DC Comics reviews 12/4/24 – Absolute Superman #2, JSA #2

Action Comics #1078

Phantoms nears its conclusion as Superman has escaped from the Phantom Zone desperate to stop Aethyr’s dying act of enshrouding the sun. Now Superman and his allies have to figure out a solution to save not just Earth, but the inhabitants of the Phantom Zone.

Writer Mark Waid introduces some intriguing philosophical issues as Superboy questions why they need to worry about saving the murderers and other criminals in the Zone. That comes from him not knowing out Superman’s “brother” Mon-El is also in the Zone. Superman also gets push back from the new head of Kandor’s science council who promises serious repercussions if Superman acts to save the prisoners. That makes for a solid dilemma for Superman, but an obvious one all the same. The real question is how soon will he come to regret his choice?

As he’s done several times in this arc, Waid also incorporates other non-Superman family members into the mix. While this story occurs before JLU #1, Mr. Terrific and The Flash do lend some valuable aid.

Clayton Henry takes on the bulk of the art chores with some pages done by Michael Shelfer. Without the Superboy and Super-Man subplot serving as a natural art interlude spot, the shift in artists is more jarring. Henry is rising star among the elite artists at DC. If he’s able to maintain a full workload, he could be referenced in the same light as a Dan Mora, Bruno Redondo, Xermanico and Fernando Pasarin. Shelfer has a fun, playful style that’s best showcased with less dramatic stories like the Superboy/Super-Man subplot or characters like Plastic Man and Blue Beetle.

Matt Herms delivers stirring color combinations highlighted by the final sequence with Superman getting a shocking visual as he’s close to the sun. Letterer Dave Sharpe keeps the dialogue and special effect fonts looking crisp.

This arc has gone through nine chapters — in part due to the entertaining Supergirl backup — but it seems like next issue would make an ideal conclusion mark for this strong start for the creative team.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10