Luke Deckard Comic Reviews

Absolute Superman #17 really soars when it pushes the boundaries of horror, though it ultimately plays it a bit safe, particularly with Parasite. The Absolute titles take risks and shouldn’t be afraid to take bigger risks. There were definitely missed opportunities here to rattle the status quo. Still, the ideological clash between Superman and Hawkman is gripping, and the mystery of what becomes of Lex Luthor will certainly keep me coming back for more!

Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1 is a uniquely personal quest for Wonder Woman that dives into the core of who she is as a hero. It challenges the gods, demands justice, and shows the lengths she will go to in order to right a cruelty. Thompson continues to prove how mighty her pen is, balancing heart-pumping action with powerful interpersonal moments. That, combined with the stunning art of Mattia De Iulis, makes this an annual readers definitely shouldn’t sleep on.

Absolute Wonder Woman #16 is the quiet before the storm, before delivering a blow that promises a magical showdown. Kelly Thompson's fierce writing, paired with Hayden Sherman's gripping art, reinforces why Absolute Wonder Woman remains one of DC's most daring series. I am more excited than ever to see where Diana goes next.

Absolute Wonder Woman #17 is a chink in the armour. It’s nowhere near as elegant and impressive as the series has proven to be in the past. The setup and payoff for Zatanna might leave readers cold and confused. Others might also wonder about this betrayal. I hope the next issue can iron out these details. This series has worked too hard to maintain some of the best quality in the industry to wobble this much at this stage. Still, the issue isn’t without its highlights. There’s great action, fantastic artwork, an intriguing setup for a new witch, and a death that will take you by surprise.

Action Comics #1094 continues Waid's captivating exploration of Superboy as he juggles teenage-life, superpowers, and being at the beck and call of General Sam Lane. It is a thoughtful examination of what makes Clark Kent the hero many admire, and why Action Comics is a must-read right now.

The beauty of Action Comics right now lies in its focus on the early years of Superboy. For a long time, the wider DC Universe didn’t impede this story, and I honestly wish that were still the case. As issue #1096 kicks off the Reign of the Superboys, readers who skip the other Super books may face some confusion. However, I still trust Mark Waid’s handle on the character and title. At this stage, the hints of a future clash with Lewis Lang feel even more interesting than the crossover itself. Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing where Waid takes young Clark next.