Review: Action Comics #1098

Action Comics #1098 came out this week, another great chapter in this look back at the early career of Superboy. Given recent announcements about Action Comics #1100 we may be nearing the end of this mini-run which feels shortsighted by DC because this has been great. If DC announced a Superboy book by this creative team, I would be there.

Mark Waid has done a great job on this book, showcasingClark's early super-heroics and discovering his powers as they develop. Just as important though, he is showing the emotional side of these early adventures. The Kents' history. The Lana love triangle. The Pete Ross mystery. All great.

This issue shines a light on the earliest origin, the landing of the rocket and the Kent's adoption of Clark, leaning a little more to the classic origin and a bit away from Byrne. Waid uses a time-travel villain to make the exposition a plot component so it isn't forced. I have talked about how the Lana stuff has been very nostalgic for me, remembering my early loves in high school. The scene in this issue is fantastic.

The art is split between Skylar Patridge and Patricio Delpeche. Patridge is a cleaner style which works for the Smallville scenes, especially the Lana stuff. I was hoping that Delpeche would do only the flashback pages to keep a sort of thread to the art. But the artists are mixed throughout the issue. Both artists are great.

Onto the book.

Review: Supergirl #13 (V8)

Supergirl #13 came out this week, the next chapter in the 'Hero of Kandor' arc, a brutal story so far pushing Kara to her physical and emotional limits. This is a story filled with physical danger and emotional turmoil. But through it all, even when seemingly spiraling, this Supergirl remains a hero and an inspiration. 

Writer/artist Sophie Campbell has had Kara nearly die, been turned into a cyborg, and trying to quell the uprising of the Black Flame in Kandor AND chastise the Kandorian government for letting it happen. And she continues to do this despite a large portion of her body having been replaced by clunky robotics. It would be easy for her to give up but she doesn't.

Not that she is stolid or staid. She breaks down here and there. We see her lamenting her past. We see her screaming at Lesla Lar. She is still learning to be a hero, still dealing with the roils of her life, but moving past them. This isn't a Kara crying in a sun, living a life of pain. This is a Supergirl who knows she needs to help people in danger, who literally tells herself to 'get it together'. I'm not sure I 100% understand her loyalty and devotion to Lesla. 

As for Black Flame, she is both physically devastating, ready to kill those who stand in her way, and somehow a charismatic leader, bringing people under her sway. That is why Lesla followed her. And someone else might be joining the cause.

As for the art, Campbell has really kicked it up a notch in this arc. There are some wonderful little touches in the art that I think emphasize story points. I love her take on Superboy and his tactile TK power.

Add to that a killer cliffhanger and you get a fantastic issue. On to the book.

Kingdom Of Zod Crossover

The summer Superman crossover event, Kingdom of Zod, was recently announced and promoted on line. I wasn't expecting a Superman event but in comics this summer so it came as a bit of a surprise.

To read the whole promotional piece head here: https://aiptcomics.com/2026/05/07/kingdom-of-zod-crossover/

The main plot blurb is below:

The crossover kicks off August 12 in Supergirl #16, where a sudden military takeover throws the Kryptonite Kingdom of El Caldero into chaos. Kara responds by forming a strike team that includes Superboy-Prime, Conner Kent, Tomorrow Man, Steel, and others, only to discover the invading force has Kryptonian roots. That same day in Action Comics #1101, Superman returns to the present following the events of issue #1100 and is quickly pulled into the growing conflict.

 As the story unfolds, Zod’s return and his role in the invasion become clearer, setting up a major twist tied to Kryptonite that raises the stakes across the globe.

There is a lot to unpack in even this small blurb.

For one, I like that the story starts in Supergirl and that she is the 'field commander' bringing together the team to try and stop the Kryptonian invasion. That is how she has been written in the main super-books just prior to her solo series.

Second, interesting how El Caldero is a sort of lynchpin in the whole proceedings. I have always thought the the Absolute Legion made the inertron covered K-meteor that started Dan Slott's story. But they aren't around anymore. Could it have been Zod? Perhaps he sent it to soften up the Kryptonians on Earth before his arrival? Fascinating.

And the promo art above is packed. All the supers. Steel and Natasha. Who is the flannel shirt wearing guy holding a bearded Superman? A younger Smallville Clark meeting his future self?

That has to be Ursa in the crystal coffin!

I mean we haven't seen Zod since Kneel Before Zod (reviews up on this site). It was implied that Lois' Superwoman powers came from Zod.

Crazy. But there's more.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #8

Adventures of Superman Book of El #8 came out this last week, meaning we are two thirds of the way through this sweeping mythological future story touching on the Book of El and the Superman descendants. It also touches on the Warworld saga from a few years ago.

Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson does great with stories like this. Whether it is The Last God or Warworld or even his current Hulk run, there is always a deep sense of lore. Sometimes it can be almost too much to comprehend. Here I am trying to follow both the Aspects of Olgrun, the mission of Kryl-Ux, and all the Superman descendants. I will be honest, at times I have been lost. At times I have to dig out my own reviews to remind me which descendant it is.

All that said, it is a tapestry worth diving into. I suppose it is no different than Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or Rowling's Harry Potter. You just need to immerse yourself.

Art this issue is done by Cian Tormey, giving Scotty Godlewski a break. Tormey is well-acquainted with the Superman family and his work here is wonderful, moving from interstellar battles to medieval parlays to fisticuffs.

I don't know if I get all of what is happening here. But I am enjoying the ride. And Johnson does a good job of answering a question that has been bothering me.

On to the book. 

Review: Absolute Superman #19

Absolute Superman #19 came out this week, continuing a new arc introducing 'King Shazam' and Absolute Steel into the universe. It is a high octane brawl of an issue showcasing our title character's emerging heroism and some new mysteries to contemplate. Add in the 'origin' of Steel and you have a solid issue.

Jason Aaron is continuing to grow this universe now that we are in the sort of second act of the book. With Ra's Al Ghul's plot to turn Superman done, it is time to broaden the view to the world. In fact, the Ra's story is truly ended here with an exclamation point. The biggest hook for me here is the mystery of King Shazam. Last issue we saw he was a slave in ancient Egypt given power by Brainiacs with a Father Box. Why were Brainiacs on Earth then? With a Father Box no less? Now we see how Shazam's powers seem to mimic Superman's down to the crystal cape? How are those echoes possible? Didn't Lara create Sol with sun crystals? Alas, these are just mysteries to contemplate now.

Rafa Sandavol continues to shine on art. There are action panels where you don't truly see the blows, hidden in energy and swirling sands. But the character moments are well rendered. And his take on the Steel origin is brutal and gorgeous. 

This book continues to intrigue as we peel back the layers. On to the book.

Free Comic Book Day 2026

If I can be honest up front, my non-blogging life has been in a bit of a tizzy recently.

I was on vacation in the middle of April. Came back to a full work schedule as I covered for many off work while their young kids were on school vacation here. And then, I just closed on a new house and have been moving things on my own as well as setting up a new life there.

Whew!

So a side effect of all that was Free Comic Book Day 2026 sneaking up on me. I usually am more prepared for this and plan a whole day of hitting various stores to soak in the celebration. This year ... not so much. Just a quick visit to my store.

I was thrilled to walk into the store about an hour after it opened to see the place filled with people not only perusing the free stuff but walking around the store looking at other stuff.

I grabbed the DC Next Level book mostly because I haven't planned on reading any of the three books highlighted here - Batwoman, Lobo, and Deathstroke. So why not use the free book as it was intended, allowing me to sample the titles before committing to buying the title.

With 'Next Level' being the big push of new books, I am not surprised that DC focused on this effort rather than promoting any of the bigger, more classic titles. It also is worth noting that Superman Day is just 2 weeks before FCBD and had all sorts of free Super-books.

I don't know if I will be getting any of the titles here but I would recommend Firestorm!

DC Comics July 2026 Solicits

The July DC Comics solicits have come out and the Summer of Supergirl continues with a number of books on the rack. Throw in some super-mini-series and a anniversary issue of Action Comics and you have a busy month. 

If you want to see the whole slate you can head here:
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dc-comicss-july-2026-full-solicits-and-solicitations-have-dropped/

On to the super-books.

SUPERGIRL #15
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by KRIS ANKA, RAHZZAH, and KARL KERSCHL

As Supergirl starts to gain the upper hand, Black Flame spots an opportunity to escape Kandor and bring the fight to Earth. Powered by the yellow sun, this Kandorian rebel could be unstoppable. It’s now up to Supergirl to rein her in before the entire planet ends up in danger!

Somehow Supergirl is whole again. I am wondering if Lesla's 'super-stuff' is going to be some sort of protomatter similar to Matrix Supergirl, a way to roll that idea into current continuity. And it seems like Lesla and Kara are back to being friends again. I am wondering if this whole thing ends with Lesla being the hero of Kandor, relieving Supergirl of that duty.

Glad to see Campbell on words and art.

Review: Spider-Man/Superman #1 Back-Up Stories

We wrap up the week of Spider-Man/Superman #1 by finishing my look at the rest of the stories in the book. There are a couple of real winners in this mix making this entire book a true buy.

The main story was solid outside of a plot point that confused me.

The Supergirl/Ghost Spider story felt like a wasted opportunity making the two characters way more catty than I usually see them. 

While most of these stories revolve around the super-family, there are a couple of other guest stars here. And I it is interesting to see the main Superman starring in so many of these stories. In every one, Superman is written so well, as a true North Star for the other heroes, leading them by example and with wisdom and kindness.

So let's dive right in with one of the better stories in the book.

"Metropolis Marvels" was the first story out of the gate after the main, starring the Golden Age Superman and Spider-Man Noir, set firmly in the 40s. The story was written by Dan Slott with pitch-perfect art by Marcos Martin. The look and feel is spot on.

I don't know much of Spidey Noir so I was surprised to see him packing heat and wanting to kill the Kingpin of Crime, Lex Luthor to avenge a man Lex set up, a prisoner heading to the chair.

In comes Superman to stop Noir's murder plan so he can get Luthor to the Governor in time to help grant a pardon to the innocent man.

So much to love here. One of Superman's first adventure was stopping an innocent man going to the chair. Lex as Kingpin is great. Superman couldn't fly, only jump back then so this page, mirroring the cover of Amazing Fantasy #15 just works. 

And Martin's art is nigh perfect for a noir tale. Home run! And yet, for me, it is still the third best story. There are two even better than this!

On to the rest.

Review: Spider-Man/Superman #1 Main Story

Welcome to part two of Spider-Man/Superman #1 week where I will review the main story of the book, 'Our Kryptonite', by Brad Metzler and Pepe Larraz.

This is a pretty beefy story, clocking in at 27 pages. And it again shows how Superman and Spider-Man would probably be easy friends. Both journalists. Both inspirational heroes. Both here in this Marvel release and in the recent DC release of the heroes, there is an easy chemistry between them.

One thing that I really like about this story (and truly throughout both books), Superman is treated with incredible respect, shown to be a leader and an inspiration. In this issue, I think he actually gives Spider-Man some perspective that the wallcrawler might have been missing. That makes me happy. It ends with a nice homey scene that also adds a touching ending. 

I do have to say that there is a story turn or plot point that wasn't exactly easy for me to understand that sort of pulled me out of the take a little bit. It was only on multiple rereads and a listening to some other reviews that I finally understood the plan of the villains of the piece, Luthor and the Green Goblin. 

The art is by Pepe Larraz so you know it is going to be great. In particular, there is a panel in the super-brawl that blew me away. I'll be sure to point it out. 

I'd be interested in hearing what others thought. For sure, some of the other back-ups (covered later this week) stood out as superb. 

On to the story.

Review: Spider-Man/Superman #1 Supergirl/Ghost Spider Story

Welcome to the week of Spider-Man/Superman #1, the Marvel release of the latest DC/Marvel crossover. I had recently done a deep dive on the Superman/Spider-Man #1 comic on the site. I must admit, both companies did a great job on these books with very entertaining main stories and very interesting back-ups.

Somehow Marvel got the luck of having the Supergirl story in the lot. And I was thrilled when I heard the team-up was going to be with Ghost Spider. As a huge Gwen Stacy fan, this seemed like a 'chocolate and peanut butter' moment, the perfect combo. Add in Phil Noto, a long time favorite of mine and I was really excited.

The writer of 'Remarkable' was Stephanie Phillips who I feel is a sort of hit-or-miss writer for me. I have enjoyed some of her work, the early issues of her Harley Quinn run and the current She-Hulk book for example. But this story's premise that Kara and Gwen would be sort of catty towards each other, acting like mean girls, seemed a little bit off. I do feel that maybe the story sticks the landing but given it is unlikely that these characters will ever meet again, it seemed like a wasted opportunity to see a true team-up.

Kudos to Peach Momoko for this slick cover. Love the pastel covers and the smiling Kara standing tall!

On to the book.

Review: Superman #37

Superman #37 came out this week and was another very entertaining chapter in this redemption arc for Superboy Prime, subbing in for the departed Superman. 

I have said that it is a minor miracle that writer Joshua Williamson has made me actually like this take on Prime. Prime is a comic nerd who recognizes his worst deeds are several reboots ago and is trying to do good. But all those old deeds are still known so Prime is basically under the microscope with everyone waiting for him to mess up. I actually felt for Prime here as he is really feeling that pressure of everyone side eyeing him all while hs is trying to be a hero.

It helps that Prime is a great POV charactier because he talks non-stop about comic history and lore. He is 'one of us' but in the DCU. This issue is full of references and fourth-wall busting insanity. It is a great tool for Williamson to use. But it is a tightrope. You can't overuse. This was the first issue where I felt we got close to that 'too many'. Close ... but did not cross.

There is also a mystery brewing. And I think I might have solved it.

Dan Mora is typically fantastic on art here. With all the trips and adventures and references, Mora is in the deep end of the DCU pool. But he never disappoints. 

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #12

Im trying to play catch up on reviews so a rare Thursday review of last week's Superman Unlimited #12.

I have been a bit up and down on this title with the underlying concept of 'lots of Kryptonite' one that I am struggling with. And I do feel that almost everything that is happening regarding that concept will be swept under the rug or forgotten in a year's time. 

But the current main plot of a time demon going after Jon, Jon plucking his younger self out of the volcano, and old Jon donning the 'Tomorrow Man' costume and going undercover is intriguing and making this book a bit more interesting to read. As someone who loved the young Jon/Damian dynamic, who has thought 'aged up Jon' has sort of lost his way in the DCU, and has been wondering if DC would recognize the mistake of aging up Jon and would find a way to put the genie back in the bottle, I am reading this closely and hope. This certainly could be the path to bring back young Jon.  Fingers crossed. Writer Dan Slott actually does a great job here showing how this is impacting old Jon, young Jon, but most importantly Lois. Heck, he even shows how it would impact Damian!

Adding to the mix of this is new fave Lucas Meyer who brings a wonderfully clean and vibrant feel to the art on the book. I love his work on the Lois scene here showing emotion both in expression and body language. Hope he stays on the book for a while. 

Am I hoping young Jon stays around for good? Yes I am. 

On to the book.

Back From Vacation And Feedspot Accolades

If I have seemed away this last week , it is because I have been! I am just back from 10 days in Vienna and Salzberg. So fantastic! Lots of history and a deep deep dive in filming of The Third Man, my favorite old time movie!

But some wonderful news made it my way across the pond.

Feedspot, a site that ranks blogs and websites, has ranked this place in their 100 Best Comic Blogs: https://bloggers.feedspot.com/comics_blogs/

As I always say, it is the community and discussion that comes to this place that makes the great place it is. So thank you and congratulations to all of us.

 The site hit #60 and I have to say I am pretty thrilled with this.

The top sites are more professional comic sites than fan sites. So I am happy the place hit that height.

Feel free to peruse the list and thanks again for the community here.

As for Vienna, I was able to find ComicsHutterer, a comic ship within walking distance of my hotel.

I always want to support local comic stores, even international! So I bought an Absolute Superman trade in German. 

I'll also say I was surprised to see some floppies in the bookstore in the train station!

Anyways, I am back home and I'll be back to normal posting and responding soon! Lots of books to catch up on!

Review: Streaky! The Origin Of Supergirl's Cat

We have seen a lot of Krypto in the Supergirl trailer . In that story and in that cinematic universe, Krypto has always been Kara's pet, meeting him in Argo and being rocketed to Earth with him. While Kara and Krypto have become close in the comics, he has always been Kal's pet in there.

But with all that love for the pooch, it made me realize it has been a while since I talked about Supergirl's 'true' pet Streaky, the Super-Cat. A while ago, I bought the Streaky origin story book, a kid's book similar to the one I covered about Comet . It is even done by the same team, writer Steve Korte and artist Art Baltazar (of Tiny Titans fame). 

Like that book, this storybook really borrows heavily from the actual Silver Age comics that Streaky appears in. I am always appreciative when creators acknowledge Supergirl's history. What could be better! Head here to see some of the original story we get riffed on.

But seriously, poor Streaky! He has become an afterthought in the current comic world and now overlooked in the multimedia world.

Let's head to the book!

Review: Supergirl/Blade

This is truly the summer of Supergirl as new stories are suddenly appearing out of the ether, some of them utterly surprising.

Take for example a digital-only Supergirl/Blade crossover on the DC Universe Infinite app. In a world where Batman has teamed up with Deadpool, Superman has teamed up with Spider-Man, and Carnage killed Jimmy Olsen, why not have Supergirl and Blade team up. 

CRC Payne, who wrote the main story in the Supergirl Girl Next Door issue, writes a fun quick read of Blade and Supergirl fighting Mojo and 'the algorithm' feeding the villain bad ideas. 

And this issue answers a question I have been asking myself since 2011 and the New 52 Justice League Dark book. What would a Supergirl story drawn by Mikel Janin look like? Turns out it looks great. 

This is a free issue, read vertically, digital-only, mashing the DC and Marvel universe. I have a big question about the ending but I think I am going to not worry about it too much. Let's just enjoy the ride.

Review: Action Comics #1097

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. 

Skylar Patridge is back on art and continues to shine here. Patridge has always excelled in showing us the quiet moments. But here, her action pages really sing.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #12 (v8)

Supergirl #12 came out last week and continued the Hero of Kandor storyline. I struggled when I read Supergirl #11, an issue in which Supergirl seemed completely outmatched and easily tricked, beaten to a pulp in her own book. Writer/artist Sophie Campbell rebounds tremendously with this issue, pushing the story along, showcasing things I love about Supergirl, and most importantly tackling issues in a nuanced and fair way. Throw in some hardcore action and you have a winning issue, perhaps the strongest in the run yet.

Remember, Supergirl has discovered that a genetic anomaly is keeping Kandorians shrunk and trapped in the city. Surely the Science Council knew about this and didn't act. Maybe they even initiated it. Upset about the whole thing, the Black Flame has organized the youth of Kandor in a rebellion, but she seems just as interested in destruction as she is in solving the problem of the anomaly. The city is being destroyed and the Black Flame is laughing in the wreckage.

And there is Supergirl recognizing that both sides are right and wrong. The Council shouldn't be trapping people in the city and should have helped fix the issue. The Black Flame is right to want freedom but not death and destruction. It is up to Kara to try and mend the rift, not happy with either side.

In our real world we have polarized politics and hate on both sides. We have protests that can grow destructive and entrenched power wanting to maintain control. And when things get extreme on both sides it isn't good for the folks in the middle.

Seeing Kara talk about trying to live in the shadow of someone big, trying to meet impossible expectations, being angry at the Council but willing to risk her life to protect them ...well ... that is everything I love about Supergirl.

The art in the book is incredible. Most of the book is a political debate so we have lots of close-ups and conversational art. But there are tricks Campbell uses to push the narrative visually. The fight at the end is brutal and even here we see some visual clues. But I also need to praise Tamra Bonvillain for bringing a dayglo quality to the fight, making it feel insane.

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #7

Adventures of Superman Book of El #7 came out this week, turning the corner to the back half of this sweeping mythological story. As I have said in prior reviews, I feel that this series is huge in scope, steeped in a mythology I don't fully grasp, and so I have felt a bit lost.

This issue only skirted all the dense mythology and focused really on one side adventure, Otho trying to save Superman by outracing the Black Racer. Yes, there are elements of the mythic setting in this tale, details you need to just take as comic book science/religion. As a result, I understood the stakes and characters' motivations here more than usual. Understandably, this was my favorite issue of the mini so far.

Maybe because I liked the story so much, I thought Scotty Godlewski's art was strongest here. The space action is pretty slick. And his style seems to be veering a little to anime-esque which works here.

This issue is really Otho-centric but the cover is Osul, trapped behind the S-symbol of the Red King Pyrrhos, estranged son of El. Nice cover for sure. But the Pyrrhos S-shield is sort of different. Some elements feel like political symbols of hammer/sickle. But also maybe a snake wriggling through the classic S? It reminded me of Gene Ha's Corporate Superman symbol.

On to the book!

Review: Absolute Superman #18

Absolute Superman #18 came out this week and was another whirlwind of an issue, pushing the old Al Ghul plot forward while introducing not one but two new Absolute characters.

After the wonderfully paced first arc which lasted 14 issues, establishing the world and informing us about Clark, Jason Aaron has really sped things up over the last three months. A battle with Hawkman. A new Parasite. Jimmy and Lois settling into civilian roles. Talia trying to rescue her father.

In this issue, Talia gets to her father and is trying to bring him back to world prominence. At the same time. Lois is ready to get some old school revenge on the Al Ghul's for killing her father. Superman is trying to stop Lois from becoming a murderer. And then ... they show up. 

I am quite impressed with how fully formed all these characters feel. I think I 'know' Kal and Lois and Talia. I truly think that simmering first arc really gave Aaron a defined world to now write fully.

Rafa Sandoval is back on the art and continues to shine. I like his version of Clark on the farm. I like the design of the two new Absolute characters in the book. And, as always, the action is energetic and palpable. 

I continue to be impressed with this book. Kudos to all involved.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #50

Batman/Superman World's Finest #50 came out this week, an oversized special celebration. Since this title hit the stands, it has been one best books on the racks month in, month out. Writer Mark Waid has been here throughout. As I have said time and time again, Waid has a perfect understanding of these characters and is able to walk the tightrope between classic and modern.

Waid crafts two stories for this issue. The first is a pretty fun team-up of our title characters. One of the things that people have asked in the past is how Superman and Batman could be friends when they methods are so different. In the first issue, Waid plays up the differences to a hundred, a level that has been in continuity in the past but no longer. It is fun to see Waid have them arguing with each other. 

But it is the second story that is the big win here. We go to the back-up World's Finest teams, Supergirl/Batgirl and Jimmy Olsen/Robin pairs in an old-fashioned contest to see which team is better. Waid has made the Kara/Dick relationship crackle in this else-when book. We have seen Jimmy team up with Babs here as well. So fun seeing them mix and match here, first racing each other then teaming up. This is a super-fun story.

Throw in some deep DC cuts in both and you have a win.

The first story is drawn by the masterful Dan Mora who gets to stretch his Ditko muscles in a crazy dream world. Whether it is insane action or crazy page layouts, Mora understood the mission. Regular title artist Adrian Gutierrez draws the second story and shines with his usual sound effect flourishes. Yes, I like his Supergirl, always a bonus.

On to the fun!

Review: Superman/Spider-Man #1 Back-Up Stories

I reviewed the main story in the DC released Superman/Spider-Man crossover here. But just as satisfying were the back-up features teaming up members of the Super-family with the Spider-verse. 

I liked all of them, some more than others.  But they all were entertaining and that isn't something I can say about many of the anthologies DC puts out. And obviously on a project this massive, DC brings in the big guns. This isn't some lesser known creators that DC is letting dip their toes in the DCU. These are veterans and superstars. 

The good thing about families as big as the Supers and the Spiders is that there are enough to give us 7 different team-ups. Impressive. 

These will be bullet reviews of these quick stories. 

We'll start with 'The World's Finest' by Tom King and Jim Lee teaming up Lois and MJ.

While Superman and Spider-Man fight off a Sentinel tracking down a surprise guest-star mutant, Lis and Mary Jane talk about life as the better halves. How many times have they hung from bridges, met other-dimensional versions of themselves, and even died.

As someone who thinks Peter should have ended up with Gwen, I like that MJ talks about how Spidey has a thing about bridges.

Supergirl Trailer #2

The second trailer for Supergirl the movie dropped on Tuesday and I have to admit that I am feeling just a touch better about the whole thing. Yes, it is based on Tom King's Woman of Tomorrow book and that is quite evident in the trailer. But there are enough elements that are different that make me think this movie is going to end more hopeful than that book.

(To reread my thoughts on the first trailer, head here.)

I'll get to the trailer but I am going to start with the poster. 

Let's look at this. Supergirl staring right into the camera, in the classic three-point super-hero landing pose, her left hand ready to strike. And she dominates the frame. Contrast that to the first posters. 

Remember that one? Supergirl small in the frame. She's drinking. 'Look Out' instead of 'Look up'. Not exactly heroic. The next poster had the infamous 'Truth. Justice. Whatever'.

This poster really feels more like a heroic epic than those. And it is a dramatic departure from those earlier efforts which many people questioned.

I like this poster for sure. That shift away from that party-girl, 'no responsibility' non-hero is evident in the trailer. Instead this leans into the sadness side of things, with a pinch of heroism (maybe). There is clearly a tonal shift.

Anyways, watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1-pfiVMKAs

Review: Superman/Spider-Man #1 Main Story

Superman/Spider-Man #1, the DC version of this historic crossover, came out this week! It's been 50 years since the original team-up so the time was right to put this out. And after the success of Batman/Deadpool and Deadpool/Batman, this made sense.

I'll start by saying that there are a million variants out there and for once I am completely on board with the sheer number of them this time. The covers delve into the deep benches of both IPs to come up with some cool concepts! Supermobile and Spider-Buggy?? Black suit Spidey and Black Suit Superman? Spider-Punk and Conner Kent? Peter Porker and Krypto! Too fun. Love the 70s Supergirl and Spider-Woman by Adam Hughes!

But it all comes down to the story. Mark Waid and Jorge Jimenez are on task for the main story, my coverage today and they nail it.

Obviously Waid is going to have a deep understanding of the characters' histories. So seeing some homages to classic Spidey made sense. Seeing Super-supporting characters from the Bronze Age made me smile. But seeing the two heroes so easily interact with each other was the special sauce. I used to read Spidey as a kid (haven't in decades) so there was a page filled with quips that made me honestly laugh out loud.

Jimenez brings the fun too. I like his Clark/Peter pages almost as much as the action stuff. But his take on STAR Labs made me want him to do a whole book with that cast. I might be biased!

It's pricey at $8.99 but I think it is worth it! There are a chunk of other Super/Spider stories after this main one I will cover in a couple of days!

On to the main tale!

Review: Superman #36

It is only March but I can tell you that if I had a vote for Best Comic Writer of 2026 in any of the major award ceremonies, I would vote for Joshua Williamson. Somehow Williamson has made a character I have despised for a score years somehow likeable. A Superboy Prime book I am enjoying?? Who'd have thought.

Superman #36 came out this week beginning Prime's run as the main character in the book, part of the Reign of the Superboys event crossing the titles. Somehow there is an 'aw shucks' aspect to this Prime as he gleefully, almost nerdily recounts all the comic knowledge he has to the faces of the heroes. I can't help but smile as he fourth-walls his way through event fatigue and reboots. But even with this sort of fanboy sensibility, there is still this undercurrent of menace that continues to surge now and then. It makes me doubt my own take on the book, wondering if Prime is going to let me down again. 

In this book, he is trying to establish himself in the main DCU for the first time in a while. What does he do with his time? Who does he hang out with? What do others think of him? Why are all the women attracted to him? This read like a first issue, sort of laying the groundwork while adding a big mystery and throwing in a great cliffhanger.  Kudos to Williamson.

Dan Mora is back on the book and makes the whole thing crackle. From cover homages to the JLI women sort of panting over Prime to an Ed McGuinness-esque villain from the 90s to that cliffhanger, everything just leaps off the page. But my favorite page of his is the one stoking the mystery. More on that later.

A Superboy Prime I am excited to read. Who would think it could happen? On to the book.

DC Comics June 2026 Solicitations

The June solicits for DC Comics were released last week. If interested in the seeing all the solicits, checout here: https://aiptcomics.com/2026/03/20/june-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

Hope all Supergirl fans have been putting away some money because the Summer of Supergirl continues into June. There are a lot of books on the shelves in June during this month when the movie hits the big screen. I am quite happy that Supergirl is getting such a spotlight! 

So let's get to the Supergirl books and the other super-titles.

SUPERGIRL #14
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by TERRY DODSON, BRUNO REDONDO, and CHRISSIE ZULLO-UMINGA
Supergirl movie variant cover by JIM LEE

Nothing can stop Black Flame as she continues to amass power in Kandor. Meanwhile, Lena Luthor searches for Supergirl before it’s too late for the bottled city. Will Lena’s new invention be the key to turning the tide of the battle? Can Kara learn the secrets of the S-Matrix before they’re all found by Black Flame?!

There is a lot to unpack in this solicit, for sure. Let's start with the cover, an homage from a Tom Grummett pin-up that was in the back of Supergirl and Team Luthor special.

The solicit makes it sound like Lena is going to save Supergirl's bacon as they fight Black Flame. But the word that sticks out is 'S-Matrix' ! Given there was a period where Supergirl was Matrix Supergirl, I wonder if this is another look back by Sophie Campbell. 

Perhaps Lesla's 'super-stuff', that goopy stuff, is going to be some 'protoplasm'? Hmmm ...

On to more books -

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #49

Batman/Superman World's Finest #49 came out last week, the finale of a quick two-parter sending our heroes to Earth-3. The first part really threw out a lot of ideas that I thought could be mined. But this one came and went quickly setting up next issue's anniversary fiftieth issue.

Mark Waid is joined by writer Mark Russell on this story. I wonder why that happened. Waid has been writing a lot of titles and took over Flash during DCKO. So perhaps he needed a little script help? The other thought I had was that this was some sort of backdoor pilot for Russell. I can imagine a Earth-3 mini-series by him with villains as heroes and heroes as villains. Regardless, this is a bit of a sprint to the finish which sort of left me feeling a little bit empty after the full joy of part one.

Marcus To is on art and gets to play in the sandbox, bringing in a bunch of characters from the DCU into the story including a team of 'heroes', classic DC villains flipped on Earth 3. I had to grab this variant by Nathan Szerdy with Kara and Dick out for burgers and perhaps dishing a bit about the other date we see in the shadows.

I loved the last issue as we got to see the other 'syndicates' on Earth-3. So I hope that Waid (and/or Russell) gets to explore this world again some time.

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #11

The Reign of the Superboys event has seeped into all the Super-titles these days. The one title I was most interested in reading was Superman Unlimited when it was announced that a de-aged, true Superboy Jon Kent was going to star in it with an unknown masked Superman/Batman amalgam character in tow.

I loved Super-Sons. I loved young Jon. So I don't think I every truly liked the aging up of Jon. But I was able to tolerate it, hoping a new Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes would take of. Alas, it didn't. And moreover, what happened to Jon after the failed LSH made the decision seem even worse. His own stories, his own books, everything DC did to put him in the forefront ... frankly, none if it was very good. So now a questionable creative decision was made worse.

Perhaps this event was a way for DC to put the genie back in the bottle, reset the mistake. After reading this issue, it doesn't seem like that is going to happen. Writer Dan Slott has put in a time demon, a fourth-dimensional villain who is able to bring back young Jon. But it seems more like a stunt than a reset. At least we'll get this glimpse of him. One thing I do like is Slott seems to point out that creatively Jon has lost his way in the last few years. There are no memorable stories.

New title artist Lucas Meyer is the big news here. He gives us a strong, inspirtational, iconic Jon as he speaks his truth. We get to see how Meyer would handle to larger super-family. He gives Txyz a playful malevolence. But the best thing is the Image-esque Tomorrow Man we meet, complete with big pouches, thigh belt, and facemask. The whole book is crisp and lovely.

On to the details.

Supergirl: Survive

The Summer of Supergirl continues with an Elseworld that was recently announced, Supergirl:Survive. Here is a brief piece about it: https://aiptcomics.com/2026/03/17/dc-preview-supergirl-survive-1/

Supergirl:Survive will hit the shelves on June 3rd. It is written by Ethan S. Parker and Griffin Sheridan with art by Rod Reis.  The book is said to center on survival, family, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

It is hard to know about what to think about the book from this brief blurb:

Supergirl: Survive drops readers into a harsh reality where Krypton is collapsing, and General Zod is tightening control. Teenage Kara Zor-El and baby Kal-El are sent off together in an experimental rocket, forced to navigate a universe that is anything but welcoming.

Having a young Supergirl armed with a gun front and center isn't exactly the most welcoming picture. But I suppose given the sword-wielding Woman of Tomorrow, I shouldn't be too surprised. I keep hoping to see a Supergirl as a fierce, optimistic, bright, and justice-seeking hero. I don't know if pistol-packing Kara necessarily will fit the bill.

And, of course, the universe is going to be anything but welcoming. Because we need a dark take on Supergirl ... again.

These are obviously first impressions on an Elseworlds book. This isn't canon. If Superman can fight for the Union Army in the Civil War and Batman can fight Jack The Ripper, why can't Supergirl shoot at people. For all I know, she is optimistic and justice-seeking. I will be buying for sure.

 

I haven't read anything by the Parker/Sheridan team. A brief look shows they are most known for a Green Goblin book, and titles Kill Your Darlings and Blink And You'll Miss It. In other interviews they talk how characters finding their identity is a sort of central theme. I'd love to hear from anyone who has read their stuff.

I am thrilled Supergirl is getting this push from DC. There haven't been many Supergirl-centric Elseworlds (Wings being the only one I really know of). They are giving her a good push and that makes me happy.

There are some sample pages in the link above.

I know Reis mostly as an inker so it will be interesting to see him as main artist.

The pages have a sort of water color feel and maybe a hint of Phil Noto. 

What do you think?

Review: Action Comics #1096

Action Comics #1096 came out last week, another chapter in Mark Waid's look at Superman when he was a boy and part of the 'Reign of the Superboys' event. I have thought this whole look back as a sort of 'Superman Year One' has been pitch perfect. This issue has a little bit of timey wimey stuff that was a little tough to follow but continues to show how Superman became Superman.

Waid continues to put a modern sort of take on classic elements of Superman's mythos. Pete Ross knows the secret identity, Lana loves Superboy while Clark pines, General Lane has always been suspicious. It all works. In this issue, we see Superboy dealing with the fact that there is always an emergency he could be dealing with. How does he go about his own every day life when he could always be heroing?

The cliffhanger definitely brings up a time travel conundrum of how Superman doesn't remember meeting other heroes in his past? Hopefully Waid answers that question.

Skylar Patridge is back on art and continues to shine. Clark looks like a teenager. Lana looks like that perfect 'girl next door' who would entrance Clark. And the action continues to be dynamic. To be honest, if there was a 'Superboy's girl friend Lana Lang' special with Patridge art, I would be there!

Dan Mora's cover is fun, with Superboy lacing up his Chuck Taylors. But who is the ghostly hand? The post-KO Superman? Or one of the guests we see at the end.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #11 (v8)

Supergirl #11 came out this week and was another one of those issues that I feel a little torn about. 

There are parts of this issue that show me the Supergirl I want to read, thinking about her family, trying to help her friends, standing up to evil, and fighting to the end. I really love that Supergirl. 

But the tough part about this is that we are nearly a year into this run and we haven't seen Supergirl have an outright win. We haven't seen her save her friends and trounce evil. Almost every issue has her friends helping her out. At times she seems like a member of an ensemble cast instead of the straw stirring the drink. And there is a hinted possible romantic relationship that could tear this fandom apart, something I have seen before.

In this issue, Supergirl recognizes that as much as she wants to find the missing Superman, she has to help Kandor. She has to help Lesla. She finds a youth revolution tearing up the city, led by the nihilistic, sadistic Black Flame. And like a hero, Kara stands up to Black Flame only to be stabbed repeatedly, left for dead.

Yes, we need conflict and seeing Supergirl in peril means the ultimate victory will be sweeter. But this loss might be better received if prior issues had Kara mopping the floor of some opponents.

This Sophie Campbell written story fell just a bit flat, buoyed by the high points I'll point out.

One thing I have no complaints about is the art. Campbell's work is stunning. The Black Flame/Supergirl fight is brutal. The hits are palpable. The blood is flowing. And the choreography of the fight is phenomenal. One thing I really love is that the pages with Black Flame have slanted and odd shaped panels, as if to show that everything is off kilter with her. Nice touch.

On to the books.

Bullet Review: DC KO #5

DC KO #5 came out last week, finishing the story and, in theory, rebooting the DC universe yet again. Will there be any repercussions from this reboot from a continuity view? It doesn't feel like it. It feels like this was both an event and a non-event as it swept through all the books, was labelled an event on the cover, but ultimately will need to no tangible change other than Superman being out of the books for a while.

Perhaps the most memorable thing to the book is the sort of rock-em sock-em plot, the fight club style issues leading to the championship bout in this issue. I think we all knew it would end up being Superman fighting Darkseid. Too bad the bracket wasn't a true bracket. This issue is a sort of boxing match of cosmic proportions with the Universal Ruler being the title. 

Scott Snyder does a fine job putting Superman as the center of the DC Universe again, setting him up to be the core of things. I also think the ending where Superman reveals his plan is true to his character. I don't know if there was any revelation here either. All that said, the book is filled with some solid moments if you are a fan of Superman.

Javi Fernandez and Xermanico are on art. The art is cosmic. Some of the pages are wonderfully composed. And there are good flourishes worth pointing out that make the book a pretty solid visual feast.

The parts are more than the whole in this series though. Nice moments throughout but that don't come together into something more.

On to those moments.

"That's Not Me"

Last Saturday, this picture was forwarded to me, a post on the Pre-Crisis Supergirl page on Facebook. They knew I would love it. This one would have missed be completely because Facebook is one of the social media platforms I am not on. 

To give credit where credit is due here is a link to that Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/176AkvCbYD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I thought the post was brilliant, talking about how at times DC 'scoops out' Supergirl's hope and optimism and replaces it with 'trauma and disillusionment'. This is, for me, especially true of her portrayal in Woman Of Tomorrow. So seeing this picture of Supergirl chucking the Woman of Tomorrow book in the trash and saying 'That's not me.' was great.

I posted it on X with the simple words 'perfect post'. I feel this 'not me' sentiment about trauma and disillusionment is not only true of the pre-Crisis Supergirl, but the post-Crisis ones too - the Loeb reboot, the New 52, and the Rebirth ones. They all dealt with their history and rose above.

The tweet has grabbed some serious traction, one of the biggest ones I have ever had. As of 7a this morning, it was one of my most viewed tweets with 10K views. 

Of course, this led to some interesting responses as well. And while I think my position on this blog is easy enough to find, I want to make sure that I am abundantly clear. I have said all along, I will never begrudge people for liking what they like. If you liked Woman of Tomorrow, I'm happy for you. It just isn't for me.

I love the character of Supergirl for many reasons. One is that despite the tragedies in her life she has worked through them, beyond them, above them to be bright, optimistic, and hopeful. She wants to make sure no one else has to suffer like her. 'Help, Hope, and Compassion For All' was the perfect mantra for her.

I think some of the best stories I have covered on this site have been arcs where she has done just that - BizarroGirl by Sterling Gates/Jamal Igle/Bernard Chang stands out. As does 'Red Daughter' by Charles Soule, Tony Bedard, and others.

DC seems to think that Supergirl an interesting take for the character would be to turn her dark but time and again that has failed. I think that is because it doesn't work for the core of the character.

And frankly, Woman Of Tomorrow's dark take failed for me there as well. The drunk, angry woman who wants to be alone rather than with family isn't right. The young woman screaming in a sun, living 'a life of pain' isn't right. A Supergirl who brings a young girl to a stoning execution and allows a prisoner to be beaten to death after serving his sentence isn't right. 

It isn't right for me and how I think of Supergirl.

This doesn't mean I want her locked in amber, never growing or changing. I think Joshua Willaimson and Phillip Kennedy Johnson had her grow tremendously under their run.

This doesn't mean I want her stories to be saccharine fluff. I love Supergirl because she is so complex, still learning her way, still fallible.

I do not want her without hardships. Of course, in all her incarnations, she has had them. I just want her to have worked through the trauma, not wallow in it.

I want her hopeful and optimistic. 

I actually believe the movie, unlike the book, is going to lean that way. I think the movie is going to have the traumatized Kara seeing Lobo as what she will become if she stays on her current path and deciding she needs to change. I think in the end, this movie Supergirl will be hopeful. 

We shall see.

And kudos again to 'Tommy Cheatham' for the original post. Brilliant.

Review: Absolute Superman #17

Absolute Superman #17 came out this week, the finale of a quick two parter bringing Absolute Hawkman and Absolute Superman together to fight the Parasite. The first arc of this book was something of a slow burn, world-building and introducing our cast and fleshing them out. So this fast, action packed and brief story was an interesting change of pace.

Quick doesn't mean light or superficial. Writer Jason Aaron infuses the whole story with a comparison of Hawkman and Superman, their approach to 'heroics' and morality. Hawkman is an 'ends justify the means' guy. Superman is a much more inspirational figure, willing to sacrifice himself to save anyone else. Add in the Parasite, who seems more of a victim than a villain here, perhaps another way the Absolute Universe is a new angle and approach to characters. But the hero here is still Superman, who has matured in this book already, becoming the hero this world needs.

Juan Ferreyra again brings a sort of pastel panache to the proceedings. He brings the horror of the Parasite as well a Brainiac as well. This book has, at times, veered into body horror and we see that here. It is all gorgeously if not grotesquely rendered. 

I wouldn't mind a few more of these mini-arcs to help increase the mythos of this Superman.

On to the book.

April 18 - Supergirl Day

April 18th is Superman Day commemorating the anniversary of the release of Action Comics #1. DC Comics will usually celebrate with some special releases or a re-releases of trades and collections.

With the Supergirl movie being released in June, DC decided to make April 18th Supergirl Day this year. Incredible. 

If you want to read all about it, here is a link to DC's blog: https://www.dc.com/blog/2026-02-12/look-out-supergirl-is-taking-over

I started this blog in 2008 because I felt Supergirl was being overlooked and horribly mishandled. I wanted to shine a spotlight on my favorite character. So if you told me then that DC would be celebrating Supergirl day in advance of a major movie, I would think you were crazy.

So I will be here to celebrate Supergirl Day and I hope you will to.

At the heart of Supergirl’s Superman Day offerings is the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 Superman Day 2026 Special Edition. This exclusive Superman Day sampler reprints the acclaimed first chapter of Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes’s character-defining sci fi fantasy epic.

In addition to the Superman Day Special Edition, fans can also pick up two Superman Day–exclusive versions of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 at their local comic shop while supplies last: a foil‑enhanced Special Edition ($9.99 US) and a blank sketch cover ($4.99 US), ideal for signings, sketches, and collectors.

Obviously the movie is based on King's story so the celebration will revolve a lot around that book. I don't particularly like the book's portrayal of Kara but it is clear this is here to stay. Will I buy these issues? It will be torn for sure.

But there's more.

Review: Superman #35

Superman #35 came out last week, another DC KO crossover and another chapter in the redemption arc for Superboy Prime. It succeeds on both fronts. There is an interesting wrinkle to the Doomsday storyline as well, perhaps leading into a dramatic event in the actual KO finale as well. 

Joshua Williamson has done a good job so far making me a little sympathetic towards Prime, veering into actually liking him. Prime has learned some hard lessons and continues to do so in this arc, reminding him why Superman was his hero so long ago. This issue Williamson reminds us who Prime has been in the past, and maybe showing that he still has some darkness in him. Perhaps some down to Earth Kent wisdom will help tamp down the remaining vitriol.

The Doomsday piece does intrigue me as it is basically a new element to his origin and changes him fundamentally. I suppose that Doomsday becoming the Time Trapper was a big step already, one that makes some sense. I recall hearing that Dan Jurgens didn't like that change so I doubt Jurgens will be on board with this one either.

Eddy Barrows is again on art and continues to show why he is a favorite. The fight scenes are brutal. There are emotional scenes with heft. The pages layouts are interesting. But the high water mark for art here is the expressive work, a strong part of Barrows' art.

Will the events of this change the climax of KO? I think so.

On to the book.

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #7

Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #7 came out this week, the final chapter in what has been another fun romp through both universes, mixing nostalgia, interesting character moments, and lots of kaiju brawls. This was incredibly entertaining in a popcorn movie sort of way. And I read comics to be entertained.

Writer Brian Buccellato throws in just about every giant monster in the Monarch universe into this book and in particular this issue which is basically a massive melee between the good guys and the bad guys. As always, he lets Supergirl shine, not in the way I was hoping but in a way that is even better. But this is more than just fights. Small character moments, like Wally trying to follow in Barry's giant footsteps, or Hal being scared of Parallax, are inserted to sort of ground the book in loose DC history. Does it end fast? Sure. But is is JL v Godzilla v Kong. There isn't going to be nuance.

Christian Duce drew every page of this sequel and has a pristine art style which brings a crisp feeling to the insanity. He must have had a blast drawing giant-sized leaguers throwing down against dinosaurs and giant apes. I hope I see more of him. Give him something like this every year, a mini-series that allows him time to do it all.

Get your popcorn ready!

DC Comics May 2026 Solicits

The DC solicits for May came out this week and they include an interesting blurb in the Absolute Superman solicit that makes me a little worried. I'll also add that the Justice League Unlimited solicit grabbed me as well. But this month is right in the middle of the Reign of the Superboys event and those sound fun too.

To see all the solicits, which include the second issues of the DC Next Level books (like Firestorm) and some new Absolute books, click here: https://aiptcomics.com/2026/02/20/full-may-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

On to the super books.

SUPERGIRL #13
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by MATTEO SCALERA, SKYLAR PATRIDGE, and CHLOE BRAILSFORD

The battle between the newly empowered rebel Black Flame and Team Thunder rages on as Supergirl, still at the mercy of her recent cybernetic enhancements, is forced to come up with another tactic to save Kandor from ruin. Can Superboy and Lena Luthor’s arrival turn the tide of the approaching war?

Love the Sophie Campbell cover. I do wonder how Cyborg Supergirl returns to normal. And that yellow ring on Black Flame's finger has to be the Yellow Ring of Nor-Kann meaning Zora has super-powers in Kandor.

I do hope Supergirl wins this war and isn't bailed out by Conner and Lena. 

Let's see what else will be on the shelves.