Publisher: DC
Writer: Grek Pak, Aaron Kuder
Artist: Aaron Kuder, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Taragona
Colourist: Tomeu Morey
Editor: Andrew Marino
Release Date: Out Now!
Price: $3.99

Action Comics #48 picks up the Vandal Savage storyline on a desperate note: immortal psycho Savage and his cohorts Wraith and Frankenstein control the powerful Watchtower spacecraft, have kidnapped the Justice League and began attacking the city. Practically powerless or not Superman is on search and rescue duty. But he really misses flying.

Savage releases Black Mass into the city to mutate people into his army. Back on the ground Superman gets help from Stargirl, Steel and Justice League United. Ray Palmer the Atom gives Superman a Kryptonite-powered poison supersuit, and using three-dimensional tactics take the fight to Savage.

The art team on Action Comics #48 really comes through. The opening splash page depicting a leaping Superman carrying two citizens while the Watchtower looms overhead is visual poetry. And clever panel layout throughout Action Comics #48 helps propel the story forward.

Action Comics #48 is a solid entry in the “Savage Dawn” story; there’s plenty of action (!) and adventure and Superman’s struggles with his depowered state remain interesting and not too intrusive. And as befits good pulp fiction the ending is desperate for the heroes, hooking readers for the next instalment.

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker