REVIEW: ‘Action Comics,’ Issue #1050

Action Comics #1050 from DC is an extra-sized issue that is simply too good. This issue is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Tom Taylor, and Joshua Williamson. Mike Perkins, Clayton Henry, and Nick Dragotta provide artwork with Frank Martin on colors and Dave Sharpe on letters. This is it; the big story setting up future plotlines, and all of it centers on the schemes of Lex Luthor.

If you thought there might be a breather after Superman’s tussle with Orion and Kalibak, think again. Luthor has been stocking up on Warworld gear and intel from Manchester Black, and he’s about to put them to bad use. So far, we’ve mainly seen his schemes in the form of manipulating Metallo. Well, that comes around later in the issue. The main assault here is, quite frankly, taking a big story from recent Superman lore and flipping it to Luthor’s advantage.

Using Manchester Black (in more ways than one) until it kills him, Luthor manages to weaponize Superman’s discarded secret identity of Clark Kent. This is one of the best inversions of a plot device I’ve ever read. Comics are stuffed with decades of stories that were just put out for the sales or the moment, and then they’re just as quickly ignored. Here, the idea that Superman revealed his dual nature to the world in the past becomes something Luthor can use against him, and my gosh, is it done well.

Sure, it comes with an epic fight, Luthor back in power armor, some stupendous artwork, and lines from both characters. But the twist itself is the real deal. I read those blurbs claiming Luthor would have a way to get Superman by the throat, but wow. This is serious. Superman, plump with more power, now might have to walk around on eggshells, and this will affect Lois, Jon, and so many others.

This issue is a brilliant display of good writing. I loved how Superman deals with everything, the fallout and plots it develops by the end, and Luthor’s utter wretchedness. I didn’t think he could be made to be a top-tier villain again. Johnson proved me wrong, and I’m glad. Also, shout out to Manchester Black, who went down on the good guys’ side. Never liked the character, but Warworld shaped him into what he only imagined he was. A hero. Now the main story takes on a different artistic approach. It’s kinetic, more animation style, with a lot of exaggerated motions, faces, and angles. But in parts, it sells this larger than life, global tale and interplanetary battle. Later stories will lean heavier on inks and a bit more realism. I love all the varied styles. But the main storyline is colorful, punchy, almost raw Superman glory.

And this is the setup. Despite the many digs Superman and Luthor get against one another, the best part is this represents but the opening salvo in a war for Metropolis and ideology. Luthor’s Nazi-level fascistic eugenics egotism versus Superman’s innate compassion. I’ve never been this excited for a showdown between the two. This doesn’t just hit, it punches a hole through the tedious universe of the tepid annual hero-villain showdown.

If you’re looking for classic superhero action, this book is it. If you want a supervillain playing an A-list long game, get this. If you love Superman lore, Metallo, good writing, varied and great art, four-color visuals, streamlined lettering, amazing setups, solid characterizations, and are seeking to get hyped about comics for 2023? Action Comics #1050. Superman is far from boring. He’s the summation of heroism, and this book and this team get him. But hot dang, they also really get his oldest, baddest foe, too. This issue feels old school but hits like fresh air.

Action Comics #1050 is available wherever comic books are sold.