Review

Superman fans will not be disappointed. Superman (2016-) #40 is asolid story that doesn't reveal too much too soon and ultimately generates interest for the next issue. Read Full Review

This is a pretty basic story, and it's frustrating to see Tomasi and Gleason off the book for yet another hiatus, but the story we get here is fun enough with some great father/son moments peppered throughout. The artwork is strong and I look forward to reading the next issue. Read Full Review

Though SUPERMAN #40 has its moments of intrigue, it falls flat in too many aspects to make the issue a notable one. Read Full Review

All in all, Superman #40 is an average chapter in what has mostly been a rather stellar Superman book. Its not bad, at all, its just nothing special, but the story does have the potential to get better. Robinson introduces some interesting wrinkles into the whole thing and Mahnkes art is great. Read Full Review

This feels like it's going to be a controversial issue for some people and while I don't want any parts of that or any talk associated with that.......... this is an alright start to an arc, but some of the character moments feel weird and possibly even forced to get us to where our hero needs to be for this arc to exist.  The art was great and I look forward to hopefully seeing more Doug Mahnke on this title, but overall, this issue felt a bit weird. Read Full Review

As Action Comics and Superman move ever closer to a titanic landmark issue and big change in creative lineups, it's hard to not read Superman #40 as filler. Read Full Review

Unfortunately, James Robinson has no handle on young Jon Kent's voice or his dynamic with Superman. So instead of a heartwarming father-son team-up, we get a grating rehash complete with a heavy-handed philosophical bent. Read Full Review

If anyone ever wants to contact me, look me up in my groupfor the love of comic books, I also have several comic pages dedicated to my various true loves,Batman,Spider-man,Marvel,Oldie GoldiesandHats! (Long story on that last one haha) or on Twitter@johnbatusijack Read Full Review

What starts as an interesting lesson about preserving Krypton's legacy devolves into a rehashed story from the Green Lanterns series. Read Full Review

Ultimately, I would not recommend picking up this book. The exposition is clunky and paint-by-numbers. There is very little about the story that engages the reader. The characters do not advance, and, even the new characters are given motivations that are boring and played out. This issues feels like a filler. Read Full Review

KFuqua

Feb 07, 2018

The Superman titles continue to be a good read. The father/son dynamic is very well done.

Dispatchdcu

Feb 07, 2018

A ton didn't happen in the story. It set up a lot. But it wasn't terrible. So,it's the anniversary of Kryptons demise and they go to save a planet of sea horses that don't want to be saved. Personally, I think this part is great. Superman and Jon should of left right there and then. I understand that others may want to leave and their head sea horse guy is speaking for everyone but that's not Supermans call. Honestly, they brought it on themselves. I'm interested to see how they are dampening their powers. Favorite part: The masks in space! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It was even explained how they could communicate, help with atmospheric issues.. nice touch. Not so favorite part: Shut up Clark!!! Way to tell the alien sea horses you know nothing about that you have a weakness to kryptonite, a red sun, and magic!!! IDIOT!!! more

Rick Jonez

Feb 09, 2018

Just a darn good adventure presented.

Supes' soups

Feb 10, 2018

I don't like how Superman comes off as pretentious and worse, being oblivious of it in this issue. A wiser Superman would try to understand the situation before offering a solution. What Supes had in mind may not be well-received and I feel like Clark should know better. I mean if a goofball like Hal gets it, no excuse Clark shouldn't. This is my primary knock on this issue, the portrayal and characterization of Superman. I'm not sure what Bendis has planned for Big Blue but if this title is just gonna spin its wheels until the eventual relaunch with a new #1 this summer, then it's a damn shame because Rebirth made Superman great again...

daddyT

Feb 07, 2018

this is the opposite of what I'd call "good" in terms of artwork. I'm sure some people will love it but to me it seems like it is being "different" on purpose for no other reason than to do so. It isn't "Burnside bad" but almost. as for the story, that starts bad too. this story is told as the aftermath of the current Action Comics story (that by the way isn't finished yet). in the end, it seems like a copy of a recent Green Lantern story, and isn't that bad. probably better than the GL version. but at least the GL version was beautiful to look at!

UltimateMarvelGuy

Dec 13, 2025

The moral of this issue: Religion bad. Faith in God bad.