Action Comics Vol. 1 Path of Doom Review: Buy or Skip?

Superman is back. I mean the real Superman.

DC Rebirth brought a massive shift to the comic landscape. It corrected course after the controversial New 52 era.

Fans wanted the classic hero back. They wanted the blue boy scout who stands for hope.

Action Comics Vol. 1: Path of Doom answers that call loud and clear. It places the pre-Flashpoint Clark Kent right in the center of the DC Universe.

But is nostalgia enough to carry a whole graphic novel? Does Dan Jurgens still have the magic touch with the character he defined in the 90s?

This review breaks down the script, the art, and the stakes.

🚀 Comic Highlights

• Writer: Dan Jurgens (The Death of Superman legend)
• Artists: Patrick Zircher, Tyler Kirkham, Stephen Segovia
• Publisher: DC Comics (Rebirth Era)
• Key Characters: Superman (Pre-Flashpoint), Lex Luthor, Doomsday, Jon Kent
• Format: Kindle & comiXology (Digital), Paperback

Quick Index

• The Return of Dan Jurgens
• Visual Narrative & Art Style
• Hero vs. Monster: The Pacing
• Luthor’s New Role
• Pros & Cons
• The Verdict
• FAQ

The Script: Dan Jurgens Returns to Metropolis

Dan Jurgens knows Superman better than almost anyone. He wrote the character for years.

Bringing him back for Action Comics during Rebirth was a smart move by DC. Jurgens understands the core voice of Clark Kent.

This volume deals with a unique problem. The New 52 Superman is dead. The world needs a protector.

But this older, wiser Clark operates in the shadows. He is married to Lois Lane. They have a son, Jon.

Jurgens writes Clark with a sense of weary experience. This isn’t a young hero figuring out his powers.

This is a veteran who knows the cost of being a hero. The dialogue reflects that maturity.

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The Family Dynamic

The inclusion of Jon Kent adds a fresh layer. Clark isn’t just fighting for the city; he fights for his son.

Jurgens balances the high-octane action with quiet family moments. Seeing Clark worry about Jon’s safety grounds the story.

It makes the stakes feel real. If Superman falls, his family is vulnerable. This tension drives the script forward.

Art Style: Gritty and Dynamic

The art duties are split between Patrick Zircher, Tyler Kirkham, and Stephen Segovia.

Usually, multiple artists can mess up the flow. Here, it works surprisingly well.

Patrick Zircher handles a bulk of the heavy lifting. His style is detailed and grounded. He uses heavy hatching which adds texture.

Metropolis feels like a real city under siege. The debris, the smoke, and the destruction look visceral.

Visualizing Doomsday

Drawing Doomsday requires a specific touch. He needs to look like a force of nature, not just a big monster.

The artists succeed here. Doomsday feels massive on the page.

When he punches, the panels shake. The layouts open up into large splashes to accommodate the scale of the fight.

The coloring team also deserves credit. They use a darker palette that fits the “Path of Doom” theme.

Reds and oranges dominate the battle scenes. It creates a feeling of heat and intensity.

Pacing: Non-Stop Action

The title “Action Comics” is not a suggestion. It is a promise.

From the first chapter, the book moves fast. There is very little downtime.

Some readers might prefer a slower burn. This book is not that.

It is a blockbuster movie in comic form. The fight with Doomsday takes up a majority of the volume.

However, Jurgens manages to weave plot points amidst the punches. We learn about the mysterious Mr. Oz. We see Luthor’s reaction.

The pacing keeps you turning pages. You want to see how Clark stops an unstopppable object.

Lex Luthor: Hero or Villain?

One of the most interesting elements is Lex Luthor. He wears a Superman suit.

He claims to be the new protector of Metropolis. This creates immediate conflict.

Clark does not trust him. The reader shouldn’t either.

Jurgens writes a fantastic arrogant Luthor. He believes he is doing the right thing.

But is it altruism or ego? That question hangs over every interaction.

The contrast between Clark’s humble heroism and Luthor’s corporate heroism is sharp.

💡 Expert Tip: Pay attention to the scenes with Mr. Oz watching from the screens. These panels set up a massive crossover event (Doomsday Clock) that reshapes the entire DC Universe later on.

Significance to the Canon

Is this book mandatory reading? Yes.

If you want to follow the current DC continuity, you need this volume.

It establishes the status quo for the Superman family. It explains how the pre-Flashpoint Superman reveals himself to the world.

Without this book, later events involving Jon Kent and the Justice League might confuse you.

It serves as a bridge between the old era and the new Rebirth timeline.

Pros and Cons

Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide.

Pros:

• Classic Superman: The character feels right again.
• High Stakes: Doomsday is a genuine threat.
• Lex Luthor: His “Super-Lex” arc is fascinating.
• Art Quality: Consistent and detailed visuals.
• Jon Kent: Great introduction to Superboy dynamics.

Cons:

• Plot Simplicity: It is mostly a giant fight scene.
• Artist Swaps: Changes in style can be slightly jarring between chapters.
• New Reader Confusion: Requires some knowledge of why the “other” Superman died.

Verdict: Buy or Skip?

This is a definitive BUY for Superman fans.

If you felt alienated by the New 52, this is your welcome home letter. Dan Jurgens delivers a story that honors the legacy of the Man of Steel.

The action is relentless. The art is solid. The character beats land perfectly.

It is not the most cerebral story ever told. It is an action blockbuster.

But sometimes, that is exactly what you need. You get to see Superman be Superman.

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Final Thoughts

Action Comics Vol. 1: Path of Doom sets a high bar for the Rebirth era.

It combines nostalgia with fresh storytelling elements like fatherhood. It proves that the classic version of the character still works.

For collectors and casual readers alike, this volume warrants a spot on your shelf. It captures the essence of what makes DC Comics fun.

For more deep analysis on comic runs and character histories, check out our main hub at Hero and Villain World.

FAQ