Action Comics #1084: Penny For Your Hope

Action Comics #1084 is the shocking finale of the three-part arc by Superman Superstars writer John Ridley, artist Inaki Miranda, and colorist Eva de la Cruz. Superman is set on understanding why the formerly reformed villain Major Disaster has lost his hope and robbed a bank, killing an innocent man in the process. In his investigation, he finds a trail of formerly reformed villains that have lost their hope and turned back to crime. But all is not as it seems as it turns out a greedy man is stealing all of the hope. Is Superman’s hope and faith in humanity enough to save the day? And what’s the truth about Major Disaster? Find out in this final issue filled with shocking developments and introspection.

This arc has fallen relatively flat, with the overall plot feeling lost in this finale. I think Ridley offers some interesting ideas for a mature Superman story, but it was too much for a three-arc series. I think this arc could’ve been an interesting exploration of prison reform and the ways in which Superman’s hope is not enough in a world run by the prison-industrial complex. Instead, the heroism and fantasy aspects that are introduced make the message of the arc fall flat. The overall message and story feel lost in this fantasy realm, with a team fight that seems out of place. The twist at the end of the story helps the overall message of the arc a little, but the unresolved ending leaves the reader feeling lost. Overall, the story offers interesting themes, but they have fallen flat. There could’ve been a stronger message that tied in the importance of therapy and the need for prison reform on top of Superman’s message of hope, but it’s diluted by confusing and questionable plot choices.

The art in this issue is fairly standard for a comic book and feels neutral to the story. Artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva de la Cruz are not creating anything spectacular, but it’s also not so ugly that it’s hard to read. I think where Miranda’s work really shines is in the panel layout. The panels in this issue are laid out in a really fun way that helps to progress the narrative flow. There is a lot of action in this issue that is dynamic and fun. While the art style isn’t my favorite, it’s still a nice comic to look at and is easy on the eyes. It’s always good to see Superman drawn in different styles.