Superman #34

Writer: Pete Thomasi, and Patrick Gleason
Artist: Ed Benes, Jack Herbert, and Doug Mahnke (inker?)

Before Reading:

The Prophet and Ardora (from issue #33) believed Lex Luthor to be the new ruler of Apokolips and brought him to Apokolips to "fulfill his destiny" or so they hope. However, Lex will face some opposition in Kalibak and Granny Goodness as they seek to obtain the throne as well. The Superman family was "boomed" to Apokolips in the last issue as well and this is where we pick up.

During Reading: 

Because Clark, Lois, and Jon were all brought to Apokolips and ended up in different locations (for story purposes I presume) we are first visiting Lois and her location. Lois finds herself caught in with Granny Goodness and her Furies. They are angry that Kalibak wants to take over the throne because their group still believes Darkseid to be alive and on Apokolips. After a giant Sandworm seeking the spice (I mean Dredgeworm, no spice) attacks the Furies, Lois proves herself a tough ally and gains some sweet armor!

Meanwhile Lex is meeting with the Prophet and Ardora about his apparent destiny, and does something seemingly out of character, but actually so perfectly in character for Lex. He somehow manages to be admirable and yet sly as ever. This is a cool reveal and it involves Superman so I won't spoil it. As we catch up with Jon he has been placed in a corner of Apoklolips with guards and giant Hunger Dogs. He does his best to fight them off and after a brief battle he flies away (up, up, and away to be precise) to most likely seek out his family.

After Reading:

This issue was put together better than the last in my opinion. It didn't feel as rushed and seemed to let the story evolve and take its time before getting where it wanted to go. The art is handled by Ed Benes, with Jack Herbert turning in some stellar Superman work. The art is strong for the most part. There isn't anything outstanding or unique about it aside from Herbert's Classic Superman look. He somehow makes Superman look instantly classic even though he is still wearing his newer Rebirth version of his costume.

Superman #34 showcases a great character arc and shining moments for Lois. Her role here serves her so well and seems like natural character growth, on Apokolips of all places! This arc started a little rough, but this issue gave us brief looks at what is to come for Superman and Lex, Lois, and Jon. If this is the "Lois" issue of the arc, the writers have served her extremely well.

8/10

So, this is how I get kids to "rather be in school." Noted!