Future State Superman Worlds of War #1 Review

by Carlos R. on January 19, 2021

Future State Superman Worlds of War #1 Cover Image
The Many Lives of Clark Kent
Written by: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art by: Mikel Janín
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Publisher: DC Comics

Time and Effect Part One
Written by: Brandon Easton
Art by: Valentine De Landro
Colors by: Marissa Louise
Lettered by: Dave Sharpe
Publisher: DC Comics

Midnighter: Future State Part One
Written by: Becky Cloonan & Michael W. Conrad
Art by: Gleb Melnikov
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by: Travis Lanham
Publisher: DC Comics

Future State: Black Racer Chapter One: Do Not Go Gentle
Written by: Jeremy Adams
Art by: Siya Oum
Colors by: Hi-Fi
Lettered by: Gabriela Downie
Publisher: DC Comics



Future State Superman Worlds of War #1 is one colossal issue and made up of four stories that each build upon this version of Warworld. The stories follow Clark Kent, Midnighter, Black Racer, and Mister Miracle each on their different missions through this abysmal planet. I went into this issue not knowing what to expect aside from the covers looking absolutely phenomenal. I definitely recommend picking up the Future State Superman of Metropolis books as it helps to establish a lot of the background to these stories.

The book opens with a skewed splash page view of Smallville, prepping readers for the twisted world they are about to enter. It’s in these opening pages that we learn Superman has been missing and we learn of the various ways people have interpreted this absence. I love Johnson’s approach to unfolding this narrative; as readers come to learn of the various perceptions people have of Superman, they learn of his fate and in blend those perceptions into his current situation.

The Superman story alone is worth the price of the book, but the other three tales help to expand on the main storyline and make for awesome reads. This new Mister Miracle is growing on me and his adventure here is eerily designed. This story sets up a lot of questions and I can’t wait to read Shilo’s next chapter. Midnighter’s chapter opens with an intense splash page and delves into a mystery surrounding an isotope with similar properties to Kryptonite. Cloonan and Conrad write a great Midnighter and that last page will definitely have you back for the next issue. I wish there were a few more pages to the Black Racer story, but it’s a great story and expands on just how sick Warworld is with its deadly sports. This tale makes a wonderful bookend to this issue with similar themes of hope.

From cover to cover this book looks amazing. Each team of artists does an amazing job of working with the tone of their stories. Midnighter’s chapter is visceral in its approach and including some grotesque characters on the hunt for Midnighter. Oum and Hi-Fi design a sci-fi-esque Warworld that is vibrant, yet you can feel the weight of the oppression these characters face through the tones of gray and structures in each Ring. The Miracle Man chapter has an incredible design that evokes a sense of mystery and suspense.

Future State Superman Worlds of War #1 is a hefty issue with a lot to offer. Be sure to check out the Superman of Metropolis before picking up this collection.
 

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside