Action Comics #1085 Review

• Written by: G. Willow Wilson

• Art by: Gavin Guidry

• Colors by: Trish Mulvihill

• Letters by: Dave Sharpe

• Cover art by: Brad Walker (cover A)

• Cover price: $4.99

• Release date: April 9, 2025

Action Comics #1085, by DC Comics on 4/9/25, begins the last Superstars arc when Clark Kent heads to the Antarctic for a research story, but technological terrors await him.

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Is Action Comics #1085 Good?

Plot Synopsis

Action Comics #1085 begins with Perry White informing Lois Lane she can't go to the Antarctic to finish her research story on scientists researching a method to slow down greenhouse gas emissions. A sudden heat wave in Metropolis causes emergency government actions, and Lois is the only reporter with the skill to handle politicians. Who does Lois nominate to go in her place? Clark Kent.

Clark lands in Antarctica and soon finds the scientists are experiencing unusual problems with their computer equipment. The mysterious nature of the problems leads the scientists to believe someone is sabotaging their efforts. Suddenly, a pair of cybernetically enhanced polar bears break down the door to the research station. Clark slips away and changes into his "white" Superman suit before hauling the polar bears away. During the flight, the polar bears disintegrate into ice particles... or something.

Later, Superman scans the area but doesn't find any invaders or suspicious activity when he's attacked by a giant robot emerging from the ice. Superman defeats the robot and saves the research station from destruction. The issue ends with the mastermind of the attacks making his presence known - Kilg%re.

First Impressions

Writer G. Willow Wilson's Silver Age-inspired story is simplistic, a bit goofy, mildly flawed, but a good enough time waster. You get the impression Wilson dumbed down the material to make it suitable for kids.

How’s the Art?

Gavin Guidry steps up for art duties, and his style is a solid match for Wilson's grade school-level script. The character designs are decent enough, tipping just on the side of cartoonish, and the action is well done.

What’s great about Action Comics #1085?

If you've been hankering for a back-to-basics Superman story that tells a straight with a little bit of that Silver Age wackiness, you're in luck. Wilson's setup makes sense if you stretch believability just a tad, things happen out of nowhere without getting too nonsensical, and the villain's appearance feels like the arc has potential.

What’s not great about Action Comics #1085?

If you want Silver Age wackiness to stay in the Silver Age, you might have a tough time with this issue. The setup hand waves an excuse to get Clark to the Antarctic that feels mildly forced. Clark's "Nervous Nellie" theatrics go a little overboard. Superman's quick change into a "white" suit serves no purpose and runs counter to canon when history has shown that light-colored suits weaken Superman because they reflect sunlight. The list goes on and on.

In other words, Action Comics #1085 reads like a comic written for kids who don't have the critical thinking to notice the flaws in the plot or the historical knowledge of Superman to notice the flaws in the way his character is written.

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About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Final Thoughts

Action Comics #1085 begins a wacky, Silver Age-inspired adventure when Clark Kent heads to Antarctica for a story and finds a deadly threat. G. Willow Wilson's script reads like a kid-friendly adventure you'd find at a Scholastic Book Fair, flaws and all, and Gavin Guidry's art is a decent match for Wilson's vibe.

5.5/10

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