Comic Info
Comic Name: Action Comics (Volume 2)
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Rags Morales/Andy Kubert
# of Issues: 8
Release Date: 2012
Action Comics (2) #1
Reprints Action Comics (2) #1-8 (November 2011-June 2012). Superman…the Man of Steel…alien. Clark Kent is just venturing into the world of superheroes in his new home in Metropolis and finds himself the target of Lex Luthor and the public when his alien background is exposed. When a robot entity from the planet Krypton begins taking over machinery in Metropolis, Superman learns his origin and finds he must save Metropolis from being captured by something called Brainiac.
Written by Grant Morrison, Superman—Action Comics Volume 1: Superman and the Men of Steel was part of the New 52 relaunch and restarted the long running Action Comics that introduced Superman in 1938. The series was met with acclaim, but also some criticism for other DC creators who claimed Morrison’s tight-lipped approach his story hindered other stories involving Superman.
I loved Morrison’s All-Star Superman and really was looking forward to his take on the “new” Superman (and explanation of the terrible costume). I have to say, I do enjoy this Superman, but not as much as All-Star Superman.
Morrison often overcomplicates stories for no apparent reason, and I’m a Morrison fan that can admit that. This story jumps quite a bit, and generally tells a “whole story”, but with a weird interlude flashback to Krypton and flash-forward to Superman’s time with the Legion. I also do like that he tries to give it that classic spin with almost serialized issue titles that feel like throwbacks to earlier stories (with classic issue titles).
Action Comics (2) #3
The story also isn’t really contained within this collection which is alright. The whole six (or in this case eight) issue format which is great for collections doesn’t always work with big storylines. The Krypto aspect of the story isn’t even resolved until Action Comics (2) #13 (December 2012). If you are looking for a good locked-in story, you might want to pick-up another book because this book is more of a commitment.
Rags Morales art is great. I’ve been a fan of his work for a while and Rags almost makes the stupid costume bearable. Those who are fans of comic art should definitely be checking this one out though I do wish that he had a more solid villain for the first arc instead of generic robot villains. I look forward to seeing more of his look on the series.
Action Comics is good, but sometimes frustrating. I don’t always like the story structure nor do I always like the back-up stories (which tie in with the main story in the book). I am hooked however for its creative stance and recommend checking it out. Superman—Action Comics Volume 1: Superman and the Men of Steel is followed by Superman—Action Comics Volume 2: Bulletproof.
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