Review: Action Comics #973

DC Comics
Review: Action Comics #973
By Philip Schweier
February 8, 2017 - 07:37

DC Comics
Writer(s): Dan Jurgens
Penciller(s): Patch Zircher, Stephen Segovia
Inker(s): Patch Zircher, Art Thibert
Colourist(s): Arif Prianto
Letterer(s): Rob Leigh
Cover Artist(s): Clay Man, Brad Anderson; Gary Frank, Brad Anderson
$2.99

The mystery Clark is more and more of a puzzle. He’s like the “real” Clark, clumsy and awkward, but without a secret identity. And he may have provided Lois the perfect opportunity to get to the bottom of his doppel-gangliness.

Meanwhile, the real Man of Steel is in his Fortress in the Himalayas (HUH?! When did that happen?) to fend off a possible intruder – One that requires a unique solution that we’ll learn about NEXT issue. Oh, well.

While Superman’s involvement this issue is minimal, this old comic book fan still enjoyed it. I grew up on the Superman comics of the 1970s, written by Cary Bates and Elliot S! Maggin. There are more than a few nods to those days, while still remaining grounded in the more modern version. Still no red trunks though, but I would trade the red trunks for red boots. I understand that is in the plan, but not soon enough for me.

I regret to say the artwork is lacking. Perhaps it was rushed, perhaps the team of Zircher, Segovia and Thibert is a poor match, I don’t know. Whatever the cause, I fear it’s time to seek new blood to illustrate the adventures of Superman. I think some of the folks who’ve been working on Harley Quinn should take a stab at it. Maybe John Timms or Chad Hardin.