Superman: Action Comics #1068 – Gail Simone, Rainbow Rowell, Writers; Eddy Barrows/Danny Miki, Cian Tormey, Artists; Rex Lokus, Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorists
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Gail Simone’s arc on Action Comics is set at some point in the past – in a stylized Metropolis inspired by the 1970s comics. But she’s managing to give us a Superman story that’s truly timeless in the best way, as alien conquerors have come for Earth and set Superman an impossible task. Forced to serve as Earth’s champion in a high-stakes game of chance, he’s battling not just to keep Metropolis safe, but to outwit his alien captors in sadistic games of chance. When it comes to saving both Metropolis and his close “Seconds”, Lois and Jimmy, he manages – which means the next task will be even more sadistic, bringing the Bottled City of Kandor into the fray in a high-speed game of reflexes.
Of course, Superman isn’t the only one involved in this – Lois and Jimmy have been drafted into the game, and after their lives are saved in the first game, they’re brought to the casino where all the betting takes place. The evil aliens warn them they face execution if they head off the designated path, but that never stopped these two before. This is a great story that perfectly balances huge-scale action with quieter moments, and gives us a Superman who seems every bit the icon he’s supposed to be. This Superman faces evil and stands up louder and bolder, and it’s genuinely inspiring to see in places. This really makes me want to see Gail do a full run on Superman in the main continuity.
Which makes the tone of the backup feel a little odd by comparison. Rainbow Rowell is a brilliant writer, but the story she’s writing – essentially the tale of a professional falling-out between Lois and Clark – is surprisingly downcast. Lois has taken Clark off the urban beat, not allowing him to essentially report on himself anymore. This leads to tension at home – as well as some tension in the field as Superman refuses to answer questions from his replacement. Lois is written well here and her argument makes sense, but Clark is surprisingly petulant.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
