Action Comics #1096: Fish By Fish

Mark Waid continues his triumphant return to Action Comics! Take a step back in time as Waid recounts the early days of Superboy in Smallville. Superboy is figuring out his powers and learning how to balance being a teenager and being a superhero. But when he visits Metropolis, he learns what being a hero in a big city is like. Action Comics #1096 is the next installment of a new arc by superstar writer Mark Waid with returning artist Skylar Patridge. Clark is on a trip to Metropolis with his friends, but things aren’t right. The timeline of cause and effect is off, making Clark turn into Superboy without trying. What danger is coming his way? And is Clark fast enough to save everyone in the big city? Find out in this month’s issue of Action Comics filled with lessons, real-life problems, and child-like hope.

This new weekly arc has been off to an exciting start and it’s nothing less than I expect from a Mark Waid comic. Waid understands how to write a strong and strategic Man of Steel. He brings a sleek, high-stakes story with touches of nostalgia, unexpected mystery, and dialogue that hits perfectly.  I’m happy that Waid is getting to write an early years version of Clark, and he captures the heart of the Kent family so well. I think this version of Superman is a perfect parallel to the adult Superman that Waid writes. I’m always excited to get to see the early years of Superman, especially because we see just how much the Kents’ love impacted the hero he became. I enjoy that each issue has been a lesson for Clark that reflects the way he operates in the present. You can tell how much love Waid has for these characters. This is Clark’s first time working in Metropolis, and he gets a taste for being a big-time hero. It’s an interesting insight into the character and something only someone who loves Superman can do. Waid has a great way of capturing Clark Kent’s unwavering moral compass and his unshakable belief in the goodness of humanity. It’s fun to see this immature side of Clark, and it contrasts so well with present-day Superman.

This issue brings back the amazing art by Skylar Patridge. The art in this issue is fantastic, and it offers a more mature look that fits the Boy of Steel perfectly. Patridge’s art is clean, dynamic, and full of energy. The panels flow smoothly, with expressive character work and a vibrant color palette that highlights both the grandeur of Superman’s powers and the intimacy of his personal life. Action sequences are fluid and visually satisfying, while quieter moments are given space to breathe. Patridge manages to capture the whimsy and joy in a Superman comic well. I also appreciate the slight difference in style between the past and present. Overall, this is a solid, heartfelt new chapter in the ongoing saga of a true icon.