The year is coming to a close, and it also marks the end of the weekly “Phantoms” storyline that Mark Waid has been penning in Action Comics. So how does Action Comics #1081 by Waid and Clayton Henry end? It’s…a bit of a mixed bag. The setup for the issue is good, as Xa-Du – the self-proclaimed “Phantom King” – breaks free of the Phantom Zone and gathers the remaining refugees to take down Superman. Complicating matters is Mon-El, who’s dancing on the razor’s edge of death…and his only salvation lies in the Zone.
This would make for a great finale, but Waid’s script speeds through plot points like a checklist. Mon-El is sent back to the Zone. The prisoners are tricked into going back to the Zone. Repairs are made. Compared to previous issues, which kept up the weekly pace while also building on and resolving plot points, it feels like a bit of a letdown. I chalk it up to Waid having a full plate due to his work on Justice League Unlimited and Batman and Robin: Year One.
Though Action Comics #1081 might have a bit of a lackluster story, the artwork by Henry continues to be a gift. Henry manages not only each member of the Superman family but also a collection of rogues from the Phantom Zone who vary in appearance. The best contrast is between Superman and Xa-Du; while the Man of Steel stands tall and heroic in his trademark red and blue outfit, the Phantom King is wrapped in bandages while flames surround his head.
Credit: DC Comics
The better conclusion comes from the Supergirl backup by Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Partridge. Not only does Supergirl finally complete her mission, but it also reveals what happened to her companions – and why Superman selected her for this mission. Tamaki’s done great work on Supergirl before, but this backup story has reminded me just what makes Kara Zor-El unique; combined with Patridge’s amazing artwork, it makes me happy that the story ends with a promise of more adventures for Superman.
Ultimately, Action Comics #1081 is a bit of a mixed bag. It feels like it rushes its ending, but it’s still a gorgeous-looking book. Still, I’d recommend reading the “Phantoms” storyline. Not only does it actually do something new with the Phantom Zone, but it also features some classic Superman action. “Phantoms” is up there with “House of Brainiac” and “Challenge from the Stars” when it comes to the best stories of the Superman Superstars initiative.
Action Comics #1081 is available wherever comics are sold.
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