Action Comics #1088

Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Skylar Patridge Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: July 9, 2025 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 8 User Reviews: 11
8.4Critic Rating
8.9User Rating

+ Pull List

A lot can change in a summer, especially for Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superboy.After a disastrous debut in Metropolis, the Kents are worried that the worldis not ready for their son and will do whatever it takes to protect him. Littledo they know, they’re about to send him to one of the most terrifying placeson the planet…Smallville High!

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Jul 14, 2025

    I really liked this issue as we peek behind the curtain to get a sort of definitive (for now) origin of Superboy. Waid can give old-school stories a modern shine and he does so here. And Patridge's art is meant for a story like this. I hope we get that year of stories if not more. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jul 9, 2025

    This is a great coming-of-age tale that feels perfectly suited for the boy who would be Superman. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd Jul 9, 2025

    Action Comics #1088 isn't just a great comic, it's FUN. I mean REALLY FUN. It's also entertaining and a perfect form of escapist entertainment. Despite a few details that wrankle this old reader, this issue by Waid and Patridge is top notch! Grinning ear to ear and gasping with fun and excitement, everything is done right for what it is and it also transcends the differences as it is a shining example of how to update without losing what's important. Let's hope this runs for a longtime in either Action Comics or maybe that relaunch of Adventure Comics with issue #530? Wish I had an extra 1/4 icon to make this 9.5/10! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    KPB Comics - Phillip Creary Jul 9, 2025

    Action Comics #1088 is a charming comic. Watching Superboy operate with such righteous fury and a genuine desire to help made me grin from ear to ear. Mark Waid, as always, delivers a solid, engaging story that captures the heart of what makes Superman (or, in this case, Superboy) so great. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Comic Watch - Christian Laspada Jul 9, 2025

    This is the perfect arc for new Superman readers, just in time for the new Superman movie. I am excited to see how Waid reshapes the early days of Clark Kent. The writing and art are great and this is the perfect jumping on point for new Superman readers. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Nerd Initiative - Ken M. Jul 9, 2025

    The re-introduction of Superboy continues its winning ways in this chapter. Waids timeless themes shine in the writing. Patridge & Plascencia construct a throwback view of a young boy forging into the Man of Steel. Anyone looking for a classic superhero story needs to pick this up. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Aspiring Kryptonian - Josh Steinhouse Jul 9, 2025

    Action Comics #1088 is a great second issue which really leading to a good setup for the story. It has been a blast getting to see Superman reminisce about his time as Superboy, it's a poignant part of Superman's history and one that I have missed getting to explore. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez Jul 9, 2025

    Action Comics #1088 is a serviceable but forgettable entry in the Superman mythos. The writing is safe, the art is passable, and the stakes feel artificially inflated. There's a kernel of heart at the story's center, but it's buried under layers of mediocrity. For longtime fans, it's just another day in Smallville; for newcomers, it's hardly a compelling invitation to stick around. Read Full Review

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