Adventures of Superman #632

THE GRIEF OF SUPERMAN

"Read all about it! Lois Lane shot in the line of duty!" I know it sounds like I'm giving away spoilers, but since the cover of Adventures of Superman #632 clearly gives away that Lois is shot in this issue, I feel safe telling you that much.

This story, by Greg Rucka, is not really about who shot Lois or how it happened; it is about how Superman deals with a crisis that is much more personal than usual. In a story that echoes current events, Lois is shot while reporting from a war zone in a foreign land. The rest of the issue shows us how Supes, with a little help from his friends, handles the crucial five minutes after the event.

The other plotline in this issue gives readers a glimpse of what happens when Superman's attention is forced away. By rushing off to help Lois, he leaves a couple of evil-doers (most importantly a not-very-nice-guy named Ruin) in the hands of the police and bad things happen. Ruin is not a nice man.

Greg Rucka's script is very tense, and the counter he uses to record each vital second passing is a neat way to show readers how fast the action is moving. This issue also has great art by Paul Pelletier that really lends the story a sense of urgency, and adds to the moodier moments. Pelletier is also going to be the new artist on She-Hulk soon, which gives me an excuse to plug that great book too. (Read She-Hulk!) But I digress.

Adventures of Superman #632 has Superman in very unusual circumstances, Lois in peril and Ruin ruining things. The only other incentive you should need to try this out is the fact that it is Four Color Fantasies guaranteed Book of the Week!