Summary
I didn’t expect to have a flashback to a classicSmallvillemoment, but a newSupermancover suddenly brought it flooding back. The next story in the Superman Superstars initiative is about to bring the Man of Steel face-to-face with thetruth of the Phantom Zone, and a new cover will be familiar to fans of the superhero drama series.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting thenext storyline inAction Comics. The series is going weekly and Mark Waid and Clayton Henry are teaming up for a storyline that sees Superman grapple with major events within the ethereal prison, the Phantom Zone.
November 27th, 2024
Mark Waid and Mariko Tamaki
Clayton Henry, Michael Shelfer, and Meghan Hetrick
Variant Covers:
Sebastian Fiumara, Meghan Hetrick, and A.L. Kaplan
Superman and Mon-El are reunited at last, but are our heroes too late to stop the impossible threat of Aethyr?! The mad wizard has breached the realm and begun decimating planet Earth…the Super-Family and the Justice League are holding on as best they can, but this sounds like a job for Superman! Plus, can Kara put her feelings aside and carry out the mission Superman gave her?
There are four new issues ofAction Comicsout this November, but the one that has me the most interested isAction Comics #1077, which features a cover by Henry. Clark’s family and allies have gathered around a grieving Lois Lane whileSuperman is trapped in the Phantom Zone, much like how he was inSmallville’sseason 5 finale “Vessel”.
Superman is Trapped in the Phantom Zone on Tragic New Cover Art
For those not familiar, “Vessel” was the 110th episode ofSmallvilleand featured Clark trying to figure out a way to stop Brainiac’s virus from infecting the world. Clark was advised to stop the virus by killing Zod, or rather, whomever he was using as a vessel. However, Lex was chosen as the vessel and Clark couldn’t bring himself to kill Lex. Luthor was possessed by Zod, who gave Clark a chance to join his crusade. But Clark refused andZod trapped Clark inside the Phantom Zone, ending the season on a dire cliffhanger.
Of course, the storyline set forAction Comicslater this year is going to go in its own direction and largely deal with Superman reconciling his father’s work with the Phantom Zone. But the cover forAction Comics #1077really does hit home a tragedy on par with the season 5 finale ofSmallville. Superman, for all the powers he has, is helpless to break out of the Phantom Zone. Honestly, I think this example is a little worse. InSmallville, Clark was suspended in space, but here,Superman is forced to watch his family grieve while he remains helpless.
How Will Superman Get Out of the Phantom Zone?
InSmallville, Clark was able to get out of the prison realm thanks to a trapped Kryptonian’s assistance. But there’s no guarantee Superman will be so lucky here. And by the sounds of the solicitations for future Action Comics issues, the Phantom Zone is on its last legs and he could be in serious danger if he stays in there for too long. IfSupermandoesn’t find a way out of the Phantom Zone, it’s going to make the season 5 finale ofSmallvillelook downright happy by comparison.
Action Comics #1077is available on November 27th.
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.
