REVEW: ACTION COMICS #15

(w) Grant Morrison
(p) Brad Walker and Rags Morales
(i) Andrew Hennessey and Mark Probst

Action Comics has been a bit wonky recently. Yes, Grant Morrison is a weird writer, and yes, his entire take on Superman since issue one has been alternative, to put it lightly. But something about the past few issues ha been even more fractured and seemingly unconnected than usual. I didn't much like last month's Action Comics #14 because it dealt with a situation with which we, the readers, had no prior knowledge or backstory. It felt very much like Morrison simply dropped a story he wanted to tell right in the middle of an already complex and highly cerebral storyline. Mrs. Nyxly has been a mainstay in Action Comics since Clark Kent first moved to Metropolis in the first issue and rented a room in her building. New readers to either Superman or Grant Morrison would not have picked up on the significance the odd name at first, but fans knew immediately that this would have something to do with Mister Mxyzptlk, a longtime supporting character/villain of Superman's. Action Comics #15 reveals a lot about not only Superman's early days, but also about Morrison's run with the Man of Steel and the 'New 52' universe at-large.

Basically, Mxyzptlk is a 5th dimensional magician capable of producing new dimensions on a whim. Old Mxy created a bunch of three-dimensional universes with which to produce heroes for him to challenge and defeat, all in an effort to please the King-Thing Brpxz of Zrfff. Turns out Superman is the favorite of this multiverse because he's the only one who has ever won against Mxyzptlk, and has done so repeatedly. Of course, being a 5th dimensional being means Mxy's challenges aren't necessarily direct or even perceivable in the third dimension--all the hardships throughout Superman's life have directly or indirectly come from Mister Mxyzptlk's interference. Clark continues to "win" because nothing can keep his spirit down--he can persevere through anything Mxy throws at him. If you strip away the layers and layers of thick mythology, you find a simple tale about overcoming obstacles and becoming stronger for it.

There's a lot more packed into Action Comics #15--the meaning behind the golden angels from last issue being one of the most interesting for me--that brings Grant Morrison's vision closer to fruition. It makes sense, as his run is coming to a close with Action Comics #17 in February. The Man of Steel has never been weirder. Well, alright...he was weirder in All-Star Superman, which was also written by Morrison. There, Morrison had the freedom to do literally anything he wanted with Superman without repercussions because it didn't exist in the main DC continuity. Here, with Action Comics, Morrison received a similar amount of freedom, except this time the task wasn't to simply tell the best Superman story possible--it was to create Superman anew from scratch. And while that meant having to adhere to some modicum of new continuity, having his run set in the past has given Morrison the ability to make the 'New 52' universe as weird as it can be.

GRADE

8/10

ACTION COMICS #12

STORY: Grant Morrison

ART: Rags Morales, CAFU, Brad Walker, Rick Bryant, Bob McLeod, and Andrew Hennessey

Since last year's relaunch, Grant Morrison's phenomenal run on Action Comics has brought about a lot of history for the DCnU. We get to see Superman's earliest days as a superhero - before he could fly - in Metropolis, wearing little more than a t-shirt with his emblem, a pair of cuffed jeans and some work boots; we learn about the monstrous World Collector out to miniaturize and keep a piece of every civilization in the universe; the Legion of Super-Heroes makes an appearance; Superman's new digs are explained beyond a fashion decision; Clark Kent dies, and now, the 'First Superman' rears his head to save a world he believes is coming to an end.

This month, the forgotten 'First Superman' gets a lot more panel time, including a flashback sequence that shows the nigh parallel lives Clark and Adam Blake. Born at the moment Superman's ship streaked through the sky in rural Kansas, Blake was born with incredible telekinetic powers. After years of cautious adoration, Blake's mother died of cancer. Blake's father, angry and spiteful, blames his son for the death of his wife, causing Blake to start down his dark path of misplaced righteousness. Of course, this wouldn't be an issue of Grant Morrison's if there wasn't at least one element of weirdness. In this case, the Oort-Kind have taken Blake as their solider, tasked to help them find and recover Neo-Sapiens. If that sentence sounded confusing, that's perfectly normal, if somewhat annoying. It helps knowing that Morrison has a plan, seeing as his run on Action Comics is coming to an end with issue 16.

Morrison is not one to leave loose ends untied (as evidenced by the inexplicable resurrection of Batman Incorporated), so the Oort-Kind's machinations will surely be made more clear in the coming months.

GRADE

B

ACTION COMICS #11

STORY: Grant Morrison
ART: Rags Morales, Rick Bryant, and Brad Walker

Writing complex, labyrinthian, enigmatic, totally relatable, emotionally engaging stories is Grant Morrison's game. His first arc on Action Comics, "Superman and The Men of Steel", explored Superman's early days, his origins, his future, and his most deadly villain, Brainiac. In the span of eight issues, Morrison took the Man of Steel we all knew and felt comfortable with, and reinvented him with a new audience and age in mind. While other titles couldn't handle the reboot (see Green Arrow), Morrison's adept navigation of Superman's earlier days has been nothing if not fantastic reading, whether you like the new direction or not.

Perhaps Grant got the memo about readers understanding the ongoing tale because Action Comics #11 seems to go at a more deliberate and cohesive pace, while still keeping the Morrison charm by throwing us a curveball with a new villain at the issue's end. In fact, this issue feels a lot like Morrison is throwing readers a bit of a bone with some fan service, including a two-page conversation between Supes and Batman, some history of the universe with Brainiac in Superman's (apparent) new base of operations, a look into the life of Johnny Clark - Superman's new alter ego.

Last month's Justice League revealed that Superman is the only member of the League that Batman actually trusts; a bold claim that deserves some narrative to back it up. Their conversation focuses on Superman changing his alter ego and the ramifications of his decision. Superman laments about losing the personal connections he didn't think he would miss, and how his responsibilities as the Man of Steel somewhat prevent him from realizing goals like building a new life for himself and/or rebuilding his old one. By the end of Batman's allotted five minutes, he agrees to take care of the problem of the dead Clark Kent. This revelation that Batman somehow orchestrates the 'return' of Clark Kent is quite exciting, as it signifies a greater cohesion in DC's 'New 52' universe.

Things start to get a bit murky near the end of the issue, when a new villain shows up to assume control of the planet. He goes on a (psychic) rant about his supreme intellect and how little Superman's brawn can stand up to an attack on the mind. Within moments, this mysterious new player is able to defeat a  Metalek monster similar to the one Superman was fighting at the beginning of the issue. He uses his psychic powers to take control of the nearby civilians and siks them on Superman as Lois Lane lays on the hood of a car, possibly dead. Morrison, if nothing else, has a flair for the dramatic and leaving the issue is one hell of a cliffhanger.

GRADE

A

(COMIC) 4-SENTENCE REVIEWS #3! [UPDATE]

Dial H #2
(Mieville, Santolouco)

While Dial H's first issue was a twisting maze of nigh-incomprehensible narrative descriptors stuck between amazing artwork by Mateus Santolouco, this second issue sees China Mieville beginning the obviously slow and gradual process of piecing together an actual plot that gives the dial reason beyond a few hours of novelty superpowers. Nelson is a generally unlikable character who seems to be getting more benevolent with each appearance; while his initial reasons for using the dial made him seem selfish, more and more, Nelson is using it to keep people (albeit, ones of his choosing) safe. The latter half of the issue serves to introduce new characters, most notably the Squid-  a metahuman who looks more like Killer Croc or the Lizard from the Marvel Universe - who kills Nelson's friend Darren, "because you told us not to," as the Squid tells Nelson (as Iron Snail) in a moment that begs the question how Nelson's relationship with the dial will begin to affect his real life. Dial H has only increased it's quality since last month and in on the path to being one of the most intricate and compelling comics in ages.

GRADE: A

Earth Two #2

(Robinson, Scott, Scott)

James Robinson is slowly - and beautifully, thanks to Nicola Scott's art - weaving his own world together in the pages of Earth 2. This month we see the genesis of Jay Garrick's super-speed, a gift from the dying god Hermes, as well as the oh-so-controversial revelation that Alan Scott is now a gay man! Robinson also brings Mister Terrific to Earth Two by way of quantum tunneling as seen in the final issue of Mister Terrific, a move that is both exciting and mysterious, considering he was attacked as soon as he arrived. Robinson has done a fantastic job - in two short issues - of really giving readers a sense that this Earth is different without being overtly unique, and it's just going to get better next month with the birth of Green Lantern!

GRADE: A

Action Comics #10
(Morrison, Morales, Bryant)

Grant Morrison's deconstruction of Superman throughout the first arc of Action Comics is about to be rivaled by his second arc that looks to tell the tale of the 'Death of Clark Kent'! While being tracked by a master hunter, Clark is dealing with the repercussions from his expose on Glen Glenmorgan, namely being offered work at the Daily Planet, a position Kent long held in the old-DCU. Morrison takes this chance to really shake things up and masterminds the martyrdom of Clark Kent to a bomb-carrying man at the end of his rope out for revenge against the Daily Star. The 'New 52' has given writers the chance to really change things up for a pantheon of characters, and while most are content to give them new origins and (somewhat) new villains, Morrison is looking to reinterpret every facet of Superman - from his origins and early years, to his alter ego(s?), and even to his personality and clout within the Justice League (an element that used to be untouchable).

GRADE: B+

Justice League International #10

(Jurgens, Lopresti, Ryan)

As Dan Jurgens and Aaron Lopresti's Justice League International winds down to it's announced cancellation after a twelfth issue and an Annual, it gives readers perspective on the events unfolding within the pages of this tenth issue. The villain Breakdown gathers his posse of super-thugs to unleash his righteous plan to destroy modern society in an effort to make civilization more equal for the poor people around the world. Jurgens takes half the issue - before the JLI faces off against Breakdown - to show the team members during their 'off time'; Guy Gardner visits Ice in the hospital, while Batwing goes to Vixen's bedside, and August General in Iron gives O.M.A.C. a much-needed moral boost concerning the blue dude's irreversible condition to lead the rest of his life as a living weapon. It really is unfortunate that JLI is ending after September; with a sold roster of interesting characters that encounter more grounded problems than those of the Justice League proper, Justice League International could have been a launching platform for new characters, a home for those in limbo (like O.M.A.C.) and much, much more.

GRADE: A

World's Finest #2
(Levitz, Perez)

Paul Levitz has done a great job - not unlike James Robinson with Earth 2 - fleshing out both Karen Starr and Helena Wayne as best friends who developed a friendship deeper than most when they became the only two people from their dimension living in the Prime timeline. Their relationship is really the focal point of the series, and Levitz conveys that through their casualness with each other and how they protect one another, not only in battle, but also in life. This first arc's villain, Hakkou, is obviously one of Darkseid's parademons from Earth 2 that's developed a higher intelligence, but Levitz is smartly letting this fact evolve naturally instead of forcing it like, say, Scott Lobdell. While World's Finest #1 somewhat floundered a bit for me, this month's issue is really turning the adventures of Power Girl and Huntress into one of my favorite titles.

GRADE: A-

(COMIC) ACTION COMICS #8

STORY: Grant Morrison

ARTWORK: Rags Morales, Brad Walker, Rick Bryant, and Bob McLeod

Grant Morrison finally wraps up his brand-spanking-new Superman origin story with Action Comics #8. Last we left the Man of Steel, he finally confronted the Collector of Worlds (a.k.a. Brainiac on Krypton) and this issue sees the subsequent fight, with Metropolis on the line.

One of Morrison's best accomplishments, so far with this series, is the balance between Clark's first years in Metropolis and Superman trying to find his way as a bona-fide superhero. While many fans (and non-fans, in a surprise twist of interest) were vocally displeased with Clark's 'hipster' look, complete with cuffed jeans, a tight tee shirt, and work boots. Either way, Clark gets his Kryptonian battle armor in issue seven, so it ceases to be a issue.

This month's issue isn't about a big finale; it's about small revelations that all point toward future events/ideas. We get to see Clark "NEVER QUIT!" and persist until the Collector is defeated; John Corben is released from the Collector's grip and survives, albeit fused to a power suit (Metallo, anyone?!?!?!); Superman inherits the Collector's ship and all the worlds on it, possibly as the new Fortress of Solitude; Glenmorgan finally falls, giving Clark an in at the Daily Planet; Lex Luthor starts questioning the future; and John Henry Irons gets his first taste of fame.

Next month brings Superman of Earth-23, President Superman! And it's based on Obama! AWESOME!

GRADE:

A

(COMIC REVIEW) Action Comics #7

Written by Grant Morrison
Artwork by Rags Morales and Rick Bryant

After a few issues in Grant Morrison's Fun House, things are back on track for Action Comics, taking us back to the action that fell to the wayside at the end of issue four. And while the Legion side-story-that-connects-to-the-main-story was nice, it's great to get back to the main tale.

New Troy, one of the many massive neighborhoods in Metropolis, has vanished. In keeping with Morrison's look into the evolution of Superman's powers, Clark pushes himself to run thousands of miles per hour faster than he ever has so he can launch himself into the stratosphere and board the alien ship he sees with his "Zoom Vision", as he calls it. Morrison is obviously having fun with Superman's origins, taking almost any opportunity given to convey more specific detail and really give the character a solid foundation beyond his 'boy scout' persona.

It's revealed in this issue (and months earlier to Superman aficionados) that the Colony is simply Morrison's re-envisioning of Brainiac, one of Superman's oldest and most ruthless enemies. And while most of the issue is spent setting up the next issue, which features the fight between Superman and the Colony construct, it does so with grace, giving Superman little room to move - figuratively and literally - until he snaps. It's a wise move giving Clark such a dilemma of morality so early in his career as Superman; it makes him more relatable and easier to not hate. In the artwork department, Rags Morales and Rick Bryant rip it up again. In an issue mostly set on an alien spaceship with mood lighting, Rick Bryant's shading really makes a splash.

The only complaint I can give Action Comics at this juncture, is that it's moving too slow. After two months of (technically) side stories, I was ready for some big action and instead, got the build up to said big action.

GRADE:

B+

Review: Action Comics #5

Review


Action Comics #5
Grant Morrison - Writer
Andy Kubert - Pencils

Oh, how I was so getting into Action Comics. Grant Morrison was finally finally finally telling a story that wasn't convoluted in a ridiculous amount of intertwining plot lines and indecipherable head-nods to background images from five issues prior. I love Grant Morrison's writing, however gunked up it can get. And for the first four months of the relaunch of Action Comics, Morrison and Rags Morales had been retelling Superman's origins with such vigor and focus that it's been one of my favorite titles of the new 52. Many fans and critics have lambasted Clark Kent's new 'everyman' costume that he (apparently) wore for the first few years of his revitalized origins, so this issue will make them happy, as Superman's only real appearance is the final panel where he poses in all his Kryptonian-armor glory.

Issue #5 of Actions Comics goes back to the beginning, with Andy Kubert taking the reigns on the penciling side. On Krypton. Again. And this time, Jor-El purposely sends his son to a planet where he will be a god! This minor detail marks a HUGE change in Clark Kent's history, a rare chance to reinterpret not only Superman's look and demeanor, but also his moral character and ethical mission. Before, Kal-El has always arrived on Earth by mistake, making his actions benevolent for a planet that could have been any planet, really. Maybe this detail has been used in past reinterpretations, but in the new 52, it makes a lot of sense. Superman's overall attitude has undergone a drastic shift away from general politeness and sincerity towards a snarky sarcasm and big ego. It's a change I've liked so far and am curious to know how it will play into future stories as well as crossovers and Justice League arcs.

Anyway, most of the issue is dedicated to showing Krypton esplodin'. That's about it. So unless you've enjoyed reading the scientific jargon and every Kryptonian ever saying "Oh, Jor-El, you silly coot!" every other time Superman's origins have been retold, you can mostly skip about 26 of the pages of the entire issue. The parts about the Kents are necessary and respectably done. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the back-up story about the history of Jonathan and Martha Kent, one that goes the extra distance to make their relationship hinge all the more on some 'miracle' that come in the form of a space baby. Why can't the Kents be simple? Why does their life have to include various hints at some biblical connection to something greater? Ugh. It's exhausting.

Issue Grade: C+
Art Grade: A


I'm a huge fan of the Kubert brothers, so anything they draw is automatically given a 'kudos' from this journalist.