Superman: Action Comics #1089 – Mark Waid, Writer; Skylar Partridge, Artist; Ivan Plascencia, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: This title’s look into the first years of Superboy has been shockingly compelling, with Clark struggling with how to balance his incredible power with the lessons he’s learned from his parents. It also dropped a huge reveal – another superhuman observing him, who quickly figured out his secret identity. I at first assumed this might be another Kryptonian, but this issue reveals it’s actually Captain Comet – an old-school spacefaring superhuman who ostensibly wants to guide Clark and make sure he’s not a danger to the world. While he seems to have good intentions, he also has a cold demeanor that indicates he doesn’t view himself as truly human anymore – and he’s filled with terrible stories about heroes who lost control of their powers and spelled the end of their entire world. Although he doesn’t make any sinister moves immediately, he’s clearly rattled the Kents – and Clark finds his powers even more policed as a result.
This tension spills over into school, where Comet is hiding out in his secret identity as a teacher and Kenny Braverman continues to push Clark’s tolerance. After nearly snapping and beating up his bully, Clark decides to cut school – only for his new super-powered truant officer to follow him. Comet seems to want to be a mentor, but his style of mentorship is harsh, almost cruel – such as when he unleashes a dangerous swarm of locusts to test Clark’s problem-solving skills. The issue does show off some really clever creative thinking on Clark’s part, hinting at the kind of hero he’ll become – but it also reveals who Comet is in contact with, hinting at a much darker plot and ties to someone we didn’t think we’d see yet in this story. This is a great example of how, with the right angle, you can take well-trod ground and tell an original story that really feels like it add something new to the mythos.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
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