Once father and son are reunited this fall, the two Supermen of Earth will face their biggest battle yet with Lex Luthor. After multiple teasers from the lead up to what DC bills as the “milestone” Action Comics #1050, the publisher has released the official solicitation text and 26 covers (not a typo): and it’s teasing the setting up of “a new era of Superman comics.”
Action Comics #1050 is a 48-page special that takes place after the Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, and after Clark Kent returns from fighting Mongul on Warworld while his son, Jon Kent, battles Henry Bendix on Earth-0. /Prime. The reunion between Clark, Jon and Lois is interrupted by an attack from Lex Luthor that will change the planet itself.
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But how?
According to the request text from Action Comics #1050, Lex has stolen something so important from Clark’s life that it has the potential to alter everything. Looks like Superman can’t take a break from crises right now.
“Writing Action Comics over the last two years has been one of the most rewarding writing experiences I’ve ever had, and everything that’s happened in that time: Future State, Superman: Son of Kal-El, The Warworld Saga and Kal-El Returns: Everything has been building for Action Comics #1050,” says Phillip Kennedy Johnson in the announcement.
“Clark Kent has returned to Earth stronger than ever, Jon has made himself completely his own, and the Superfamily is ready to make Metropolis the true City of Tomorrow. It’s no exaggeration to say that Action Comics #1050 is a NEW START for Superman, And the era that is about to begin is as bright, fun and exciting as anything fans have seen in DC Comics.”
This special anniversary issue will feature writing from Johnson, Superman: Son of Kal-El series writer Tom Taylor, and Dark Crisis writer Joshua Williamson. It will also feature interior art by Mike Perkins, Clayton Henry and Nick Dragotta, and the main cover art by Steve Beach, seen here.
Below you can see over 25 variant covers from some of the biggest artists in comics.
“As a huge Superman fan, it’s a great honor to be asked to write in the pages of Action Comics, and the return of Kal-El has been building to this point,” says Taylor. “After this issue, the world of Clark and Jon Kent will truly change forever. And the shocking events of Action Comics #1050 are just the beginning. This issue will also tease the surprises, conflicts, and major threats that lie ahead for the Superman family.”
Adds Williamson, “Superman IS DC Comics and there is no greater honor than rewriting Clark Kent, Jon Kent, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. Tom and Phillip have been kicking butt on Superline for the last two years and have incredible plans for the future. It’s a pleasure working with them to tie together some of the different plot threads in the DC Universe in this oversized special anniversary issue. I’ve been a fan of Nick Dragotta for years and have collaborated with him on our Superman pages It is a dream come true”.
The lead-up to Action Comics #1050 begins on September 27 with a six-part crossover arc titled ‘Kal-El Returns’, which takes place between Johnson’s Action Comics #1047-1049 and Superman: Son of Kal-El #16. by Taylor. 18
Action Comics #1050 will be available on December 27.
Lex Luthor has always been one of the best superman villains of all times.
