DC Comics
Review: Action Comics #970
By Philip Schweier
December 28, 2016 - 04:21

DC Comics
Writer(s): Dan Jurgens
Penciller(s): Patch Zircher
Inker(s): Patch Zircher
Colourist(s): Ulises Arreola
Letterer(s): Rob Leigh
Cover Artist(s): Patch Zircher and Arif Prianto; variant by Gary Frank and Brad Anderson



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On the distant planet Nideesi, Lex Luthor has been incarcerated for crimes he has not yet committed. It is alleged that he will rise to take Darkseid’s place as an interplanetary despot, responsible for the destruction of countless worlds. And Superman defends him from such claims.


Why would the Man of Steel aid his greatest foe? Because his code requires him, although thankfully, Superman questions that code, rather than follow it blindly as a disciple of truth, justice and the American way might. In the end, he reconciles his own conscience the merits of talking Luthor’s side. But Lex has one last trick up his sleeve, one that may save him, or condemn him.


I hadn’t expected to enjoy the current run of Action Comics as much as I do. My fandom for Superman goes back to the early 1970s, so the current version is not entirely within that scope. However, Jurgen’s writing proves he has the same grasp today he had 20 years ago, while still permitting some level of updates.


Patch Zircher’s artwork seems to have leveled off, as it did last issue, and that’s a good thing. There seems to be greater attention paid to the rendering, more detail, and an overall improvement since his earlier work several issues back. Hopefully, this will permit him to stick around for several more issues.