ACTION COMICS #1094 (DC COMICS)

No good deed ever goes unpunished or in this case unnoticed.

Ever since Clark Kent first saved the day in Metropolis, the world has taken an interest. One of the first to do it was General Sam Lane. The army leader saw the potential for a possible weapon in Kent. Through a touch of manipulation, Lane has swayed the young Kryptonian to work with him. Has he made the right choice?

ACTION COMICS #1094 by Mark Waid, Patricio Delpeche & Steve Wands (DC Comics) continues its’ look at the early years of Superman with an all new chapter.

Let’s take Kent reports for duty in this issue.

ACTION COMICS #1094 by Mark Waid, Patricio Delpeche & Steve Wands (DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Waid keeps the vintage feel of Superboy front and center for this chapter. The opening is pure Smallville. From the hijinx at the library to trying to make time to study with Lana Lang, the story is very classic in theme. It reminds readers of an easier time. This feeling does fade away fast once the actual heart of the matter takes hold. General Lane has summoned Clark for a mission. It is not one without consequences.

Readers watch as Clark is thrusted into a rescue mission with human soldiers. The awkwardness of Kent is crystal clear. This fades quickly as he sees a casualty for the first time. The moment leaves an impression of how serious his powers and work truly is. Readers watch as the mission takes a more dangerous turn. The Mordoran forces have something that can slow Superboy down. It results in an impulsive act. The fallout leaves mixed results. A win for Lane but at what cost? More importantly is the reaction of seeing a dead solider. Waid handles the subject matter tastefully while showcasing how upset Clark is by it. This never escapes as the final pages roll out. Even as Clark tries to regain some normalcy, the closing panels prove that’s easier said than done.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Delpeche steps in for art duties. The wholesome smile of Superboy helping is unavoidable. This gets derailed ever so slightly once Lana’s father comes into scene. These panels move into a detour of the fun moments. They bounce back when Clark and Lana study with more high school themes. After this point, events get serious.

Clark flying into action with the special ops has a more modern look to the panels. There’s a sense of confidence as he flies into the scene. The half panel entrance kickstarts the hell of War. This comes into a more chilling view when Clark sees a dead solider. The moment reminds Clark of what is transpiring. A great action panel shows his fast moments in keeping the battalion safe. Flying as a human shield makes a statement as the story builds towards finishing. The explosive blue and white coloring completes the conflict before heading back to properly honor the fallen soldier. These panels cement the high stakes involved with his work with Lane. The following panels shows the heavy effect is has on a young man still finding his way. It leads into a more normal close with solid parting panel.

FINAL GRADE: 8.7

Supperboy learns a hard lesson about his new life in is latest flashback tale. Waid’s writing throws the young hero into the high consequences of being a superhero. Delpeche’s art mixes the innocence of high school life with the gravity of life and death in combat. One of the more impactful looks at the early days of Clark Kent unfolds here. Check it out.

Let me know your thoughts on ACTION COMICS #1094 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!