Action Comics #1094 Is Yet Another Example of Superman Supremacy (Review)

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Since 2021, Action Comics has been consistently excellent. It began with a fantastic run by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson, which laid the groundwork for the current high quality of Superman comics. After Johnson’s stories, 2024 brought “Superman Superstars,” featuring tales told by different acclaimed comic creators. Mark Waid then took over, concluding with the “Phantoms” storyline. Since then, Action Comics has shifted focus to Superman’s earlier days as Superboy, exploring his life in Smallville. Waid’s run has been consistently strong, and Action Comics #1094 is another clear example of why Superman is one of the best-developed characters in comics today.

In 2026, Action Comics remains a top pick for DC fans, and this issue demonstrates why. Mark Waid consistently delivers excellent Superman stories, and he shines just as brightly with Superboy. Waid’s deep knowledge of classic DC characters made him the perfect choice to reimagine Superboy’s origins. As a key figure in comic book history, a fresh, updated take on the Teen of Steel is exactly what fans have been hoping for. Waid expertly portrays young Clark Kent, capturing his inherent goodness as he adjusts to a drastically changed world.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros Cons
Exciting action scenes bookended by important plot events
The art is perfect for this story, capturing the excitement of the action scene and the simpler Smallville stuff
Waid is pretty much the best person to write Superboy and it shines through on every page

This issue was fantastic! It shows Clark making an agreement to help the military when needed, and we finally see him on his first real mission. He quickly learns it’s more challenging than he expected when he’s tasked with rescuing Silas Stone, Cyborg’s father, from captivity. The action sequence is thrilling, fast-paced, and cleverly written, as Clark figures out how to defeat Stone’s sonic technology without causing harm. It’s a perfect example of a Superboy adventure. The story also features scenes in Smallville, setting up a new storyline involving Lana Lang’s father and revealing that Pete Ross has accidentally discovered Clark’s secret. Waid perfectly balances action, character development, and plot progression throughout the entire issue.

Patricio Delpeche’s Art Feels Classic and Modern at the Same Time

As a long-time reader, I can say that Action Comics has consistently had some of the best art in any Superman book for the past five years, and issue #1094 is no exception. While a new artist, Patricio Delpeche, took over from Skylar Patridge, the quality remained incredibly high. I was really impressed with Delpeche’s work – especially how he captured the feeling of Smallville. The coloring, which he also did, was perfect for setting the mood in those scenes. The issue opens with a bright, cheerful moment before Clark visits Lana Lang, and the colors gradually become darker and more ominous as they discuss her father and his secrets. That darker tone continues throughout the entire issue, even during the action, and it really enhances the overall feeling. Honestly, the lighting and coloring in this issue were fantastic and played a huge role in creating the right atmosphere.

The artwork in this issue is truly outstanding, especially Delpeche’s expressive character work. You can immediately understand what each character is feeling just by looking at the panels, even without reading the captions. The action is dynamic and immersive, and the final panel – showing Pete’s reaction to Superboy crashing into their tent – is a standout moment. Delpeche perfectly captures Pete’s shock and fear, leaving you eager to see how the story concludes. Overall, the art maintains the high quality we’ve come to expect from Action Comics, making this a visually spectacular issue from start to finish.

2025 truly belonged to Superman, and if the latest issue of Action Comics (#1094) is anything to go by, fans are in for another fantastic year of stories. I’ve been consistently impressed with Mark Waid’s take on Superboy, and this issue perfectly demonstrates how well classic concepts can be updated with a talented creative team. Waid and Delpeche work brilliantly together, and I hope they collaborate on more comics soon. Action Comics #1094 is a perfect start to the year for any Superman enthusiast.

Action Comics #1094 is on sale now.

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2026-01-14 17:10