Action Comics #1078: Good Morning Sunshine

Superman has escaped the Phantom Zone, but with the Zone pulling energy from the Earth’s sun, can he save everyone? Action Comics #1078 is the ninth part of the “Phantoms” storyline by the superstar creative team of Mark Waid, Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, and Matt Herms. Superman has made his way home from the Phantom Zone, but the god-like Aethyr is using the energy from the Earth’s sun to alter the Phantom Zone. With his power on the fritz, can Superman and his family save the Earth? And if he does, what will happen to the prisoners in the Phantom Zone? Find out in this issue full of cosmic weirdness, action, and family reunions.

The story is finally back on track, but this issue is lackluster. It feels as if this weekly comic switches between feeling substantial and feeling like filler. My gripe with this week’s issue is that it is so short. While the story does progress, it feels like this whole arc is a money grab. A storyline that could be wrapped up in 4-5 issues has been dragged out for 12. That being said, this issue is still entertaining. It’s always great to see more of the Super Family, and I’m happy this issue features one of my favorite characters Mr. Terrific. However, we spend little time with all of these characters with this break-neck speed of an issue. It’s strange that the comic is simultaneously moving too fast but also dragging along. Major plot points and conflicts are resolved in just a few panels and yet the plot has barely progressed from week to week. It feels like side-quest after side-quest. On the bright side, this filler issue is not interrupted by a filler plot of Super-Man and Superboy that doesn’t relate to the main plot. While the story is interesting, this feels like a profit-driven ploy with a story that drags along and has you buying an issue every week. This will read better in trade (and will save you money).

The art in this issue is better than the filler and helps the lighting fast pacing.  Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, and Matt Herms are creating attention-grabbing and exciting character designs and a vibrant Metropolis. This issue is full of action and Superman is given strong dynamic poses. Henry and Shelfer manage to juxtapose the hellscape Phantom Zone with the bright Metropolis. The whole art team is making a fantastic Superman comic for old and new fans alike.