Action Comics #50 Review: Is Superman Officially Back?

Superman takes chemotherapy to the extreme in Action Comics #50. The Last Son of Krypton has been on a redemption journey these past couple of months and now it’s finally paying off.

Writers Aaron Kuder (Green Lantern: New Guardians, Marvel Universe vs. The Avengers, Key of Z) and author Greg Pak (World War Hulk, X-Treme X-Men, and Dr. Strange: Season One) have created an incredible Superman story. There were times it seemed liked the writers did not truly know what the end game was; like when Superman moonlighted as a luchador superhuman wrestler or him fighting the Black Mass, but it eventually all came together.

Kuder also doubled as the artist for this issue and he took his talents above and beyond amazing in this book.

The showdown between Vandal Savage and Superman finally takes place. After months of Savage playing hide and seek from Superman, the Man of Steel, finally gets his hand on the master of time … well, sort of. The comet that initially granted Savage his power finally returned to earth. And Savage, needing to be replenished, first sent his “children” out in individual rockets to see if the magic space rock was safe.

However, on the way to the comet, Savage and Superman get into a bit of a battle that ends when Savage shoots a toxic bullet into Superman. This totally drains the Kryptonian of any remaining power he has left. Superman falls into the Fortress of Solitude, which completely regenerates his cells and replenishes his powers.

Wow. What an incredible story. And even though the ‘Truth’ story arc may be over, the next chapter is ready to begin.

Just as Superman felt his power restored, Savage’s children returned to earth from the comet, fully prepared to continue the work of their father. With Savage virtually gone in the wind, it seems that Superman may have his hands full with Savage’s offspring. At least he has his friends by his side though.

Pak and Kuder showed strong chemistry as a creative team, which is evident through the pages of this issue. Here’s to hoping that this team will remain on Action Comics — once rebirth happens — and all Superman story lines moving forward.