Superman: Son of Kal-El (2021-) #18

Superman: Kal-El Returns #7

by Tom Taylor, Tamra Bonvillain (Cover Art), Travis Moore (Cover Art)

“KAL-EL RETURNS” PART 6! THE RISE OF RED SIN! With the landmark Action Comics #1050 just around the corner, prepare for the ultimate battle between Superman and Lex Luthor as Clark and Jon continue their intensive training. But will it be enough to overcome the mysterious new villain calling himself Red Sin?

Genres: Comics, Superman, Dc Comics, LGBT

27 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2022

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

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent ending to a decent series.

Superman Son of Kal-El never did live up to what I was hoping. Which is a shame.

I love Jon. I love Tom Taylor's work. This just felt like it never fully got there. Saying that I enjoyed it for the most part. Some really good moments for Jon to grow, a great issue with his father at the start and the end, and good world building. But man, the villains and his boyfriend just didn't do anything for me. Didn't care about any of them.

I am hoping this changes though and I will check out the next mini series. But for now we say goodbye and Hi to Clark Kent taking over the Superman title once more.

[Kastie Pavlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first pages - I laughed out loud at Wally interacting with Batman's force field in the background. Wally gets one full star for that. 😂 I liked that Jon has found his own path and is going to continue doing things his way. I dislike that he's gained a nemesis in the same vein as Lex Luthor, especially one that has permanently bonded a power to himself. That seems contradictory to hating someone because of the power they have and*could* abuse if so chosen. How is it any better to have power over those with the power you fear? Disappointed to see the same argument being used against Jon that we see time and time again with Sups, even if this guy has what appears to be a better moral compass than Lex.

[Devin Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not, like, irritated or upset about Jon having a (to me) out-of-nowhere backup plan, because it's completely believable. I do wish I had any reason to know about it 18 issues into this series. (Am I forgetting something? I really don't think so.)

More than anything, I want to shout out the pencils in this. There are so many strong choices with regard to poses, composition, and using the cape for dramatic effect.

With regard to the story, it's hard not to feel like it has very little going on in the issue itself. It just all feels like prelude to Action Comics #1050.

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hatred doesn’t need a reason. It exists just because it transcends logic. To combat it we need understanding and compassion. It doesn’t always work but we must try. Now Jon must combat his new nemesis. However it will be an uphill battle.

[Gore · Rating 2 out of 5]

At most, it was an okay series.

[Burton Olivier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid run and I like this new bad guy

[Andrew Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited for Jon’s story to continue

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great round out to 2022. What a gift this character is. Thank you Tom Taylor. Can't wait for more adventures of Jon Kent

[Marsh Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon doesn't just want to save people's lives, he wants to save their souls too. But are some people beyond saving? Luis, for example?

[Door l · Rating 5 out of 5]

ma boy so strong

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of would have liked a more proper ending to this series, but at least there's more of Jon after this.