Superwoman #4 (2016) – Comic Review & Breakdown
🧬 Genre
Superwoman #4 falls under the genres of superhero fiction, science fiction, and drama. The issue blends intense action sequences with emotional and psychological depth, touching on themes like identity, legacy, and sacrifice.
👩🚀 Main Characters
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Lana Lang / Superwoman – The protagonist, formerly a journalist, now grappling with unstable powers and the emotional weight of becoming a superhero.
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Ultra-Woman (Lena Luthor) – The main antagonist, equipped with cutting-edge LexCorp tech and commanding a cloned army, she aims to take control by any means necessary.
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Lex Luthor – Once the infamous villain, now a conflicted industrialist hero trying to protect Metropolis.
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Lois Lane (New 52 version) – Though deceased, her legacy and connection to Lana remain central to the narrative.
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John Henry Irons (Steel) – A steadfast ally to Lana, offering technological and emotional support.
✍️ Writer
Phil Jimenez, known for his work on Wonder Woman and Infinite Crisis, brings his signature blend of emotional gravitas and expansive storytelling to the forefront of Superwoman’s arc.
🎨 Artist
Emanuela Lupacchino collaborates on pencils, delivering expressive character work and cinematic action scenes. Her visuals intensify the stakes, especially during Lana's internal struggles.
🖌️ Editor Details
The issue was edited by Eddie Berganza, a longtime DC Comics editor who has overseen numerous major titles. His experience helps maintain the story’s pacing and cohesion.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Published by DC Comics, Superwoman #4 is part of the DC Rebirth initiative—a 2016 line-wide relaunch that reintroduced classic heroes with modern twists and deeper emotional arcs.
📅 Release Year
2016
📖 Brief Plot Summary
In Superwoman #4, Lana Lang’s condition deteriorates as her powers spiral out of control. Meanwhile, Ultra-Woman’s plan gains traction, combining LexCorp’s cutting-edge technology with her cloned Bizaress army to seize power. As chaos erupts, Lex Luthor becomes her first major target. Amid these external threats, Lana also battles guilt and trauma linked to her late friend Lois Lane, forcing her to confront whether she can truly carry on as Superwoman—or if she’s destined to fall like those before her.
📚 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“Who is Superwoman?” Arc – This multi-issue arc explores Lana’s unexpected rise to heroism after Lois Lane’s death. It also delves into the mystery of Superwoman’s true powers and origin, challenging readers' expectations about legacy and identity.
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Ultra-Woman’s Coup – A significant subplot, Lena Luthor’s transformation into Ultra-Woman positions her as a top-tier villain in the Rebirth continuity.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
Fans have speculated that Lana’s unstable powers might be linked not just to exposure from the dying Superman, but to deeper manipulations from within LexCorp. Some interpret her hallucinations and flashbacks as signs of a fractured psyche or even multiverse interference. There’s also growing debate over whether Lois truly died—or if another version may still be out there in the Rebirth timeline.
🌟 Review Summary
Superwoman #4 excels in fusing heart-pounding action with emotional storytelling. The artwork by Lupacchino adds rich detail to each panel, especially in scenes showing Lana’s vulnerability and inner turmoil. Phil Jimenez crafts a compelling narrative about the burden of heroism and the haunting echoes of past trauma. Lana’s evolution feels authentic and complex, making her one of the most relatable figures in DC’s Rebirth lineup.
✅ Art – Dynamic and emotionally resonant
✅ Story – Layered, character-driven, and suspenseful
✅ Character Depth – Exceptional focus on internal conflict and legacy
🦸♀️ A must-read for fans of female-led superhero stories with real emotional stakes.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
