After a great start, Action Comics #1068 is back with the second part of its two stories. In one corner, Gail Simone and Eddy Barrows pit Superman against a space casino, and in the other, Lois and Clark are having issues with Clark’s two jobs conflicting. Together, this is one of the best Superman comics I’ve read in some time!
Kicking things off, Superman has seconds to decide how to stop a battleship from falling on a city that could kill millions. Lois and Jimmy Olsen are dangling from said ship, and saving everyone seems impossible. Just another day for Superman, but Simone and Barrows truly make you believe this is an impossible situation. Oh, and this is just one trial of many, as the space casino pits Superman up against trials for aliens to bet on.
Something that works very well in this issue is how everything is earned. Superman pushes himself to save everyone in the opening, and he doesn’t simply bounce back. He’s weak and tired and must stand up to take on more trials after that. For a character that is nearly invulnerable, Simone makes you believe even Superman may not save the day.
But he does, and that’s the beauty of Superman.
Can Superman save the day?
Credit: DC
Along the way, Lois and Superman’s love affair is touched upon, and Jimmy is ever the positive reinforcement. Captions draw your attention in a classic comic book sense, and the story reads well from beginning to end.
Barrows blows you away with scenes featuring tons of aliens, with fun fan favorites popping up. The damage Superman goes through is felt through the art, and there’s a touching scene with people helping him you won’t want to miss.
Rainbow Rowell and Cian Tormey continue their backstory, picking up where we left off, as Clark is not on speaking terms with Lois. Early on, Jon is surprised that they’re in a fight, which grounds the relationship well. How often do we see these two in a fight, after all?
What’s compelling about this story is how well Rowell writes Lois. Now, in a new job leading the Daily Planet, she’s taking this very seriously and pushing Clark out of his comfort zone. She also has a sound argument. Should Clark be writing about Superman when he’s the same person? This sets in motion a an expertly-paced montage of a reporter’s other jobs, mostly not so glorious or exciting.
On the reverse side, the depiction of Clark is fascinating. Usually, a perfect human in all aspects, Tormey and Rowell make you believe he’s one of us, frustrated and unable to understand why Lois is putting him through the paces. It’s interesting seeing Superman holding a grudge.
Action Comics #1068 is the epitome of good Superman comics. The main story features Superman against impossible odds yet still finds ways to win, while the backup shows his humanity. Superman’s awesomeness is on full display, as is his humanity. It’s a delight.
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