Action Comics #1089, by Mark Waid with art by Skylar Patridge, throws a compelling curveball at the newly minted Superboy. Just as Clark Kent begins to get a handle on his powers and his place in Smallville, a hero from a different era, one who sees him as a dangerous rookie, steps up to challenge him.
The issue kicks off right where the last one left off, with an unexpected visitor at the Kents’ doorstep. Clark, who has only been Superboy for a couple of weeks, is understandably panicked, blurting out “Are you with the government?” to the stranger. This quick, direct question perfectly captures Clark’s teenage anxiety and paranoia. The visitor, however, isn’t a government agent but the legendary hero, Captain Comet.
Captain Comet isn’t there to be Clark’s friend, though. He’s there to evaluate him. He’s seen young heroes with immense power before: Var-adon of Herecune, B’Dolin of Stigas-4, and Niron of Denlax, and those stories didn’t all end well. He’s seen the recklessness in young heroes, and he’s there to determine if Clark is a threat or a hero he can trust, or is he? This creates an interesting dynamic right from the start, as Waid skillfully avoids making the two immediate allies.
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We see the weight of this encounter on Clark in the following pages. His parents, Jonathan and Martha, are impressed by Captain Comet, but Clark feels judged. This scene, where Clark has a typical teenage squabble with his folks before heading off to school, is one of the issue’s highlights. It’s a genuine, grounded moment that captures the emotional struggles of a teenager grappling with immense power while still having to do his chores and listen to his parents.
The main action hits its stride when Captain Comet presents Clark with a test: stopping a swarm of giant locusts from devouring Smallville. Clark initially struggles, but through his inner monologue, we see him think his way through the problem. Instead of brute force, he uses his knowledge and abilities, a super-sonic whistle, to disperse the locusts without killing them.
This clever solution is made all the more impactful by the clean and crisp art by Skylar Patridge with colors by Ivan Plascencia, which makes the comic a pleasure to read. The brief glimpses into the alien worlds Captain Comet describes are particularly cool, and the bright, welcoming colors give the story a classic, vibrant feel.
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This issue successfully introduces Captain Comet to a new generation of readers and sets up a fascinating, character-driven conflict. It’s a great introduction to a hero many may not know, and it’s a solid showcase for what makes Clark Kent such an enduring character.
Action Comics #1089 is a fantastic issue that introduces Captain Comet as a skeptical mentor to Superboy, creating a compelling dynamic that tests the young hero’s character. With great art and a story that grounds its powerful characters, this comic is a great read for fans looking for a fresh take on Superman’s early days.
What do you think Captain Comet’s true motivations are? Is he trying to help Clark or sabotage him?
‘Action Comics’ #1089 Delivers a New Mentor, a New Threat
Action Comics #1089 is a fantastic issue that introduces Captain Comet as a skeptical mentor to Superboy, creating a compelling dynamic that tests the young hero’s character. With great art and a story that grounds its powerful characters, this comic is a great read for fans looking for a fresh take on Superman’s early days.
