Action Comics #1096 is written by Mark Waid and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by Skylar Patridge, colours by Ivan Plascencia and letters by Steve Wands. Main cover art (left) is by Dan Mora.
Action Comics #1096 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
TIME FLIES! As Clark Kent reaches the spring of his sophomore year at Smallville High, things have changed for Superboy. Yes, he’s become Smallville’s protector, but at what cost? Buckling under the weight of his super-secret, Clark now feels more alone than ever. Could there be more out there like him? Find out as the Boy of Steel’s world is turned upside down by the truth!
Review
The “Search for Superman” starts here! At least, the cover makes that claim. However, if you haven’t meticulously tracked the wider DC K.O. event, that teaser feels more like a riddle than an invitation.
Action Comics #1096 highlights the struggle of the modern comic reader. It showcases the sudden collision between a stellar solo run and the unstoppable gravity of a line-wide crossover.
The Crossover Conundrum
For those unaware, the conclusion of DC K.O. begins with the mysterious disappearance of the Man of Steel. As a result, Action Comics transitions the Super books into the Reign of the Superboys. With Clark Kent gone, various iterations of Superboy step up to fill the void.
While this is an interesting idea, here, it feels jarring for a solo reader—especially if you lack the context above. As I read the issue with only minimal background info, a nagging question remained: “What did I miss?” For the casual reader, the uncomfortable answer is: a lot. Unfortunately, you won’t find answers here.
Up until now, Mark Waid’s tenure on Action Comics has felt nothing short of epic. His work revisiting Superboy and exploring young Clark’s journey remains appointment reading. No way will I ever miss an issue. However, without the broader context of the K.O. event, this specific issue feels uneven.
Effect and Cause
Issue #1096 carries the appropriate title “Effect and Cause.” Throughout the story, Clark experiences the effects of DC K.O. while remaining unaware of the actual cause. This creates a genuine sense of uncertainty and instability. While you can follow the story on a basic level, context definitely helps. I fear that readers without that background might put this issue down and not return.
As Superboy tries to make sense of these strange events, a mysterious voice from a radio summons him. This leads him to a warehouse at the Metropolis Expo of Tomorrow. In a whirlwind sequence, Superboy frees several iconic heroes from a wormhole (or something), including: Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, and Shazam (Mary Bromfield).
That is not all. A giant robot immediately pursues them, adding to the chaotic pace and cliffhanger ending. Furthermore, the issue teases a future clash between Superboy and Lana Lang’s father, the scientist Lewis Lang. This rivalry has bubbled in the background for some time and remains a highlight.
Embrace the Disorientation
If there is a silver lining, the disorientation serves a narrative purpose. For anyone unplugged from the K.O. event, the story casts the reader in the same shadow as Superboy himself. We feel just as blind and bewildered as the characters on the page. This creates an interesting tension.
If you surrender to the plot on its own terms, the unknown threat becomes atmospheric and intriguing. However, every crossover carries a risk. Without full context, the emotional stakes can often feel fragmented.
Verdict
The beauty of Action Comics right now lies in its focus on the early years of Superboy. For a long time, the wider DC Universe didn’t impede this story, and I honestly wish that were still the case. As issue #1096 kicks off the Reign of the Superboys, readers who skip the other Super books may face some confusion. However, I still trust Mark Waid’s handle on the character and title. At this stage, the hints of a future clash with Lewis Lang feel even more interesting than the crossover itself. Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing where Waid takes young Clark next.
⭐⭐⭐.5
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