Action Comics #1 Review: Morrison Gets it Right
Probably the biggest title to come from DC’s New 52 is Grant Morrison’s relaunched Action Comics. The series has not been officially renumbered since 1938 when the original issue introduced Superman to the world. This month, Morrison introduces us to a different man of steel, who just may be more interesting than the Superman we’re used to…We find Superman a unwanted champion of the people. An extraordinary individual who doesn’t believe the law is equally just amongst the rich and poor alike. His call to action is a simple one, if the police of Metropolis won’t do their job, then Superman will have to intervene.
What makes this first issue especially brilliant is that it isn’t burdened by the origin story. It’s pretty clear that most readers know where Superman came from and what his basic powers are. We get a brief mention of Smallville but that’s about it. This issue is all about Superman being Superman not how he got to this point.
There is a great amount of action in these pages. The Metropolis police throw everything they have at the man of steel, resulting in a fairly even conflict. This new Superman is much more grounded, while it certainly doesn’t seem like he’ll be juggling black holes any time soon, it’s all for the best. You want Superman to win, but he has to earn it.
There is a brief glimpse into the life of Clark Kent who proves that even a solar powered alien still needs to stay on top of his rent. This Clark is a lot more endearing what little we know of his friendship to Jimmy Olson does not seem to be as condescending as usual.
Superman needs strong villains otherwise why would anyone want to read about him stopping them? Action #1 introduces General Lane who reacts to Kal-el’s existence as probably many normal human beings would, and on the other hand there is Lex Luthor who smugly sips a Red Bull while he watches his plan in action. Sure Luthor is over played as Superman’s nemesis but here he has just the right tone to be unobtrusive and remain interesting.
Action Comics #1 is the best book I’ve read of the New 52 and it is a wonderful example of how slightly updating and re-marketing DC’s classic heroes should be executed. Simply put, Morrison gets it right.