Superman #19

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: January 22, 2020 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 20 User Reviews: 36
7.5Critic Rating
5.3User Rating

One day later! What happens the day after Superman reveals his secret identity to the world? And what repercussions will his decision have across the entire DC Universe? Plus, Superman: president of Earth?

  • 9.4
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Jan 22, 2020

    Reis provides some dynamic visuals in this issue. With the story being more character focused, Ivan Reis delivers a lot of expressive character moments throughout and the action is focused and brilliantly done. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Jan 27, 2020

    Brian Michael Bendis brings back Mongul for the first villain to face Superman since coming out to the world. While I wouldn't rate the villain as a favorite, he does have the physical might to stand toe-to-toe with the Man of Steel for several rounds making him a legitimate threat (which is underlined by Mongul knocking Superman unconscious by the end of the issue). Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jan 22, 2020

    It feels like Bendis' Superman is genuinely different since he unmasked, and that's a sign that Bendis' take on the character is finding its footing. I don't know if this new status quo will stick permanently, but I can't wait to see where Bendis takes it. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Zac Owens Jan 23, 2020

    This is a Superman issue that does it all. The creative team from DC Comics shows us all the reasons we like Clark, and all the reasons we like Superman. And they remind us what makes the two so different. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Watch - Cody White Jan 24, 2020

    Superman #19 (Bendis, Reis, Sinclair) explores the aftermath of the revelation while moving towards a new status quo for comics' oldest superhero as "The Truth" continues. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Sequential Planet - Ethan Maddux Jan 24, 2020

    Superman #19 is a fantastic follow-up to my favorite issue of the run. It homes in on the consequences of Clark's decision and does so with a degree of thought and care that I didn't expect. The dialogue and character beats are stellar and are matched by the artists' incredible talent. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    GWW - Percy Waelchl Jan 22, 2020

    The first half of the issue is another super use of characters and new ideas. A perfect 10. Unfortunately, the second half leans into the superpowers of the character but it is not a super use of character. A standard 7. Ultimately, the issue will be remembered for the excellent first half that reminds readers why Superman is a relatable character. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Jan 24, 2020

    I'll admit that I liked the front half of this issue much more than the back half. But Mongul is usually treated as a punching bag so seeing him actually be a threat was refreshing. I still think there will be way more fallout on Earth about this reveal but a little 'honeymoon period' seems to make sense as everyone muddles through the right response. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Jan 24, 2020

    So, a solid issue, but almost a filler along the route for the latest story. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil Jan 26, 2020

    I am still unsure of whether Clark dropping his secret identity was a wise direction for the Superman books. However, I do feel that it is being handled a lot better than when his secret was revealed in the New 52 era. The widespread acceptance and support he is getting for his decision makes a lot more sense than the fear and suspicion that he faced in the New 52. I am finding the story interesting and I hope that Bendis will sell me on this bold direction for the character. With Superman #19, he has made a first step towards doing so. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer Jan 22, 2020

    It's interesting to compare this issue to Superman's last "outing" as Clark Kent, an event that eventually led to Superman changing his name, shaving his head, and becoming a firefighter. I don't know whether this is the influence of Brian Bendis on the story or just editorial reacting to that (quickly discarded) last change, but this issue shows Superman and his allies handling things with a much softer touch, one that feels much more "Superman" than before. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Multiversity Comics - Quinn Tassin Jan 27, 2020

    The Man of Steel takes a second to breathe then takes a hard turn into actionville in "Superman #19." Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Word Of The Nerd - Jordan Claes Jan 24, 2020

    Once more, I'm positively delighted to say how much I'm enjoying this arc. Superman #19 is a beautifully crafted statement about acceptance and presenting your true self to the world"especially when faced with the possibility of rejection. Bendis' words are nothing short of inspirational and I'd wager that there will be many misty-eyed readers before the covers are closed. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jan 22, 2020

    The Truth has potential, but its worrisome that Bendis has already seemingly lost interest in the biggest change to the status quo in years. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    You Don't Read Comics - David Harth Jan 29, 2020

    Superman #19 continues the story of Superman revealing his identity by focusing on the Daily Planet. Bendis uses his signature tropes in the best possible way in this issue. It's entertaining. A problem is the chapter doesn't seem to lend itself very well to a story arc. Sure, there's a cliffhanger ending, but other than that, where is this story going? Ivan Reis's artworks at the beginning of the issue, but suffer later, possibly because of the number of inkers on the book. As stated above, this is an entertaining issue, but it doesn't feel like it works for a long-form story. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    On Comics Ground - Timothy Quail Jan 24, 2020

    Superman #19 is an issue many people have been waiting for. The reaction to Superman's reveal is well paced and explored. However the comic is muddied a bit with another plot line thrown in there like a monkey wrench. Read Full Review

  • 6.3
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Jan 22, 2020

    The Truth is here, but sadly besides for a nice first half of this book, it's barely dealt with and doesn't show any signs of ramifications for our hero's actions.  That's still better than going off and dealing with Unity Day out of nowhere, which just made this issue feel off for what we were dealing with, but thankfully the art remained consistently strong throughout the issue. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    AIPT - Vishal Gullapalli Jan 22, 2020

    An issue with a lot of good but just as much bad. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Jan 24, 2020

    Bendis can lampshade it all he wants, but he is having trouble balancing the feel-good nature of this Clark Kent/Superman reveal with anything resembling actual stakes. Read Full Review

  • 2.0
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Jan 24, 2020

    Superman then shows up. Mongul then proceed to beat the hell out of him. And that is honestly where we end up. The art is beautiful on this book. But the writing? Bendis doesn't even stick to the rules he creates for this story. This is a mess that hopefully we can all forget one day. Read Full Review

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