Action Comics #1099 Review

 

Action Comics #1099 Review

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Skylar Patridge & Patricio Delpeche

Colorist: Ivan Pascencia & Patricio Delpeche

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Ryan Sook

Variant Cover Artists: Kevin Wada; Daniel Di Nicuolo & Marcelo Costas

Supergirl Movie Variant Cover Artist: Leirix

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: June 10, 2026

 

After battling Epoch at the Metropolis Expo and the Kent farm, Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold fear the Lord of Time will return to kill Clark Kent before he matures into a more formidable foe. So, Martian Manhunter takes up farming. Mary Marvel shadows Clark at school. And Booster Gold gets two jobs: protecting Jonathan and Martha while tracking down the teleporting villain who absconded with Clark's spaceship.

 

Sadly, things went disastrously wrong when the Superfriends regrouped with Epoch for Round Three. Does the Justice League trio still need to protect Clark Kent from a time traveler who shrugs off reality-shattering realities as bumps in the road? And how does Lana Lang feel about "Mary from Philadelphia"? Let’s leap into Action Comics #1099 and see!

 

Story

After he arrived on Earth in his rocketship, Clark Kent grew up on the Kent farm. Whether it's growing crops, maintaining the farm equipment, or caring for the animals, Clark is accustomed to the routine. So even though Epoch robs him of his powers, Clark continues his life as normal. But when he visits the barn amid his daily chores, Clark discovers that, when a cow kicks him, it hurts.

 

In Action Comics #1099, Clark Kent's life has abruptly changed. And after learning to utilize his powers to help others, Clark encounters culture shock. Losing his new identity threatens to return him to childhood. It takes young Clark a while to see that losing his powers isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it could make his teenage years infinitely easier.

 

In Mark Waid’s story, Jonathan Kent reminds Clark that regaining his powers is important. Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, and Mary Marvel wouldn’t be guarding him if he didn’t play a crucial role in safeguarding Humanity. Clark has enjoyed helping people as Superboy. And his parents preach that Clark has a responsibility to others.

 

Still, after losing his powers, Clark must decide his next course of action. He can immerse himself in his High School years and pursue relationships without hiding who he really is from the people in his life. Or he can try to reclaim his onerous life of protecting the endangered, deceiving his friends, and never having time for himself, in Action Comics #1099.

 

Art

After Clark enters her stall, the cow watches as he prepares to work. But after Skylar Patridge and Patricio Delpeche provide a close-up of Bessie's eye, the cow's twitching leg and swishing tail precede a kick to the face. Clark yanks his head away as Martha tries to tend his wound. And when Martian Manhunter rationally discusses the situation, Clark hurls a pitcher of lemonade across the room.

 

As Clark navigates a non-superhero life clothed in blue, a white bandage covers his cheek in Action Comics #1099. When he meets Lana, her violet top evokes Martha's efforts to comfort her son. Yet after Bessie injures him in the reddish brown barn, Martian Manhunter assesses Clark with red energy surrounding his eyes. Epoch prepares for his next battle in a red room. And as Clark's family and new friends gather for an intervention, Ivan Pascencia and Patricio Delpeche reinforce their arguments with scenes bathed in red.

 

Steve Wands places Clark Kent's lowercase black monospaced narration in yellow boxes. Black uppercase letters inhabit white balloons and colored boxes. Words grow bold for intonation, shrink for lowered voices, and swell for volume. Giant red letters alert Jonathan Kent to the new dangers surrounding his son. Sound effects clarify Bessie's distress and Epoch's resolve, while white letters in a blue box clash with the symbol beside them. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Clark has fought to prevent Superboy's exploits from disturbing his life in Smallville. But after Epoch attacks his home, Clark realizes that he could lose his Human parents by being Superboy. Shorn of his superpowers, he has an opportunity to start over again as an ordinary High School student. Yet as he looks ahead and contemplates the importance of his personal liberty and safeguarding others, Epoch isn't the only person threatening Clark Kent's future in Action Comics #1099.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Action Comics #1099. 

 

For how Clark lost his powers, see my preview of Action Comics #1098. 

 

For Clark's battle at the Metropolis Expo of Tomorrow, see my review of Action Comics #1097. 

 

For how Superboy met Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, Booster Gold, and Epoch, see my review of Action Comics #1096.