Superman Confidential #13

While this may not be as widely read as Superman or Action, I think it's my favorite of the Superman titles this month.  While I was looking forward to this week's Superman # 674, it was Confidential that left more of an impression.  It had all of the iconic story elements that one expects from a Superman book.  Clark... Check!  Lois... Check!  Jimmy... Check!  Perry... Check!  Metropolis in peril... Check! 

Once again, it is the re-telling of the origin of Jimmy Olson's signal watch.  This issue finds the big blue boy scout cleaning up after some giant toys the Toyman unleashed in front of the Daily Planet.  We get a nice display of Supes' power and abilities.  Meanwhile, back at the Planet, Perry has degraded Olsen one to many times, leaving Jimmy off to go find the true story behind these behemoth toys so that for once, his co-workers will take him seriously as reporter.  After he gets mugged stepping out of cab, he activates the watch. 

We see Clark in the Planet, distressed as to what could have befallen his chum, and he needs to get to the roof.  Unfortunately, Perry is looking for him so he sneaks into the Supply Room and discovers that this is a great place to change.  I loved this as it was a nice nod to the old 40's cartoon and the George Reeves tv show.  It was all finished off with a poster-worthy shirt rip on a one page splash! 

Upon his arrival on the scene, Supes says nothing when he finds that Jimmy has "cried wolf" again.  He tells himself that if it happens again, he's taking the watch away.  Disappointed, Jimmy hits the net to find out who's behind the giant dolls.  He tracks down one toy maker after another until he ends up in an abandoned warehouse with it's current resident, Winslow Slott, the Toyman!  Just as Jimmy steps in to say hi, he's cornered by toys that restrain him.  While trying to hit that watch again, Toyman notices and instructs the toys to remove it... with a whirling buzzsaw!

Great story by B. Clay Moore with art that is fun and very colorful.  This storyline is working well and is a nice escape from the utter confusion that is the current state of the main Superman books.