Action Comics #988

7.7

Critic Reviews

22 Reviews
8.4

User Reviews

37 Reviews
Writer Dan Jurgens
Artist Ryan Sook
Cover Price $2.99

"THE OZ EFFECT" part two! As Superman struggles with the ramifications of Mr. Oz's identity, the mysterious figure's origins and the long road to Superman's doorstep finally reveal themselves.

Reviews (22) User Reviews (37) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS

Back to Top
  • 10

    GWW - Dillyn Chadwick

    Sep 26, 2017

    Action Comics #988 is a fantastic issue with excellent art. It further cements Oz's true identity while having me still in doubt. I'm excited to continue "The Oz Effect" to find out even more, especially if his identity is true or a ruse for something bigger down the line. Read Full Review

  • 9.8

    Comicsverse - Aaron Berke

    Sep 27, 2017

    Dan Jurgens brings Jor-El and Kal-El together in a harrowing tale that explores how two completely divergent views of humanity can form. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    AIPT - Connor Willesden

    Sep 27, 2017

    An insight into the background of Mister Oz after the reveal gives some necessary motive behind one of Rebirth's most behind the scenes villains. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

    Sep 27, 2017

    The Oz Effect's first chapter shocked readers last issue and the second continues disrupting and shaking expectations. Jurgens goes with a sensible cliffhanger and I'm very interested to see where he takes the story next. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Comicosity - Terrence Sage

    Sep 27, 2017

    Jurgens, Sook, and Hi-Fi have encapsulated the broad strokes of a warped and jaded Jor-El origin that other titles in the DC Universe have taken advantage of like Detective Comics this week! With the clearest and sharpest art yet on Action Comics revealing the darkness behind one of comics best known father figures, it'll be a treat to see how Superman handles the continued ramifications of this major turning point. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    NerdEnt.Net - Sinister Sheep

    Sep 30, 2017

    I thought this was a fantastic issue this story line has me excited. I don't know what going to happen but i'm excited as hell. The character Jor-el has good motives, it may not be right but i understand why. The writing is spot on and the art is perfect. The only thing i didn't like was that krypton story was kinda rushed. Read Full Review

  • 8.8

    Outright Geekery - Brian A. Madrid

    Oct 18, 2017

    I have to tip my hat to Dan Jurgens for coming up with a story like this. Re-introducing a dead character to life like Jor-El takes guts. Read Full Review

  • 8.7

    We The Nerdy - Aron Pohara

    Sep 27, 2017

    Jurgens does succeed to make this into essential reading for Rebirth, as it does answer some very crucial questions and both in that sense and in the sense that is a very interesting story that could shape the life of the Man of Steel it comes recommended! Read Full Review

  • 8.6

    Impulse Gamer - Andrew Bistak

    Sep 27, 2017

    Probably one of the most original Superman stories for awhile, I'm eager to see how Dan Jurgens plays this all out and I know there's going to be plenty more twists, questions and answers to be found along the way. Given that, this issue provided more questions then answers! Read Full Review

  • 8.4

    IGN - Tara Giovannini

    Sep 28, 2017

    I don't know where this story is going, but I hope Jor-El sticks around. He's an amazing addition to the Superman mythos. Read Full Review

  • 8.2

    Graphic Policy - Brett

    Sep 27, 2017

    Action Comics #987 set things up and Action Comics #988 lays a lot of it out and explains the "how." It really shouldn't work and should feel like a silly retcon, but what's presented is an entertaining story that captures the fun and tone of Jurgens' current Superman run. Entertaining overall (though I expect there'll still be a swerve at some point) and it gets me to want to see what happens next. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Comics: The Gathering - Batmanaruto

    Sep 27, 2017

    What I am really hoping is there is a further reveal, beyond his identity that changes this classic trope and makes it more interesting. Jurgens has written a strong run so far, so I am hoping that he continues to surprise and improve the story. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd

    Sep 27, 2017

    While this story presents Superman with a real challenge on an emotional and philosophical angle, the depiction of Jor-El just doesn't ring true. Jor-El = Hydra-Cap? Despite the provocative nature of the story, Jor-El in this role seems out of place and undermines what could be great with a different character in this role. It will make you think, but you might hate it, too. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj

    Sep 29, 2017

    The 'mirror darkly' origin of Jor-El taken in by a kindly family was a nice touch. And the art is gorgeous and supports the story turns perfectly. And the art is gorgeous and supports the story turns perfectly. I'm intrigued. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Pop Break - Andrew Fontana

    Oct 01, 2017

    Ryan Sook and Hi-Fi bring a clean, bright style that fits well with a Superman book. Sook's pencils do an excellent job of capturing the various facial expressions the characters employ. Sook concentrates on how their respective experiences on Earth distinguish Jor-El from his son. Their faces are nearly identical, yet the tragedies Jor-El suffered mark him in ways that Sook's pencils brilliantly emphasize. Read Full Review

  • 6.5

    On Comics Ground - Scott Shuken

    Sep 27, 2017

    After all this time, the big reveal turned out to be a tease for Doomsday Clock, which is a bit of a let down. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    Weird Science - Eric Shea

    Sep 27, 2017

    Well, if you wanted to know a single incident that happened to Jor-El once he was saved from Krypton's destruction, then you'll get exactly what you want out of this issue and while I understand we have to have some setup moving forward, this seemed to move at an even slower pace than I ever expected it to and we really haven't moved that much forward in this story besides for Superman seeming like he may believe who Mr. Oz says he is. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon

    Sep 28, 2017

    This one is a solid read if you're on-board with the storyline but otherwise, it's little more than villain monologuing for 20 pages. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    Comic Book Corps - Josh West

    Sep 29, 2017

    This second entry in "The Oz Effect" misses an opportunity to capitalize on the emotional build-up from the previous issue. Instead, we're presented with a history lesson (albeit an intriguing and beautifully drawn history lesson) about Mr. Oz that, if true, will have major ramifications on Superman's origin story. Read Full Review

  • 5.0

    Comic Book Bin - Philip Schweier

    Sep 27, 2017

    Im lookingforward to subsequent issues, to see how Jor-Els unmasking (assuming he is animposter) comes about. If hes not a phonus balonus, then Superman as a concepthas indeed gone off the rails, and those Curt Swan stories are more preciousthan ever. Read Full Review

  • 5.0

    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes

    Sep 30, 2017

    A disappointing second installment that comes across as padded and visually inconsistent. This is not a way to impress old fans or create new ones. I'll continue to follow this story to see what truths are revealed about Oz and the Rebirth event, but this doesn't have me excited. Read Full Review

  • 4.0

    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez

    Oct 01, 2017

    Action Comics #988 failed to make Jor-El into a compelling character. With the entire issue dedicated to how Jor-El survived and why he became Mr. Oz the failure in the script's execution is disappointing. Dan Jurgens has his work cut out for him in order to turn "The Oz Effect" momentum around after this big stumble. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS

Back to Top
  • 9.5

    Supes' soups

    Sep 27, 2017

    This is a stellar issue but it echoes a lot of the themes present in Wonder Woman (the film). When Jor-El mentions that "They do not deserve you" to Kal, I was like, didn't Hippolyta say the exact same thing to Diana before she left to fight in WWI? There are many parallels to why Jor-El wants to take his son away from earth and why Hippolyta wanted to hide Diana from the world of man. As parents you always hope to protect your child's innocence, not realizing that they'll only grow to become strong and become true heroes when facing the real world and its horrors and making the decisions that require courage. Excellent read and a bit thought provoking. I might end up liking this event after all...

    + Like Comment
  • 9.0

    gsossi

    Sep 27, 2017

    Jor'El is justified.

  • 9.0

    thecomiccookebook

    Sep 27, 2017

    This was a great origin for why Mr. Oz does what he does. It was very tragic and thought provoking. I'm excited to see where this will go and how it will effect Superman and the Doomsday Clock story.

  • 9.0

    Melkor

    Sep 27, 2017

    Jor-El is right!

  • 9.0

    READ RUMBLE

    Sep 27, 2017

    Wow. I was skeptical with the reveal last issue, but damn does Jurgens write this in a way that makes sense and is obviously connected to rebirth. It was brilliant how he wrote Superman Reborn by combining pre flashpoint superman with new 52 superman and he's continuing that genius with Oz Effect. He makes what you think would be complicated with these stories into plausible, believable outcomes and explanations. Jurgens was born to write Superman.

  • 9.0

    nec

    Sep 27, 2017

    Great issue on the origin of oz. some of the art was disappointing or score would have been higher.

  • 8.5

    The bad who

    Sep 28, 2017

    What stops this issue from near perfection is the fact that it feels like a classic "bad guys telling his story while the good guy waits" type a thing. It feels like Superman should be more impacted emotionally than what is shown and Mr.Oz changes his agressive way of speach to better explain all that lead him there. Basically, I felt I was listening to a teacher explaining more than a father convincing his son. That being said, great art, great story and falls into the Rebirth/Doomsday Clock narrative as much as Detective Comics does right now. Can't be more hyped about where this all leads and how Superman will react to this.

  • 8.5

    mrDovydas

    Sep 29, 2017

    This story is still going strong and Jor-El's backstory is done very well. Loving how it ties into the bigger Rebirth story and this is probably one of the main setup stories for the Doomsday Clock.

  • 6.5

    SloboSOY

    Sep 28, 2017

    I really dig the lenticular cover. For the story ... Not so much. I find it brought well, but after I find it to heavy. The story told by Jor El is to dark for my taste. I find hard to believe he wasn't found by any super heroes before. And he didn't told what he does after he was free from the chair. The ending is a surprise. For now not a nefarious plan, that make a change. The art isn't my taste, it's good, but not very good. To much ink in the part where Jor El is hidden by the black family.

  • 10

    jellysara

    Apr 17, 2023

  • 10

    pldcm7

    Apr 19, 2023

  • 9.5

    Comic Covers

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 9.5

    Super17

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 9.0

    sebastianorellana95

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 9.0

    jorgezade

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 9.0

    ActionCity

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 9.0

    EDiakota

    Sep 28, 2017

  • 9.0

    mikesbr42

    Dec 10, 2019

  • 8.5

    sovereignsfall18

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 8.5

    FT Metler

    Oct 02, 2017

  • 8.5

    mroleanton

    Dec 16, 2018

  • 8.5

    Quirky Genin

    Apr 13, 2020

  • 8.5

    ed1138

    Feb 12, 2023

  • 8.0

    Haand

    Sep 27, 2017

  • 8.0

    Payne

    Sep 28, 2017

  • 8.0

    Nuckster77

    Oct 07, 2017

  • 8.0

    SurvivedCloneSaga

    Oct 15, 2017

  • 8.0

    DoctorLaze

    Dec 23, 2018

  • 8.0

    Nicetrylaoche

    Jun 20, 2019

  • 8.0

    Khan/Murdock

    Nov 26, 2020

  • 8.0

    Julhin

    Apr 28, 2021

  • 8.0

    Andrew

    Oct 18, 2024

  • 7.5

    JBL Reviews

    Sep 29, 2017

  • 7.5

    Yippeekiyay

    Oct 02, 2017

  • 6.0

    Sherman The Wonder Dog

    Nov 23, 2017

  • 6.0

    batman_forever

    Oct 04, 2019

  • 5.5

    Mr Headcannon

    Nov 01, 2020

Reviews for the Week of...

February

18 17 11 4

January

28 21 14