DC Comics reviews 3/28/23 – Dark Knights of Steel #10, Action Comics #1053

Action Comics #1053

The main story of Metallo seeing visions of his sister and tormenting the Superman family in response has been solid. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson has a larger cast to juggle than ideal, but he’s navigating the characters deftly enough weaving them in and out of the story as needed.

It’s nice to see book collaboration again as Johnson clearly is synched up with Superman writer Joshua Williamson in terms of the dynamic with Lex Luthor and doesn’t feel disconnected with events playing out in the other title. Beyond the action, Johnson makes sure to address the potential sticking point of Jon contending with some jealousy over his parents’ new adopted children. It was smart to tackle this as it makes Jon a more well-rounded character to have natural feelings about being “replaced.”

Rafa Sandoval’s art remains clean with some impressive work on Metallo’s evolving body. Action scenes are crisp and Sandoval gets good emotion out of the characters whether fighting or just watching TV. Matt Herms’ colors are more muted, but are strong in showcasing the Super Family’s costumes.

With the two secondary stories, the Dan Jurgens/Lee Weeks saga with young Jon and an alien princess being captured while Superman contends with Doombreaker is OK. Jurgens’ take on young Jon reads somewhat off now as he’s made Jon edgier and punchier than he was a child. Weeks’ art isn’t as tight as normal, but still makes for effective storytelling.  Colorist Elizabeth Breitweiser gives a nice throwback hue with

The third story by writer Leah Williams and artist Marguerite Sauvage further explores Power Girl’s reluctance to be a part of the Super Family with help from Omen and young adult Jon. Williams has worked to give Power Girl her own role in the Super Family beyond being a redundant version of Supergirl. In a lot of ways she’s more interesting a character anyway. Sauvage’s art is so impressive on even basic levels from the character hair styles to their posing, which conveys so much movement and her color choices.

Action Comics juggles multiple storylines, but the creative teams have proved up to the challenge of crafting enjoyable stories for Superman and his extended family.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10