Review — ‘Action Comics’ #1056 Ends The Reign Of Cyborg Superman

Cyborg Superman has waged war on the House of El. In Action Comics #1056, Clark Kent and his family fight the final battle against one of his greatest adversaries.

The closing chapter of the Superman family’s new era comes from Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Rafa Sandoval, Max Raynor, Matt Herms, and Dave Sharpe build to the end of the new era of Action Comics, with continuing back-ups by Dan Jurgens, Lee Weeks, Elizabeth Breitweiser, Rob Leigh, Dorado Quick, Yasmin Flores Montanez, Brad Anderson, and Sharpe.

Superman, Steel, Superboy and the twins have found themselves face to face Cyborg. Their only hope is to team with Metallo to stop him before he spreads his evil through Metropolis. If they can, will they be be able to withstand what comes next?

The plot is pretty simple, and this is largely a throw down. I do really enjoy that Johnson roots so much of the action in the characters. Whether that’s Superboy and Steel reteaming- with Steel helping Conner do new things with his powers- or the Corben’s new story, it all adds a connection to the story for the reader throughout. It also firms up the status quo of Action being a Superman family book for the time being. It’s echoing the Detective Comics status quo from Rebirth while remaining its own thing.

I really like the art here. Sandoval does most of the issue, and he’s able to balance the action with the character beats- both mid-story and in the story’s epilogue. His layouts are really explosive, and he makes sure to be as dynamic as possible with the figure work. Herms’ colors are still a little dark, but overall he seems to have gotten a good grasp on the look and feel of a Superman book.

I’ve reached the point with the back-ups that they’re extremely inessential. I’m glad I’m getting more for my money, but I wish they were something I cared about.

Action Comics #1056 is available now from DC Comics.