Action Comics #1075
Scheduled to arrive in stores: November 13, 2024
Cover date: January 2025
Cover: Clayton Henry and Tomeu Morey
Variant Covers: Sebastian Fiumara, Lucio Parrillo, Ibrahim Moustafa, Kieron Grant, Steve Beach, Meghan Hetrick
Reviewed by: Marc Lax
“Phantoms – Part Six”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Clayton Henry and Michael Shelfer
We pick up from last issue with Superman, Jor-El, and Lara being held in a cell for Jor-El’s unauthorized experiments (i.e. the Phantom Zone projector). Eventually they’re led in front of the council and because Ro-Zan has a big heart (not really) they’re allowed to leave, but the council keeps the the projector to use on Kryptonian criminals. Jor-El is outraged, which prompts Superman to reflect that his teachings of Krypton and Jor-El are very different from what he’s seeing. Then Lara lashes out at the council accusing them of jealousy. Our three heroes finally exit the building only to discover that Lara’s outburst was a cover so Jor-El could steal the wrist bands to give to Superman.
Meanwhile, out in space, Conner and Keenan are playing around with the Khunds. When they learn that all it takes to become leader is to fight and defeat the previous leader Conner steps up and challenges the Khund leader much to Keenan’s chagrin.
We then see Aethyer getting angrier and angrier, creating a sphere that could knock out a sun, which is just about to happen on Earth!
Story – 4: Wonderful issue as usual. Clark’s reflections on how he perceived Jor-El compared to the man he’s seeing in the flesh also makes me wonder if we’ll see more of this version of Krypton. Is this the same Jor-El who became Mr Oz? Is that still part of continuity? Love this version of Lara! She’s strong and appears to be more a partner in Jor-El’s life and work.
The only reason I’ve been giving this story a 4 out of 5 is probably because of the silly story with Conner and Keenan. Now I like the levity and it’s fun (had this been the backup story instead of the Supergirl story I would have been much happier), but it doesn’t seem to fit in the middle of this story and they’re really playing Conner as the fool. More than usual. Conner is a legacy character who’s been around for over 30 years. He deserves better. Beyond that, I’ve been riveted to Superman’s adventure in the Phantom Zone and relish every cliffhanger.
Art – 5: Henry and Shelfer’s pencils once again dominate. Their depictions of Krypton, the Phantom Zone, etc.. have been stunning. I know I’m repeating myself but when every issue is this good it deserves the constant praise.
“Supergirl – Who Are You?”
Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Skylar Patridge
Powergirl questions Superman about Kara’s mission. Kara, the prisoner and the robot find a ship to escape in. They’re stopped by the shark aliens who say the prisoner is their property. The prisoner causes the aliens to fear her and they fall. The prisoner tries to escape. Kara gets her on the ship. The robot discovers that the prisoner was charged with destroying worlds.
Story – 2: Another dull chapter in a dull story. Supergirl just runs around with the prisoner. The prisoner has some kind of powers yet explained. Then Kara, the robot and the prisoner escape. Oh and I guess finding out about the destroyer of worlds was the big surprise, why this was so important to the universe. Ho hum. I don’t care about the prisoner, the robot is obnoxious and Supergirl doesn’t get to act super. Unfortunately to be continued.
Art – 3: I guess the art is serviceable enough. It’s certainly the only plus in the story.
“Memory Lane”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: John Bogdanove
It’s the night before the mayoral election and candidate for mayor Perry White can’t sleep. As Perry walks the streets of Metropolis he remembers his days as a youth and young reporter. Proposing to Alice. The coming of Superman and all the other heroes of Metropolis. As he walks through the Daily Planet reminiscing he runs into Clark. Perry tells Clark how he’s feeling about the race and what it’ll take to be mayor. The next day Lois knocks on the White’s door carrying the latest edition of the Daily Planet. Headline: Perry White Wins!! Metropolis has a new mayor!
Story – 4: This was a wonderful story, giving us a chance to reminisce along with Perry. There was no doubt in my mind that Perry was going to win. I know at one point in the radio show he became mayor. Was there any other time this has happened in the comics? Not that I recall but I am getting old! Anyway a sweet, heartfelt story that left a smile on my face.Art – 4: Wow, it’s great to see John Bogdanove’s art. It really takes you back. His Clark looked great, but would have loved to have seen more Superman. Though we do get Superwoman! Wonderful looking story.Cover Art – 4: Nicely illustrated cover depicting different points in Superman’s history. And with a shirt rip!Variant Cover Art – 4: A very patriotic but also well drawn image of Superman with the American Eagle proudly propped on his arm.Variant Cover Art – 4: Beautifully illustrated haunting picture of Lex Luthor holding a piece of Kryptonite. The green glow hangs over the cityscape at night as Superman flies by.Variant Cover Art – 4: Superman flying over the Kent farm. Very nostalgic.Variant Cover Art – 4: While we do get the red eyes of anger, it’s always great to see Superman breaking out of chains.Variant Cover Art – 4: Superman and Lois flying over the city with fireworks? Somewhat out of context but it looks great!Variant Cover Art – 2: I’m not really sure what we’re seeing here. Some version of Superman blasting out of… the ground? A building? Anyway it’s colorful.
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I never know if the ratings for the covers are based on the content or the artwork. That one with the eagle is really nicely done artwork, exceptional!