Summary
- Action Comics #1071-1072 by Mark Waid and Clayton Henry features the tragic backstory of Superman's birth parents through stunning variant covers.
- Variant covers by Wes Craig depict the destruction of Krypton and baby Kal-El's landing on Earth, evoking strong emotions and giving new perspective.
- The story arc focuses on the Phantom Zone and promises to reveal new lore, blending old and new elements in Superman's iconic journey.
WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Action Comics #1071-1072!
Everyone knows Superman's origin story, and I'm no exception. However, I've never been particularly moved by it on an emotional level. Yes, I recognized that the destruction of Krypton was tragic, but I had never encountered a medium, visual or written, that truly made me understand just how tragic it was—until now.
Amidst the chaos of Krypton's destruction, a small rocket carrying baby Kal-El escapes the planet’s doomed stratosphere, symbolizing a glimmer of hope.
Come October, Mark Waid and Clayton Henry will take over Action Comics. The issues include Action Comics #1070 on October 9, #1071 on October 16, and #1072 on October 23. This story arc focuses on the infamous Phantom Zone, promising plenty of new lore with Waid at the helm.
ACTION COMICS #1071 (2024) |
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| Release Date: |
October 16, 2024 |
| Writers: |
Mark Waid |
| Artists: |
Clayton Henry |
| Cover Artist: |
Clayton Henry |
| Variant Covers: |
Wes Craig, Stevan Subic, and Mark Spears |
Investigating the ethereal prison created by his father, Superman finds himself helpless before the dreaded Phantom King. But what surprise reveal is in store for him? A clue lies in Superman's teenage years! Plus, Supergirl finds herself on trial as she comes face-to-face with the judge of the United Planets' highest court! |
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While I'm excited for all three issues, Action Comics #1071 and #1072 stand out thanks to two stunning variant covers by Wes Craig, which depict the destruction of Krypton and baby Kal-El’s landing on Earth, where he was found by Martha and Jonathan Kent.
Superman’s Birth Parents Star In Tragic ‘Destruction of Krypton’ Variant Cover
Cover B Wes Craig Card Stock Variant for Action Comics #1071
Craig’s variant cover for Action Comics #1071 hit me particularly hard because nothing stirs my emotions more than witnessing others mourn. In the art, Jor-El and Lara take center focus as they embrace each other for the last time. Tears stream down Lara’s face while a look of utter devastation mars Jor-El’s features. This poignant moment between husband and wife is beautifully rendered, their love and despair palpable. In the background, Krypton is in flames, self-destructing in a catastrophic blaze. Amidst this chaos, a small rocket carrying baby Kal-El escapes the planet’s doomed stratosphere, symbolizing a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming tragedy.
This artwork left me with the distinct impression that Lara’s tears and Jor-El’s devastation were not for their impending deaths but for the child they would never get to love and see grow. Writing this now makes me teary, just as I was when I first saw Craig’s cover. Normally, I’m completely dry-eyed when it comes to fictional deaths, but show me people mourning their loved ones, and I’m instantly an inconsolable mess. This depiction of Krypton, so beautifully and devastatingly captured, has truly made me grasp the tragedy of Superman’s origin. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for Jor-El and Lara by vividly portraying their grief.
Superman's Kryptonian Parents Knew He Became A Superhero
While the Els typically don’t know what Kal-El’s destiny holds for him when he leaves Krypton, Superman: Birthright gave the couple some closure.
Superman’s Origin Story Comes Full Circle With Martha and Jonathan Kent Variant Cover
Cover B Wes Craig Card Stock Variant for Action Comics #1072
Wes Craig delivered a brilliant full-circle moment of Superman’s origin story with his variant cover for Action Comics #1072. This artwork captures the iconic scene of Jonathan and Martha Kent discovering the crashed spacecraft of baby Kal-El. It's incredibly rare for variant covers to span multiple issues and tell such a cohesive, poignant story. Yet, that is exactly what Craig did. Seeing Martha and Jonathan take home this alien baby and give him the love that Jor-El and Lara couldn’t officially broke the dam of my tears. This is truly a phenomenal tribute to Superman and one I will always cherish as a fan.
ACTION COMICS #1072 (2024) |
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| Release Date: |
October 23, 2024 |
| Writers: |
Mark Waid |
| Artists: |
Clayton Henry |
| Cover Artist: |
Clayton Henry |
| Variant Covers: |
Wes Craig, Ibrahim Moustafa, and Mark Spears |
The secret history of one of Superman's oldest friends, Mon-El, is revealed...and his deadly connection to Xa-Du, the Phantom King, leaves Superman speechless! The Man of Steel's mission into the corrupt heart of the Zone continues in the most shocking installment yet of the Action Comics weekly as the grand villain behind its peril stands poised to strike! Plus, Supergirl finds herself in pursuit of an assassin seeking justice of their own! |
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Action Comics #1071 will be released on October 16, 2024 from DC Comics!
Action Comics #1072 will be released on October 23, 2024, from DC Comics!
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
