Superman: Son of Kal-El 2021 Annual #1

Superman: Son of Kal-El (Single Issues)

by Tom Taylor, Clayton Henry (Penciller, Inker), Steve Pugh (Penciller, Inker)

Jon Kent’s first days as Earth’s new Superman have been a trial by fire. His actions have already put those he loves in harm’s way. He has stood strong in the path of constant attacks, but the immovable object is about to meet an unstoppable force. Lex Luthor-the man, the myth, the menace-returns to Metropolis.

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Superman, Comic Book

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2021

About the author

Once a professional juggler and fire eater, Tom Taylor is a #1 New York Times Bestselling, multi-award-winning comic book writer, playwright and screenwriter.

Well known for his work with DC Comics and Marvel, Taylor is the co-creator of NEVERLANDERS from Penguin Random House, SEVEN SECRETS from Boom Studios and the Aurealis-Award-winning graphic novel series THE DEEP. Taylor is also the Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Deep animated series, four seasons of which is broadcast in over 140 countries.

He is perhaps best known for the DC Comics series, DCEASED (Shadow Awards Winner), NIGHTWING (nominated for 5 Eisner Awards), SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL (GLAAD Award Nominee), INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, SUICIDE SQUAD, EARTH 2 and BATMAN/SUPERMAN as well as Marvel's FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN, ALL NEW WOLVERINE, X-MEN: RED, DARK AGES and SUPERIOR IRON MAN. Taylor is also the writer of many Star Wars series, which include STAR WARS: INVASION and STAR WARS: BLOOD TIES (Stan Lee Excelsior Award winner). Taylor has written for Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, Boom Studios, Wildstorm, 2000 AD and Gestalt Comics.

He can be followed on twitter @TomTaylorMade.

Reviews

[Trike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea Tom Taylor wrote this when I picked it up. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about with this new aged-up Jon Kent, and Annuals have always been a good place to drop in, with their stand-alone stories. With very few missteps, Taylor is easily one of the best writers in comics today, if not THE best, and he proves it here again.

He uses the DC universe to inform the story and characters, making it seem effortless. So many comics feel forced, but this just flows from panel to panel, page to page. He also manages to use DC characters to comment on real-world issues, to masterful effect. Here it’s climate change and billionaire Lex Luthor not doing anything about it, when he could be solving the problem.

Taylor also hits on the inherent goodness of Superman, just as he did with Peter Parker in Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Volume 2: Hostile Takeovers.

The art by Steve Pugh and Clayton Henry is solid throughout, and the colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Steve Buccellato really pop.

Here’s a delightful 2-page side quest that appears near the beginning. It’s actually not a throwaway moment, because it informs the climate change discussion later.


https://ibb.co/R6yTJrL


https://ibb.co/DkDvfSN

[Mery ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

This issue brought my faith back. The discussion about why people aren't doing enough about climate change pivoted to work in-universe also, is the way to go to deal with these real-world topics, especially if it involves demystifying these absurd notions of going to space as some really dumb ass billionaires we have around here have.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid annual that shows what Jon has to deal with in everyday superheroing. Lots of focus on Lex and why he could be a great hero but always chooses the wrong path. Not too big fan of the AR though.

[Sid · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh, so jon kent IS beth harmon. got it. also he's still most precious cutest superhero son.

[Clay Bartel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the groundbreaking news that Jon Kent, Son of Superman is Bisexual there may have been so notion that the series would be hijacked by the revelation or that the plot might turn to melodramatic romance... ultimately the annual makes no mention of Jon's sexuality and rather focuses on the triumphant return of Lex, a chess game, and the environment.

Doesn't sound to exciting? Well it's an oversized issue and manages to become my favorite where previously I leaned towards issues #2 and #5.

2021 Annual tells a great story focused largely on Lex's underestimation of the young Superman.

This series continues to get better, more focused and the themes and plot are coming together!

[Devin Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blehhhhhh, comics are weird. They're sadly difficult to navigate sometimes.

I enthusiastically read through Son of Kal-El months ago and am only just realizing I skipped this Annual. I would welcome DC being a little more annoying with editors' notes directing me to stuff I should read (though maybe I just all the way ignored something like that at the time; I'm not sure).

The signature Kent family (or Tom Taylor) warmth is so great. Lex's threat is so great.

But then the stakes seem to get so much lower, and the "take the L" comment MIGHT be just SLIGHTLY too cute for its own good.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the human element that this series has. We get to see some really personal moments with Jon and Lex that really build Jon's character. I cannot get enough of this series and how refreshing it is. The chess game, albeit a common trope, was a nice touch. It was really cool to see the potential that Lex has if he could make the right choice.

[Frank Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digging Jon

This was an enjoyable read. A David versus Goliath in terms of cognitive prowess as Jon meets Luthor on his playing field. Artwork was great as well . Looking forward to the next installment.

[Ondřej Halíř · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor je best! Už jen v tomto annualu dokazuje jak svojí sílu v dialozích tak i v jeho lidském přístupu k Supermanovskému komiksu. Tohle je fakt zatím jedna z nejlepších DC on-going sérií. Jen tak dál!

[Tomato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the issue.

This is the first comic I have read from this series, it looks alright. Might go on and read more. I liked the focus on Luthor and Superman's backstory.

I'm still not sure how the whole climate change thing works in this comic universe though.

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Kent and Lex Luthor have an interesting conversation and a chess match. I think Jon may be continuing the legacy of starting on the wrong foot with Lex.

Included in my Pride Month 2023 reading list.

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luther loses more to his own arrogance than to Superman's power.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing too crazy but a good little addition to the story! The joke at the end was dumb but in a good way, it got me I’m not gonna lie

[Aranza (grumpy version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon officially won me over by stopping to save a polar bear. My heart literally melted.

[Axel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homecoming

[Victor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was bad for her. No me gustó principalmente pq no hay mucho John y si hay mucho lex y Clarke. This was no bueno. Me alegra q esto sea solo el annual. Can't wait for #6.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this new Superman.

[Sam P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This actually made me want to read the Superman: Son of Kal-El series.

[OinkFish Pigs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid issue. Luther and Jon’s dynamic was decent, and the art was pretty good, and Luther seeming interested in helping was also cool.

9.1

[Andrew Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the chess game

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

[Steven Shinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing the way Jon deals with Lex here. And Superman made an AI of himself but of course cannot answer every question. Let that be a lesson to you all!