Comic Review: Action Comics #983 (DC Comics)

“Breathe it in and smile. Death is in the air”

The Superman Family heads to battle against Cyborg Superman and his gang consisting of Mongul, Metallo, Blanque, Eradicator, and Zod. Blinded after a battle with Cyborg Superman and his crew, Superman must rely on his other senses while fighting this rogue squad of evil. Can Superman maintain the safety of Lois and Jon while fighting blind? Can the Superman Family defeat Cyborg Superman and his vile allies?

What is Zod hiding from Cyborg Superman and what does it mean for the lives of everyone in battle?

Dan Jurgens continues to maintain pace and thrills with the Man of Steel on this title. It’s interesting to see this iteration of the Superman family facing off against Cyborg Superman and his crew. For those who are hugely familiar with Jurgens Reign of The Superman work in the 90s will have as much fun with this issue and arc. The same can be said for the fans who’ve been keeping up with the New 52 in addition to the new fans of the Rebirth line. There are nods to various eras of Superman fans. But that’s not the focus of this story. The focus is on Superman’s is ability to keep Zod, and Cyborg Superman at Bay as he protects the whereabouts of his family while simultaneously having Superwoman (Lana Lang), New Superman (Kong), Steel, Supergirl and Lex Luthor help him in his fight against Cyborg Superman and his vile allies.

It’s nice to see that each member of the opposing side represents different aspects, relationships, and eras of Superman’s entire lore. Seeing both sides clash in battle is fun, but what makes this issue compelling is how Superman has to make use of his other senses in order to hold his own against the like of Zod. That’s a situation that is rarely executed nor done when it comes to Big Blue.

Jurgens plays fast and loose with the plot, making sure that there is momentum with the battles, while also maintaining some quieter moments in between all the superpower brawling. What makes this issue fun is seeing Zod’s own intentions for joining Cyborg Superman. But that’s something I’ll leave for the comic to showcase.

The art by Viktor Bogdanovic is beautiful. There is some Greg Capullo, Mark Buckingham and  Paco Medina vibes due to the slightly animated aesthetic, (which isn’t bad). It gives it a kinetic energy that makes the characters movements and actions dominant and powerful. Glapion’s inks gel well with Bogdanovic’s pencils making his illustration clear, crisp and sharp. Mike Spencer’s colors make the art vibrant with radiance and power that make this issue more pleasing to read visually than the prior issues of this arc. As usual Rob Leigh’s lettering provides nice balance of dialogue placement, never overshadowing the art, while also accompanying the art in a balanced manner.

This arc is proving to be a consistently good arc all around. This is one issue that I feel stands out more than the issues prior. Highly recommended for any Superman, Dan Jurgens or Viktor Bagdanovic enthusiast.