Action Comics #1 was released to mixed reactions across the board within the New 52. In my own review, I was impressed by the fact that Grant Morrison is showing the development of Superman’s powers over time. In the case of this issue something you’d rarely see happen to Superman happens, He’s being held in a military base by Lex Luthor and Lois Lane’s Dad, General Sam Lane. There’s also two artists on this book with Rags Morales and Brent Anderson. Both of them have similar styles yet both have differences all the same and I was curious in seeing how they would mesh together on this issue. Overall this issue, doesn’t suffer from the two artists and offers many surprises.
When your first issue involves a giant chase through Metropolis, how do you top that? Showing this powerful sequence of Superman strapped to an electric chair, Lex Luthor looking on methodically and honestly I was laughing at Lex Luthor’s reactions. You have to appreciate Grant’s characterization of Lex, this issue showing that he is who he is and proud of that. No matter what you may think of him, he really doesn’t care. You also get your first introduction to Doctor John Henry Irons and when you hear about the Steel Soldier program, if you’re a long time fan you’ll put two and two together quickly. The whole Superman being tortured segment is interesting, you get a look into Lex Luthor’s mind, mixed in with everyone not sure if they should be listening to him or just plain scared.
In the the midst of Lois Lane trying to figure out what happened with Superman, there is some clever bits within the military base. You get your first glimpse into Krypton, within the mad dash through the military base. Outside of some weird glitches with art here and there with two different artists, this issue worked well art wise. The mad dash actually clicked nicely with both artists alternating segments. Leading nicely into the last page which explains who Luthor has been talking with and showing a familiar face to the Superman universe being brought back in the new DCU.
Action Comics second issue builds nicely upon the strength of the first issue. The intensity of the issue was especially evident, Grant Morrison has a talent for really putting Superman through his paces even at this stage of the series. After the last page you see the design work that’s gone into Action Comics so far, that makes me excited for this new interpretation on Superman. The ending for this title makes me wonder how this will end up playing into the story. All I know is I’m excited and if the next issues keep up the momentum, we’re in for one amazing ride. If you’re still on the fence with this take on Superman, give Grant Morrison’s Action Comics a shot. It’s only going to get better from here.
