Action Comics #1090
Scheduled to arrive in stores: September 10, 2025
Cover date: November 2025
“The Speed of Life”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Skyler Patridge
Cover: Ryan Sook
Variant Covers: Gerald Parel, Ricardo L’opez Ortiz, Skylar Patridge, Dan Mora
Reviewed by: Marc Lax
Clark and his parents want to clock how fast he’s been flying. It seems a success despite Clark coming back half naked for flying so fast! Later they discuss the absence of Adam Blake. He seems to have been missing from school. Of course we know he’s been secretly working with General Sam Lane. Next day at school, Clark and Lana finally have a nice conversation about what happened over Summer vacation, culminating in Clark asking to meet Lana at the Sky Diner. To his utter surprise she accepts! After Ma and Pa help him pick the right outfit for his “date” Clark meets up with Lana. I mean after all she’s so hot for Clark because of his Super Pheromones. Oh wait… that’s not it. In truth Lana is in love. With Superboy! Before Clark gets even more embarrassed he gets a telepathic message from Captain Comet. Raze, the villain from a few issues back, never made it to police custody. Two villains with similar powers freed him. Raze and friends are attacking Dr Magnus, future leader of the Metal Men. They seem to disagree on Doc Magnus’ position on robots and machines. Superboy saves Magnus but learns it’s all a trap. Calling themselves Avalon, Raze and company attack Superboy, even bringing the robots to life. They plan on stealing Magnus’ elements. Gold, Platinum, etc. Unfortunately there is an unnamed element that’s now part of the group. It’s green and weakens Superboy. Wonder what they’ll call it? Before Raze gets the best of the Boy of Steel, he gets taken out. The cavalry has arrived. Well at least that’s what Superboy thinks. Until he’s arrested by Sam Lane!
Story – 5: Waid has continued reimagining Superboy in all the best ways. Still learning what his powers can do (no Clark you don’t have Super Pheromones), we get to go on this journey with him. While not surprising that Lana has a crush on Superboy, it is a cool twist in this version of the tale. I also enjoy that we’re getting a bit of a crossover with other DC characters. Captain Comet of course, but it was nice seeing a younger version of Doc Magnus. I guess Clark’s flying speed is getting a lot better considering he got back to the farm practically naked. Martha really has her work cut out for her sewing those costumes. I’m really looking forward to what Sam Lane and Captain Comet have in store for Superboy now that they’ve caught him. This story just keeps getting more exciting with each chapter. So much fun!Art – 5: I think Patridge is only getting better with each issue. After all this is the first time we’ve seen this version of Superboy and it already feels like the definitive version. The look of the costume in action is perfect for this character. And the younger versions of the Kent’s, Lana, etc. look fantastic. Such great work!
Cover Art – 4: Ryan Sook gives us a great action packed cover. Love the detail in the reflection of Raze’s armour. Superboy on a rampage.
Variant Cover Art – 2: Ortiz gives us an anatomy challenged Superboy. Not impressed.
Variant Cover Art – 3: Nice picture of Clark on his way to school. Just nothing special.Variant Cover Art – 4: Skylar Patridge gives us a great cover of what looks like Captain Comet with Superboy’s reflection in his costume. Simple but effective.
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