Review: Action Comics #1076
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writers:Â Mark Waid and Mariko Tamaki
Art:Â Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer and Skylar Patridge
Colors:Â Matt Herms and Marissa Louise
Letters:Â Dave Sharpe and Becca Carey
Reviewed by:Â Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Superman learns more than he bargained for about Jor-El and Zor-El before managing to get back to the Phantom Zone!
Positives
Mark Waid has been crafting a compelling and exciting Superman story beginning in Action Comics #1070. Action Comics #1076 is no different. Waid gets Superman back to the Phantom Zone, but his time on Krypton in the past is nearly a textbook on how to do retcons the right way. Last issue, Waid revealed something about the creation of the Phantom Zone and Jor-El’s motivation. Â
Waid shows how Jor-El and his brother Zor-El are not getting along. He roots the conflict in Jor-El’s prediction about the instability of Krypton and imminent destruction. It becomes a pivotal moment in the issue and a bit surprising. It doesn’t change anything we think we know, but it adds a layer that provides some conflict in the issue as well as create a lot of food for thought for Superman as well as create another conflict that Superman has to overcome. Superman then has to do somethings that one would associate with Batman. It all leads to a very emotional moment for Superman that works very well.
Skylar Patridge turns in another solid turn in the Supergirl story and Clayton Henry captures action, emotion and sense of space throughout the issue. The art is very enjoyable and Patridge is definitely doing a great job with very little.
Negatives
Unfortunately, the script in the Supergirl story continues to be slow and uninteresting. Tamaki is trying something…but, it’s not working. Despite getting a little bit of information on Supergirl’s mission, it’s not enough to really turn things around. I do wonder if it’s all read in one sitting if it will work better. Serialized it’s not coming together.
The Kong and Conner segment, while it has some fun elements remains disconnected from the Superman tale. There’s no indication it will link up or even have any greater relevance. It doesn’t really detract, but it does beg the question, “why is this even here?”
Verdict
Action Comics continues to be a great place for Superman readers. Waid and Henry are definitely “All In” on this. It’s strong enough that it almost doesn’t matter that the Supergirl story is lackluster- well, don’t tell that to Supergirl fans. Action Comcis #1076 continues to be a bright spot for DC Comics and Superman!
