Matt Fraction becomes the latest former Marvel writer to join DC, alongside his buddy Brian Bendis (Superman) and wife Kelly-Sue DeConnick (Aquaman), making his debut with Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #1, the first part of a 12 issue limited series.
I haven’t read many Jimmy Olsen comics (not that there have been a bunch to choose from!) but they’ve always been wacky stories. So it’s a good fit for Fraction, given that he’s been writing Sex Crimz over at Image these past few years, and artist Steve Lieber whose work on Superior Foes of Spider-Man at Marvel and The Fix at Image has been comedic gold.
That said, this first issue is… ehhh, ok? Jimmy is apparently a one-man Jackass team filming kerazy stunt videos for the Daily Planet online that is, amusingly, the only part of the business that makes any money! He jumps from orbit to the ground without a parachute after being injected with some serum involving Metamorpho’s DNA that unexpectedly turns him into a human-sized turtle?! Well, lucky he’s Superman’s pal!
That’s basically it for this issue which is why I was a little underwhelmed. The opening flashback scene to ye olden times feels a bit pointless (for now). I liked Perry White chewing Jimmy out (Fraction writes Perry more cartoonishly than Bendis but I like this OTT characterisation) and how Clark broke the fourth wall, winking at the reader, while his publisher just looks at him and walks away with “Ohhh-kay”.
I also like that the focus has shifted to Gotham. The way Jimmy’s new landlord is written (who pronounces murder “moider!”) suggests Batman and his world are in for some much-needed ribbing! And there’s a great stinger at the end.
Jimmy Olsen #1 isn’t terribly impressive but it’s a decent issue. It hasn’t made me want to keep up with the monthlies but I’ll definitely read the series in collected form.
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