REVIEW: Action Comics #1057

Action Comics #1057 proudly states on the cover that it’s a return to Super-Family adventures in the sunlight skies of Metropolis at a time when the House Of El has a presence like no other.

Steve Beach gives us a rising sun with his cover to let us know that the nightmares are over. With their numbers, the Super-Family is akin to the Justice League. The new antagonist, Norah Stone is also included as well as Superman and Glen, a Metropolis construction worker. As you are about to read, they are some of the best parts of this issue.

A Superman fan can never go wrong with a piece from Jorge Jimenez. You have his warmly drawn Clark Kent doing the suit reveal and Superman flying overhead in what is meant to be consecutive images. The colors are done by Alejandro Sanchez. Whatever the series, it’s always great to see Jimenez’s art that made Scott Snyder’s Justice League series so good.

The highly anticipated crossover Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong in collaboration with Legendary Comics is coming next month and Mikel Janin has Action Comics covered with this unique series variant in anticipation of the release. Though seldom shot in Godzilla movies, shots that look up at him emphasize his 100-meter height. Set against a blood-red sky, the Justice League leaps into action as Godzilla charges up his atomic breath.

Several great variant covers are available from David Talaski, Al Barrionuevio, Rafael Albuquerque, and Will Jack.

The city of Metropolis is going through a renascence with Superman (thanks to Super-Corp and the Super-Family) and John Henry (with Steelworks) leading the effort. Superman is quite literally at work because of this. The story starts out with him having lunch with a construction worker named Glen. They talk about work and family life like typical co-workers before Clark heads to the Daily Planet.

The vast majority of Action Comics #1057 doesn’t feature Man of Steel heroics, but some suit-and-tie journalistic endeavours with Clark Kent. The Daily Planet was contacted by the Blue Earth movement, an anti-alien terrorist organization formed after the Warworld battle. Needless to say, they aren’t too happy about the new presence they have in Metropolis. Lois was able to get an interview with their leader, Norah Stone, but she specifically asked for Clark. What follows is a tense back and forth as Clark acts as a lie detector for the reader as he tries to scoop out her motivation. The movement may not be as peaceful as Stone says as Clark gets a surprise not long after their meeting.

Clark doesn’t always wear the suit and cape for his battles, some require the glasses and tie as a journalism professional. The blows are exchanged with questions and either the truth or lies. This requires some text boxes. Phillip Kennedy Johnson puts this center stage as Clark interviews Norah. The theme of refugees also comes up here as it has been a driving force in these stories since the Warworld Saga ended. Letters are done by Dave Sharpe.

Rafa Sandoval is busy in this issue drawing the bustling halls of the Daily Planet. What is interesting is how he draws Clark with the glasses on, he really does look like another person. Norah can also shape up to be a unique antagonist in the Superman lexicon. Sandoval is one of those creators with a really crisp and texturized art style. Colors are done by Matt Herms.

Action Comics #1057 also includes Home Again part seven by Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks. This sees Superman on an out-of-this-world rescue for young Jon as the Doombreaker tale comes to a close. Colors are done by Elizabeth Breitweiser and letters are done by Rob Leigh. Superboy also appears in his own story since Man of Tomorrow by Magdalene Visaggio with art by Matthew Clark – it’s awesome seeing Connor Kent in more stories.

Superman will be taking on xenophobia in Action Comics’ newest story arc. This is one of the foremost themes that the character tends to deal with and the Blue Earth movement simply can’t be what it seems.