[[“value”:”Action Comics #1075 cover, via DC Comics.
Superman: Action Comics #1075 – Mark Waid, Mariko Tamaki, Joshua Williamson, Writer; Clayton Henry/Michael Shelfer, Skylar Partridge, Jon Bogdanove, Artists; Matt Herms, Marissa Louise, Hi-Fi, Colorists
Ray – 9/10
Ray: This oversized sixth chapter is an anniversary special, which means it contains three stories – two continuing serials and one one-shot.
In the sixth chapter of “Phantoms”, we find Superman and his parents under arrest on Krypton, charged with conducting illegal research under the Science Guild’s nose. The mastermind behind this is Ro-Zan, the cruel scientist who it turns out has a very personal vendetta against Jor-El and Lara. While his plan to get them exiled fails due to Jor-El’s prominence, he’s able to get his hand on the projector – which results in a pretty significant retcon to how the Phantom Zone came to be. At the same time, Kon and Kenan’s hilarious adventures against the Khund lead to a battle for leadership, and Aethyr’s mad quest to create a greater punishment out of the Phantom Zone has unpredictable effects on Earth. The cast is pretty spread out across time and space in this issue, but I have a feeling that’s about to end – as the goings-on in the Phantom Zone are about to become impossible to ignore.
In the sixth chapter of Supergirl’s back-up, Kara’s absence is starting to be felt on Earth – but she’s a long way from home. The serious tone of this story is an interesting contrast with Kara’s brief, hilarious cameo in the last story, but the mystery surrounding this strange prisoner deepens. Who are they, and why do they seem to have power over emotional regulation? The title they’re given in the last page only deepens the mystery, and this continues to be a very intriguing slow-burn of a story.
It’s rare to see Williamson guest-star on this title, but “Memory Lane” brings back legendary 90s artist Jon Bogdanove for a short anniversary tale focusing on Perry White. With his Mayoral race right around the corner, he heads out for a walk on the town – flashing back to his long, often fraught life on the streets of Metropolis. A conversation with Clark Kent about his big step carries extra weight given Clark’s own secret, and the ending promises a very interesting new era for Metropolis. Bogdanove’s art could often be divisive in the 90s, but it looks great here.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
“]] The secret past of the Phantom Zone is revealed. Plus, election night with Perry White. Read More