With Dark Crisis over, there’s a new “start” to the DC Universe. The status quo for numerous characters has shifted as they head off in new adventures and in new directions. Action Comics #1050 acts as a bridge in a way between that event and what’s to come delivering a big shift for the Man of Steel and setting him up for what’s next.
With one main story and then a few codas, Action Comics #1050 turns back one major recent change for Superman with major implications. Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Tom Taylor, and Joshua Williamson, the issue impacts Clark, Jon, and the world as a whole.
Lex Luthor has a plan, and the plan is to make the world forget the secret identity of Superman and elevate big blue to the level of a god. He thinks humanity can be led to a better future guided by Superman but Superman himself needs a guiding hand. It’s a massive shift from a character who once saw Superman as an invading alien threatening humanity.
But, Lex’s shenanigans are an interesting one and the end results are intriguing. The world forgets Superman and Clark are the same people beyond a small set of individuals. Lex is thrown in jail for murder. And, we get teases of what’s to come in various series. It’s all a satisfying bridge from what was to what is showing off a major difference between Superman and Lex Luthor but also how they can be so similar as well. Both want what’s best for humanity at this point. They just differ heavily in how to get there. The downside to the issue is so much is devoted to a fight between Superman and Lex. While entertaining, there’s a point it feels a little dragged out. But, the ending is a satisfying one showing the weakness of Lex and the true strength of Superman. The Man of Steel in the end believes in justice, not revenge, and when he could easily kill, he still shows mercy and lets the “system” work.
The art by Mike Perkins, Clayton Henry, and Nick Dragotta is good. With color by Frank Martin and lettering by Dave Sharpe there’s some solid visual moments in the action. Where things really stand out is the emotional moments though. The shock of a character having a heart attack, the anger show by Superman in a panel, the realization of anonymity, it all really adds the real punches to the comic. While the battle between Superman and Lex has its interesting visual moments, it’s those more personal ones and the close ups that really stand out.
Action Comics #1050 is a pretty key issue setting up a new status quo for the character and setting up what’s to come. It’s not the spot to hop on for new readers but feels like a nice entry to shift from what was to what’s coming. It’s implications reverberate far beyond just the Superman comics and there’s potential there’s more to come than just what’s presented. As a Superman comic goes, it’s entertaining with a nice balance of what makes the character great and reminding us why he’s so super.
Story: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Tom Taylor, Joshua Williamson
Art: Mike Perkins, Clayton Henry, Nick Dragotta
Color: Frank Martin Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
