Review: Action Comics #999

Action Comics #1000 is almost here but first must come #999. Honestly, it’s quite exciting, and I am greatly anticipating the monumental issue of Action Comics coming out in April. But first, let’s not skip over #999 as there is some great content in this one. Even the cover doesn’t hold back any punches.

This issue is less of Superman saving the day, and more of family troubles within his life. General Lane comes to visit his daughter Lois, and her family. Lois and her father begin to bicker over the subject that they always have disagreed on. General Lane goes off on Superman, unknowingly complaining about his son-in-law. It’s the classic comic book,Â “if they only knew story” that irritatesÂ and entertains at the same time. The writing was so strong that I enjoyed the family conversation, more than the action that was in the issue. Whenever they showed Superman with some meteorite out in space, I found myself wanting to get back to Lois’ argument with her father. In this case, the characters were much stronger than the story, but it was a good thing.

Sometimes comic book artists struggle with maintaining character appearances. This is such a struggle,Â that I notice when someone manages to avoid this problem. Will Conrad’s faces didn’t suddenly change, which was nice. Conrad’s characters thankfully maintained the same appearance throughout the issue. Conrad was consistent with his art.Â The best thing about Conrad’s art is that he knows how to draw Superman. In “Action Comics” you kinda have to draw Superman. Fortunately, Will Conrad draws a fabulous Superman. I wasn’t crazy about the art otherwise, but drawing a good Superman is pretty big for this series. (naturally) I just kind of felt like everything was over shaded, but of course, I’m no art expert or anything.

I really liked the family message in the story. I feel like almost everyone can relate to Lois’ situation. We all have that one family member that we don’t get along with or have some sort of disagreement with. The reminderÂ to treat family like family is an important one. At the end of the day, we are called to love our family no matter what, and I found this lesson to be very refreshing.

Action Comics #1000 isn’t here just yet, but issue 999 will do just fine for now. Jurgens delivers a true Superman story without the use of a bad guy. I’m glad that Jurgens understands what characteristicsÂ make Superman who he is. It’s not the muscles, the lasers, or even the trunks. It’s Superman’s unwavering morals, loyalty, and kind nature that makes Superman a timelessÂ success.

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(W) Dan Jurgens (A/CA) Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund