The biggest draw in the action comics of Mark Waid and Skyler Partige so far has witnessed Clark Kent’s early days as a superboy. Clark faces the teen hurdles as he masters his first day at school, the bully and his budding power. But what is one thing he isn’t ready? Spend time with Lana Lang, whom he is clearly obsessed with. There is also the small issues in his hero’s life, particularly the fact that the mysterious captain is plotting against him.
Wade can balance both the superhero elements of Clark’s life and personal issues, making a truly amazing read. I always felt that a good Superman (or Superboy) story should focus when Clark is not wearing the cape as he is. That’s especially true when Clark has to finally talk to Lana after accumulation of three issues. It’s a classic teenage issue, written heavily by the fact that Clark worries that Lana’s new interest may be the result of his superpower, giving a twist that’s torn from the early days of certain webslingers.
Partridge is also great at drawing those moments, especially on the opening page where Clark decided to test Super Speed. In a series of panels, she shows him that he passes the sea, China’s Great Wall, and eventually stops in Small Building, only a red blur. It leads to a completely hilarious moment that highlights how far Clark is from becoming the Superman we know and love. On the teenage side, another montage of Clark trying to wear various clothes for a “date” with Lana is covered in small moments when his mother, Martha, encourages him to become himself. Without a word, Clark turns around his glasses, hugs him, introducing the duality he still struggles with.
DC
The second half of Action Comic #1090 sees Superboy fighting Raze again. This fight is a slightly mixed bag. Waid and Patridge can introduce some Easter eggs from the DC universe, which contains certain elements that will plague Superman in the future, but Raze himself isn’t a terrible, interesting villain. His motivation is rather vague, except for his rant about trying to save the world from technology, and the looming mystery of Captain Comet seems far more interesting.
That being said, it leads to a great battle where the creative team fires on every cylinder. Waid shows how Clark adapts to battle enemies whose brain can fit his peak. Patridge can portray a completely cool moment when Superboy fights a runaway robot. Colorists Ivan Placencia and Matt Harms balance Clark’s classic red and blues with the flashy gold armor that Raze wears. Action Comics #1090 works best when dealing with Clark Kent duality. If the creative team keeps it, this could be an all-timer for the Superman Run.
‘Action Comics #1090’ juggles a psychic showdown with the hormonal hijink
Action Comic #1090
Action Comics #1090 works best when dealing with Clark Kent duality. If the creative team keeps it, this could be an all-timer for the Superman Run.
Waid and Patridge balance Clark’s early days as Superboy and his teenage hurdle.
There are some really funny moments scattered throughout.
A battle scene where a creative team fires on every cylinder.
There is a clever nod to the majority of Superman lore towards the end.
As a villain, Raze leaves a lot to be desired.
