***Contains Spoilers***
Our Words at War is a Superman-centric tie-in story set against the backdrop of an impending invasion by Imperilax, a cosmic entity threatening to destroy Earth. As Imperilax’s destructive force approaches, Superman is thrust into the heart of the battle, but the story weaves in other critical elements from DC’s vast universe, including significant events from Earth’s history, like the Battle of Gettysburg and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Amidst the chaos, a series of personal losses and tragedies unfold, setting the stage for a climactic battle where Brainiac 13 plays the role of the ultimate villain, swooping in to steal Imperilax’s energy.
What I found most impactful in this tie-in was the way the story explored multiple threads. The destruction of Kansas early on was a powerful moment, setting the tone for a high-stakes, emotionally charged narrative. I also enjoyed how other stories, like Gettysburg and Pearl Harbor, were woven in, creating a sense of historical continuity and connection between the DC Universe and real-world events. The sudden twist of Brainiac 13 being the mastermind behind the plot was another highlight that added depth to the story, pushing it beyond the standard world-ending scenario. It wasn’t just about the battle; there was an emotional weight to it that kept things grounded.
Another notable element was the tragic losses that occurred throughout the story. Hippolyta’s death and the destruction of Paradise Island, coupled with the disappearance of Aquaman and Atlantis, hit hard. The passing of Maxima and General Lane (Lois’s father) further compounded the emotional toll. These events gave the story an emotional layer that’s often lacking in other world-ending tales, where characters can sometimes feel like plot devices rather than individuals with stakes in the outcome. The narrative didn’t shy away from showing the grief and devastation of these characters’ deaths, which added a layer of complexity to the story.
That said, while I appreciated the emotional depth and the surprising twist with Brainiac 13, I found that the world-ending scenario felt somewhat familiar. These types of plots—where a seemingly unstoppable force comes out of nowhere to threaten Earth—are not new to the genre. It didn’t feel as unique as it could have, despite the solid execution. There were moments where I wished the pacing had slowed down a bit to explore the emotional fallout more deeply, rather than rushing towards the inevitable confrontation. While the story wasn’t overly ambitious, it did occasionally feel like it was trying to juggle too many elements at once.
In conclusion, Our Words at War is an engaging and emotionally charged Superman tie-in with an unexpected twist. It features some strong moments of depth and loss, while managing to keep the stakes high without becoming too convoluted. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of its premise, it’s still an enjoyable read. I’d give it a solid 3 stars—it’s a story I liked, and one I’ll revisit, though it’s not an instant classic.
Feature Image Superman #171 cover art by Cam Smith, T. Horie, and Ed McGuinness