While I know this isn’t Jeff Lemire’s first foray into superheroes, this would be the first time I’m reading an attempt. When Lemire was first announced to write (but not draw) a Superboy comics, I was a bit puzzled. Doing anything Superman related didn’t seem like something out of his comfort zone. But knowning that this is gonna take place in Smallville, then I can see why he was perfect for the job. Also, I was a bit worried that he wasn’t going to draw the series but Pier Gallo would. (Although now seeing Lemire’s Superboy drawing, I think Gallo is better) With all of this uncertainy, it was the first comic in a long time I was cautious on trying a book.

“What on Earth I was worried about?”

That’s what I told myself (outloud for some reason) after finishing the book. First off, for story purposes, this is everything you can have in a Lemire comic. It takes place in a small town; mainly a farm; characters are unsure of themselves, and characters in general give off a small town vibe. I’ve never really read comics with Superboy in it, but this is pretty good by Lemire. I like how Connor is almost exactly like Clark in that his alternate persona is unsure of himself. Also, it is pretty messed up his love interest is technically his cousin. Anyways, when we get to some actually superhero antics here with Parasite; I was surprised just how well written it was. The fight was paced very well and I liked how Connor ends up dealing with the threat. Not everyday you see someone get knocked out by seeds.

With Pier Gallo on art, it’s yet another uneasy question for me. Never heard of the man before but what I see here is pretty impressive. Each panel is framed well (especially the opening sequence in the field) and the details are really….well detailed. He also has some pretty unique panel layouts in general; maybe not as unique as Lemire can do them, but still pretty impressive. The coloring by Jamie Grant also keeps looking real good and it adds to the aesthetic of being on a small farm town. The only problem I had with this on an art standpoint would be that some of the faces in here are kind wonky. Connor in particular looks almost completely different in several pages. Other then that though, this is a good looking book.

So once again, what was I worried about? (This time addressing to you, the reader) This was a fantastic first issue by Lemire and it’s everything you want in a comic by him. But when the action gets going, it really shows just how well done Lemire can do superhero work. Add in some art by Gallo, which is great but could be better, and you have me in for the long haul in this series. Now all I need is Connor playing hockey and we have a winner

…..Sorry I needed to add a hockey joke somewhere!