Action Comics #1096
Scheduled to arrive in stores: March 11, 2026
Cover date: May 2026
“Effect and Cause”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Skylar Patridge
Cover: Ryan Sook
Variant Covers: Ryan Sook, Ethan Young, and ACO
Reviewed by: Marc Lax
Strange things are happening in Smallville and Metropolis. First a tree explodes in front of Professor Lang before the lightning strikes. After Clark, Pete and Lana travel to the Expo of Tomorrow they find as much, as they eat their ice cream it never gets smaller, their cones seem everlasting! People applauding with no sound. Things seem to happen before the moment of impact. Including Clark changing to Superboy in the middle of the Expo without actually changing. With all that said, Clark flies off to help the citizens of Metropolis but gets overwhelmed. He goes back to Smallville wear he remembers a lesson taught to him by Ma. He takes each incident at a time and stays centered. Clark hears a voice calling from the space museum. But suddenly he’s in front of the Fortress! Before it was ever built! Back at the space museum Clark struggles to get to the device where the voice is coming from. Finally he triggers it and boom! Out comes Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, and Mary Marvel! Before any explanations can be had another boom and standing right before them is a giant robot.
To Be Continued…
Story – 4: This is the beginning of the Reign of the Superboy‘s and it was a blast. Literally! I like that there is mystery surrounding Professor Lang. Interested in what comes of that. Lana, Pete and Clark hanging out is just like old times. I’m glad Waid is cementing their friendship. All this time displacement. I assume it has to do with Booster and company but it was a fun and clever addition to the story. And just what is happening with Booster and co. So far this story has started with the a bang and I’m, excuse the expression, all in!
Art – 5: Patridge continues to stun with the art. I think she gets better with each issue. And Plascencia’s colors are beautiful and vibrant. This is quite a team. Love it!
Cover Art – 4: Mora gives us a Clark that’s both a kid and a hero. A Superboy tying his shoe. lol.
Variant Cover Art – 4: Patridge gives us another perspective on Superboy tying his shoe. This time hovering in the air!
Variant Cover Art – 2: A boring cover by Ryan Sook. Kids and graffiti. Nothing to look at here.
Variant Cover Art – 4: A very colorful portrait of a Superboy and his Super dog.
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