One of the biggest questions surrounding Superman is the mystery of the Phantom Zone. It’s become a place where the Man of Steel has placed his most deadliest criminals, particularly General Zod, but its origins have remained a mystery. Action Comics #1070, which begins the “Phantoms” arc, looks like it will finally answer some of those questions.
In the 52 days between the end of Absolute Power and the events of the DC All-In Special, Superman and Supergirl come face to face with a refugee from the Phantom Zone. But there’s something horrific about this inmate, as it’s three Kryptonians stitched together into a new monstrosity. Troubled by this new development, Superman resolves to head into the Zone and see what’s going on.
“Phantoms” continues the Superman Superstars initiative that’s put some of DC’s top creators at the helm of crafting great Superman stories, and this time it falls to Mark Waid and Henry Clayton. Waid’s work on Superman speaks for itself, as he’s covered the Man of Steel’s origin in Superman: Birthright and reinforced why Superman matters in Kingdom Come. “Phantoms” shows that Waid hasn’t lost his touch; Superman will still defend the innocent, Lois Lane will still be the one person he confides in, and Jimmy Olsen will manage to find himself in danger. In fact, it’s the Superman and Jimmy moments that really sing; Waid gives the reader a reminder that he’s called “Superman’s Pal” for a reason.
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The same goes for Henry, who’s able to draw Superman in both heroic and human mode. The scene where Henry draws Superman fighting against the Phantom Zone escapees is full of earth-shattering punches and sonic booms, displaying the full power of a Kryptonian. It’s also frightening because as Superman points out, this escapee isn’t in control of their actions – and I don’t think I have to point out how dangerous a being with no control over Superman’s powers could be. It’s made even more frightening by how Henry draws the escapee; three different heads and mouths converging into one another, screaming in Kryptonese. Matt Herms’ colors make sure that the black-suited escapee stands out like a sore thumb, providing a counter to Superman’s classic red and blue costume. But Superman chatting with Jimmy while hovering in the air or holding Lois in a close embrace is a great reminder of how Clark Kent might be the most human of all.
The backup story, “Universe End”, focuses on Supergirl, with Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Patridge reuniting to throw Kara Zor-El into a new adventure. What’s interesting about “Universe End” is how mysterious it is: Kara seems hellbent on accomplishing this task, and she won’t let anything, not even Power Girl, stand in her way. Tamaki and Patridge also start to show the fallout from Absolute Power, giving Kara a new ability with some dark implications.
Action Comics #1070 is the start of what could be a special storyline, as it looks to finally explore the mysteries of the Phantom Zone. With such a great creative team behind it, and a weekly release schedule, I’m more than certain the answers will be worth the wait.
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