Review: Action Comics #1090
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Mark Waid
Art: Skylar Patridge
Colors: Ivan Plascencia and Matt Herms
Letters: Steve Wands
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
After testing his top flying speed, Clark has to abruptly leave a “date” with Lana in order to answer Captain Comet’s summons for help.
Positives
It’s never easy to update a concept in comics. Old fans (like me) will invariably find fault with some or all of what’s being done. The trick is maintaining the core of the character/ concept while updating the details. A great example is the first Iron Man film. Of course Tony Stark couldn’t have been in Vietnam, but Afghanistan is a perfect modern day substitution. Who knows what will work in another 50 years?
From the beginning of this Superboy run, Mark Waid (along with Skylar Patridge’s visuals) have focused on character. Character, character, character, and a enough nostalgia to keep the old fans happy. They haven’t thrown out the baby with the bathwater, though we’ve seen that done recently, too. By keeping the core, the creative team can explore updated moments such as the speed flying test that leads off the issue and other things like the Clark, Lana, Superboy triangle. We get the start of that in this issue and it’s fun. It’s also a bit surprising as Lana is in full-on-starstruck-“I’m in love”-teenager mode. It can’t be the same as it was in the Silver Age, but it’s exciting and fun to see how it will play out in a modern telling.
The same can be said for Superboy’s first encounter with…well, better you experience that on your own.
Finally, the subplots move along nicely as we get a little bit more about Captain Comet’s role in all of this. There’s a classic cliffhanger on the final page which is appreciated as there’s absolutely no way you can’t come back next issue to figure out what’s going. It also suggests some changes to the lore that only make sense in terms of updating how a Super-powered youth from Kansas would be viewed today.
Positives Cont’d
There are a number of standout elements on the artistic side in Action Comics #1090. Skylar Patridge continues to do an excellent job with emotions and faces. When Clark thinks he’s going on a date with Lana she expertly shows the surprise and disbelief that he’s feeling. I don’t know if she’s using models or not, but it’s perfect. Pete Ross gets the same look in the same panel, but there are a few subtle details that make their expressions seem distinct to them. Patridge’s skill with expressions is visible throughout, this is just one example of many.
There are a few nostalgic bits in some of the artistic choices and the first one hit me on page one as Clark takes the starting position for his speed test. It seems that Patridge may be channeling some Dave Cockrum in her depiction of Superboy. Before becoming known for his work on Giant-Sized X-Men #1 for Marvel, Cockrum drew a much loved and respected run on the Legion of Super-Heroes at DC which included Superboy. However, my eye first saw his work on the character in the comic book included with the Aurora Comic Scenes Model Kit series from 1974. Cockrum drew the story for the Superboy model and Patridge’s decision to draw a more lithe and wiry Superboy is in keeping with Cockrum’s style. It’s a great look for the character. Make no mistake, Patridge makes it her own, though especially with the curlier hairstyle we’ve been seeing.
Positives Cont’d
The use of famous landmarks is a clever way to show where Clark is on his around the world speed flying test and Patridge makes great use of landmarks. It works extremely well and is quite fun if there are a few places that don’t come immediately to mind. And is that the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia we see in Istanbul?
One of the other nostalgic moments comes as Clark is trying on different outfits for his “date.” Patridge shows Clark in his classic Silver Age regular clothes, blue pants, white collared shirt and red sweater. The uncomfortable look on his face reinforces how much teenage fashions have changed over the past 60-70 years.
Negatives
Almost forgot to put this section in!
Verdict
A lighter, fun tone permeates Action Comics #1090 in both script and art. The overall story moves forward in subplots, and the main action is enjoyable as it all revolves around character, be it Clark, Lana or Captain Comet. Skylar Patridge’s work is really shining as this series progresses. There are lots of great details and storytelling elements. There are just enough nostalgic/ throwback moments to keep old readers happy while everything still feel new and contemporary.
