Action Comics #1097 came out last week and was another fun chapter in this ongoing Superboy run in which Mark Waid explores the earliest days of Clark's super-heroics.
This is a fun chapter as three time-tossed heroes from the present find themselves in the past, meeting a very young Superboy and navigating the troubled waters of time-travelers and a delicate timeline. That happens from both sides of the equation. Mary Marvel, Booster Gold, and Martian Manhunter are trying not to relay too much to Clark. And Clark and the Kents are trying not to ask too many questions. It is that tightrope everyone is walking that is the strongest part of the issue for me, even more than the battle with Epoch, the Lord Of Time. I love this Martha and Jonathan because frankly, given my age, I think I relate to them.
There are even some philosophoical and emotional moments involving Booster Gold that made me think for a while. I don't usually think of Booster spurring on deep thoughts but that is the magic of Mark Waid.
On to the book.
As I said, so much of the fun of the issue is everyone trying to figure out what to say and not say when they are talking to someone from a different time. Waid starts that pot boling as the heroes fight Epoch. Booster almost calls Clark 'Superman'. And Clark wonders if he is supposed to know the heroes.
It can be that confusing.
Epoch time-slips or teleports out leaving the heroes to explain the dilemma. They were traveling in time (trying to follow the alpha energy of the DCKO missing Superman) when they ran into Epoch in the time stream and got stuck.
The beacon they sent out hit that weird device in the Science Expo. The heroes wonder if it is from Krypton.
But this is early Clark. He doesn't even know what Krypton is. Look at the shock on the heroes. Brilliant. They didn't realize they were this early. And now, knowing that Clark doesn't even know his origins, they decide to really lock down on what they say.
But Epoch is out there so they decide to stay.
Clark brings the now appropriately dressed (or shape-changed) heroes to the Kent farm where Ma and Pa just roll with it. This is as much their origin story as Clark's.
As time has slipped by me, I need to now realize that young Clark Kent would have a smartphone and would be texting his friends. (I AM OLD !!!!)
It is a slipped in line but I love how Pete Ross wasn't too surprised that Clark went missing. Meanwhile Lana is furious. Too fun.
Do you think this 'Life on Mars' line means she is a David Bowie fan like me??
But these panels where Mary points out how he 'becomes Clark' physically is fantastic. And I love how Clark says it has become so ingrained he doesn't drop the act even around people who know the secret.
This is Superboy. This explains how he has maintained the secret as an adult.
But the J'onn/Booster talk is even more thought-provoking.
J'onn apologizes for sending Booster through the rift that led to him being horrifically tortured and ultimately possessed by Darkseid. I love that J'onn did that. But I also love that even though he is traumatized, Booster cannot and will not show it.
Earlier, Boosted wonders if J'onn ever thinks of warning his earlier self about things. Even an experienced time traveler like Booster is tempted.
It all made me think about trauma in comics and characters trying to overcome it.
But I also love her tousling Clark's hair and saying what a little angel he was. How embarrassing for Clark trying to be a super-hero in front of the others. But Ma still think he is her itty-bitty baby. Patridge sells his embarrasment!
In the end, Epoch shows up on the farm, the first time the Kents have been in the fray. The heroes can't seem get an advantage when who arrives? Pa with his shotgun! Such bravery! Such a role model!!!
Epoch blips out again but with a prize, Clark's pod.
This was another great issue in this run as we continue to create the new foundation that the current Superman is built on. Love all the characters sort of carefully treading in conversation to not give away anything. And great art as usual.
Rock on Superboy!
Overall grade: B+
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