Action Comics #1096 is Fun Jumping-On Point for Superman Fans (Review)

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The DC Universe is entering an exciting new phase, and now is the perfect time to explore the comic that first introduced Superman. Recently, DC’s main series, Action Comics, made a big change during their ‘Summer of Superman’ event. Instead of focusing on the modern-day Superman, the series now shows Clark Kent’s early years as Superboy, officially making that period part of the official story again. This isn’t the only update for the iconic hero, however; Superman has seen several changes in recent months.

Superman joined forces with DC’s heroes and villains in the Omega Tournament to prevent Darkseid from taking over everything. They won, but after the tournament, Superman vanished from the DC Universe. While his current whereabouts are unknown, fans can still follow Clark Kent’s story. If you’re new to Superman or want to see what happens next, Action Comics #1096 is a great place to start as DC Comics begins a new era.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Great starting point for new readers Light plot progression
Fantastic coordination from creative team Mostly set-up for new era

Action Comics #1096 is a Nice, Easy Start to “Reign of the Superboys”

Now that Superman is gone, DC Comics is uniting its Superman-related titles under the banner “Reign of the Superboys.” While the name includes all the different Superboys in the DC Universe, Action Comics #1096 – created by Mark Waid, Skyler Patridge, Ivan Plascencia, and Steve Wands – centers on the original Superboy, Clark Kent. Clark, along with his friends Lana and Pete, attends the Expo of Tomorrow, but their visit is disrupted by strange paradoxes. People start getting hurt before accidents even happen, and sounds don’t match up with the events causing them. Even Clark isn’t safe, and the glitches accidentally reveal his Superboy costume.

Metropolis is full of confusing problems, and Clark—as Superboy—tries to help, but it’s much harder than protecting Smallville. He feels overwhelmed and almost gives up. Remembering advice from his mother, Ma Kent, he learns to take things slowly and focus. Superboy discovers the cause of the chaos: a mysterious device that seems to be calling to him. When he activates it, a portal opens, bringing Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold from the future to the past, where they’re being chased by a dangerous robot.

Action Comics #1096 is the Simple Story We Need Post-DC K.O.

One great thing about events like DC K.O. is that DC Comics usually makes its comics very easy for new or returning readers to jump into afterward. However, Superman fans are in a strange situation, as the Man of Steel is currently missing following the Omega Tournament. While other Superman titles had to get creative to address this, Action Comics isn’t really affected because it’s set in the past. Writer Mark Waid and artist Brian Level continue delivering the same quality storytelling we’ve seen over the last year, and it’s still effective.

I admire the way Waid handled this issue. While Action Comics #1096 hints at the bigger picture of Superman being gone, it mostly focuses on helping readers adjust to this new phase in his life. Even if you’re new to the series, you quickly understand that this version of Clark is more fragile and uncertain – a compelling portrayal, as fans don’t often see Superman facing internal or physical challenges. Waid skillfully sets up the next story arc without resorting to lengthy explanations or flashbacks.

Skyler Patridge consistently delivers excellent work, particularly during the montage where Clark is working hard to save Metropolis. The artwork is greatly enhanced by Ivan Plascencia’s vibrant colors, which range from the gloomy thunderstorm opening to the hopeful atmosphere of the Expo of Tomorrow. The book is visually stunning throughout, and the art truly stands out during the brief appearance of the future Justice League, leaving you wanting to see more of them.

This issue probably won’t win over readers who haven’t already been following Clark Kent’s early days as Superboy in Action Comics. But if you’re new to the series and looking for a good place to start, especially with the ‘Next Level’ storyline underway, this is a great option. It’s a fun, action-packed Superman story that focuses on character moments rather than huge, overarching plots. If you’re curious about Action Comics or want to jump in, Action Comics #1096 is definitely worth checking out.

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2026-03-11 16:40