DC Comics has graced us with a preview of the latest issue of their digital-first offering, Adventures of Superman #20.
This issue (which is available now at comiXology and Amazon) is the second of a two-part story written and drawn by David Lapham, famous great titles such as Stray Bullets. This story arc re-introduced Metallo and deals with a cult of Superman worshippers! The first part was so amazing, that we got to ask Lapham a few questions about his work on this title and the story itself.
Shaz-Bot: In your story, there is a “Church of Superman”, while Superman and religion have been touched on in the past before, did you find it easier or harder to approach the issue in a non-continuity series like Adventures of Superman?
David Lapham: I don’t think it would have made a difference with this story. Continuity has its upside and downside. On the one hand it’s a help to build on what’s been going on before and whats going on in a larger universe setting, on the other it’s very freeing to not be beholden to any of that and just come up with a good Superman story. I suppose in this case it’s easier because my creation of a “Church of Superman” doesn’t have to be thought of in terms of how it might affect other stories or books.
S-B: I know your work mostly from what would be considered non-mainstream (ie: not superhero) comics, do you approach writing these larger than life characters differently than you would otherwise?
DL: Yes. But only because they can fly and lift buildings. Otherwise I try and just tell my stories.
S-B: I was very intrigued by the beginning of your tale. If offered, would you contribute more work to DC’s digital first offerings?
DL: This one was great fun. Yes definitely. It’s a great way to play with these characters without, as we just talked about, all the weight of the larger universe.
S-B: Your issue also (re)introduced Metallo. While somewhat similar to other interpretations of Metallo, the way your Superman took him out was decidedly not! What would you say gave you the impetus to use Superman’s powers in such a creative (and fun) way? (Note: I’m referring to a scene where Superman uses his super breath to shoot a wrecking ball out of a construction tube like a cannon to dislodge Metallo’s Kryptonite heart)
DL: Heh. Yeah. That was just fun to think up a creative way to defeat Metallo like that. He’s Superman he can do anything, why stand there and get weak in the knees. Stuff like that frustrated me as a kid. I loved Super Friends but could never understand why Green Lantern would fall apart if something yellow came along. Like a bunny painted yellow could come along and kill everyone in the city and he’d be helpless. I always thought “Well, pick up a car with your green energy hand and throw it at the yellow guy!” The impetus for the Metallo thing probably came from all the Looney Tunes I watched as a kid where they’re running around in construction zones. Or maybe that old Krazy Glue commercial.
S-B: It seems in the first part of your story, Metallo is taken out pretty easily. Was his appearance meant to serve as a background to the narration, or will he be rearing his metallic head again?
DL: On one level it’s just an intro action. So Metallo may not have been taken out easily, we’re just seeing the final act…BUT it may not be the final act. We kinda sorta maybe might see him again in part two.
If you couldn’t tell, I really got a kick out of this story, and will be eagerly downlading the second part in a few minutes. I suggest you give it a shot as well. At 99 cents a pop, you get a lot of value for your comics dollar. Without further ado, here’s the preview for today’s issue.
Info on this week’s story:
Written/Drawn by David Lapham
In a race against time, the Man of Steel goes undercover to investigate the Church of Superman before hundreds of “faithful” followers attempt to jump to their deaths!
