REVIEW: Action Comics #1070

Action Comics #1070, “Phantoms: Part 1” not only starts a new arc with a new creative team, it also begins the weekly release of the title going forward. We also get the beginning of a new Supergirl adventure as the backup story which is full of mystery and intrigue. It’s a good thing this is going weekly because we get to see how all things play out with less waiting.

Clayton Henry and Tomeu Morey delivers on the standard cover. A simple all white background really makes the art stand out as Clark does the iconic shirt opening into Superman. Featuring Mon-El and Phantom King within Phantom Zone diamonds is also a nice bit of visual foreshadowing, even if neither one makes an appearance this issue. 

The variant by Eddy Barrows, Danny Miki, and Tomeu Morey looks like a throw back to the previous arc that was just too good not to use. Changing into Superman, in what now’s considered an antique telephone booth, Clark prepares to take on a rampaging robotic adversary. The era used for the visuals give it a classic sci-fi feel akin to something related to “War of the Worlds”.  

Daniel Sampere and Alejandro Sánchez prove how striking a single image can be with their foiled variant. Sampere’s masterful take on Superman needs nothing else and Sánchez’s colors will only be heightened by the foiled treatment. It’s simply elegant.

Mark Spears and Wes Craig also have there own great variants of this issue.

Clayton Henry, with Colorist Matt Herms, wastes little time getting our attention with their interior art. By page three we already know the depths of imagination they’re going to bring to the story with how grotesque a Phantom Zone escapee appears. Their art truly compliments the story as we get to see Superman and Supergirl unleash their powers trying to contain the Phantom Zone assailant. We also get some fun Jimmy Olsen scenes that prove why he’s such a great photojournalist and friend to The El’s. It’s a pretty wild ride for this first installment which sets the bar high for the rest of the story.

Skylar Partridge, with Colorist Marissa Louise, handle the art for the Supergirl backup feature. There’s a rawness to their work that really adds to the mysterious nature of the story. A fascinating blend of noir grit and sci-fi vibrancy that simply works well together. Nothing too flashy really happens but the panels are far from boring. We’re sure to have plenty of eye candy going forward as Kara heads into space.

Mark Waid, lettered by Dave Sharpe, begin their tenure on ‘Action Comics’ with issue #1070. Quickly confirming this particular story takes place between the end of ‘Absolute Power’ and the beginning of ‘DC All In Special’, we’re given the sense that things have mostly quieted down. Being the beginning, the story is primarily setup for what’s in store but there’s still plenty of action scenes as the mystery presents itself. Waid has been on fire lately with all his DC endeavors and this beginning promises to be another must read from the legendary scribe.

“Where Are You Going?” is the title of the Supergirl backup story by Mariko Tamaki and Letterer Becca Carey. The mysterious nature of the tale leaves you begging for more in the best way. All we even get to know is Kara’s on a secret interstellar mission she’s tasked to do alone and she has a device that allows her to erase the recent memory of anyone whom she interacts. There is a great scene between Power Girl and Supergirl that adds to the idea these two have grown much closer since the Lazarus Planet event. It’s great to see Kara in her own story again and the intrigue surrounding whatever she has to do is absolutely brilliant.

(9/10) Both stories in Action Comics #1070 are great introductory pieces to their arcs. They may not have a traditional hit-the-ground-running feel, but we’re thrown in wanting to know more and excited to find out. The art styles fit the narratives well and show a potential to be even more spectacular as the stories unfold.