Superman #18

As evidenced by the last two pages, there will be some big ramifications for Superman moving forward, but I think Bendis and Ivan Reis did a fantastic job bringing this milestone to life. Read Full Review

This issue could easily carry the page number and price of an oversized special issue, but the standard size and price allude to the subtle nature and natural eventuality of this reveal. Regardless of how any reader feels about removing the secret identity, this issue is a master course in comic book execution. Superman #18 is focused tightly on what it wants to accomplish while remaining emotionally grounded and heartfelt. Read Full Review

DC has been marketing this story as a major milestone in their comics. Bendis has a difficult task in living up to this hype, but I believe he is up to the job, and he is off to an amazing start with the landmark issue Superman #18. Read Full Review

Instead of pulling out all the punches, the creative team restrain themselves in SUPERMAN #18 and tell a beautifully quiet story instead. Read Full Review

Superman #18 (Bendis, Reis, Prado, Sinclair, Sharpe) reveals the Man of Steel's identity to the DC Universe at large but what will the underlying impact to the character of Superman be as we move forward? Read Full Review

Ivan Reis delivers some beautiful and compelling moments throughout this issue and everything looks amazingly detailed. There are so many visual things to love in this issue, especially the quiet moments. Reis conveys so much emotion in moments with no dialogue and the moment Clark tells Perry is perfectly captured visually with no dialogue at all. It's a powerful moment beautifully captured. Read Full Review

Superman #18 is a way bigger deal than it seems. If this was a Marvel book, it would have been announced over a half year ago, have 20 variant covers, and be priced somewhere around $7.99. Bendis lays out his case for why Superman should reveal his identity and why he made that decision at this point in time, and it makes perfect sense. Its a move that is entirely in character for the Man Of Steel, and, strangely, it never happened before now. Ivan Reiss art really captures the emotion of the event. This is a beautiful start to a story. Theres always the chance that what comes next wont be as good- this is Bendis, after all- but much like his Action Comics #1017, this is a near-perfect beginning to a story. Read Full Review

I reserve the right to dislike this arc as a whole. But for an opening chapter, this grabbed me. Read Full Review

We're in a brave new world now, and this issue has me 100% sold. Read Full Review

Superman #18 is shockingly great. Given it's premise, it was expected to sour me on the book, but instead it has me more excited for the future than ever. Bendis delivers a tight script brimming with outstanding character moments, and Reis takes those moments and exemplifies them with what is maybe the best work of his career. This is one of the good ones, folks.  Read Full Review

We also get to see Luthor's reaction to it all. The question is then asked "What's next?" It is a good question that I can't wait to find out the answer. Bendis and Reis have opened up a can of worms. Now it is time to see what comes of it. Read Full Review

Although I'm not in general a big fan of these types of ‘reveal' issues, this was superbly done. A very nice character piece. Bendis putting the Super into Superman. Read Full Review

The reveal is a smart, calculated move by a hero led as much by his internal struggle of the split in his life as what he views is best for all concerned going forward. There will obviously be ramifications to the events both in large and small ways across the entire DCU (and you have to wonder if Clark's admission accidentally outs any other characters accidentally through his connection to them). If anything, Bendis underplays events (rather than make an event comic out of the story). I'm curious to see what happens next. Worth a look. Read Full Review

"Superman" #18 had the huge task of changing the status quo of an 81-year-old character and managed to pull it off. Read Full Review

This issue has its flaws, but as a whole I'd say it's the strongest single issue that Bendis has written since he came over to DC. Read Full Review

What Brian Michael Bendis is doing isn't just a great move for the Boy in Blue but for all superheroes. It's high time we explored the consequences, both good and bad, that inevitably come once the hero sheds his (or her) "secret identity". Of all the foes Superman has fought and vanquished, the truth may prove to be his most worthy adversary yet. Read Full Review

Superman telling the world he is Clark Kent is a shallow gimmick. But this pivotal issue is really well written and hard to dislike. While the general idea of the comic still has not been "sold" at least it has some real emotional moments. A contrast of a bad story idea married with incredible character moments and writing. Read Full Review

That same cynic says they'll be "fixing" this issue's revelation at some point, too. Give them a few years to figure it out. Read Full Review

Im not a huge fan of this decision or Bendis loose understanding of DC continuity, but The Truth is at least taking the book in a unique direction. Long-term Im not optimistic, but for now Bendis and Reis have my attention. Read Full Review

While I hate the idea of revealing Superman's identity, I have to admit that I didn't hate this issue for the way it was done.  Yeah, there's some aspects that could have been handled better, but all in all the art and the dialog came together this issue in a way that doesn't happen very often for Bendis in my mind.  Now we'll just have to wait and see what comes from this big reveal and if it flops just as hard as the last time Superman revealed his identity. Read Full Review

Even with Ivan Reis' solid artwork, there's little to get readers excited about Superman #18, as Clark Kent's biggest decision winds up feeling more anticlimactic than you could imagine. Read Full Review

AdmiralWhiskers

Dec 11, 2019

IN SHORT: A fantastic issue of Superman...bringing the various "Bendis-verse" storylines to a head and setting the stage for some fascinating tales to come. STORY: Brian Michael Bendis has FINALLY tied the different story arcs from his different books into one climactic moment -- the announcement by Superman revealing that he and Clark Kent are one and the same. We've seen this build up through the Unity Saga stories with Jor-El and Jonathan Kent playing their roles, and then with Event Leviathan with the looming threat of all secrets being revealed (and who has a bigger secret in the DC Universe than Superman?). This, of course, played out in Action where the new Daily Planet owner and new writers tried to get to the bottom of the Cla rk Kent/Lois Lane relationship...and, finally, Superman itself where our hero worked through his grief and trauma for the last few issues. This culminated with a fun exchange with Adam Strange at the United Planets scene at the beginning of this book. Superman #18 is an event book where the "event" of the media event where he makes the announcement is impressive, but the real story is in the reveal. Superman making time to privately inform Daily Planet editor Perry White - with a masterful, silent panel sequence - and Jimmy Olsen (I'll spare you the spoiler...but it's pitch perfect Jimmy) prior to the big event was in keeping with his character. Lastly, he visits Lois Lane for one last moment of validation before the reveal. Any spouse who's ready to make a big, life changing move knows the feeling. But then the fun really happens. The media whispers about the nature of the event were fun, but even more fun was poring over the two-page spread of DC characters watching the announcement in real time. Some were excited (Supergirl, most of the Justice League...but Wonder Woman is NOT pleased), some were thoughtful (Mera, Batman and Robin), some were proud (the Daily Planet team), some clearly were taking it in and recalibrating their view of Superman (the villains). And, of course, the many, many people he helped put in prison decide to riot. And then there's Lex Luthor. Our evil genius was caught flat-footed, and his Legion of Doom compadres were in the room with him when he found out. The combination of surprise and recrimination against Luthor -- not to mention the seeds of doubt sewn at how the mighty Luthor could have blown this one -- finish the book with a flourish. Luthor is NOT pleased, and someone's clearly going to pay. ART: Ivan Reis is a good artist, drawing a fine Superman and a crisp clear image of the DC Universe characters. His isn't an overly stylistic pen, which is good for this book as it lets us focus on the story. Sometimes, simpler is better. BIGGER PICTURE: The "Superman reveals his true identity" story has been done before, and some say that it's stupid to do it again. I say, "Who cares if it was done before?" Bendis has reset a number of clocks on the Superman titles, and it's new to this environment. More important to me is: 1. Was the story told well, and 2. Does this give us a firm path forward? In both cases, I give an enthusiastic YES. There is little reason to avoid dragging a story arc out on an ongoing title...and Bendis has stretched some stories farther than necessary during his time on the Super-books. Not here. He's been leading up to this moment for some time, and it hit with all the force that it deserves. Lastly, the reaction shots during and after the reveal event are the gold of this book. Bendis has been on record (He talks at length about this in the Word Balloon podcast) as saying that the simple act of stripping away the secret identity after all of these years is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told, and he's right. What will Wonder Woman do/say? How will Perry White handle having Superman on his staff? What will Red Cloud, Leviathan and Superman's more traditional rogues gallery do with this information to make Superman's life hell? And...WHAT ABOUT LUTHOR? I reserve my 10 scores for the best of the best...generationally great books. As a single, 20-plus page issue a comic book, Superman #18 is in that mix. Truthfully, I can't think of a single thing I would have done differently, so it's intellectually dishonest to give it anything but a 10. I will enjoy watching history look fondly on this effort from Bendis, Reis, the supporting team and DC Comics. This was GREAT. more

skyounkin

Dec 12, 2019

Amazing issue, top down AMAZING!! Great dialogue from Bendis as usual and incredibly touching it follows Clark as he reveals those closest to him that he is Superman. Even if you aren't a fan of Superman, this issue alone is definitely one you do not want to miss.

cincyfan

Dec 16, 2019

great book fantastic writing!

Simon DelMonte

Dec 11, 2019

Better the second time around. And gives me a modicum of hope on a rather hopeless day.

Walleyes

Dec 12, 2019

A fantastic issue. I don't get what people's problem is. Clark's identity is becoming meaningless now that Leviathan has come. Governments, some villians and heroes already know who he is. Lois has been a solid support to Clark along the way telling if he needs a breather he can take it. Her reveal to Jimmy was the right thing, because after Perry he was going to Jimmy straight and tell him anyway, he didn't go to work and he was his oldest friend which made her feel guilty. Bendis hit the right notes. Only problem is Clark didn't pick up the phone when she called to inform him that she was doing it. Bendis rarely allows them a good heart-to-heart talk.

Mail2g

Dec 12, 2019

A pretty solid issue. I loved the little snippets of Perry getting emotional and Jimmy laughing at Clark. Lois did try to tell Clark that she was going to inform Jimmy, but he was busy with Perry, and knowing that Jimmy's been her close and much longer friend, it is fitting that Lois informs him as she knew he would react very emotionally, and especially not to keep lies with the bad fate of Jor-El due to his secrets and Jon growing up but Clark not having enough time with him. I don't know why some people are complaining that Lois told him first, especially as she did try to discuss it with Clark. And no Lois didn't reveal Clark's secret identity during Event Leviathan or betray his trust. She told her dad during "Leviathan Rises" arc, and she only did it so they could reconcile and he could stop his hate for Superman who didn't feel betrayed in any way. Why would she betray Superman when she was angry at Amanda Waller for betraying Superman's trust. It's fitting that Jimmy be playful with Clark instead of crying. Knowing that she's been supportive of her husband despite her loss also warmed the heart. Although I do feel she hasn't been represented how she should be, Bendis rarely gives them private time and they rarely have time to focus on each other with their hectic lives and so many villains out for them, and Lois has been mostly been reduced to occasional appearances. Some would be questioning the logic, but given how some villains especially Leviathan and government agencies already know who he is, it's not a bad decision. We already know though Metropolis will be attacked anyway by Legion of Doom, so his identity reveal likely won't matter for now. more

+ Like • Comments (4)

• Likes (3)

• Walleyes
• Googoosha
• Blackberry1

Show all comments

Walleyes - Dec 12, 2019

Yeah I don't get what people's problem is too. Nor did she ever reveal his identity during Event Leviathan, she only told his dad before it so they reconciled and he respected Superman.

ComicMan - Dec 14, 2019

Her telling Jimmy was a bitch move. I dont care if shes married to superman it's not her right to tell other people.

Mail2g - Dec 14, 2019

Really? Which rule says it's not her right to tell her oldest friend when Clark would tell anyway? What would Clark get? Another emotional person like Perry. Is that what you want? This is a marriage, not a fulfilment of ego. Don't marry anyone with little bitchy man-baby attitude which gets annoyed so easily, play your control issues out of comics.

ComicMan - Dec 14, 2019

Not her secret to tell simple as that. Lois is one of my favorite characters but bendis writes her like a cunt.

Tinman

Dec 25, 2019

A solid if unspectacular defining moment in the eighty-one year history of the character. The dialogue-free page with Perry White was the best part of the issue.

Grifter

Dec 11, 2019

Well, it wasn’t badly executed, I just don’t understand the purpose of doing it

egonnn244

Dec 11, 2019

"Thank you for inspiring me" Holy crap! You did Mr. B. You pulled that off. You went through with it and it didn't feel cheap or forced or gimmicky. After Leviathan and recent issues of Action Comics and Superman, I was dreading this issue. But the solution was simple. Keeping the Bendisisms to a bare minimum and focusing on a cohesive story with the Man of Steel at the center. The reveal to Perry was great, my favorite part of the issue. Those six panels, with no words, really delivered. Reveal to Jimmy was lighthearted and funny (except the pee joke). And the reveal to all the rest was satisfying and very Superman (?) with the dialogue about showing both parts of himself. Keep at it Mr. B and I might again be excited for your Super-books. more

allenquanobi

Dec 11, 2019

Surprisingly not terrible, given how much I hate this series and action comics. I felt genuine emotion when Clark revealed his identity, but framing it around Adam strange felt odd to me, thought it'd work better if he was speaking to a more important character. I liked the setup for the ending, but this looks like it's all going down a very generic path. I like Ivan reis a lot, I think he's a very talented artist and should be given more credit where it's due.

superstan52

Dec 12, 2019

Perry's reaction in 2015, when he slapped Clark, was more on the mark: Clark destroyed his - and Lois'- credibility as reporters. Any Superman stories they wrote are totally compromised. Lois will lose her Pulitzer. The Daily Planet loses its integrity. Lois is now "Mrs. Superman" which cant make her happy. The Planet's employees, Clark's neighbors, and the entire town of Smallville now are endangered and/or have their lives thrown into turmoil. Very selfish decision by Superman, although it will be interesting to watch. Smaller point- if this was a 'mystery press conference' called by the Daily Planet, as the first pages imply, there would have been 4 people outside waiting, instead of throngs.

Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln

Dec 23, 2019

I am more excited for the reactions from villains written by the likes of Matt Fraction, Greg, and others than Bendis' Superman's forced and nonsensical identity reveal.

Psycamorean

Dec 13, 2019

This was fine if I turn my brain off and bask in the moment. The speech Superman gave, and the reactions from his supporting cast were both pretty good. I didn't like the initial set up with Adam Strange and more Unity of Planets bullshit. But once we moved past that, it wasn't so bad. However, and I really doubt Bendis is going to tackle this, there is no way Clark or Lois can still be journalists after this. They've been discredited, right? They've been using Superman for their stories for years and years and years... and now everyone knows Clark is Superman. On top of that, we do not need more Legion of Doom in these Superman comics. There's already too much going on.

Above Average Joe

Dec 11, 2019

Sigh. I wish I could say my disappointment was anything other than expected. The idea is unoriginal, especially given the events of the last several years. The execution is lacking, with the most interesting revelations done in silence and shadow. Ivan's art plays well in these moments but I can't help feeling cheated of much-needed character interaction between Clark & Perry in favor of downright idiotic reasoning and bloated dialogue that does little more than remind the audience that Bendis obviously never watched Superman IV "why do i hide my identity?" Oh, gee. I don't know, maybe because Clark has a wife, a child, is the most prominent hero in the DC universe with a cavalcade of rogues who show no compunction about collateral damage. Clark is who he is, Superman is what he can do. That's a truism at the heart of the character that It's current steward either doesn't understand or doesn't care about. Good Lord, can someone please get Bendis off the Superbooks before it's too late? more

Spacey Medicine

Jan 03, 2020

Everybody you have ever met is going to be asking you to help move their shit when they’re moving and you won’t be able to say no because you’re Superman and you don’t want anybody to call you a dick, you fool, you absolute chump. Also lol @ him delivering a speech while hovering like fifteen feet in the air, away from every single microphone. Who is going to hear you, Superman. They are normal people.

Comics Code Authorities

Jun 28, 2020

December 2019: It's a BAD Idea and nothing good will come of it. June 2020: 6 Months have passed and It was a STUPID idea and nothing good ever came of it. Leave the Marvel crap where it belongs Bendis. With them. The problem is how to undo this lame concept. Most likely another reality-altering crisis where "Nothing will ever be the same again" is on the horizon again, and likely EVERY DC title will start over at #1 again, right? Don't waste time or money on spare copies for future profit. In 10 years this issue will more likely be found in $1 comic bins rather than displayed between Amazing Spider-Man #3oo and An Autographed second edition Batman #608 at conventions. Still, I'll give deserved credit to Ivan Reis, whose Superman work I 've always enjoyed. more

M1sf1r3

Dec 11, 2019

Prelude: Welp, it's here. Let's be optimistic and see how Bendis handles "The Truth". Plus Reis is here for art and he's fantastic. The Good: Reis' artwork is great. Some hiccups with continuity but I think that's the colourist's fault. I liked the lead up in this issue to the big reveal. The Bad: Look, it's a poor idea. Clark has revealed his identity in recent years and it never sticks. Can it be interesting? Yes. But is it a good idea to do so. Never. The reactions from everyone on the hero side are off. It's overly happy but these are people who know the risks of their lives, why they need a secret identity. They should be questioning this action, not applauding it. Continuity is consistently off. Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen, Justice League (and Odyssey), Batman/Superman, Batman and the Legion of Doom all have some problem within this issue that conflicts with their own. Conclusion: Look, Reis' art is amazing and the lead up to the actual reveal was nice but it's a redundant idea that always ends poorly for all parties and considering the experience all the other heroes have, they shouldn't be reacting in such a positive manner. more

KFuqua

Dec 11, 2019

Garbage from Bendis. Enough of this garbage already.

+ Like • Comments (2)

• Likes (5)

• RBL
• leoleol_m
• ComicMan
• CaptnAmerca
• myconius

JBL Reviews - Dec 12, 2019

What about it did you consider garbage? Not arguing, truly curious.

KFuqua - Dec 13, 2019

Just about everything except the art. It really makes no sense at all for Superman to give up his secret identity and expose all of the people he cares about to the danger that will result from this. It seems completely out of character for Superman to do something like this. It also seems to be Bendis re-hashing past ideas and having yet another superhero reveal their secret identity.

RBL

Dec 11, 2019

What a joke, I mean they already did this same thing before in a story also called 'Truth', so to treat this as new ground is ridiculous. Dialogue is more bearable than past issues but 'bendis-speak' continues to be as irksome as it has always been. Some moments played out well enough, others were borderline nonsensical; the entirety of the panels that occur in Thanagar are asinine. The humor is also, as always, off the mark. Lois is incredibly out of character, but she's already broken Superman's confidence by sharing his identity without his knowledge in Event Leviathan. In the previous 'Truth' storyline she was the one to share this news and it led to Superman becoming a fugitive; Lois is acting more like this when it was an entire ly different one at the time. While it could be interesting to see what happens from here, keeping hopes and expectations low would go a LONG way. more

+ Like • Comments (8)

• Likes (3)

• leoleol_m
• KFuqua
• ComicMan

Show all comments

Mail2g - Dec 12, 2019

Lois never revealed Superman's identity in Event Leviathan. I don't get what you're claiming. When and how did Lois betray Clark's confidence? Besides she did try to tell Clark that she was going to tell Jimmy but he was busy. In the New 52 she made a wise choice, otherwse HORDR xould have mis-utilized Superman's powers. It seems you have a clear agenda against Lois. How is that anywhere equal to this issue?

Walleyes - Dec 12, 2019

Lois never revealed Clark's identity during Event Leviathan, what are you talking about?

Mail2g - Dec 13, 2019

I think you're referring to "Leviathan Rises" arc as Event Leviathan. She revealed it to her dad but that was just to reconcile and make him trust in Superman, and especially not to keep lies since the bad fate of Jor-El and Jon growing up. She gets nothing out of it except family bonding or out of telling Jimmy. Superman never felt betrayed nor it's a betrayal in any sense.

RBL - Dec 13, 2019

I wasn’t talking about Event Leviathan at all, that was hardly an “event” and more of a massive waste of paper. Also, Lois sharing Superman’s identity without consulting with Clark, yeah that’s not a betrayal because it’s not as if he hasn’t ever mobilized the US army and other forces against Superman right? The HORDR thing was pure idiocy, he was already losing his powers and it did not improve his situation. Her characterization here is clearly off.

Mail2g - Dec 13, 2019

You said it yourself that she revealed in Event Leviathan. As for Sam mobilizing the US army no, not in the Rebirth comics with the Superman Reborn timeline. Even in older comics he only attacked when there was a danger. As for losing his powers, he really didn't lose them until after the encounter with HORDR who would have taken all his power. She did the right thing.

Mail2g - Dec 13, 2019

And as for betraying Superman's trust, does he even feel betrayed? No. Whether she discussed, it hardly makes a difference. Sam Lane anyway isn't as hateful now, even though he only acted against him when he thought it was needed like in "Secret Origins", that too to arrest him when he wasn't fully trusted & walked out of their interrogation but does stop going after him. In Rebirth, he dislikes him but not to such an extent & doesn't attack him. And Sam had come to nearly like him before dying.

RBL - Dec 16, 2019

This is pre-Flashpoint Superman. What he did against Superman then still stands, and to portray someone like Lois not consulting her husband before doing something that important is ridiculous when he’s trying to claim they are that close and trusting. Him losing his powers was not due to HORDR it was a wide variety of things, which you’d know if you’d actually read the titles. But you know what, if you enjoy this go ahead. I’m alright not liking subpar writing.

Mail2g - Dec 17, 2019

It's not "pre-Flashpoint Superman", that one only existed till Superman Reborn arc when a unique timeline combining some events of both New Earth and New 52 was created. Unlike you I did read the comics. Besides Sam Lane could essily march to Metropolis anyday again if he wanted to take him down. And I never said Superman lost all his powers to HORDR, all I said was that HORDR was trying to take his power or sucking his power and Lois revealed his identity. The writing is good, you're whining.

RKS

Feb 09, 2020

Art is good, the writing style is crap, the character of Lois is written to be simply unlikable. Really no reason for these events to happen. None, so just a silly story all around. SJW Bendis is just going to crap all over your favorite character because that's just what he does.