Action Comics #1080 marks the penultimate chapter of the “Phantoms” storyline, and it’s a big one. Having laid waste to Earth, the Phantom Zone escapees have used their newfound powers to spread out to other planets. Superman races to stop them, with Mon-El in tow, while the rest of the Superman family deals with criminals of varying danger.
It’s those criminals that turn out to be one of the more interesting parts of Action Comics #1080, especially since Mark Waid and Clayton Henry reveal that not every Kryptonian has just the base powers Superman gets under a yellow. One is a legitimate sorcerer. Another has pyrokinesis. Still another crafts giant kaiju utilizing stolen science. These powers, along with the escapees’ general lack of concern for others, is just another way Waid has deepened the Superman mythology.
Action Comics #1080 also continues the element of nonstop action from the previous issue; half the pages are dedicated to fights on other planets. Not only does Henry draw Superman fighting flying Kryptonian monsters, but he also showcases the members of the Super-Family and the Justice League teaming up to take down criminals. Aquaman gets an awesome moment where he takes down a Kryptonian criminal that makes me even more excited for his solo series. Matt Herms also continues to drop some gorgeous color art. The planet Thanagar is a shining paradise, while New Korugar is filled with a bright blue sky.
DC
The standout of this issue is a conversation between Superman and Mon-El. It’s been shown that life in the Phantom Zone changed Mon, even if it was to save his life, and he explodes at the Man of Steel in one panel: “I never got the chance to be you!” It’s a surprisingly emotional moment, only made more heartbreaking by the fact that Mon is phasing in and out of reality and it could kill him.
The Supergirl backup story by Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Partridge also races to its conclusion, as Kara faces off against a world killer. Like Waid and Henry, they emphasize the moment of teamwork; Kara convinces her companion that she doesn’t have to be a force of destruction, and with a little help from Power Girl she gains a suit that is a mix of her Kryptonian garb and the golden robe of her partner. It’s a strange, but compelling moment that underlines the sci-fi trappings of this story.
Action Comics #1080 starts wrapping up the “Phantoms” storyline, featuring plenty of action and some surprisingly emotional moments. However the story ends, this has been a great ride and future Superman writers should look to it for inspiration.
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