When he’s not writing hit pieces on artists, Rich Johnston is observing the ongoing convergence of DC Comics.
Brian Bendis‘ arrival at DC Comics, taking over Superman and Action Comics as monthly titles after a Man Of Steel six-weekly series does seem to have changed existing plans considerably. I think it is unarguable that the work of Jurgens, Gleason and Tomasi has created for Superman a new comic book level of success for the character than it has enjoyed in comic books for a very long time. Restoring the marriage, giving Superman a son and exploring his own father/son relationship as well, all while doing very Supermanny things. Critically and commercially, the Superman books have been a success for DC Comics, and a marked improvement over what had come in the decades before.
And now the publisher is changing horses in mid-stream
You don’t say… As expected, Brian Bendis is going to do for DC what he has done for Marvel.
Bendis is quoted as saying “The last runs on Superman by Dan Jurgens and Peter Tomasi and Pat Gleason have been phenomenal runs, and my run will be following their runs. We’re not throwing anything out, we’re not abandoning anything, we’re following what’s been going on and taking it to surprising new areas” but also “It’s some of the biggest status quo changes to Superman literally since Crisis.”
Translation: Superman is going to have an affair with Aquaman, and be revealed as a transgender Dreamer. Then he’ll convert to Judaism and dedicate himself to imposing peace in the Middle East.
It occurs to me that I should be a little more careful about these satirical suggestions. Marvel might offer me a job.