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Review: Action Comics #966

By Philip Schweier
October 26, 2016 - 13:58

Those who know me even a little know I’m a huge Superman fan. However, I have never fully taken to the more modern version of the Man of Steel… until now. I’m not completely won over, but for the first time in a long time, I found myself looking forward to the latest issue of Action Comics.

Let’s start with the cover: standard pin-up style, offering no tease as to what lies inside. Well-rendered perhaps, but very little curb appeal.

Inside, Superman and his son Jon are experimenting with their powers, comparing who can do what. For someone as young as Jon (10 years old?), his can be surprising. Meanwhile, Lois is in Lois’s apartment…

In case you came in late, the Superman, Lois and Jon who star in this series have been transported to an alternate reality, in which Superman died and Lois Lane is missing. So Mrs. Clark Kent impersonates this world’s Lois in order to investigate, and at the end of last issue was confronted by Superwoman.

…where she is challenged by the mysterious Superwoman. At her request, Lois summons Superman, and the true identity of Superwoman is revealed (Sorry, no spoilers here). Much more is explained and resolved, but as with many stories, new questions arise.

Perhaps this issue went a long way to addressing some of the mysteries of the past several issues of Action Comics. I found it much more satisfying than the extended fight scene we saw in issues #959-962, with much more optimism for future issues.

If I have a complaint, it’s in the art. Segovia and Thibert seem to wander off-model in their rendering. When it’s good, it’s very good, but I find that a bit rare. Usually, it is uneven at best. I don’t know if this is a question of a bad pairing, or deadline constraints, or what. Since I am unaware of the root cause, I won’t venture a guess as to a possible solution. But it’s an issue that I feel should be addressed, sooner rather than later.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12