REVIEW: ‘Action Comics,’ Issue #1055

Action Comics #1055 from DC brings the Super Family and Metallo together to tackle the Cyborg Superman, plus we get the usual two backstories. The main story is written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, with art by Rafa Sandoval, colors by Matt Herms, and letters by the efficient and creative Dave Sharpe. You know the neverending battle for truth and justice. Well, the same goes for supervillains in their unending ability to creep back on the scene. In this case, the Cyborg Superman from the 90s, Hank Henshaw. Good old Henshaw is behind the kidnapping of Metallo’s sister, Tracy, and the evil Necrohive plaguing Metropolis.

Thankfully, Superman has convinced Metallo, after a dazzling display of a new superpower, to switch sides… for now. So after cleaning up the latest Necrohive invasion in the Metropolis neighborhood of A-Town, the Super Family plus Metallo hit the Fortress of Solitude, where we’re hit with another dose of 90s nostalgia. Unless it fits into a storyline well and isn’t overdone, I don’t usually like nostalgia. This one worked for me, though. It ups the tension, brings back some bad memories, and leaves open the possibility for that nostalgia to blow up in Superman’s face.

Action Comics #1055 opened with a crisp pop of clean narration, plus good use of such a broad cast of powerful beings in a story that challenges their collective prowess and personal beliefs. Sandoval draws each one with enough variety and pomp to differentiate between all the ‘S’ shields from panel to panel. Herms avoids the brightness of hues that is popular right now but nevertheless keeps them bold, especially the reds. This is a strong story from the start, and I salivate, waiting for the final showdown.

‘Home Again, Part Five,’ by Dan Jurgens, continues Superman and Lois’ search for young Jon, who was caught by the alien Glyanna, who wants Superman to liberate her homeworld from rebels. In the search, the couple ran afoul of Doombreaker, so most of this fifth chapter focuses on Superman’s battle with that monster. I’ve noted before penciler Lee Weeks is my favorite artist of all time, and he does not disappoint here. Jurgens and Weeks draw alike, except Weeks keeps the graininess of pencil art in his work. To me, this has always added an extra touch, a flair of realism, and his body motions are second to none.

Breitweiser’s peeling back on colors gives this story a unique look from the two that bookend it, giving ‘Home Again’ a distinct feel. And Rob Leigh is tactical as ever with balloons, knowing when to let it split two panels or cut off the top to let the art have more room. This story could (should) be its own title. I love it.

‘Engineer Of Tomorrow, Part Two,’ continues Dorado Quick’s Steel story, with art from Yasmín Flores Montañez, colors from Brad Anderson, and Sharpe, who circles back around to nail lettering perfectly. While Natasha Irons, in her groovy armor, and Superboy test the limitations of a Steelworks force shield, John Henry Irons must convince investors to believe in his company and its plans for Metropolis. This story plays out on multiple levels with a large amount of discourse that Quick lays out nicely and Sharpe manages to corral. Montañez’s art is easy to like and animated, making Steel’s armor or several panels of talking in a boardroom seem chill. Each panel is embraced by equally cool coloring and shading from Anderson. It’s an excellent story overall that I hope expands across the Superman lineup, and I hope even more that this creative team keeps putting out DC stories.

You can’t go wrong with Action Comics #1055. Folks are starting to learn what fans already know. Superman is awesome, as is his supporting cast and the city he lives in. Grab this issue and get three great tales for the price of one.

Action Comics #1055 is available wherever comic books are sold.