DC Comics reviews for 6/28/17

Action Comics #982

Superman’s first encounter with half The Revenge Squad left him blind. Now with the full force of this Superman Nightmare Team advancing on the Fortress of Solitude, does Superman have much of a shot at stopping them? Short answer: Heck No!

Writer Dan Jurgens is wonderfully putting the screws to Superman in this arc. Even better, he’s avoiding the sometimes tedious villains who can’t get along subplot in every issue. Cyborg Superman has outlined a sensible plan and everyone from General Zod to Mongul has fallen in line. And what’s the deal with the mysterious voice in the Fortress?

Jurgens keeps delivering on the title’s name and the action this issue is high stakes. I’m glad Jurgens didn’t have Superman act like a moron and agree to call on some help, even if the Revenge Squad interrupted the alert. Jurgens has a good sense of the characters’ voices. Blanque is a new addition to Superman’s Rogue gallery, but this arc has made me interested in learning more. Cyborg Superman is fully rehabilitated and The Eradicator is no longer straddling the fence and is decidedly a villain.

Jack Herbert returns to draw about half the issue. Herbert’s style definitely fits a Superman presentation with his broader Superman and intensity in the villains that has been lacking with other artists. Jose Luis takes care of the rest of the pages. Luis’ art doesn’t fully compliment Herbert leading to a jarring transition, but the art is overall very solid.

Action Comics #982 continued the title’s recent hot streak and the final page all but ensures that momentum will carry over next issue. Action Comics is quietly starting to become one of the more impressive and entertaining Rebirth books.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10