Review: Superwoman Special #1

Superwoman Special #1 came out last week, a partial look at the origin of Lois' super-powers while also hinting at some upcoming storylines in the Superman book. With art predominantly from Edwin Galmon, this one was an unexpected treat.

Since taking over the book, Williamson has been guiding the super-family in a very entertaining direction. I have really liked the majority of storylines that he has thrown at us. In what I think is a lost art, he has given us some subplots or hints at the future to make me want more. 

Here, we learn the 'how' Lois got her powers. We learn about some potential pitfalls and weaknesses she might have. But we see her in action, we see her interact with the cast of the book in a new way, and we see Lois' bravery. The book ends with two big questions which made me want to keep reading. On top of that,Williamson writes a great Supergirl in this book, having her be a mature, caring friend of Lois who also happens the be the veteran dispensing her own wisdom. Tremendous.

As I said above, Galmon does most of the art on the book and really shines. We get some pages by Laura Braga and Nikolas Cizmesija to round things out. I really enjoyed Cizmesija's work on a recent Azrael book. But Galmon is the standout here. 

I am not always a fan of human supporting cast members getting powers. (Lois is a hero already in my mind.) I am not a fan of stories where characters powers might short out at any time. But the plots woven in this one are so tantalizing, that I am on board for now.

On to the specifics.

Review: Action Comics #1079 Superman Story

Action Comics #1079 continued the rapid fire story by Mark Waid with his updating the Phantom Zone and Mon-El. This has been a weekly release comic and Waid has mirrored the rapid fire distribution. The story has bounced from the Phantom Zone to the past to a threatened Earth with villains as large as Aethyr and Kryptonian criminals but as small as Science Council bureaucrats. I have loved every pulse-pounding step as it careens its way to the finale.

Last issue ended with the Phantom Zone villains escaping into the sun via Aethyr's matter manipulator. This issue shows us what a planet overrun with Superman-level beings would be like. All in one issue. As usual, kudos to Mark Waid for keeping this zipping along and fun while also injecting some heartfelt moments and some DC lore. Waid just gets Supergirl and we see that in this issue. (We have seen him understand Kara every issue of this story.) We end with another cliffhanger, building on the story told here. 

Michael Shelfer is on art the entire issue which allows him some space to give us high action and brawls. I like his manga-esque style especially in an issue like this with an anime level of action. We also see is take on a lot of DC heroes given the threat level and they all look sharp. It would be great to see him on a young hero title and bring this energy there. 

Get ready to rumble!

Review: Action Comics #1079 Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1079 came out last week, the tenth entry in Mark Waid's Phantom Zone story. That means we are finally nearing the end of the Mariko Tamaki Supergirl story.

Incredibly, something actually happens in this chapter. There is a little action. There is a couple of nice moments for Kara. But as usual, Supergirl still isn't the hero in her own story. Still, this is probably the best chapter we have had so far.

But there are problems. We are in chapter ten. There are two chapters left. Let's assume that the last chapter is a wrap-up, Kara back home on Earth. That means this whole space story has to wrap up next week, in ten pages. No way we get a satisfactory ending.

Next we have to think of all the other things. What is Kara's mission because right now she seems more like a friend than a warden to this being. Why did Superman send her alone? Who are these beings? 

This story meandered so much I fear it will take a miracle to tie off everything that has happened (or not happened) here. And given the previous chapters, it probably isn't going to happen.

Skylar Patridge is back on art and there are some well constructed pages in this part. Supergirl looks very good here as well. Hope to see more of Patridge somewhere. But we are again saddled with a meaningless opening splash with a circular object, this time the planetoid. Ten percent of this story has been opening splashes that have not added to the proceedings.

On to the story. 

Review: Absolute Superman #2

Absolute Superman #2 came out last week and was another interesting look into this new universe. This issue continues to give us a glimpse into this version of Superman and his surroundings. And so far, I am intrigued enough to want to read more.

When the Absolute Universe was announced including a Superman book, I was worried. This is a universe built on Darkseid energy, extreme and grittier. As a Superman fan, a firm believer that he has to be a symbol of good and hope, I worried that the very concept of him couldn't work in this place. Were we going to get Ultraman? Sentinel? Hyperion?

So far writer Jason Aaron has given me some hope. Yes, the world around Superman is grimier and morally darker. But his populist Superman seems to remain above it all. Throughout this issue, we see him doing everything he can to save people, to preserve life, and to rise above. We hear Lois Lane reporting about Superman and extolling his virtues. It seems like this Superman might be the one light in this place. We don't get Pa Kent wisdom but our glimpses of Jor-El and Lara make them decent substitutes. Add to that a great Lois, a clear daughter of Sam Lane who seems to be nudged to her truer form. All that is great.

It isn't perfect. Aaron's villain is 'evil corporation' and 'the military' without much background yet on who these people are. I suppose if you are writing a populist hero then 'big business' is an easy target. I don't know if the 'red sand cape and sunstone gauntlets' will get tired after a while but we'll see.

One thing that truly deserves praise is Rafa Sandoval's art. Sandoval has experience with the main Superman. But his stuff here surpasses even that loftiness. From great page layouts to big action, to panel constructions with close-ups and far shots to emotive faces, the book sings.

I don't know how long this whole thing can last. But two issues in, I am still engaged. And I wasn't expecting that.

On to specifics. 

Review: Action Comics #1078 Superman Story

Action Comics #1078 came out last week, continuing the weekly story by Mark Waid with art by Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer. With our side trip to Krypton's past over and Aethyr defeated, it is time to pick up the pieces.

The cover sums up the biggest plot point. Aethyr has a device draining the sun of its energy while simultaneously ripping the Zone apart. But things are even more complicated. Saving the Earth will doom the Zone completely. How can the heroes save everyone? And what about Mon-El? Leaving the Zone dooms him.

I have enjoyed this story a lot. Waid has a great grasp of the super-family and their dynamics. He has a wonderful reverence for DCU and shows it by continuing to tweak some classic DC history to update but not eradicate. This whole issue shows just what a team our heroes are as they work together to save as many people as they can.

The art is once again split between Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer. With the Kenan/Conner subplot over, Shelfer gets to help tell the main story and gets some good Supergirl moments. His style is a bit more stylized than Henry's, more energetic and manga-like. But the two shine here. 

On to the story!

Review: Action Comics #1078 Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1078 came out this week, the ninth issue of this weekly turn for the title. 

That means we are 9 parts ... 90 pages ... into Mariko Tamaki's Supergirl story. I thought this was only a 10 part Supergirl story but I was wrong. This is a 12-parter. Perhaps I was deluding myself?

This chapter is just as confusing and tedious as the prior eight. We are three quarters of the way through and we haven't been a lot to go one here. I feel lost some times, bored most times. Worse than that, Tamaki brings Power Girl into this story with a bizarre take on the Kara/'Paige' relationship that hasn't ever been seen in the near 50 years of the two characters being around. 

I will again ask how this slog made it past the pitch stage let alone be pushed to print without editorial taking the reins to tighten it up.

Skylar Patridge is back on art and brings her airy style to things. I like Patridge's work here. But she also has been plagued a bit with the script. This chapter has 3 splash pages but only one of the depictions (the spooky last page) deserves the big art. In fact, Tamaki has really padded this whole story with opening splash pages of eyes, scepters, circuitry, and other banal pieces of the story.

Buckle up. This is a bumpy ride.

Review: Superman #20

Superman #20 came out last week and was a crackling issue. This one sizzles. Kudos to all involved.

I guess you don't need to read the rest of the review because you know what I think. But there is a lot of goodness in this issue. A LOT of goodness. So please keep reading.

I have really enjoyed Joshua Williamson's run on this book. But he is firing on all cylinders here. I will start with the obvious. He has made Doomsday interesting. The reveal last issue that Doomsday is intelligent and the Time Trapper makes perfect sense. We see both that future Doomsday and the current mindless marauder in this issue. But there is a lot of ideas built on top of even that great idea. What does the Time Trapper Doomsday really want? What about all the hints about the future he drops? Real seeds for upcoming arcs? 

And what about Superman's Red Energy? Superwoman? What about Doomsday's origins and how that is going to impact things based on a killer cliffhanger? What about amnestic Lex doing good? 

There is a lot of great plot happening here but it is wrapped in solid super-hero action. Brilliant.

Not to be forgotten is Dan Mora being on the book. Mora is my favorite current comic artist. He dazzled on World's Finest. So to see his take on the skinny Time Trapper Doomsday, the current hulking Doomsday, Superwoman, even Superman in the total Liefeld-90s Superman/Doomsday Hunter/Prey mini-series makes my eyes smile. Incredible work throughout, no surprise. Slap a gorgeous Dan Panosian variant cover of Lois and you have a treasure trove of visual sizzle.

I wanted to read the next part when I finished this book. 

On to the details. 

Review: Action Comics #1077 Superman Story

Action Comics #1077 came out last week, another weekly chapter by Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, and Michael Shelfer. The side-trip to Krypton is over so we are back in the Phantom Zone trying to stop Aethyr from torturing the Kryptonians stranded there. 

I have been very pleased with this story so far. Waid is doing his usual polish on a number of people and events in classic DC history, bringing them into the modern age. Jor-El didn't want to use the Zone for a prison and perhaps was a bit daffier than his usual stolid depiction. Zor-El is climate denier and a hot head. Aethyr is a powerful being trying to do good in the worst way. Mon-El has had to do some dark deeds to maintain some sanity.  Somehow these small changes have all worked, although some of them have worked for me more than others. (Poor Zor-El!)

But we are heading to the end of this story so we need to push the plot forward and back on Earth. The events that seemingly get us there are a bit fast and sort of out of the blue. But there are still two more chapters in the arc so maybe more is yet to come.

The side plot of Kenan and Conner also comes to an abrupt conclusion after being a fun diversion all along. Still solid stuff there as well.

The art remains very good throughout with Clayton Henry on the main story and Michael Shelfer on the subplot. I swear Clayton Henry was aping Gene Colan on some Aethyr shots. On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1077 - Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1077 came out last week, the eighth weekly issue during this Mark Waid run.

That also means it is the eighth entry in Mariko Tamaki's Supergirl story which has plodded along in the most dull way. I feel like my reviews have been repetitive. Nothing happens; Supergirl seems ineffective. But wait ... something happens this time.

In fact, something potentially interesting happens this time. I am not saying this is a good chapter. But at least there is some progression. And after 7 chapters of nothing happening, I am nearly giddy that at least we got something.

The prisoner gives us some background on who she is. 

Also, Tamaki brings in Tom King's Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow. Is she praising it? Retconning it? I think I know what it happening but I am hoping you all will tell me what you think as well.

Now Supergirl still does nothing in this chapter. This is the prisoner's story, not Kara's. 

Meghan Hetrick is back on art and brings an open style to things. 

On to the details.

Review: My Adventures Of Superman #6

One of the things that happens when there is a sudden glut of books to review (weekly Action Comics with 2 reviews a week for example) is that inevitably something will get forgotten or pushed back.

Sorry My Adventures of Superman #6. 

The book came out a while ago and was the final chapter of the six part mini-series which bridged seasons 1 and 2 of the television show.

Writer Josie Campbell, a creative on the show, maintained the tap dance nature of the show being all things at once and somehow being cohesive. Wholesome? Yes. Action forward? Yes. Progressive? Yes. Funny and charming? Yes. 

It isn't easy to juggle so many significantly different feels but somehow Campbell does it. And here, she has the ending line up nicely with the 'upcoming' story of Season 2. Superman and the team has to help Amazo understand that each individual gets to determine who they are. Here it is Amazo coming to understand that they are more than a mechanized weapon; they are a being with choice. In season 2, they have to convince a brain-washed and traumatized Kara the same. It resonates.

Artist Pablo Collar continues to bring that anime-style to the proceedings. Here, the finale feels like a big robo show with a mecha trying to stop a doomsday device. The battle is wild and writ large and looks great. But, much like a good anime, there are the quiet family moments that also need to shine.

I don't know how this sold. I wonder if another mini will come out to bridge season 2 and the upcoming season 3. I hope so because giving us a peek at a Kara acclimating to Earth would be great. On to the book. 

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #33

Batman/Superman World's Finest #33 came out last week, the finale to the Eclipso story arc which has been a tidy three issues. That length is unusual for this title (typically 5 issue arcs with a done-in-one every 6 issues) and comics in general these days which are either trade length mega-stories or just ongoing narratives.

I do wonder if this story is three issues because writer Mark Waid really wasn't sure what he wanted to do here. For sure, this has been the least cohesive story on this title which I have routinely said is the best on the rack. But there is a lot going on here and much of it not really fleshed out. There are some plot elements that happen almost magically making me thing Waid knew what he wanted to have happen but wasn't sure how to get there. There is Eclipso and the oddly possessed Bruce Gordon trying to rule the world by controlling satellites. There are heroes quickly possessed by Eclipo's evil and then just as easily shaken from the possession. There is a subplot of the JSA and the JLA trying to figure out how they relate to each other. There is a fantastical rescue early in this issue and a fantastical conclusion at the end. I don't know ... it is sort of blurry.

Could Waid be overworked? He has this book, the upcoming JLU, Batman/Robin year one, and any other titles he is on. 

Artist Adrian Gutierrez is again on art but even his work, in places seems less polished than prior issues. Still solid but it did make me miss Dan Mora a little. 

That said, the story is over. 

On to details. 

Review: Action Comics #1076 Superman Story

Action Comics #1076 came out last week and Mark Waid and Clayton Henry continue to weave an interesting story, rewriting the continuity around the Phantom Zone and its Kryptonian origins.

Waid has been clicking on all cylinders with this story, giving us a new look at Mon-El, Aethyr, and Jor-El. But these new looks are more like updated takes on classic continuity. Mon-El is back to a Daxamite Clark met as a kid. But his time in the Zone has made him tougher. Jor-El discovered the Phantom Zone but didn't want it to be used as a prison recognizing how maddening it would be.

In this issue, we see Clark on Krypton trying his best to not upend the timestream by revealing to people their future. But he also needs to get his solar gauntlets charged to get back home. I like how Waid has Clark on the razor's edge of not leaking too much info.

Sadly, I was hoping that Waid my do a redemption take on Zor-El. Poor Zor was morally gray in the New 52 and then turned into the Cyborg Superman in Rebirth. In Venditti's World of Krypton, he was an obsessed neurotic, desperate to save Kara. Could Waid just bring him back to another caring father and scientific genius? We'll see.

Clayton Henry continues to bring this smooth look to the proceedings. I like the Krypton sequences. Michael Shelfer continues to bring some levity and action to the side plot.

On to the book!

Review: Action Comics #1076 Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1076 came out this week. This included the seventh part in the Mariko Tamaki Supergirl story.

And once again I have to say I am frustrated. Because once again, the story goes nowhere in this chapter. It once again makes little sense. It once again has Supergirl doing pretty much nothing. And it is horribly padded with 5 of the 10 pages being splashes or near splashes that don't warrant that much story space.

We are 70% done with this story. Think about that. And even Supergirl doesn't know what her mission is or how this prisoner is. 

I can't rail against Tamaki any more. I have to accept that this is her writing style: slow, plodding, confusing, and worst of all boring. Now maybe this will wrap up in some amazing way. But knowing what I know of prior Tamaki works I doubt it.

The person I really blame is editor Brittany Holzherr. Someone should have recognized the mess this story is. It is a shame. Because it doesn't shine a light on how great a character Supergirl is.

Of note, Skye Patridge is not on art for this chapter, replaced by Meghan Hetrick. The two artists are close enough in style to have the feel of the story remain consistent. 

On to the story, what there is of it.

Review: Action Comics #1075 Superman Story

Action Comics #1075 was released last week, a milestone issue according to the trade dress. 

It is also the halfway mark of this weekly run on Action Comics with the main story being told by the creative team of writer Mark Waid and artist Clayton Henry. 

This has been an impressive story showcasing just why I love Mark Waid as a writer. Superman is investigating the ever changing nature of the Phantom Zone. He runs into an immensely powerful being called Aethyr. He interacts with Mon-El. He ends up being thrown back in time to Krypton where he meets his father, a scientific genius who discovered the Phantom Zone. .

That all sounds very classic and Bronze Age. This has elements which are true to longstanding continuity. As such for someone like me, this reads as 'true'.

At the same time, Waid is polishing that Bronze to a more modern sheen. Aethyr is a vindictive god. Mon-El is has had a more troubled time in the Zone than normal, perhaps resorting to murder. Jor-El understood that the Phantom Zone was a troubling option for imprisonment. Jor-El has a temper, not suffering fools. And Lara is clever. 

Classic and new and most importantly, entertaining. It is what Waid has been doing since he returned to DC. Add to that a fun side mission with Kenan and Conner. Throw in more nods to DC history and you have a win.

The art continues to be very strong. Clayton Henry does very well with the Krypton scenes which are mostly verbal sparring, not fight sequences. His work on Jor-El and Lara, showing their anger and indignation, is strong. I love the 'milestone' cover showcasing some famous moments. Michael Shelfer brings a different energy, more electric, to the side story.

There is also an extra Perry White story by Joshua Williamson and Jon Bogdanove which ties up a bubbling Superman subplot.

All in all, a great issue. On to details. 

Review: Action Comics #1075 Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1075 came out last week, a 'special milestone 1075th issue'! I don't know why that number deserves the extra attention but here we are with special trade dress.

It also is the 6th chapter in the Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Patridge Supergirl story meaning we are officially at the halfway point of this plodding story. 

Once more we have a brief, sparse, boring chapter with nearly no progress to the story. Tamaki seems to be treading water in this tale, stretching out a story idea until it is so decompressed it is difficult to read. Worst than that, Supergirl again has almost nothing to do in this story. Every conflict that has arisen in this story is solved by someone else. Supergirl seems ineffective, inept, lost. And even more worse is that as of this chapter - six chapters in mind you, you could pull Kara out of this story and replace her with any other character and it would read the same. Yes, Superman keeps saying that this is a mission that only Supergirl could pull off but we have yet to read why. And even Kara doesn't seem to know anything about it either.

As a Supergirl fan this is frustrating. She doesn't get many solo stories. She needs to shine when she is given the chance. And this story isn't that. 

The art remains top notch. I like Skylar Patridge's breathy style with an ethereal sort of style. Her Kara is fantastic. The cover by Clayton Henry highlights some memorable scenes from Action Comics history including a shot of Kara leaving her rocket (Great Guns!). 

So on to this story, another "Supergirl" story. 

Review: Action Comics #1074 Superman Story

Action Comics #1074 came out last week. We are approaching the mid-point of this Mark Waid story of Superman exploring the Phantom Zone and now heading back to Krypton. 

I have been a comic reader for many years. I have seen Superman visit Krypton. I have seen stories of Jor-El and Lara. I have seen a variety of different takes. Some have been good. Some crazy. Some bad. 

Maybe, I am old-fashioned. But I think the continuity in this main DCU that Krypton should be a place of science and progress. I think Jor-El should be a good man who tried to save everyone. And Mark Waid gives us these back. 

I don't need Jor-El to be Mr. Oz.

But as he is able to often do, Mark Waid not only gives us a classic take but throws in a modern wrinkle. Not an upheaval. Not a rejection of the classic continuity. A modernizing. 

So we see that while Krypton is advanced and progressive, it has it's authoritarian side. Jor-El is a good man, a man of science, but also creative and a little weird. He isn't some ramrod, stodgy good guy. He has a temper. Still smart ... still good ... but more human. 

We also get some progress on the Zone story and the sidebar Conner/Kenan story. So this was a very fun issue.

Clayton Henry does a good job guiding us through Krypton and the Zone. He has this very smooth, organic style that I have always found slick. Michael Shelfer again gives us a great chapter with the Superboy/New Super-Man.

So overall another fun chapter. On to the details.

Gifts From Italy

This is a bonus post mostly to thank a generous friend. 

You know you have a reputation as a comic book guy when even 'normie' friends on vacation in foreign nations wander into comic book stores to buy you merch. 

A good friend of mine, someone not at all into comics, was in Italy and saw a comic book store. He knew what he should do.

He went in and asked what they had of Supergirl and/or Superman. 

He got me 'Superman #33', an Italian collection of Action Comics #1034 and #1035. This was near the beginning of Phillip Kennedy Johnson's run on the book, just approaching the Warworld Saga. Want to go back and revisit? Here is a link to my review:

https://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2021/08/review-action-comics-1034.html

I could already tell that Johnson was on the way to something fantastic.

And check out this page, in Italian!!

You might recall that this moment was my #1 moment of 2021 for Supergirl. Johnson understood that Supergirl was often the smartest person in the room. 

How fantastic that this was the comic that my buddy found!

But wait there's more.

He also found this mini trade, collecting 4 issues of the early Superman books. The last issue in the book was a copy of Superman #21, the first chapter of the Supergirl Saga. Here it is 'La Saga Di Supergirl!' 

If you want to revisit that book, head here:

https://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2018/12/matrix-monday-superman-21.html

This was the introduction of the Matrix Supergirl to the DCU (after a few sneak peeks in the issues before). 

It includes this page! 

Santi Numi!

You might recall that Byrne cheekily has Superman say dialogue similar to Supergirl's first appearance in Action Comics #252.

Another amazing issue for my friend to just happen upon!

Anyways, it is good to have friends who know what you like. These are pretty cool!

Review: Absolute Superman #1

I truly apologize for the lateness of this review. The weekly release of Action Comics with a dedicated Supergirl strip has made some books and news be kicked a bit down the road.

Absolute Superman #1 came out last week, the third title of the Absolute Universe to be released. For those coming in late, this universe is built off Darkseid energy which means everything is a little darker, a little more extreme, a little more volatile. From a brutal and poor Batman to a witchy Wonder Woman raised in Hell, things are skewed to a more grim sort of continuity.

Certainly, this Superman's origin is different. Jor-El and Lara are scientists but mired in the Labor Class. Krypton is a world filled with leaders willingly ripping the planet apart despite warnings. Kal is at least school age when he is rocketed off Krypton. There doesn't appear to be a loving Kent family in the mix. Lois is working for a nefarious acting corporation. So while some of the foundation is present, things are different.

But there is also a strong whiff of 'everything old is new again'. Writer Jason Aaron is setting Superman up to be populist hero, working against corruption and greed to help the underserved. In this issue, he is helping save people working in a dangerous mine. He isn't fighting super-villains. He is fighting the system.

Having read the earliest Action Comics by Siegel and Shuster, this is the foundation of Superman, hero of the oppressed. Heck, in those issues, he also helped out a mining community. And then, in the New 52, Grant Morrison brought that take on Superman back. Remember the 'jeans and t-shirt' Superman fighting evictions and gentrification?

In some ways, it works. This Superman isn't as different that sorceress Diana riding an undead Pegasus. In other ways, this first issue reads pretty close to prior takes making this not a new Superman but sort of a warped take.

We are only one issue in so I know the timelines and universes will continue to diverge. But the truth is I was worried about what a Dark Universe Superman would read like. This wasn't so dark to put me off completely. 

Rafa Sandoval is on art. I have loved Sandoval's work for a while and this issue he really shines. He handles the alien Krypton well. The Earth side of the book is a mix of tense conversations and wild action and he carries the story with the art. And the splash pages are powerful. 

So while the message of this is the standard 'corporations are evil', it isn't so heavy-handed that I eye-rolled. I am in, at least for a bit.

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1074 - Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1074 came out last week, including the fifth part of the Supergirl back-up story by writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Skylar Patridge. 

Frankly, I am frustrated with this Supergirl story. 

We are five parts into this 'mystery mission' of Supergirl escorting a prisoner with universal threatening power. But who is it? And why does she need to do it alone? Tamaki has given us nothing to go on in five issues. Instead we get confusing story-telling, empty dialogue, and worst of all, a boring take.

This is supposed to be a showcase solo story for Supergirl. She is completely ineffectual in this story. As of now there is nothing that makes this a Kara story. Take her out and put in Natasha Irons, Starfire, or Hawkgirl and it would read completely the same. She has not even been a hero in this story. She is confused and helpless. In the Supergirl Special Tamaki wrote, the most action we saw was Supergirl eating a cupcake. In this story, we have Supergirl lose every encounter she is in, whether it is a physical altercation or an intelligent conversation. 

If this is supposed to drum up interest in the Supergirl character, it is going to fail. Because she is an afterthought in her own boring story. It is frustrating.

It's a shame because I am a fan of Skylar Patridge's art. And this Mark Spears variant cover is a killer too.

On to the indecipherable story points.

Review: Action Comics #1073 Superman Story

Action Comics #1073 came out last week, the end of the first month of the weekly distribution and officially one third through Mark Waid and Clayton Henry's Phantom Zone story. For some reason I forgot this was a 12-parter! (Alas, so is the Supergirl story.)

The story takes a pretty big turn at the end of this issue which gives us a sort of act break. We have laid the foundation so why not explore a new thread and come back to this.

Still, Waid takes advantage of the space to push this story forward as we learn more about Mon-El, Xa-Du, Aethyr, and the Zone itself. I do like this deeper dive into Mon-El as we see how the Zone has both hardened him but also elevated him. There are a couple of plot points I sort of need to accept. In particular, why Aethyr has taken such an interest in the Zone remains a bit of a mystery, as is its grudge with Superman/Jor-El. But story progress is progress.  I also like the seemingly unattached side plot with Kenan and Conner. 

Clayton Henry brings a very clean style to the proceedings, interesting choice given the chaos of the zone. He shine with the character beats, specifically the Mon-El  beats. Michael Shelfer continues to sparkle in the Kenan/Conner side adventure bringing some energy there.

So far so good with this arc. On to specifics.

DC Solicitations: January 2025

Between vacations and a glut of comics to review, some other posts kept getting pushed back. So time to look into the future and the new year at the January 2025 DC solicits. The entire slate can be seen here:
https://www.gamesradar.com/comics/dc-comics/dc-comics-january-2025-solicitations-covers/

Overall, I have to say I am feeling a bit of optimism about DC these days. There seems to be some sort of re-invigoration of the whole universe, perhaps emboldened by the Absolute Universe books. I feel like the main Superman books have been on an upswing recently. 

And I just have a sense that a Legion book is around the corner given all the cameos and guest stints for characters from that IP. 

This month will bring a new creative team to Action Comics. I'm sad to see Mark Waid go. But I am glad he is remaining on World's Finest and the new JLU.

On to the books. 

Superman #22
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by MICO SUAYAN, JONBOY MEYERS, and DAVID TALASKI
1:25 variant cover by DAVID LAPHAM
Sweater Weather variant by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

A secret alien strike team has arrived on Earth with their sights set on the greatest weapon in the universe…Doomsday. And the only person who can save the ultimate destroyer is Superman! While alien forces rain down on Metropolis, Superwoman trains with her new powers alongside an unlikely instructor...and you will not believe who it is!

I figured the Doomsday story was going to be a true arc, at least 6 issues so not surprised to see it still churning along. As for an alien strike team ... what do you think? Doomsday Revenge Squad made up of aliens from worlds he has devastated? Will Williamson dig into continuity and bring back some people from planet Calaton?

But the real question in the solicit is 'who is training Lois'? I hope it is Supergirl. It would make sense. Although it would be easy to believe that. Perhaps Lana as Superwoman? More Lois/Lana friction? Barda? Really hope it's Kara.

Review: Action Comics #1073 Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1073 came out last week, another of the weekly releases for the title during this Mark Waid main run. 

I was excited when I first heard that Supergirl was going to be the backup for this weekly run. But when the writer was announced as Mariko Tamaki, I had some trepidation. Other runs of hers, and in particular her inscrutable and boring Supergirl Special, made me worry this wasn't going to be a strong arc for Kara.

We are now four chapters into this Supergirl story and, I suppose not surprisingly, it is inscrutable and boring. Supergirl has been sent into space on a secret mission. But the details have been left unknown to the reader as well. I suppose Tamaki thinks a big reveal at the end will be a jolt for the reader. Unfortunately all the coy dancing around the actual plot has made this feel like a slog.

This chapter we get to finally see the prisoner Kara has been sent to fetch. There is a lot of vague dialogue from the villain that is more maddening than mysterious. It seems to imply there is some connection between Kara and the prisoner but there isn't a whiff of specifics.

Supergirl as a character doesn't get a lot of room to shine on her own in the DCU these days. Features like this are a sort of showcase for her, perhaps to drum up support for a new solo run. But a story like this (and like that Special) do the opposite. Kara doesn't shine her. She doesn't do much at all. She seems almost like a side plot device in her own story. And as readers we aren't invested because we don't know what the heck is happening. It's a shame.

As always, I like the art by Skylar Patridge. While there isn't much action in this chapter, there is some fun contrivances that allow Patridge to stretch a bit. The art is definitely the high point of the story.

On to the details, the few there are.

Review: Superman #19

I am finally catching up on my reviews after my vacation which means I have reached Superman #19. This is the first 'All In' Superman, bringing us the introduction of Lois 'Superwoman' Lane and the return of not one but two (but really one) classic DC villain to thwart the Man of Steel. It also unites two of DC's creative powerhouses - writer Joshua Williamson and artist Dan Mora.

I'll start by saying this 'All In' initiative feels a bit like Rebirth/Anti-Rebirth. The Absolute Line, with the new dark Earth and the darker takes on our heroes, feels like a step away from Classic DC. But the new teams, the new books, heck even these new pin-up covers of our heroes looking heroic, all seems to be a step towards a more traditional feel to our heroes. Add in a few wrinkles (like a powered Lois) and you have a great jumping on point.

I will start out by saying I think Williamson crushes it on this issue. You want to bring in new readers? Maybe people coming here because of the new initiative or Mora's art, you give them big action and intriguing hooks. He does both. Incredibly, he somehow brings new life to three stories we have seen before - Doomsday, 'good' Lex, and Superwoman. Heck, I am pretty tired of the first two. But somehow, they work here. In particular, the Doomsday one has such a fantastic cliffhanger ending here that I want to read more. Trust me, I never want to read more Doomsday! So kudos to Williamson.

There is also one little 'blink and you'll miss it' exchange at LexCorp that really interests me. More below.

As for the art, Mora has crushed it on every issue I have seen him on and this is no different. Mora is great on character design. His versions of Superwoman, the Atomic Skull, the Time Trapper all glitter. But it is smaller moments, the expressive work, a throwback Daily Planet front page, a world weary Lex, that really grabbed me. 

And yes, I bought the cardstock metallic cover featuring Lois. But come on DC! Wrong credits on the back cover? Waid didn't write this!

On to the book!

Review: Action Comics #1072 Superman Story

Action Comics #1072 came out last week, continuing the 'Phantoms' arc by writer Mark Waid. 

Waid has been really firing on all cylinders with this arc so far and this chapter is no different. He had me at 'Superman battling Aethyr in the Phantom Zone'. But throw in Professor Xa-Du, Mon-El, and a crackling fun subplot with Kenan and Conner, and this book just sizzles.

This is a new Phantom Zone with pockets of solidity, crazy monsters, and new tortures present. He is giving us a Mon-El with a bit of an edge. So Waid is giving us something new. But, per usual, he is also leaning into DC history. Aethyr alone is a deep pull. But when I saw a quick retelling of Mon-El's origin and it is close to classic, I was thrilled. It is that perfect tightrope walk of old and new.  

And the story, of a benevolent Aethyr turned by the vileness of the prisoners, is also interesting.

Clayton Henry is on art for the bulk of the story. His smooth style somehow works given the chaotic environment of the Zone. There is a very organic sort of fullness to everyone. But I am really taken by Michael Shelfer's work on the Kenan/Conner subplot. There is a dynamism therw.

On to the book.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #32

I continue to chip away at a backlog of reviews after a brief vacation. So today I am reviewing Batman Superman World's Finest #32, a book released 2 weeks ago!

Writer Mark Waid has used this book as a sort of team-up title with Superman, Batman, and a young Dick Grayson Robin interacting with some classic characters from the DCU. This is the second issue in an Eclipso storyline with our heroes teaming up with the JSA. The Satellite Era JLA have been trapped. Our heroes have been possessed and are now pawns of Eclipso. And so the JSA needs to step in and try to save the day and the World's Finest duo.

I have loved this title since its inception but this storyline seems a little bit looser than I am used to. Eclipso is pretty cool. Seeing the JSA, including many of my faves, is also fantastic. But I don't know if I understand how Eclipso is doing what he is doing. I have had to stop overthinking the insanity and just sort of roll with it. Waid usually feels 'tighter' than this. This is still a very good book and a good story. But the bar is high.

Adrian Gutierrez is on art, stepping into Dan Mora's huge shoes. I like the style as it has a little frenzied feel to it which works with the story. I admit I sometimes have a hard time following the action on certain scenes. But overall, I like what I am seeing and glad he has been named the ongoing artist here.

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1072 Supergirl Back-Up

Action Comics #1072 came out this week, the third weekly issue and therefore the third part in the Supergirl back-up feature by writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Skylar Patridge. 

I have exactly liked this story so far. As a reader, I still have little idea of what Supergirl's mission is, why she needed to be alone to do it, and what (if anything) Superman knew before he sent her off. She has hypnotized friends. She has asked questions that don't lead to information. And she has been mostly ineffective in accomplishing much of anything.

Alas, this chapter is more of the same. We get, maybe, a small crumb of information about the 'prisoner', at least a concept about them. But not much more. A question I had from last issue is answered here, explaining something I thought was a plot contrivance. But another plot point is added that makes this story feel even more dodgy. For the most part, Kara is basically ineffective. She asks a lot of questions and is otherwise failing on every aspect of her reason for being there. 

Honestly, I really feel we are treading water. And there is nothing I have seen so far that makes me understand why this had to be solo mission. That is the crux of this story and three parts in, I have no clue.

Maybe by the time we get to the end, Tamaki will have made this ride understandable.

As for the art, I remain a fan of Patridge's work. I feel like her work is a wonderful stew of other artists I love. This issue I felt there was a sort of Joelle Jones feel to things. We get more action sequences here and I liked how those flowed.

But still, this is mostly a slow boil. And I was hoping for more.

Review: Action Comics #1071 Superman Story

Still catching up on reviews after vacation which means I am finishing my review of last week's books now. So on to the main story in last week's Action Comics #1071, written by Mark Waid with art by Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer.

Unlike the Supergirl back-up in this issue, writer Mark Waid pushes the story forward in a very entertaining way. There are mysteries here. This is a 'new' Phantom Zone, part physical, filled with odd monsters. That is a mystery. There is a heck of a cliffhanger, with a known enemy turning out to be a long lost friend. So there is a lot still to be known like any good tale early in the telling. But it isn't stagnant. We even get a fun little subplot with Kenan and Conner.

Waid, being the sort of fan he is, also is able to weave in a bunch of DC history. We get a quick primer on the Zone itself. We get some classic villains. It works very well. 

Clayton Henry remains solid on art. This is a story with lots of varying landscapes, monsters, villains, and action. It unfolds wonderfully. The action in particular works well, especially in the context of the barren landscape and crazy spider monsters. Michael Shelfer, someone new to me, is on art for the subplot pages and brings a zany energy which is perfect.

On to the story.

Review: Action Comics #1071 Supergirl Back-Up

I have been away on vacation and so will try to catch up on reviews over the next couple of weeks.

Let's start right off with the Supergirl back-up story from last week's Action Comics #1071.

I struggled a little with the first part to this tale. From the lack of details to Supergirl's hypnotic mind-wipes of her friends, it was a bit of a riddle. Mariko Tamaki's story telling remains a bit dodgy. I hoped that things would pick up. 

But this second piece of the story just made me ask more questions. We still don't know much of the details about Supergirl's mission. In fact, she doesn't seem to know much about her mission either. That makes me question just what Superman knew about it before he sent her. If he knew nothing, it is a rough mission that he sending her out alone to do. If he does know more, then he is withholding information. That doesn't feel right either. 

But there are other questions about this story that stuck out to me. Things that happen, or don't happen, which make very little internal sense to me. The dreaded 'this happened to move the story along' thought creeped into my mind more than once. And in a short back-up story, that is never good. 

Skylar Patridge continues to be the star of this show. With a sort of rough pencil style that seems part Guy Davis and part Bilquis Evelyn, the art is quite captivating. The brief action in this chapter feels fast and violent. 

So far, however, this story hasn't grabbed me. On to the details.

Gone For A Bit

 

I am tromping around Merry Olde England as this posts.

I'll be on a much MUCH MUCH needed vacation for a week. 

So I'll have a lot to catch up on when I return!

See you all soon!

Back Issue Bin: Justice League Of America #183

I am a Bronze Age baby and one of the joys I get out of this site is looking back at comic history as a reflection of current storylines. My Back Issue Bin dives allow me to revisit some classics, maybe introduce them to some of you or rekindle memories in others. But for me the joy is to take something happening in the DCU today and see similarities in the past. 

I thought given Amazo's appearance in both My Adventures With Superman and Absolute Power, that I'd review Action Comics #480-483. an Amazo story which also included the first appearance of the Supermobile. (I am sure I'll cover that at some point.)

But with Darkseid's death and the resurgence of the New Gods in the DCU in the All-In Special and the Absolute Universe as well as a new Justice League and Justice Society books on the docket, I thought reviewing Justice League of America #183-185 seemed more timely.

This was one of the annual JLA/JSA team-ups, this time 'Crisis on New Genesis'. If there have been Crises on Earth-S, Earth-X, and all the others, why not New Genesis! Written by JLA legendary writer Gerry Conway and drawn by JLA legendary artist Dick Dillin, this was a big event. 

This was 1980. The New Gods were sort of a small pocket in the DCU and not everywhere, all the time like they are now. Their series was done in 1972. There was a brief run in 1978, written by Conway which tried to pick up where Kirby left off. And then the story was 'ended' in Adventure Comics #459-460 later in 1978. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Conway picked things up again. The Fourth World is too rich an IP to leave untouched. But even after this story, where the return of Darkseid was a surprise, he was still very much a 'surprise' villain in the Great Darkness Saga two years later in 1982.

In fact, this story was really my first deep dive into the Fourth World. Yes, I had bought an Englehart/Rogers Mister Miracle issue a couple of years earlier. And I read the odd DCCP or B&B team-up. But otherwise, seeing Apokolips and hearing the history? All new. These characters are so ubiquitous now!

Check out the Jim Starlin cover with Orion on the warpath! 

Lastly and sadly, this was Dick Dillin's last issue. He suffered a heart attack after this issue and passed away. This was after a very lengthy run on this book ... basically unbroken from Justice League #64! Ten years! 

Enough preamble, on to the story!

Review: Action Comics #1070 - Superman Story

Action Comics #1070 came out last week, the first issue of the Mark Waid and Clayton Henry weekly run on the book. I have already covered the Supergirl back-up so on to the main tale. 

Mark Waid has been firing on all cylinders since he came back to DC. His Batman/Superman World's Finest book has been my favorite title since its inception. Now he gets a turn on Action Comics and Superman solo and I can't be happier. Waid's love of Superman is well known. His love of DC Comic history is also well known. And both shine in this story.

From Kandor to the Phantom Zone to the signal watch to the super-family, the book sings. Again, Waid straddles the line between classic DC sensibilities and modern story-telling. This opening chapter is a body horror comic linked to Krypton's past. I loved every panel of it. And I haven't even mentioned that, as always, Waid writes a great Supergirl. She shines in this issue.

Clayton Henry brings his thick-lined, organic art to the proceedings. This is an old-school Kryptonian slugfest and it all flows beautifully. But I really want to compliment the cover. Yes, this is an 'All In' cover showcase of Superman. But Mon-El and Professor Xa-Du in Donneresque Phantom Zone mirrors is just beautiful.

Let's dive right in!

Review: Action Comics #1070 - Supergirl Back-Up

The All In era at DC Comics started this week with the release of Absolute Batman #1. Part of that initiative is Mark Waid coming on to Action Comics and that title going to weekly! Within Action Comics, we have a Supergirl back-up feature by Mariko Tamaki and Sklyar Patridge. 

Given the focus of this site, I will be reviewing these Action issues in two parts, making sure to give the Supergirl story the space it deserves. For us old timers, seeing Supergirl in the back of Action Comics, a space she anchored in the Silver Age, is perfect.

Action Comics #1070 was released this week. So we jump right into the story. But before we get there, a couple of opening salvos.

First off, Supergirl is treated very very well by Mark Waid in the main story. I cannot wait to show how Waid continues that 'field marshal', second-in-command feel for Supergirl within the super-family.

Second, Mariko Tamaki wrote the rather bland Supergirl Special #1 almost a year ago. That story was extremely rough. Supergirl not remembering Krypton (after PKJ had her be the Kryponian archivist for years). Supergirl jealous of Power Girl (after we just had a PG story where she was jealous of Supergirl). And, of course, a concentration on eating snacks. How DC could read that story and say 'this is the writer we want to guide Supergirl in her next solo story' is confusing.

Third, this story seems to concentrate on Supergirl's 'new power' coming out of Absolute Power, a hypno-vision where she can literally control people. That has troubling implications all over the place about consent. In the story, it shows the super-family having a lack of trust in their friends. And we simply don't need Kara to have this power any more than we need Black Canary to have heat vision or Power Girl to 'astral punch'.

At the very least, Skylar Patridge is reunited with Tamaki and brings a wonderful art style to the proceedings. Patridge has a sort of breezy, fine-lined style that feels like a top-notch indy book. That is not faint praise. The art is beautiful. 

But this opening chapter is a little confusing and a little troubling. So I hope things get tighter. On to the book.

Absolute Superman, Dark Legion, And An Idea With Laurel Gand

I am a Legion of Super-Heroes fan. It is no surprise. I cover them here. I covered them at The Legion of Super-Bloggers. I love the IP.

We have gone through a couple of decades without a solid take on the Legion. Brian Bendis' efforts seemed to flame out and I think will probably be swept under the continuity rug. 

So I was a bit split in my reaction to the middle splash in the DC All In #1 Special. 

How great is it to see a Legion again, and one with relatively recognizable members! How great to see Dan Mora draw them! How terrible that it is a 'Dark Legion', part of the Absolute Universe! (I mean, I think that is Brainiac 5 in the lower left and he looks monstrous!)

But at least it is a Legion and them being introduced in this universe makes me hope that we will see one in the prime universe as well. 

Well, it got me thinking about the Absolute Universe a little more and perhaps the make-up of the team. 

Given the theme's of an older and alone and somewhat angry Superman that we have heard will be in Absolute Superman, I am going to guess that he is truly to sole survivor. At least, I think that will be the take at the beginning. 

So no Supergirl in this universe ... again, I am guessing here but reading the tea leaves. 

Perhaps there is room for a Supergirl analogue?

Review: All-In Special #1

The DC All-In Special #1, a special flip book opening to the line-wide initiative and relaunch, came out last week and was a very enjoyable read. This was a group effort with Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder writing the two halves and a bevy of artists anchored by Wes Craig and Daniel Sampere providing the art.

I'll start out with some caveats. I did not read any of Absolute Power so I don't have an understanding of what happened to the multiverse. I did not think I would be very interested in the Absolute line of books (although after reading a sneak peek of Absolute Batman I am pretty intrigued). With those two truths in mind, I didn't have major expectations from this book. 

Snyder and Williamson do a very solid job here though, grabbing me more than I thought they would. For one, the recognize DC history here, both recent and more ingrained in an old reader like me. They bring in an interesting wrinkle about Darkseid to a truth in the longstanding DCU that I am surprised hasn't been touched on before. And they put forward a brief origin for the Absolute Universe, the Elseworld, that touches on DC history too. 

And while I feel that the main goal of this book was to give people a taste of the Absolute Universe, the major push from the DC company, they also bring in some hints for new books on the main Earth. 

The art is also fantastic. Wes Craig brings a raw, chaotic feel to the Darkseid side of the book and does an incredible job touring the DCU and timeline. On the flipside, Daniel Sampere brings his clean, crisp style to the main world story, a stark contrast in feel befitting the stories.

I liked this a lot. And it did it's job, making me <gasp> a little excited about some upcoming things. On to the book itself.

Review: My Adventures With Superman #5

My Adventures with Superman #5 came out this week, the penultimate issue of this mini-series bridging the two seasons of the show. It is interesting to see just how much Kryptonian tech and concern for a Kryptonian invasion permeates the whole IP. 

Writer Sophia Campbell continues to create a sort of three-dimensional universe for this take on Superman. First and foremost, she writes an inspirational Superman and inspirational Lois. These are both heroes in their own right. This is a Superman who lifts people up by telling them that acts are more important than words. That there is no fate save that what we make. And that you can shake off expectations if we want. It is clear that Amazo, a now sentient robot with a nefarious reason for existing, is going to be a full hero, someone who sacrifices himself to save others. Some of that is because he has been befriended and supported by Superman. I'm okay with it.

Pablo Collar continues to do a great job on art. There is that cartoony/anime style that jibes with the cartoon. But he has to do serious action here. He also has to bring in mecha, hand beams, airplanes, and brawling. Again, that makes this feel like a true separate universe. 

I know we are getting a 3rd season of the show. So I hope we get another bridging mini. 

On to the book. 

Back Issue Box: Action Comics #512

A few weeks ago, I reviewed Action Comics #510, covering a story where Lex Luthor apparently turns over a new leaf, becoming a force for good because he has found love. The story started there, with Lex finding Angela Blake, saving her from a lethal DXS disease, and falling so in love that he turns away from evil. 

Action Comics #512 completes the three parter (sorry, I can't find my #511!) and it is, perhaps, one of the craziest Lex stories I have read. Settle in for some Lex playing the long game, Lex altering his own mind, and Lex regretting it all in the end. But also get ready to read Lex at his most evil, his most brutal. 

And when you deal with all that Lex, get ready to see an appropriately angry Superman.

Kudos to Cary Bates for this one. I'd say that three part stories were relatively rare back in 1980. But I think that second part (alas not reviewed here yet) was a keep part to get us to this issue. That middle chapter adds time to this story, makes Lex's long con feel long, and adds some potential legitimacy to Lex's turn to goodness.  

It all starts with this killer cover by Ross Andru and Dick Giordano. Superman kissing Lex's bride in front of him, and clearly on the wedding day is a throwback to the classic covers with our hero acting mean to his friends. The red aura is a nice clue to what happens in the story. And lastly, the addition of the toppling wedding cake is pure gold.  Inside art is by the classic team of Curt Swan and Frank Chiaramonte. 

Settle in. This one is a doozy.

Comics Interview #26: Crisis On Infinite Earths Interview

I have been doing this blog for over sixteen years, covering Supergirl in all her incarnations.

One topic that I keep coming back to is Crisis on Infinite Earths. Every time I think I have covered all of it, and in particular Supergirl's death in Crisis on Infinite Earths #7, I find something new to cover.

Now I have said before that I have made my peace with Supergirl's death in Crisis. It was an incredibly heroic moment. She saved Superman and basically the multiverse. The cover of COIE #7 is the image of the series. Everyone remembers her role.

That said, it still stings a little to know that DC thought so little of the character that they felt she could ... and should ... be killed and erased from history. 

All this is preamble to the fact that at a visit to a local comic store I ran across Comics Interview #26 which included an interview with Marv Wolfman and Robert Greenberger about the Crisis. It is a very interesting article.

First off, it hit the stands before Crisis was finished, right after COIE #9 was released. So Wolfman and Greenberger have to be a bit coy about the overall ending. But the deaths of Supergirl and the Flash were pretty fresh. The concept of rebuilding the DCU into one universe hadn't happened and was basically an unknown. And these ideas are touched on by interviewer Patrick O'Neill.

So let's dive in.