Action Comics #1070

Recap
THE ACTION COMICS WEEKLY STARTS HERE WITH SUPERMAN SUPERSTARS MARK WAID, CLAYTON HENRY, MARIKO TAMAKI, AND SKYLAR PATRIDGE! An otherworldly horror, tearing its way through Metropolis, has emerged from the Phantom Zone. Something's wrong in the Zone--something terrible--and Superman must enter alone to find out what! From the pages of Absolute Power and Batman/Superman: World's Finest comes a new Action epic unlike any you've seen before from the visionary creative team of Mark Waid and Clayton Henry!
Review
The superstar creative team of Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, and Matt Herms, bring a new horror arc just in time for the Halloween season. Action Comics #1070 is the Superman story in the 52 days between the Absolute Power event and the Battle of the Watchtower. When a strange new creature wreaks havoc in Metropolis, Superman and Supergirl are on the scene to save the day. However, the horror they see before them is three Kryptonian prisoners from the Phantom Zone Frankensteined together. It’s 3 Kryptonians against 2, but can Jimmy Olsen even the playing field? And what exactly is going on with the Phantom Zone? Find out in this issue full of horror, action, and Kryptonian strength.
This is an epic start to a new arc, and nothing less than I expect from a Mark Waid comic. From his Superman: Birthright series to Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor, Waid is no stranger to writing a Superman comic and he really shows that with this issue. He understands how to write a strong and strategic Man of Steel. He manages to balance the line between Superman’s unwavering sense of justice and his fear and vulnerability. I think it’s great to show his vulnerable side in his interactions with Lois Lane because she is the one person that can bring that out of him. Waid understands these characters and I feel like I am in trusted hands as a reader. His storytelling is so effortless, and the pacing in this issue makes for a clear and concise story that still manages to be engaging and fun. I think the concept of exploring the Phantom Zone is interesting, and I appreciate Waid’s interpretation of the Phantom Zone, taking it from an ethereal prison to a hellscape. This arc is the perfect place to start for a new reader and promises to be a great Superman story.
The art in this issue is fantastic and so refreshing compared to the previous arc. Clayton Henry and Matt Herms are creating works of art in these comic pages. The issue is vibrant and strong, something a Superman comic should be. The action in this issue is also really stunning with dynamic poses and movement that feel real and are clear to the reader. The panels are also laid out in an engaging way that keeps the story pushing at an appropriate pace. I think the best part of this issue is the Frankenstein Kryptonian creature that feels like something pulled straight from a horror comic. It’s perfect for Halloween. The Super Family designs in this issue also deserve praise as they look cohesive and fresh. The whole creative team is making a fantastic Superman comic for old and new fans alike.
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic start to a new arc, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. A great storyline with amazing art, I’m so happy this arc will be released weekly. This is a great starting place for new readers.
Action Comics #1070: The Twilight Phantom Zone
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9.5/109.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10