One of the biggest questions surrounding Superman is the mystery of the Phantom Zone. This is where the Man of Steel placed his most brutal criminals, most notably General Zod, but its origins remain a mystery. It looks like some of those questions will finally be answered in Action Comics #1070, which begins the “Phantom” arc.
In the 52 days between the end of Absolute Power and the events of the DC All-In Special, Superman and Supergirl encounter refugees from the Phantom Zone. But there’s something terrifying about this prisoner. That’s because three Kryptonians were sewn together to form a new monster. Disturbed by this new development, Superman decides to head to the Zone to see what’s going on.
“Phantoms” continues the Superman Superstars effort, which sees DC’s top creators at the helm of crafting great Superman stories, this time from Mark Waid and Henry Clayton. Wade’s commitment to Superman is evidenced by his focus on the Man of Steel’s origins in Superman: Birthright and his emphasis on why Superman is important in Kingdom Come. . “Phantoms” shows that Wade hasn’t lost that touch. Superman will still protect the innocent, Lois Lane will still be the only person he confides in, and Jimmy Olsen will somehow survive the danger he’s in. In fact, it’s the Superman and Jimmy moments that really sing. Wade reminds readers that there’s a reason he’s called “Superman’s buddy.”
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The same goes for Henry, who can portray Superman in both hero and human modes. The scene in which Henry depicts Superman fighting the Phantom Zone escapees is full of earth-shaking punches and sonic booms, demonstrating the full power of the Kryptonian. This is also frightening because, as Superman points out, the fugitives are not in control of their actions. And I don’t think I need to point out how dangerous a being who can’t control Superman’s powers is. The way Henry portrays the fugitive makes it all the more frightening. Three different heads and mouths converge on each other and scream in Crypto. Matt Harms’ color scheme gives the black-suited escapee a stark contrast to Superman’s classic red and blue costume. But the sight of Superman hovering in the air and chatting with Jimmy while hugging Lois is a reminder of how Clark Kent is at his most human.
The backup story “Universe End” focuses on Supergirl and reunites Mariko Tamashiro and Skyler Patridge to throw Kara Zor-El on a new adventure. What’s interesting about “Universe End” is how mysterious it is. Kara seems hell-bent on accomplishing this mission and won’t let anything stand in her way, even Power Girl. Tamaki and Patridge also begin to show the aftermath of their absolute power, giving Kara new abilities with dark implications.
Action Comics #1070 is the beginning of a special storyline that looks like it will finally explore the mysteries of the Phantom Zone. With a great creative team behind us and a weekly release schedule, I’m confident the answers will be worth the wait.
“Action Comics” #1070 delves into one of Superman’s biggest mysteries
Action Comics #1070
Action Comics #1070 is the beginning of a special storyline that looks like it will finally explore the mysteries of the Phantom Zone.
Mark Waid continues to write the best Superman stories I’ve ever seen, focusing on his connection to others.
Clayton Henry’s art oscillates between heroic, terrifying, and human, sometimes on a single page.
A story that finally approaches the mystery of the Phantom Zone.
A fascinating mystery centers around Supergirl’s backup and exploration of the aftermath of absolute power.
