Action Comics #972

It's ironic that Action Comics which features the pre-Flashpoint Superman has just wrapped up an arc that redefines his relationship with Lex Luthor that would not be possible if this Superman hadn't been erased with the "New 52" relaunch. Recasting Luthor from a different angle re-invigorates their dynamic and provides new opportunities for stories. It is no surprise that this arc also epitomizes the character of Superman. Read Full Review

Stranded on a planet that orbits a red sun, Superman and Luthor are forced to battle LCall and Zade at less than full strength. What will the desperation of their situation reveal about the true character of each of Metropoliss two caped defenders? Read Full Review

So overall a nice wrap-up to a story whose purpose I think was to reset the Superman/Luthor dynamic. And it was done in a gripping way having each character deal with their prejudices and forced to defend the other. Very slick. If only the 'splitting up' aspect of the fights didn't vex me. Next up? All the Clark Kent and Mr. Oz stuff bubbling to the surface! Huzzah! Read Full Review

We end our Men of Steel arc with this issue and man is it satisfying.  We not only continue to develop the story of human Clark Kent, but also get a intriguing conclusion to Lex Luthor's future despot possibility.  The art is great and my only real complaint here is the amount of time used to simply show Lex and Superman duking it out with their foes. Read Full Review

The fallout from this issue puts Action in a very interesting place. Jurgens has tossed a lot of balls in the air and no matter which one lands first the title has some fascinating developments in store. Read Full Review

The Men of Steel story arc is truly about Luthor and Superman following the same character arc, both having every reason in the world to mistrust one another, but each living up to the name "Superman" by taking great pains to place faith and hope in the basic goodness and decency of even their enemies, a hope with itself which waters and grows that goodness. They transform one another from mere Men of Steel to Men of Hope. It is that hope, in turn, which prompts Superman to exhort Zade and L'Call to look into his own future, not knowing what they'll see, but trusting not merely in a universal capacity for good, but in his own ability to actualize such. And that is the mark of a good Superman story, not that you come away believing that a man could fly, but that you walk away believing that all men can do right. Read Full Review

Kitaru

Jan 31, 2017

This was my favorite issue of Action Comics yet, with the ending setting up the next few arcs of the Supermen comics. Good guy Lex is officially better than evil Lex, but I do feel like they will eventually convert him back to evil, which I hope they do not.

ockedman

Jan 26, 2017

I quite enjoyed this arc. The beginning was rather slow but it quickly became very interesting and original. The ending feels rushed but I really like how Dan Jurgens compares Superman's mistrust in Lex Luthor and in the Godslayer. I didn't understand all the teasings at the end of the issue. For me, they're too much.

Rick Jonez

Jan 31, 2017

A strong ending to a weak arc.

TomTom

Jan 25, 2017

Good Ending to an interesting Arc.

Jack's Yattering

Feb 04, 2017

SCORE: 7.3