Action Comics #1097: What’s Krypton?

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. Action
Comics #1097 is the next installment of a new arc by super star writer Mark Waid with
returning artist Skylar Patridge. Clark’s trip to Metropolis is ruined by the sudden
appearance of three superheroes from the future and an unknown robot. The future
heroes are members of the Justice League, on the search for their present-day
Superman who has disappeared after the DC K.O. tournament. Now these heroes are
set on protecting this young version of Superman, before Epoch, the Lord of Time, can
take out his biggest threat. What secrets about the future might spill out in this time
travel fiasco? And what is Krypton? Find out in this month’s issue of Action Comics filled
with lessons, secrets, and teenage hope.

This weekly arc has been fantastic, and this issue perfectly explains why Waid chose to
do an arc on Superboy. Seeing an early years version of Clark has been exciting, but
has felt disconnected from all the other stories currently out from DC. This issue
perfectly ties in the current Regin of the Superboys event and it seems to shine a big
spotlight on all versions of Superboy. ff to an exciting start and it’s nothing less than I
expect from a Mark Waid comic. 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 to be. 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. 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 to present-day Superman. My only complaint about this
issue is it felt very information heavy. While it’s a nice tie-in to the current big DC event, it stifles the progression of the overall story. The set-up is needed, but makes the issue
feel unresolved. However, this issue still shines.

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.