Being a teen isn’t easy, and it’s even harder when you have the powers of Superman! In Action Comics #1090, writer Mark Waid and artist Skylar Patridge perfectly capture the awkward, hilarious, and often terrifying experience of being a super-powered high schooler.
The issue opens with a scene that’s pure, wholesome fun. A young Clark Kent, fueled by newfound super-speed, races around the world and back in under thirty minutes, leaving a trail of lost clothes behind him. The palpable excitement from Clark and his parents is infectious and sets a lighthearted tone for the rest of the book.
But the fun doesn’t last long, as Clark has to deal with the most terrifying challenge of all: high school romance. Clark is hopelessly smitten with Lana Lang, and the sheer nervousness of asking her out on a date is as monumental as any supervillain attack. The ensuing scene is both relatable and hilarious. Clark finally manages to ask her out, and as they sit in a diner, she spills her whole heart out for Superboy (fangirl journal included), not Clark Kent. It’s a classic teen drama trope that Waid pulls off with charmingly painful precision.
The emotional gut-punch is cut short by a call only Clark can hear from Captain Comet, needing Superboy’s help in New York. The villain Raze, who first appeared in #1087, has “escaped” prison and teamed up with two other villains from a group called Avalon. They’re attacking Metal Men pioneer Dr. Will Magnus, a move that is less a heist and more a trap set specifically for Superboy.
What follows is an action-packed sequence where Patridge’s art shines. Her style perfectly captures the wholesome atmosphere of Smallville and shifts to a grittier, more dynamic look for the action. Superboy feels and looks incredibly powerful, delivering and taking hard hits while the colorists, Plascencia and Herms, use vibrant reds and blues to enhance the action. Even with the introduction of Kryptonite, Superboy manages to survive, only to find the US Army has arrived to take him into custody.
The creative team continues to flesh out Clark’s world long before he meets his famous supporting cast, and Action Comics #1090 continues that momentum with charm and heart. While the story might feel a bit lighter than previous issues, it’s still an incredibly engaging read. The cover by Ryan Sook is a work of art in itself, brilliantly setting the tone for the action within.
Action Comics #1090 is a great entry in a fantastic run, balancing coming-of-age drama with pulse-pounding action. It’s a joy to watch Clark navigate the challenges of being a hero while also just trying to be a kid.
‘Action Comics’ #1090 Review: Growing Pains, Super Powers
Action Comics #1090 is a great entry in a fantastic run, balancing coming-of-age drama with pulse-pounding action. It’s a joy to watch Clark navigate the challenges of being a hero while also just trying to be a kid.
