Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Action Comics #960

By Philip Schweier
July 28, 2016 - 09:23

I want to like the new Action Comics, I really do, but this battle with Doomsday mirrors the Batman vs. Superman fight so much, it’s a challenge for me to get past it. Approximately half the book is Superman’s battle against an unstoppable creature, aided by Wonder Woman in full battle regalia.

What sets it apart from the recent movie is the human element, as Lois Lane Kent and her son Jon watch the battle on TV, and eventually become the prey in Doomsdays hunt for all things Kryptonian. Or in Jon’s case, half-Kryptonian. One element I can’t quite get my head around is that when Doomsday leaves the battle to seek out Jon, the Man of Steel’s super-vision seems unable to locate the monster. I know Superman is not all-powerful, but I find it unlikely his abilities would miss an enormous beast leaping across the landscape.

I think the comparison to BvS is inevitable, and my hope is that the battle is merely one small segment of a MUCH larger story. In fairness, it’s too early to tell. But if I see Batman any time soon, I may have to re-think my choice of reading material.

Kirkham’s artwork has semi-animé, semi-illustrative quality to it. It works well, either in the battle scenes or in the quieter moments between Clark and Lois, or Lois and Diana. My only objection is the cover by Mann and Oback. Superman’s pose seems so familiar. Jim Lee? Henry Cavill? Not sure. Call it an homage if it helps. Your mileage may vary.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12