Action Comics No. 1067: Challenger – Comic Watch

A look back at Clark Kent’s early journalistic career is the focus Action Comics #1067 written by Gail Simone with art by Eddy Barrows and colors by Rex Lokus. Clark Kent’s first major project as a journalist is interrupted when an alien begins attacking a group of locals. The alien challenges Superman to a duel, with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen as his teammates. Will the trio be able to save the world from an alien invasion?

Unfortunately, this issue feels more like a filler arc than anything else. The writing style feels distant, with a basic alien plot that doesn’t offer the introspection or metaphor that previous issues of Action Comics. The biggest flaw is that the issue is confusing. The attacking aliens have conflicting histories and challenging names, which makes the threat seem less threatening. Simone’s focus on detached narration rather than dialogue makes this story seem too detached. It’s a basic alien-centric plot that we just had an entire event devoted to, but the main villain isn’t as interesting or effective as Brainiac. The only interesting part was the brief moment when Superman considered choosing Batman and Wonder Woman as his allies in his alien fight, but that was quickly brushed aside. I found Clark’s story more interesting than the alien invasion.

The art in this issue was also less than stellar. There’s something about this art style that I just don’t like. I think the main problem is that the art is too creepy and dark for a Superman comic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lois Lane more creepy and dead behind the eyes than she is in this comic. Questionable facial expressions are mixed with dark shading to make this issue seem too menacing for the Man of Steel. I will admit that the action towards the end of the issue improved my view of the art, as the fight scenes were dynamic and colorful. Overall, though, the art in this issue did little to improve the dull plot.