I don't know about "Oversized" but it certainly is "overpriced." But what comic isn't anymore?
This was an alright issue. It would've been better if there was no "family" interference. I also hate how literally Superman and Batman seem to take that term lately. They're mostly allies or teammates, but hardly family. At least they're not all calling Superman "Dad." Not yet anyway. Supergirl came off as totally unlikable in this book. I've never resented her presence more. At least the "Let's try and compensate for aging Jon" twins and Krypto weren't there. But one thing I've found most enjoyable about this book when compared to Action is its lack of the "Family" on a regular basis. Hopefully they won't be back for a long time. These days Conner's a bore, Supergirl is a letdown and Jon has become a totally pointless character altogether and may as well just be dead.
The Chained is an interesting enemy. I can't really say I see him as a villain, but I can see him as a pretty well-deceived pawn by real villains like Pharm and Graft. As for Lex, I really have had enough over the past decade of him trying to be what he isn't, and that's a hero. I doubt I'm going to like his mother much and hope she won't become a major factor (I hate mama's boy villains whose mothers walk all over them as she seems to think she can do). The return of Lena is an interesting twist though, and it looks like it was timed pretty well. I doubt it's a coincidence that Brainiac is back at the same time. I hear that Williamson will be doing a crossover soon with Action featuring more of him, so that should be interesting. I expect Lena will have a pretty major role in that too.
I'm also glad to see the original numbering being acknowledged in some way, as this and Batman never should have even relaunched at #1 in the first place (Thank you very much Dan "The moneygrubber" DiDio).
Altogether, this was a satisfactory issue. Not the best yet by far, but keeping up with Williamson's record of decent issues so far. It also leaves us interested in what's going to happen next rather than the usual "When is all this going to end?" feeling that most books nowadays tend to give us. more
By: Joshua Williamson, Gleb Melnikov
Released: Oct 18, 2023
AN OVERSIZE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE CELEBRATING THE MAN OF STEEL AND HIS LEGACY! Superman #850! A special oversize issue celebrating Superman and his super-legacy! Since the start of Superman #1 and Dawn of DC, a mystery has been brewing in Metropolis. Now that mystery's secrets are unleashed, with startling revelations that set up a massive story in 202...
I have to agree with you about the "family." Supergirl was totally unlikable here and though Conner is a weak shell of what he was 30 years ago, he and Steel are the only ones I'd keep around. Even Jon has been reduced to nobody worth caring about and losing him would only benefit the books now. Such a pitiful waste of a once great character.