The Super Powered Fancast

The Return of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1

DC Comics

Written by Dan Jurgens, Louise Simonson, Jerry Ordway and Karl Kesel

Art by Travis Moore, Jon Bogdanove, Jerry Ordway, Tom Grummett, Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding

Inks by Jon Bogdanove, Doug Hazelwood and Denis Rodier

Colors by Adriano Lucas, Glenn Whitmore and Elizabeth Breitweiser

Letters by Rob Leigh and Richard Starkings

The Rundown: Five stories explore the time before Superman returns to Metropolis.

Legacy

Cyborg Superman is attacking STAR Labs and Lois wants to get information on the attack. Teaming with one of her reporters and a journal from Perry White, she heads out to get answers. Making it to the scene, she finds Steel, Superboy and the ghost of the Eradicator teaming up to take down the Cyborg.

I really enjoyed this part of the story and how it not only connects all of the other stories together, but also how it brings everything to a great conclusion.

Speed!

Ron, a former cub reporter for the Daily Planet, tells Lois about the first time he met Steel. A meeting that occurs when he takes a walk through his neighborhood in the aftermath of Doomsday’s attack and the reveal of four new Supermen.

An entertaining short story that does a great job of singling out Steel as a character and giving him the opportunity to tell his story. The art is beautifully detailed and visually engaging.

He Had me Thinking he was Superman

Perry White gets a radio call saying that one of the Supermen is interrogating a criminal at an abandoned warehouse. Determined to see if this is the real one, Perry moves in and finds the Eradicator violently getting information with the police powerless to stop him. At the same time, there are others who seem to know what’s happening and could possibly help.

An interesting short that conveys some great character moments for Perry as well as showcasing how dark the Eradicator is. I love the art and how it takes me back to the time the story is set in.

The Metropolis Kid

Perry decides to track down the Superboy making a name for himself in both the city and social media. After tracking him down to a skate park, Bloodsport arrives to take down the new Superman in the city. A task whose lack of success leads Perry to ask some questions about this new hero while also admiring him.

A fun and entertaining short story filled with great character moments and charm. The art is fantastic and draws you in.

Betrayal

As one of his reporters rallies to prove that the Cyborg Superman is the real one, Perry has his doubts. Doubts that become reality when the truth is revealed and the Cyborg is revealed to be Hank Henshaw. A revelation that will bring destruction to Coast City and make Perry question his integrity.

A darker toned story, but one that delivers great moments and history for the characters. I loved the art a lot.