Writers Gail Simone and Rainbow Rowell are wrapping up their Action Comics storylines in this week’s Action Comics #1069. Their first two parts with Eddie Burrows and Kian Tomei were fantastic, but can they bring these stories to a close and live on forever? The stakes are certainly high in both installments!
First up, Simone and Burroughs’ Superman vs. the aliens tournament for the safety of Earth. Superman survives most of the challenges, but is so battered he can barely stand. So far, the story has shown that Superman can think fast, be brave and win, but most importantly, he never gives up. Now Superman faces off against one of the greatest warriors in the universe!
The pre-wedding setting of Clark and Lois is where the fun of the story is, and it’s true of Superman’s character as well as Jimmy and Lois’s: Superman is, at his core, on everyone’s side.
In the other corner we have the sleazy, treacherous alien who runs the Edit Space Fairing Casino. Simone delves a little deeper into his character here and you’ll enjoy as you start to wonder if he could beat Superman.
Burrows is crazy about the art, especially the final battle. I can’t remember the last time we’ve seen Superman’s laser vision used so well, but it’s a sight to behold. The enemy in the final battle is a cool design, similar to Marvel’s Terrax, but scarier. Burrows makes you believe that Superman is exerting his last strength based on his damage in the fight and his overall mentality. But he never gives up.
I love the classic look of these robots.
Credit: DC Comics
The backup continues the conflict between Clark and Lois due to their working relationship. Lois is now the editor in chief and has taken Clark out of her normal reporting sphere out of moral obligation. How can Clark report on Superman when he is Superman? Lowell continues to show just how human Clark is despite usually being portrayed as perfect, nicely highlighting the real issues he had.
This final chapter is dialogue-heavy and a little monotonous, but kudos to Lowell for realistically portraying a difficult relationship. Clark and Lois are heroes in their own right, but they are also married people. The story leaves you with the impression that marriage takes work, and that they are stronger because of it.
Tolmay has to do a lot of acting here, and he does it brilliantly. Their faces show doubt, sadness, happiness, and every other emotion. They trade emotional blows with each other like a game of chess or a superhero fight. They’re not fighting, because they’re in a committed romantic relationship, but the emotions are there.
Action Comics #1069 concludes two fantastic storylines that will make you wish the creative team had stayed. The main story delivers high-octane action, while the back-up story explores the intimate relationship between Lois and Clark. What could be better?
Action Comics #1069 concludes two powerful stories
Action Comics #1069
Action Comics #1069 concludes two fantastic storylines that will make you wish the creative team had stayed. The main story delivers high-octane action, while the back-up story explores the intimate relationship between Lois and Clark. What could be better?
In the main story, Superman is pushed into a corner!
The backup story shows the real life of the couple
Both art are AAA
“Back Up” feels a bit monotonous, so a change of scene may be in order.
