Writer: James Robinson
Pencils: Renato Guedes

This issue kicks off another yearlong storyline amongst the Super-books, with this particular title focusing on Mon-El and The Guardian’s adventures in Metropolis while Big Blue is on New Krypton.

This is a great setup issue for what’s to come as we see Superman making preparations for his absence. At Clark’s request, Mon-El takes over the responsibility of protecting Metropolis and we see Jimmy Olson get new signal watch tuned to Mon-El’s ear. Superman also asks for John Henry Irons (the “anti-Luthor”, I love how the character has evolved in the DCU) to return as Steel to help keep a watch over the city and Mon-El. Finally, Superman contacts Guardian and the Science Police to help Mon-El adjust and find him a secret identity. This new identity is later revealed to be that of Jonathan Kent, the newest transfer to the Metropolis Science Police, from England.

Of course, we get to see Mon-El on his first day make a mess of Metropolis by fighting Rampage, dropping her to the ground from high in the sky without any thought of civilians below or whether she could actually survive the fall (luckily, she can). Just after this is when Steel and then Guardian show up to question Mon-El’s tactics.

I like the way this situation was written. I almost expected a dismissive impatient “We know better than you, kid, you’re dangerous!” tone from Guardian and Steel, but they were very calm. It’s just little touches like that instead of the clichéd “angry mentor” role that are nice to see.

In addition to all of this, quasi-villain Atlas is seen having a drink and talking to Bibbo Bibbowkski at his Ace O’ Clubs Bar. Bibbo think he looks familiar, but Atlas tells him he is new to the city and that he wishes to understand Metropolis.

So, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Mon-El, Guardian and Steel interact and work together in the issues to come. I’ve always felt these three characters were very cool and underused by DC, so it’s great to see them getting the spotlight, even if the book still says ‘Superman’ on the cover. The use of Atlas as a major player in this series has me very intrigued as well.

Like I said, this is mostly the setup, but book is well worth tracking down to see and understand the key players this year.