Phil Jimenez made a bold choice in the first issue of Superwoman, introducing two co-leads who shared a superhero name and then killing one of them off in the final pages. Lois Lane and Lana Lang both gained superpowers following the death of the New 52’s Superman, but as of Superwoman’s second issue, Lois has disintegrated into dust and Lana finds herself dealing with the loss of another person she cares about. Jimenez has said in interviews that Lois’ story isn’t done yet, and the cover of next week’s Superwoman #2 suggests that Lois will likely be revived, but ending the first issue with that risky cliffhanger established that this is a book willing to make daring narrative decisions to get people to pay attention.
As both writer and artist, Phil Jimenez carries the majority of the storytelling weight on his shoulders, and he’s writing the kind of comics that he’s excited to draw. There are quiet character moments that showcase the emotional range of his characters, expansive environments that highlight his attention to detail, and plenty of superhero fights to stretch his action muscles. Jimenez is known for the intricate detail of his linework, and Matt Santorelli’s precise inks ensure that all of that specificity comes through. Jeromy Cox’s colors add dimension to the visuals, but they also amplify the energy of the story; the fight scene in these pages features a strong contrast of hot and cold colors, adding extra tension to the action as these shades battle for dominance. There’s a lot of talent on display in Superwoman, and hopefully Lois’ potential demise hasn’t turned readers away from this exciting take on Superman’s legacy.