DC Comics reviews 10/25/22 – Action Comics #1048, Detective Comics #1065

Action Comics #1048

The irony is hardly loss that after Brian Michael Bendis’ puzzling decision to needlessly age up Jonathan Kent that Superman’s return to Earth also includes two children back in the mix.

This might be the biggest acknowledgement that Bendis had it all wrong and the DC Rebirth approach of having Superman and Lois raise a young child was an endearing and fitting role for the couple. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson can’t magically de-age Jonathan, who’s in a weird teen limbo state with Connor Kent and Supergirl, but he can restore that winning Rebirth dynamic with Otho-Ra and Osul-Ra.

While Lois takes the kids to the zoo, they’re greeted with the arrival of some unexpected and immensely powerful aliens. Not seeking to make the same mistake as before, Superman doesn’t go along with their request even if that means fighting two of his longtime allies.

Mike Perkins handles the art in this installment. Perkins has a rougher, more realistic style to his art. It fits better for characters like Lois Lane or The Question but he’s not able to hit that larger and life level necessary for Superman in action. Lee Louhridge’s colors are solid with noticeable, distinguishable primary colors against oranges, greys and greens.

It’s also refreshing to see Lex Luthor back in action using his various resources to get what he wants. That subplot is proving to be just as intriguing and enjoyable as the main arc. Superman is back and while the art isn’t quite up to the normal standards of the title, this issue takes some welcome steps in fixing past mistakes from the previous regime.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10