I am going to resist my natural inclination to fold “The New 52” Action Comics and Superman into a single discussion, because with writers as diverse as Grant Morrison and George Perez, I’m anticipating two very different series. Besides, Action Comics deals with a Superman very early on in his career. Maybe I’ll choose to fold my comments into the “DCnU Superman” discussion (forthcoming) if/when it “catches up” to the present day, but for now I think it deserves its own thread.
I recently finished reading Grant Morrison’s examination of superheroes in modern society in his book Supergods, and I found myself very much looking forward to his take on Superman (especially in light of his absolutely wonderful All-Star Superman). Also, it has not been just too long (about a year, perhaps), since I last read Action Comics Archives, which is what Morrison’s interpretation harkens back to. The art is highly detailed and the cinematic breakdowns very exciting.
Just last week I rhetorically asked if it was fait to criticize Justice League for being a modern comic book, and I think Action Comics #1provides the answer that, yes, that is a valid criticism. Although this comic book is but the first chapter in an ongoing story, although it is continued, although it even ends on a cliff-hanger, Action Comics #1 nonetheless is self-contained. No decompressed storytelling here!
It’s too bad Geoff John’s Superman: Secret Origin didn’t stand as the “definitive” history of the Man of Steel for very long, I’m very pleased with the first issue of the new Action Comics, which is both traditional yet also unique.
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It wouldn't be accurate to say that I didn't like this first issue at all. There were little bits--very little bits--that were OK but overall I thought it was lousy. I don't like anybody in it and that includes Superman! Clark Kent* was OK but just OK. So was his landlady. I didn't like anybody else. I hated everybody else. Between this and Justice League #1, I'm already tired of the "government hates and fears all superheroes" idea.
*The behavioral difference between Clark and Superman were so different that I'm thinking of them as separate people.
I read it this morning. I liked it for the most part. I like the set up. The art was fantastic. I think once we get through some of the initial arcs, we'll hopefully be past the government fearing superheroes thing. I liked how Clark and Lois work for competing papers. There was a lot packed in this issue, which I liked as well. I think I'd give it a B+
One of the strengths of this issue is that the whole "rocketed to Earth from the planet Krypton" part of the mythos was sidelined this issue in favor of giving us a long glimpse of what Superman is like. I'm sure there will be differences from the most recent version, but while I'm curious about them, I was far, far more interested in the new status quo.
I don't like everything Morrison does, but he knows his craft, that's for certain.
Speaking of sidelining the origin, thank Rao they didn't rehash that again! That's the problem with too many comic book series and most comic book movies. They need to jettison the origin and just get to the story. Do the producers of these movies really think if they don't present the main character(s) origin(s) that a mainstream audience won't be able to grasp the concept?
Speaking of sidelining the origin, thank Rao they didn't rehash that again! That's the problem with too many comic book series and most comic book movies. They need to jettison the origin and just get to the story. Do the producers of these movies really think if they don't present the main character(s) origin(s) that a mainstream audience won't be able to grasp the concept?
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It wouldn't be accurate to say that I didn't like this first issue at all. There were little bits--very little bits--that were OK but overall I thought it was lousy. I don't like anybody in it and that includes Superman! Clark Kent* was OK but just OK. So was his landlady. I didn't like anybody else. I hated everybody else. Between this and Justice League #1, I'm already tired of the "government hates and fears all superheroes" idea.
*The behavioral difference between Clark and Superman were so different that I'm thinking of them as separate people.
I think I would tend to view that as a plus myself, Jeff (given the whole "secret identity" thing). ;)
I think I'd give it a B+
If "B" means "above average" I would definitely grage it at least that high.
I don't like everything Morrison does, but he knows his craft, that's for certain.
Agreed.
Speaking of sidelining the origin, thank Rao they didn't rehash that again! That's the problem with too many comic book series and most comic book movies. They need to jettison the origin and just get to the story. Do the producers of these movies really think if they don't present the main character(s) origin(s) that a mainstream audience won't be able to grasp the concept?
What he said!
One retailer won't carry Action Comics because of "blasphemy"?! Dude...really?
:)
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