Action Comics #1096

CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top

• 9.6

  Comic Watch - Christian Laspada

  Mar 11, 2026

  Action Comics #1096 taps deep into the legacy of Superman mythology as he enters Metropolis. A confident return by Waid, amplified by Patridge’s visuals, promises one of the more compelling chapters in the Action Comics line this year. Read Full Review

• 9.5

  Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield

  Mar 11, 2026

  For the first time, Mark Waid’s reinvention of the early days of Superboy is crossing over with the present as part of Reign of the Superboys, but that’s just a small part of the issue. The bulk is just more great Mark Waid Superboy action – but then things get weird. Read Full Review

• 8.5

  Fanlight Zone - Ken M.

  Mar 11, 2026

  Time is not absolute nor is the world of Superboy as it is rocked by a startling reveal. Waid weaves in classic hero moments with the shocking close.. Patridge & Plascencia construct vintage images before shaking everything up in the end. Fans had better brace for what’s coming next as it seems as worlds are colliding. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  AIPT - Collier Jennings

  Mar 11, 2026

  Action Comics #1096 is a decent start to the "Reign of the Superboys" storyline, preferring to slowly ease readers into the chaos to come. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  ComicBook.com - Justin Epps

  Mar 11, 2026

  If people haven’t been into Action Comics as a vehicle to explore Clark’s Superboy era in a modern context, I don’t think this will change anyone’s minds. However, for new fans looking for a jumping-on point now that Next Level is in full swing, this is definitely up their alley. It’s got action, heart, and serves as a nice, light-hearted Superman story that doesn’t worry too much about the big picture. If you’re curious about what’s been going on with Action Comics or you’ve been waiting for a good time to get on board, consider Action Comics #1096 a must-read. Read Full Review

• 8.0

  The Aspiring Kryptonian - Sam Rakestraw

  Mar 11, 2026

  The search for Superman after DC K.O. begins in Action Comics #1096, so of course this adds a dash of urgency and tons more interest to the Superboy stories which have largely been fun to go back to while events like ‘We Are Yesterday’ and ‘DC K.O.’ raged on. Read Full Review

• 7.0

  Get Your Comic On - Luke Deckard

  Mar 11, 2026

  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. Read Full Review