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Review: Action Comics #980

By Andy Frisk
May 24, 2017 - 22:40

The Eradicator, Cyborg Superman, Mongul, Metallo, and Blanque have teamed up to destroy Superman, but they need one more villain to fill out their ranks and shore up the team's roster: General Zod. He's currently held at Belle Reve Penitentiary, but not for long if Cyborg Superman and The Eradicator succeed. Meanwhile, Jon balks at the idea of leaving the farm in Hamilton and moving to Metropolis...

Dan Jurgens keeps returning to the characters that dominated Superman stories 20 to 25 years ago. Mongul, Cyborg Superman, and The Eradicator were key players in the "Death and Return of Superman" story line. As a testament to the strength of the Superman stories of 20 to 25 years ago though, these characters are still as interesting and intimidating as Superman villains today as they were then. Jurgens livens them up by introducing new strengths and weaknesses to a couple of them that cast them in a new light. This is simply great writing and characterization all around.

Artist Patch Zircher does a fantastic job capturing the classic look of Cyborg Superman and sticking faithfully to the recent updates to The Eradicator's look. These characters haven't looked this good in a while. His Superman is also strong and classic looking, even with the new belt on his costume. His Lois and Jon are sharp and excellently drawn as well. Zircher's art really shines though when he depicts the haunting scenes inspired by the Phantom Zone barrier around the Belle Reve that Superman, Cyborg Superman, and The Eradicator must penetrate.

I've said it before and I won't apologize for jabbering about it again. I love the return (or remix if you will) of the Post Crisis Superman. The Superman Family of books are remaining great reads.

Rating: 9 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12