Writers Gail Simone and Rainbow Rowell end their Action Comics stories this week in Action Comics #1069. Paired with Eddy Barrows and Cian Tormey, the first two parts have been excellent, but can they put a period on these tales so they’ll live on forever? The stakes are certainly high in both!
First up is Simone and Barrows’ Superman vs. an alien tournament for the Earth’s safety. He’s managed to survive most of the trials, but he’s battered and barely standing. So far, this story has shown that he can think fast and win valiantly, but above all, he never gives up. Now he’s facing one of the greatest fighters in the universe!
The setting, which takes place before Clark and Lois get married, is a continued delight in this story. That goes for Superman’s personality, as well as Jimmy and Lois. At his core, Superman stands for all people.
In the other corner is a vile, treacherous alien who runs the editorial space fairing casino. Simone digs a little deeper into his personality here, and you’ll relish when he starts to have doubts about whether he can beat Superman.
Barrows crushes on art, especially the final battle. I can’t remember the last time Superman’s laser vision was used so well, but it’s a sight to see. His enemy in the final battle has a cool design – almost like Marvel’s Terrax, but scarier. Barrows makes you believe Superman is on his last leg based on his battle damage and general spirit. But he never gives up.
I like the classic look to these robots.
Credit: DC Comics
The backup continues to explore a fight between Clark and Lois due to their working relationship. Lois is the editor-in-chief now and has taken Clark off his usual beat due to moral obligations. How can Clark report on Superman when he is Superman? Rowell does a good job lifting up the real problem Clark had, as he continues to show how human he is, even if he’s usually depicted as perfect.
While this last chapter is a lot of talking and feels a bit one-note, I have to give Rowell props for writing a tough relationship talk in a realistic way. Clark and Lois are heroes in their own right, but they’re also people who are married. You get the sense marriage takes work from this story, and they’re stronger for it.
Tormey has a lot of acting to do here, and he nails it. There are doubts, sorrow, happiness, and all the rest depicted on both their faces. Like a chess game or even a superhero fight, the two are responding to each other with emotional blows. They are in a committed romantic relationship, so it’s not like they’re fighting, but the emotionality is there.
Action Comics #1069 wraps up two good stories, making you wish the creative teams would stay on. The main story offers big bombastic action while the backup takes an intimate look at Lois and Clark. Does it get any better than this?
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