Friday, August 8, 2014

Smallville: Chaos #10 Review

Written by: Bryan Q. Miller
Art by: Agustin Padilla
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: August 8, 2014

Man With a Plan


Last week in Smallville: Chaos, Lex Luthor channeled his inner Dan Didio and suggested a reboot of the Smallville Universe.  To say I was anticipating this issue all week is an understatement.  Smallville is my favorite comic and while I've enjoyed the Chaos mini, it seems to be losing a little steam instead of building to an epic conclusion.  I blame the way these issues are eventually packaged more than the issues themselves. There is a certain ebb and flow that goes along with it.  However, Lex's proposal was a great ending to last issue and a jump start to the final three starting this week.



Bryan Q. Miller is bringing everything together for the stretch run.  The Eclipso story continues with some awesome guest stars.  Superboy, Supergirl and Hank Henshaw are on the case.  It's got action and a good dose of humor.  It also has a bit of progression which is something that hasn't happened much throughout this book.  Cyborg Superman gets a peek at the history of Eclipso and then comes up with a plan.  It may be crazy enough to work.

Meanwhile, Superman and Lois Lane are still hitching a ride with the Monitors.  Lex has every one's attention and even gets a nice jab at Superman.  The guy knows how to sell a deal!  The Monitor's seem intrigued, but decide to deal first with the matter at hand...Superman.  As is the order of the day, He has a plan as well.  His is just crazy enough...to get someone killed.

Like I said, these issues have an ebb and flow and this one is the start of the final three chapters that will be packaged together.
Because of that, it is more setup than say, the last issue.  I don't care, I like what Miller gives us.  The Eclipso story is really starting to get interesting, not because of Eclipso, but who Miller brought in to fight it.  I loved the brief bit with Lex and the Superman cliffhanger was great.  I can't wait to see his plan and then see how he gets himself out of it.

Agustin Padilla's art was okay.  I am a big fan, but he was a little off this week.  The action was well done, but his characters just had an unfinished look.  I did love Cat Staggs cover as usual.  it's epic.

Bits and Pieces:

Smallville: Chaos #10 is a good start to the final stretch of the Chaos story.  Bran Q. Miller gives us some really good Eclipso setup and the issue ends with Superman calling for desperate measure.  Agustin Padilla's art was unusually off this week, but overall this was a nice setup issue that promises a great final two issues.  Recommended.

8.3/10

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