#makent

Review: Action Comics #1088

Writer: Mark Waid Art: Skylar Patridge Colors: Ivan Plascencia Letters: Steve Wands Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd     Summary Clarks attends his first day at Smallville High School and Superboy appears in Smallville for the first time.  They couldn't be related, could they? Positives Well, it's hard to know where to begin, but I'll give it a shot.  It's pretty simple really; Mark Waid focuses Action Comics #1088 on CHARACTER and CHARACTER drives the story.  So well in fact, that he's able to win over this old Superboy reader who will have a few things to say below in "negatives" section.  This is the secret to reinventing the wheel.  It's never necessary to reinvent the wheel, but when you do it has to come through the character and still embody the core of the character.  Waid does this wonderfully in this issue.

Waid maintains Ma and Pa Kent's role in Clark's life and introduces Pete Ross and Lana Lang into this version of Clark's boyhood very well.  With Lana, this contemporary interpretation is able to bring out more in Clark's awareness of Lana's burgeoning womanhood.  Lana's not a little girl and it's incredibly fun to see Clark's reaction.  I wonder how strong Clark's Super-hormones are? Positives Cont'd Waid balances Action Comics #1088 with a classic disaster that requires Superboy to save his high school, and there's also a great use of the classic "Superboy" logo.  As Clark explores his powers, Waid never lets the reader forget what it's like for Clark.  From not quite having fully developed powers to the issues of navigation for long distance flying, Waid makes it interesting and makes it make sense.  It's just some small details, but they are small details that MATTER and really bring the moments to life for the reader.  These moments connect the extraordinary with the ordinary

Skylar Patridge turns in a really nice job on the art and storytelling.  Patridge evokes all the motions from excitement to anger that again connect the extraordinary with the ordinary.  How can the average person relate to Superboy?  Like this...with this recognizable emotion! At the end of the issue Waid throws the reader a surprise and a reveal for readers who will recognize Clark's teacher by his last name- Blake.  I don't think I'm going out on a limb, but I feel pretty certain that this teacher who has figured out that Clark is Superboy after his first appearance in Smallville is none other than Adam Blake- Captain Comet, an infrequently used space hero who first appeared in the 1950's.  Maybe this will bring about a collection in the DC Finest line of his earliest adventures!

Negatives As I pointed out last issue, for a longtime reader, it's difficult to see Ma and Pa so young...and attractive?  Instead of finding Clark when they were an older couple, it appears that Jonathan and Martha found him when they were in ... high school?!?!?!?!  I mean they are YOUNG.  It's a different visual vocabulary for Ma and Pa and it's startling.  A large part of me would like to see more of the classic visual representation incorporated into the stories, but I completely understand WHY; it's a new interpretation of classic elements.

Verdict Action Comics #1088 isn't just a great comic, it's FUN.  I mean REALLY FUN.  It's also entertaining and a perfect form of escapist entertainment.  Despite a few details that wrankle this old reader, this issue by Waid and Patridge is top notch!  Grinning ear to ear and gasping with fun and excitement, everything is done right for what it is and it also transcends the differences as it is a shining example of how to update without losing what's important. Let's hope this runs for a longtime in either Action Comics or maybe that relaunch of Adventure Comics with issue #530?  Wish I had an extra 1/4 icon to make this 9.5/10!

Summary: Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman get fast food which doesn’t end in Batman’s favor. 

        Batman wrapped his cape tighter around himself. A strong gust of wind blew past making his teeth chatter.

           “Is it really that cold?” Clark grabbed the door for Bruce and Diana. “You could use my cape if you want, it’s supposed to withstand space, so…” Diana laughed entering the offered door.

           “Batman dare wear anything other than black, the world would explode!” She playfully punched him in the shoulder before continuing inside. Batman just glared after her, but accepted Clark’s offered door. Once they entered he breathed a sigh of relief as the warmth enveloped him. According to his cowl it was -3° F and his suit had several tears allowing the chill to enter.

           Bruce, Diana, and Clark had just come from a mission together, fighting far into the night. Once the tentacle creature was subdued it was already 3am and they were starving. Bruce suggested a place in Gotham that served 24/7 and they hastily agreed.

           “So, why Brad’s Burgers specifically?” Superman entered last. He and Wonder Woman stood in the back as Batman walked towards the order line. Ignoring their question, he casually leaned against the register awaiting assistance. A young lady with several piercings and noticeable bags under her eyes came out. She jumped at the sight of Batman, but immediately brushed it off placing a smile on her face.  

           “The usual?” She asked gazing past him. “And uh, for your friends?”

           “The usual, but make it triple.” Batman stated placing down the correct amount on the counter. The woman typed in the order then handed the Dark Knight his receipt. “Maybe some cream and sugar on the side.” He added.

           “Coming right up.” She beamed heading to the back.

           “Thank you Anisha.” Batman turned back to his stunned comrades, walking past to a table in the center. He sat down motioning for the others to follow. They shrugged and did so. “This place has been a favorite of ours since the first Robin.” Batman began to explain. “Nightwing and I still occasionally come on rough nights. The coffee isn’t the greatest, but when we’re desperate for a burger without Alfred hounding on us, this is the place.”

           “I think it is nice.” Diana clasped her hands together leaning on the table. Suddenly Clark burst out laughing, which only intensified every time he looked at Bruce. Heads bobbed up from behind the counter at the eruption. Batman glared.

           “S-sorry.” Clark wiped away the tears. “I think I’m just tired.” He began laughing again. “It’s just, it’s just I never pictured you like this in a fast food restaurant.” He attempted to stifle is laughter. Bruce was not impressed.

           “Clark, we’ve gone for coffee together, in costume.” Diana then began to chuckle imagining that scenario. “…You two don’t take sleep deprivation well.” Bruce sighed in exasperation as they continued. “You are terrible friends.” Clark suddenly jabbed a finger at is face.

           “Aha! So we are friends!”

           “That’s not what-”

           “Uh, excuse me…” They turned up to see a teenager carrying a tray of food. “Your order…” He whispered avoiding their gaze. Timidly placing it down he quickly ran to the back room. Diana and Clark stared after him.

           “That’s Jeffrey.” Bruce informed dividing their food. “He started two weeks ago. Damian might have, uh, cross examined him. He hasn’t been the same since.” He placed four burgers for each Clark and Diana, only accepting one for himself.

           “Oh, poor child.” Diana smiled pouring cream into her coffee. Clark claimed all the sugar while Bruce left his black. They ate in silence for a while. Clark, with his Kryptonian physiology, ordered another twelve burgers. Bruce cursed under his breathe about it, how much he would have to work off for just eating one. Diana, once finished, turned her attention to cleaning her blade.

           “So, Christmas is in a couple of weeks!” Clark wiped his lips finishing his tenth burger. “What’s everyone doing?” Diana looked up on that.

           “Ah, that holiday. I have enjoyed it immensely. Perhaps I will spend it with Steve again, unless someone were to invite me over.” She turned, eyeing Bruce. He suddenly became very interested in his coffee. Clark cleared his throat.

           “Well, I was thinking that maybe the league should get together for something, like a Christmas party.”

           “No!” Bruce snapped up. “My house is off limits!”

           “Oh c’mon Bruce, just one year. We can’t have it in the watchtower every time, and the zeta tubes ruin ma’s pie.” Clark implored. Diana turned between the two, realizing this had probably been an ongoing argument for some time. “Plus, you never come. If we have it at your place, there’s no way for you to leave with Alfred there.”

           “No.” Bruce used his ‘Bat glare’. Clark ignored it pulling out his phone, a mischievous glint in his eye.

           “Speaking of Alfred, you think he’s still up?” He began to dial.

           “Don’t. You. Dare.” Bruce seethed. “I have kryptonite, don’t think I won’t use it!” He bolted up attempting to snatch the phone. Diana grabbed his arm a wide grin on her face. He turned to her betrayed, she merely laughed.

           “Don’t be so dramatic.” She teased. “He won’t invite the whole team, maybe just the founders.” Batman harrumphed back into his seat.

           “Hey Alfred, this is Superman.” Clark beamed, regardless that Alfred couldn’t see him. “Yes, it’s late, I’m sorry.” A pause. “Oh no he’s fine, just a couple of scratches and who knows what he’s not telling us.” Bruce glared at him harder. “Yes, yes, no I was actually calling about Christmas! I’m here with Diana as well and we were thinking about a Christmas party at the manor.” Batman lunged for the phone again only to have Diana smack him down, stifling laughter. “Well…” Clark turned to Bruce. “He’s him…I’d go ahead with it anyway, I mean when will he ever agree.” Batman crushed his cup. Diana’s face was in the table now, both hands cupped over her mouth. She was coherent enough to stop Bruce from pulling out the kryptonite ring though. “Obviously only the ones who know who we are, so the founders.” Clark nodded a couple of times. “Yeah, ma would love to, all right, see you then!” He ended the call beaming wildly at them.

           “Why you insufferable little-”

           “We’re on for Christmas Eve!” Superman interrupted before he could finish. Diana clapped her hands together.

           “How wonderful! I’ll be sure to let everyone know tomorrow!”

           “You’re all traitors.” Batman hissed. He jumped up and stomped for the doors. He stopped momentarily. “You better not be late.” He slammed the door. They smiled after him.

           “But seriously, we should get some sleep.”

           “Agreed.”