The reactions were mixed when Action Comics #1 was announced for the New 52. A series set in the early days of Superman in the new DC Universe. Grant Morrison’s bold new direction for Action Comics had people excited and nervous and either way curious. This is the 1938 Superman remastered for the 21st Century. The early Superman stories had him being a hero not afraid to take on mobsters, corrupt businessmen, abusive husbands, and the general seedier element of Metropolis. Superman wasn’t as powerful as he becomes in his early days, he can’t fly, and can only leap extremely high. He operated on more of a street level given the limitations of his abilities. Now with Rags Morales as the artist, we get someone who can capture the fantastic as well as the humanity behind Superheroes. The excitement generated by this team lets us know that Action Comics #1 is on the right track.
Right from the start, Action Comics gets it right. The pacing of the first pages of this story is perfect, when you see those glowing red eyes, you can see why criminals and police alike are scared. As the police break through and see Superman holding the corrupt business man over his head, I couldn’t help but gasp. You have to appreciate how this Superman deals with bad guys, and how he handles these situations is immensely enjoyable to me. The facial expressions that Rags Morales puts into his characters is amazing, the look of horror on the corrupt businessman is perfect. You can feel the fear coming from the page. Grant has a unique way of capturing the personality of this Superman, showing him as a true crusader, and showing more of a sense of humor. You have to love that smile Superman has as he’s leading the Police away on a high speed chase. I applaud Grant for this in showing that Superman genuinely enjoys being a hero, even if everyone else is scared to death of him.
Seeing how Lex Luthor is portrayed in this first issue of Action Comics is a nice play on his original role in Superman’s life, for back when he was first introduced he was a scientist. This time he’s a consultant, helping Lois Lane’s Dad, Sam Lane, try and
apprehend Superman for the government. Lex Luthor is handled expertly by Morrison, showing how smart he is with his plans to capture Superman. As this explanation is going on, there’s one clever piece of work I have to mention of Rags Morales, how they show how Superman’s hearing works as a building is about to be destroyed, the close up on his ear shows him hearing the people while on the run. One sequence particular I want to mention while he’s watching for the people, is the wrecking ball being smashed into a tank that the miliary sends after him, this leaps off the page like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Rags makes this feel like you’re watching a 3-D movie as this pops out at you. Rags is showing us the raw power of Superman.
Morrison gives us a look into Superman’s life as Clark Kent, It’s interesting to see that Clark Kent can have bruises and can be hurt to a point. When he gets a phone call in his apartment, I love how he interacts with Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane. Clark Kent works for a rival newspaper adding a new element to how his interactions are with them. Grant is definitely having fun with subverting everything we’ve ever thought about Superman with this first issue, and I love every minute of it. As this story ends in a way that makes you want October to be now so you can have the next issue in your hands.
What a great start to this series, Grant Morrison gave us a great concept and pulled it off masterfully. Surprisingly new reader friendly for the casual fan, and gives you a new light into Superman. I love the fact that this is the 1938 Superman concept and it’s great to see on the page. You use that basic concept, push this into the 21st century, and the New 52 is better for this. With Grant Morrison the guiding force and Rags Morales bringing his powerful art to this project, you get the best of both worlds. Keep an eye on this title, the next issue of Action Comics should be impressive from the promise of the first issue. Action Comics looks like one of the shining lights of the new 52 and I look forward to seeing where this new Action Comics is going to take us.
