Fort Psycho #2 Review

 

Fort Psycho #2 Review

Writer: Matt Kindt

Artist: Brian Hurtt

Colorist: Bill Crabtree

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artists: Brian Hurtt; Lewis LaRosa & Rico Renzi; Mike del Mundo; Joe Palmer

Publisher: Oni Press

Price: $5.99 US

Release Date: September 23, 2026

 

When the Seven Seals destroyed a sovereign nation, the United Nations responded with more than condemnation. They quietly raised an army to tackle the international terrorist organization. The Strategic Alliance Worldwide killed most of the Seven Seals’ operatives. SAW agents assassinated their leader, the Blue Bishop. Then, the United Nations rounded up Seven Seals and SAW agents with equal zeal and consigned them to separate prisons.

 

What struggles do the world’s former heroes endure? And how will Jason, the newest inmate, fare among his fellow “war criminals?” Let’s leap into Fort Psycho #2 and see!

 

Story

Jason evaded capture for a year. But when he let his disguise slip for a moment, the authorities captured him and sent him to Fort Cyclone. Once, it was SAW's base of operations. Now, it's an all-inclusive resort. Jason has his own house. Boxes from IKEA await his assembly. And thanks to the regular airdrops, the mercenaries can get most anything they want in the commissary. For Jason, that's a comic he used to read to his nephews. But the myths retold in Legendary Action Stories also shaped Jason's life.

 

In Fort Psycho #2, the United Nations wants to keep its highly skilled assets available in case they need their services again. While it's taken steps to hide them from public scrutiny, the authorities also provide all the amenities in case they need them again. But while most of his fellow inmates enjoy their retirement, the people who captured Jason gave him a mission. The suits believe Blue Bishop is hiding among SAW personnel at Fort Cyclone. And if Jason doesn't find and kill him, they'll kill his brother and nephews.

 

After reconnecting with some of his former comrades, Jason begins his hunt in Matt Kindt’s story. One of his fellow inmates mentioned a possible connection on the day he arrived. When Jason tries to follow up, some help. Others warn him off or try to divert him. And all the while, his fellow prisoners show Jason how enjoyable life in Fort Cyclone can be.

 

The Blue Bishop may be hiding among them. Or the authorities got it wrong. Regardless of what the suits told Jason, the mercenaries’ jailors don’t have to treat them so nicely. And like the suits’ threat to kill his family, the authorities could decide to stop sending them the antidote pills to the poison they injected everyone with in Fort Psycho #2.

 

Art

When his team reaches the rotunda at the heart of the concentric defensive walls, Jason pulls a statuette from a smoking domed enclosure. After evading the guards who patrol the grounds, Jason’s team races beneath those watching from atop the wall. Colored gas rises. Arrows fly. A comrade atop a roof provides cover fire with a machine gun. A mushroom cloud rises from elsewhere in the city as Jason and his team reach the hang gliders. Then, they soar on artificial wings toward their escape vehicle.

 

While Brian Hurtt fills Fort Psycho #2 with memorable characters, Bill Crabtree clothes them in vibrant colors. Yet like the bird statuette Jason secured for SAW, Zeus has traded his pink mohawk for pink-and-orange shades. The inmates wear gray, white, and pale shades of green and blue as they walk the lush grounds beneath a bright blue sky. Still, the vibrant blue pool area provides amusement and community as the mercenaries seek to enjoy their retirement.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with lowercase black letters, while Jason's recollections inhabit beige narrative boxes. Giant uppercase black letters fill deformed balloons as people pay the price for their leader's decisions. Orange machine gun fire and block letters herald cause and effect. Then, a red boom connects with the stripes of their leader, and the uniform of a soldier amid gray rubble. A two-page extract from Legendary Action Stories and character files close out this second issue. Thanks to Oni Press and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

While the people who defended the world against terrorism pay the price for their methods, the leader of the terrorists may lurk among them. Some of the former soldiers obey orders without question. Others have spent their lives deceiving comrades and foes alike. So, the jailers pick an idealist to investigate their suspicions. Amid his search for the truth, Jason studies the island's laccolithic butte and awaits opportunities to communicate with higher intelligences in Fort Psycho #2.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more cover art see Fort Psycho #2 Cover Preview. 

Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1 Review

 

Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1--Bad Seeds Week 3 Part 1 Review

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Artist & Cover Artist: Jacob Phillips

Letterer: Becca Carey

Variant Cover Artists: Martin Simmonds; Mike Perkins & Mike Spicer; Dustin Nguyen

Editors: Arianna Turturro & Rob Levin

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (Card Stock)/Variant $7.99 US (Foil)

Release Date: September 9, 2026

 

Officer Espinoza's former partner knows she rides with Jim Gordon. So, when the Security Guard at Gotham Arboretum can't get anyone from the Gotham City Police Department to investigate a dead body, he calls her. Police Commissioner Vandal Savage may have declared war on the Bat-Family. He may have thrown Barbara Gordon in Supermax. Still, Jim Gordon intends to safeguard his city, even as aggressive plant growth attacks Gotham.

 

Can "Ezzy" and Gordon reach the murder scene? And can they investigate a murder while a billion years of evolution occur during a single night? Let's leap into Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1, and see!

 

Story

When Officer Gordon calls in his decision, Vandal Savage tells him that he’s violating orders. Gordon insists that the police are duty-bound to determine whether people or plants killed someone. Still, the aggressive plant growth surrounding Gotham Arboretum gives Gordon pause. But Ezzy, driven by her friendship with former GCPD officer Griffin, doesn’t hesitate when she sees upraised concrete and trees blocking the Arboretum gates.

 

When Griffin shows Gordon and Ezzy the body, the officers assess the crime scene. But when Gordon calls to request a forensic pathologist, the airwaves fill with Bat-Family sightings. Undeterred, Jim Gordon fights for what he needs to pursue a murderer in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

While Gordon and Ezzy conduct an unsanctioned homicide investigation, Anarky decides to profit from all the chaos. After his actions sparked a crime war, Batman had to protect him from TORUS soldiers. Anarky still smarts from being used to help one crime family gain an advantage over another. He also dislikes how TORUS is repressing the smaller gangs and making everyday criminals targets of their wrath. So, after fleecing a member of the public, Anarky targets the people putting a stranglehold on crime.

 

Christopher Cantwell's story highlights the corruption within the police force. It also shows Vandal Savage's determination to protect the people who put him in office while eliminating anyone who opposes him. Still, as rampant plant life overtakes Gotham, good people rally together to protect the public amid a natural disaster. Jim Gordon may now be a uniformed officer. Yet he rises to lead others amid an extra-natural disaster, while other people in the Bat-Family's orbit prove far less noble in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

Art

As Ezzy manhandles the steering wheel of the brick-like squad car through plant-infested streets, Jim Gordon notices what might be a member of the Parliament of Trees in his side mirror. When roots push through the pavement before the Arboretum gates, Ezzy presses the accelerator, and the patrol car sails across a splash page. After the car stops, Ezzy lingers beside Griffin while Gordon gets his first look at the body. But as Jim Gordon pulls on his gloves, Ezzy leaps beside her new partner to assist the investigation in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

As Jacob Phillips adorns his detailed art with a limited palette, the patrol car’s red emergency lights and yellow headlights compete with the green night. Yellow dots in the air evoke the airborne toxins and pathogens Batman mentioned in his call to the Bat-Family. Yet, they also recall the butterflies that Killer Croc freed after escaping Dr Zeller's treatments in Arkham Towers. Anarky covers his motorcycle helmet with a mask and a hood while displaying his symbol on his jacket and trousers. Red and blue clash in his crusade for small-time criminals. Red also represents the anger of those Dr Zeller tries to cure. Yet, blue battles red amid yellow and green as Jim Gordon tries to save everyone he can.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters, and denotes locations with white letters in black boxes. Words grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Red letters link Anarky and his opponents. Sound effects heighten the seemingly intelligent plant growth, a brutal battle, and machines struggling against nature amid dwindling power supplies. Yet, a metallic rattle confirms Gordon’s suspicions, making a night of madness even more dangerous. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

When the Gotham City Police Department faced a situation they couldn't handle, they lit up the night with a plea for help. But as plants overtake Gotham, the power goes out, and lawlessness takes over, TUCO squads scour the city for any member of the Bat-Family. Lacking support from his superiors, Officer Jim Gordon relies on younger police officers and anyone willing to help him protect the public while pursuing a psychopath in Batman: Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1.

 

Rating 9/10

 

To look inside see Batman:Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #1 Preview.

 

For more on the Bad Seeds Crossover Event, see:

 

  

 

Poison Ivy #47:A Batman: Bad Seeds Prelude: Preview 

 

 

 

 

Batman: Bad Seeds – Sunset #1 Preview 

Batman #13: Bad Seeds Week 2 Part 1 Preview &

 

Batgirl #23: Bad Seeds Week 2 Part 2: Preview 

 

  

Teen Titans #1 Review

 

Teen Titans #1 Review

Writer: Kyle Higgins

Artist: Daniele Di Nicuolo

Colorist: Marcelo Costa

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artists: Daniele Di Nicuolo & Marcelo Costa

Variant Cover Artists: Dan Mora; Jim Cheung & Jay David Ramos

1:25 Variant Cover Artist: Sanford Greene

Next Level Variant Cover Artist: Hayden Sherman

Foil Variant Cover Artist: Dan Mora

Also Available: Blank Sketch Cover

Editors: Marquis Draper & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/Variant $4.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: September 2, 2026

 

Adults think they have all the answers. Sometimes, they do. But your ability to protect the world isn't defined by your age. And when Darkseid threatens to take over reality, even kids can band together to fight him. The Omega Tournament may be over. Still, that doesn't mean the kids want to return to the sidelines.

 

As a new generation of heroes arises, what types of dangers will they face? And can they prove that their first victory wasn't a fluke? Let’s leap into Teen Titans #1 and see!

 

Story

Greg Harmon and his wife are desperate. Even though their son has been missing for nine days, the police seem disinclined to look for him. So, Greg appeals to someone he doesn't know. His wife wonders if her husband has made a bad situation worse. When Red Hood arrives, the stressed couple tells him that Cole spent a lot of time on a relay server called Teen Titans before he went missing.

 

Teen Titans #1 introduces a group of potential heroes. Cheshire Cat is the daughter of Arsenal and Cheshire. Eugene Choi is a former Shazam. Wildcard can manipulate chaos. Proxy has proximity-based telekinesis. Fairplay, Mr Terrific's son, started a forum to discuss the issues facing young people following Darkseid's recent assault on reality. After engaging online, some began to meet in person. When they observed dangers in their community, the teens decided to see what they could do together.

 

Kyle Higgins divides his story principally between Red Hood, Nightwing, and the young heroes. Cole Harmon's disappearance unites them and illuminates dangers Fairplay was unaware of. Yet, Red Hood and the teens have different ways of investigating the couple’s missing son.

 

Red Hood doesn’t want the responsibility of leading this young band of heroes. Yet he recognizes that they will throw themselves into danger regardless. So, he reaches out to the person he believes is best suited to help them. But while the adults ponder the dangers facing the young heroes and how best to mentor them, the teens must decide how they wish to continue protecting the world in Teen Titans #1.

 

Art

After a silhouette comes between the camera and Big Belly Burger, the light rays follow Red Hood, making him glow as he sits in the Harmons' booth. In an arcade, Wildcard plays a game, while Cheshire Cat, Eugene Choi, and Proxy watch. While his teammates have fun together, Fairplay leans against a stool studying his cellphone. When he announces tonight’s potential missions, most of his teammates turn to face him. But Wildcard continues playing his game and yawns.

 

As Daniele Di Nicuolo packs pages with action and drama, Marcelo Costa uses bright colors to help the young heroes shine. The Big Belly Burgers sign, colored in red, blue, and yellow, suggests the Harmons' hopes that they can find a superhero to help them. While his friends identify themselves using a mix of orange, yellow, violet, green, red, and blue, Fairplay wears blue and red. Yet when presented with a choice of mentors, he and his team must choose between two rivals who identify themselves by only one color in Teen Titans #1.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters as the young heroes embark on another night mission together. Lowercase white letters in black boxes introduce the characters and reveal their online communication. The letters grow bold for intonation, while enlarged letters link Wildcard's boredom threshold with people in peril and expressions of pain. Sound effects accompany a battle between heroes and villains, Wildcard's anticipation of an exciting night, and Red Hood's realization that, like Nightwing, his future is anything but certain. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Teens view situations differently from adults. And just because adults have more experience doesn't mean they have everything figured out. All too often, adults hamper their effectiveness by fighting among their colleagues or working alone instead of participating in something greater. Cheshire Cat, Eugene Choi, Wildcard, Fairplay, and Proxy face many pitfalls on the road to becoming superheroes. The adults could share what they know with them. Still, the teens want to call the shots while not adopting the adults’ weaknesses in Teen Titans #1.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see Teen Titans #1 Preview. 

 

 

 

 

For more background, see DC K.O.: The Kids are All Fight Special #1 Preview. 

 

 

 

 

For another kid-powered series from artist Daniele Di Nicuolo, see C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table #1 Review.   

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell & Joe Casey

Artists: Joe Quinones, Paolo Villanelli & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Joe Quinones, Arif Prianto & David Baron

Letterers: Josh Reed, Becca Carey & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Noobovich, Stephanie Hans & Joe Quinones

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Despite her best efforts to shine in Midvale, Kara Zor-El has struggled. But after the Science Council’s repressive rule sparked civil war in Kandor, Kara realizes she cannot leave the House of El to fend for itself in Superman's absence. As Lesla-Lar oversees the rebuilding of her miniaturized Kryptonian city, Kara knows her friends on Earth have her back. But will Kara's relatives follow where she leads? And is Kara's Super Force ready for what awaits them in El Caldero? Let’s leap into Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 and see!

 

Story

Kara recognizes the importance of leading her friends in a worthy cause. But when she tries to include her Kryptonian relations, Conner Kent objects to Superboy-Prime’s inclusion. Recently, Conner has seen Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel ram their Villain Amnesty program down the Justice League’s throats. He objects to protecting the world alongside former criminals and killers. But Conner refuses to have anything to do with the man who killed him, even if that will strengthen the House of El. And especially if that includes the murderer currently filling Superman's shoes.

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 begins with a glimpse of past events on New Kandor, as originally told by Joe Casey in Kneel Before Zod. Like Kara Zor-El, Dru-Zod once tried to rebuild the majesty of his House. Instead, his Kryptonian dreams slipped through his fingers again. Then Sophie Campbell transports readers to the present as Kara travels to El Caldero. She senses the battle ahead. Yet the closer she gets, her connection to the Sun Crystal grows. Kara recognizes her responsibility to her team and her Kryptonian heritage. Yet she also recognizes that if she is going to interfere with events in another country, she has a responsibility to its inhabitants.

 

As Sophie Campbell interweaves the events that prompted the mission to El Caldero, Kara also grapples with the demands of leadership. Not everyone on her team is accompanying her. Among those who are, Kara wants to exude confidence and caring, while being forceful when needed to keep everyone in line. One team member tries once again to make amends for a friendship-shattering error in judgment while helping her team survive the dangers of the Kryptonite Kingdom.

 

As Kara Zor-El travels to El Caldero, she also brings with her someone who needs her protection. Superman may currently be missing. But when her cousin returns, Kara knows Kal-El won’t be happy if she allows anyone to harm Lois Lane in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Art

As Kara stares out the window at the clouds floating over the Pacific Ocean, she imagines recent events through transparent green crystals. A splash page of Kara in Earth’s orbit, with the sun’s rays glowing around her, suggests the leader she wishes to be. As a star forms near the smoke rising from Lois’ apartment, Tomorrow Man and Thundergirl shield people on the streets from falling debris. Then Kara attempts to intervene as Conner and Superboy-Prime tear through the atmosphere.

 

As Dan McDaid conjures a light-blue city rising beneath a red sky, David Baron clothes a white leader in red and black. But yellow and orange invade his world as his civilization collapses. While Joe Quinones and Arif Prianto adorn Joe Quinones and Paolo Villanelli’s art with bright colors in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1, they also leave room for darkness. As Conner and Superboy-Prime fight, their red emblems glow, while their blue fades to dark gray. The yellow stars surrounding them evoke Zod's fight in New Kandor, and his inability to bring peace to his troubled world. Greens and blues link Kara's willing and hopeful team. Yet while Lois Lane wears a violet blouse, Zod's Krypto-Knights wear violet armor.

 

Troy Peteri relays the destruction of New Kandor via large white letters in black boxes. Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Kara's thoughts fill cloudy balloons as she ponders what may lie ahead, while white letters in red boxes convey off-panel thoughts. Lois frowns as an orange holographic projection conjures a white balloon with a lightning-bolt arrow, while Kara's sensitive ears pick up transmissions inside white balloons with yellow borders. Sound effects enhance battles in Metropolis and El Caldero as Zod proves he is his own worst enemy. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El has a responsibility to the House of El. But she also has responsibilities to Midvale, Kandor, and the Earth. When she uses Lois Lane's invitation to enter El Caldero, Kara risks an international incident, warfare between the Houses of El and Zod, and being unable to protect the world from Dru-Zod’s master plan in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1. 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 Review

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 Review

Writer: Ian Flynn

Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas

Colorist: Matt Herms

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Pablo M Collar

Variant Cover Artists: Min Ho Kim & Daniele Di Nicuolo

Editors: Michael McCalister & Katie Kubert

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor controlled two worlds. Yet they couldn't wait to outsmart each other. When Dr Eggman launched the Legion of Doom Headquarters into orbit, Lex and the Legion retreated to Sonic's world. Then, in one of life's little ironies, Lex released the Justice League heroes he had trapped in Null Space to attack Dr Eggman.

 

Dr Eggman may have robot versions of the "Doomers" at his command. But can his Metal Legion withstand the might of two worlds' heroes? And can Lex Luthor retain control of the LEXEGG Gates to hold both worlds to ransom? Let’s leap into DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 and see!

 

Story

After Dr Eggman tried to take over Metropolis, Superman and Knuckles hunger to take him down. Sonic and his friends regularly foil Dr Eggman’s schemes. So, he suggests they take on his metal creations, while the Justice League tackles Dr Eggman. But like Lex Luthor, Dr Eggman is a global threat. And after enhancing his technology with Lex Luthor’s, Dr Eggman proves a formidable foe for Superman and his friends.

 

In DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4, the action takes place aboard Dr Eggman’s Doomegg. Yet the situation forces the heroes to think on their feet. Up until now, the friends from two worlds have paired up to meet the challenges they faced. But when the two groups combat Dr Eggman and his Metal versions of the Legion of Doom, they fall back on what has worked for them before.

 

As Sonic’s friends and the Justice League grapple with how to vanquish Dr Eggman and his metal minions, Ian Flynn’s story focuses on what Lex Luthor and Dr Eggman want. Just as they thought they could buy Catwoman and Rouge’s loyalty, the story also highlights how Lex Luthor and Dr Eggman each thought they could gain what they wanted without giving their rival an advantage. But when they struggle to achieve their objectives, the two villains reveal how vicious they can be in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4.

 

Art

Viewed from behind Dr Eggman's armored foot, Superman and Knuckles look insignificant as they hurtle toward him. Adam Bryce Thomas tilts the camera to portray Sonic and his friend defying gravity as they pursue Metal Cold. After Metal Knightfall dominates a page featuring Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow's battles with Dr Eggman, two Justice League heroes attack him on the next. Yet a two-page fish-eye view inside the Doom Egg demonstrates the perils of underestimating Dr Eggman.

 

As Matt Herms adorns the action-packed art in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 with a vibrant palette, red, blue, green, and yellow dominate scenes. Red and blue adorn heroes and villains, unleashing yellow firepower. Yet green links Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor with John Stewart and Silver as they exert their willpower. Silver links Tails with Cyborg and Wonder Woman as they demonstrate their leadership abilities. Despite her concerns regarding his temperament, dark gray links Batman with Rouge and Shadow, as all three confront a grim reality.  

 

Becca Carey fills balloons and boxes with uppercase black letters. Intonation makes letters bold, while louder voices and laughter make them swell. Words in yellow boxes introduce the story, while white names with yellow outlines and arrows identify metal minions. Sound effects enhance this story about switching tactics to find the winning strategy. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

The introduction of their LEXEGG system can make Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor the richest people in two worlds. When properly maintained, the gateway system symbolizes cooperation between Earth and Sonic’s world. Yet when the two geniuses refuse to work together, the Justice League discovers why the interlinked dimensional gateways gave Sonic bad vibes in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: TheMetal Legion #4 Preview. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of DC X Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion #3.

For what happened before that, see my review of DC X Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion #2.

For how this series started, see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #1. 

 

Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review

 

Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell

Artist: Dan Mora

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Ryan Sook

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears; David Talaski; Jim Cheung & Jay David Ramos; Rahzzah; Daniel Sampere & Tomeu Morey

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/$6.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

Kara Zor-El has mentored a fellow Kryptonian. She has built a circle of friends in Midvale. Yet Kara has struggled to cope with what she has lost. And she has found it difficult to forgive her friends and move on when they disappointed her.

 

Recently, Kara formed a team of friends with unique abilities to help her carry out a new mission. But is she ready to be a team leader? And after sharing her life with Clark Kent, what does Lois Lane think of Kara's leadership style? Let's leap into Action Comics #1100: Game Night, and see!

 

Story

With the help of Lesla-Lar, Lena Luthor, Conner Kent, and Thundergirl, Supergirl has freed Kandor from Black Flame’s reign of terror. But since Lesla-Lar told her about the Sun Crystal in Caldero, Supergirl has felt obliged to step up in Superman’s absence and represent the House of El on Earth. Still, before they travel to the Kryptonite Kingdom, Kara Zor-El and her friends take a moment to relax and recharge with Jon Kent.

 

Sophie Campbell’s story begins through Lois Lane’s eyes. While overseeing the Daily Planet’s global activity, she urged Jon to follow in his parents’ footsteps. When a younger version of her son appeared, Lois struggled to cope with raising a young superpowered boy without Clark's help. Now, Lois has her teenage son back, and she wants to let him find his own path. Yet just having Jon, Kara, Conner, and Thundergirl over for a relaxing evening stresses Lois out.

 

Game Night shows how much Lois has struggled in Clark's absence. She is strong and resilient. Lois endured a bout with superpowers she didn't want and fought to prevent the destruction of her planet. Yet Kara Zor-El and Lois Lane find that coping with family, even when they are getting along, can be stressful in this third story in Action Comics #1100.

 

Art

When Lois Lane returns after a long day at the Daily Planet, clothing, sporting goods, toys, books, and food litter the floor. Beverages clutter the bar in the kitchen. She kneels in her suit to sponge up the spill, observing the mess around her. Then, Lois finds Jon and his friends in his bedroom, clustered around the flatscreen TV. As her son and his guests play or watch the game, one of the posters on the crowded walls suggests inspiration for Jon’s recent secret identity.

 

As Dan Mora portrays Lois amid her family, Tamra Bonvillain adorns Action Comics #1100: Game Night with vibrant colors. Despite Clark's absence, Lois Lane's green suit hints at her determination to carry on. Her attire also links her with Thundergirl, who could prove more amenable to her guidance than Jon. Orange and yellow herald confrontations, while red signals rage amid another Game Night that could end in a deadly contest.

 

As black uppercase letters fill dialogue balloons, Becca Carey's dots and clouds reveal Lois' thoughts. The letters grow bold for intonation and change color amid tense situations. A besieged combatant speaks into cloudy dialogue balloons amid angry cries as the action heats up in Action Comics #1100: Game Night. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

As Master Txyz told Jon Kent recently, Superman shines so brightly that he puts the other members of the Super-family in the shade. The Justice League recognizes his importance, and Booster Gold is determined to find his friend. While Superman is absent, Kara Zor-El has a chance to shine. But to demonstrate her ability to lead the House of El, Supergirl must earn her teammates' respect and achieve a significant accomplishment before her cousin returns to reclaim the spotlight in Action Comics #1100: Game Night.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For Booster Gold's search for his friend, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy. 

 

For Superboy's battle with Epoch, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Mission Failure. 

 

For Kara and Lesla's battle to free Kandor, see my review of Supergirl #15. 

 

For Lois Lane's struggles in Clark's absence, see my review of Superman Unlimited #15. 

Absolute Superman #21 Review

 

Absolute Superman #21 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Rafa Sandoval

Breakdowns: Zander Cannon

Colorist: Ulises Arreola

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola

Variant Cover Artists: Jerome Opeña, Gabriel Hernández Walta & Marguerite Sauvage

Editors: Ash Padilla & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

They battled across the planet. Hawkman defied Talia al Ghul to fight alongside Superman. John Henry proved he deserved a better life than working in a slaughterhouse. Yet as King Shazam unleashed storms and natural disasters, Superman simultaneously protected people from the once and (perhaps) future king's fury.

 

As Ra's al Ghul knew, King Shazam refused to listen to reason. But will Superman? Or will Kal-El take Hawkman and John Henry's advice and kill King Shazam? Let's leap into Absolute Superman #21 and see!

 

Story

After Superman took Hawkman’s mace and John Henry’s hammer, and hurled Teth-Adam to the moon, the story returns to those tense moments before Teth-Adam returned to the shuttered Lazarus Corp building. Kal-El called Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen to warn them that they would arrive soon. Their friend realizes he must step up his attacks like never before. But in case he doesn't survive this final battle, Kal-El gives Lois and Jimmy a final request.

 

While the primary battle takes place on the moon, Absolute Superman #21 weaves Lois, Jimmy, and Talia al Ghul’s battle into the narrative. Amid all the fighting, it also shows how far Hawkman has come. Yet these are battles between people who have lost everything. Like Kal-El, even if they survive this conflict, they must chart a path to their new normal.

 

In Jason Aaron’s story, Teth-Adam and Kal-El have much in common. Both lost their parents and their worlds. Yet while the young boy sought to protect his people, Kal-El used his powers to help and protect strangers.

 

Perhaps Teth-Adam has suffered more than Kal-El. He was tantalized with the power to protect people from aggressors. As King Shazam, he transformed his world. Then, he endured the trauma of 3,000 years of imprisonment. He may have killed Ra's al Ghul. Yet, Teth-Adam also believes that safety can only be achieved through strength. But in Absolute Superman #21, Kal-El cannot accept that holding power over anyone will ever lead to peace.

 

Art

The twisted metal framework of the damaged building frames Lois standing on the shattered floor. Immobilized, Talia sits and watches. Jimmy charges down a flight of stairs as he implores Kal-El to save himself. Yet in space, Kal-El holds a hammer and mace. A storm of energy swirls around him, obscuring his features as it transforms his appearance.

 

Aided by Zander Cannon’s breakdowns, Rafa Sandoval stretches the action across pages as Kal-El's armor covers him with spikes. The thorned warrior glows amid the energy storm. Yet Teth-Adam’s features also change. Freed from the Father Box, Teth-Adam has grown younger. But while battling to build his perfect world, cracks race across his skin as he and Kal pound regolith into rubble.

 

Ulises Arreola frames the first page in orange as the red dust of Krypton merges with yellow energy. Lois bears orange on her shoulder, while indigo and green surround Jimmy. The green links Jimmy with Talia, as they once fought together in the Omega Men. Orangish red and yellow rage on the moon as the combatants’ hands and feet glow, and the symbols they wear with pride burn in their chests. Yet the blue void surrounding the fighters darkens, until a storm of power swirls amid Kal-El’s darkest night in Absolute Superman #21.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase text. The letters shrink for lowered voices and grow bold for intonation. Rage-fueled yells swell letters and deform balloons. Two characters speak into black fields, while large white letters indicate time and location. Yet Lois’ narrative fills beige boxes, guiding readers through the tragic events. Vibrant sound effects enhance the battle of two supermen wielding weapons fit for the gods as they shake the heavens. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Like Sol, Kal-El’s fallen friend, most people believe that the Earth is hopelessly flawed. Perhaps if they had the power, they could make it more balanced. Yet Kal-El saw the Klerics of the Science League destroy Krypton by rigidly controlling every aspect of their world. So, as he strives to protect his adoptive planet, Kal-El fights not to install a perfect system, but to protect imperfect people in Absolute Superman #21.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Absolute Superman #21. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Absolute Superman #20.

For what happened before that, see my review of Absolute Superman #19. 

For what happened even before that, see my preview of Absolute Superman #18.  

For more on Hawkman, see my previews of Absolute Superman #16 & Absolute Evil #1.