With Summer of Superman Special #1, DC Comics pulls off an impressive high-wire act—juggling nostalgia, continuity, character-driven storytelling, and accessible fun—all while launching a new era for the Superman family. It’s a wedding issue, a time-travel epic, and a talent showcase, but most importantly, it’s a heartfelt celebration of everything Superman stands for. Balancing those tones isn’t easy, but this oversized special pulls it off with style, heart, and a few surprises.
Split into three interconnected chapters under the title “The Past, The Present, The Future,” this issue weaves its way through timelines and emotional beats, with the hulking Legion of Super-Heroes villain Validus acting as the literal and metaphorical disruption across all three. Each chapter is penned by one of the creative voices shaping Superman’s books in the months ahead—Mark Waid, Dan Slott, and Joshua Williamson—and each brings their own flavor to this jam-packed, cohesive one-shot.
Mark Waid kicks things off with a charming yet action-heavy throwback, placing young Clark Kent—still Superboy—in the midst of a Smallville-invading Validus on the very day he intended to share his secret with Lana Lang. Waid’s gift for retro storytelling shines here, capturing the awkward bravery of a young Clark facing a challenge far beyond his years. It’s a classic setup with modern emotional weight, and it beautifully sets the tone for the rest of the book: Superman’s past is always relevant, and his heart has always been his greatest power.
Dan Slott picks up the baton in the second chapter with perhaps the trickiest segment of the story—the present-day wedding of Lana Lang and John Henry Irons, aka Steel. As preparations are underway, Validus storms in once more, and chaos threatens what should be a joyful celebration. Slott handles the large supporting cast with ease, injecting humor and warmth into the proceedings without letting the stakes fall away. Everyone from Lois Lane (currently operating as Superwoman) to Conner Kent gets a moment, and the result feels like a reunion of the entire Superman family—without sacrificing momentum. Slott is clearly having fun, and his knack for witty dialogue and character chemistry brings the extended Super-family to life.
Joshua Williamson’s final chapter wraps things up while pulling the veil back on the bigger picture. We learn why Validus has been flung through time and space—tying his erratic appearances into the fallout from Dark Crisis and planting seeds for the upcoming DC All-In initiative. Williamson is a seasoned architect of DC’s recent cosmic sagas, and here he adds gravitas to the story, pointing toward the future of the Legion of Super-Heroes and the mysteries that lie ahead for Superman and his allies. While still character-focused, his chapter feels like the grand finale the issue needs—an invitation to keep reading as the next phase unfolds.
The visual storytelling in Summer of Superman Special #1 is as dynamic and diverse as its writing. Jorge Jiménez leads the charge with his expressive, anime-influenced style, delivering big emotional beats with wide-eyed vulnerability and explosive action that leaps off the page. His work evokes the energy of My Adventures with Superman but adds a sharper, more mature edge. Dan Mora’s epilogue—a two-page tease of things to come—is absolutely stunning, offering a cinematic tease of cosmic intrigue and high-stakes drama that makes you want the next chapter immediately.
Despite the different artists and writers involved, the issue feels cohesive, in part because it’s tied together not just by plot, but by tone. There’s a sincerity to this comic, an earnest belief in heroism, legacy, and love that cuts through the noise. That’s something Superman stories should always strive for.
If Summer of Superman Special #1 stumbles, it’s only in the way many modern superhero comics do—with continuity that may confound newer readers. Lois Lane’s current status as a superpowered Superwoman, for instance, is never fully explained, and readers unfamiliar with Dark Crisis might find some of the deeper lore hard to parse. However, these speed bumps are minor in a book that’s otherwise so welcoming, so energetic, and so genuinely fun.
Summer of Superman Special #1 is exactly what the Man of Steel—and his fans—deserve: a bold, bright, and hopeful launch into what promises to be an exciting new era. With a blend of classic storytelling, modern emotional depth, and just the right touch of cosmic weirdness, this issue manages to celebrate Superman’s legacy while confidently steering him into the future. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone looking for a place to start, this special issue has you covered.
The summer may be heating up, but Superman’s just getting started.