Superman: Action Comics #1076 – Mark Waid, Mariko Tamaki, Writers; Clayton Henry/Michael Shelfer, Meghan Hetrick, Artists; Matt Herms, Marissa Louise, Colorists
Ray – 9/10
Ray: This weekly storyline has been a fascinating adventure, and as we get to the end of act two, Kal-El has found himself trapped on a dying Krypton – caught up in the battle of wills between Jor-El and the Science Council. As its conniving leader works to sabotage the brilliant scientist, Clark finds himself needing to recharge his solar batteries to get back to the Phantom Zone. But as he tries to get Jor-El and Zor-El to put aside their issues and work together, it turns out that Zor-El’s resentment of his brother goes far deeper, creating a major rift and setting up Kara’s father’s turn to the dark side. And all the while, Kal has to be careful to make sure he doesn’t rip time itself apart by his presence.
That leaves it up to Superman to get himself out without ruining his parents’ destiny, so it’s time for an old-fashioned heist thriller at the the science council’s storage site. It’s a very unique situation for Superman, especially without his powers. However, once again it’s Kon-El and Kenan who steal the show, as the two younger Supers find themselves in battle against the Khund army, with Conner somehow becoming emperor through an off-screen brawl. These two have been so much fun in this story that it makes me wonder how it’s taken DC so long to get a proper Teen Titans or Young Justice series going again – they have so many great players. But a big cliffhanger sets the stakes high for the next chapter.
The Supergirl backup continues to be strong as well, with Kara trying to unravel the mystery of just who’s under the mask and how they managed to supposedly destroy multiple planets, leading to them being imprisoned and awaiting trial. It’s an interesting, tense script, although parceling it out only a few pages at a time might not be best for the pacing. I’m hoping the big reveal is effective, although it’s a great showcase for Tamaki’s take on Kara.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
