Book Review: Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen? by Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber

Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen?
by Matt Fraction (writer) and Steve Lieber (artist) (YA PB (Graphic Novel) Fraction)

Growing up and reading comic books in the 1970s, I fondly remember the wacky adventures that were had by “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen”, in which the freckled, redheaded ace photographer for Metropolis’ Daily Planet newspaper would find himself in the most outrageous situations. But he could just push a button on a special wristwatch he wore, and Superman would be alerted that his little buddy was in need of super-assistance.

 

This graphic novel is a compilation of a 12-issue limited series that was published in 2019-2020, which attempts to capture that same “wacky” sense of adventure and outrageous humor in the modern comics-publishing era. The story bounces back and forth in time, with numerous flashbacks and flashforwards. Time periods range from the history of Metropolis before it became Metropolis, generations ago, to the current era. The story is told in small bits and pieces, and most of them open with a over-hyped splash page, which treat each part of the story as an installment in a serialized adventure.

 

The writing is…enthusiastic and challenging, and the art ranges from excellent to “what was he thinking?” The storyline is peopled by a cast of crazy and surrealistic characters. Batman and Superman (and Lois Lane) make guest appearances, in a plot in which someone appears to assassinate Jimmy Olsen, and he must go into hiding and on the run, to stay one step ahead of his enemies — only he doesn’t know who it is that’s out to get him! Could it be Lex Luthor? Or the intergalactic jewel thief Jimmy accidentally married? Or someone he ticked off in Gorilla City? Or somebody closer to home?

 

If you’re a long-time comic book fan, with an extended knowledge of Jimmy and his history in the DC comics universe, this is likely to appeal to you. If you’re only tangentially aware of Jimmy Olsen, this is NOT the story to try to learn about him for the first time. In the end, while I did ultimately enjoy this, overall, though I felt like I got a case of whiplash being yanked back and forth between multiple plot threads in multiple time periods. It was an interesting comic book experiment, even if not 100% successful!

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the original Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen from the 1960s and early 1970s, with art by Jack Kirby]

[ Wikipedia page for Matt Fraction ] | [ official Steve Lieber web site ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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