Following my Justice League Vol. 1 write-up, Superman — Action Comics Vol. 1 is up on the read list. Technically, it takes place before the events of Justice League Vol. 1, but was published slightly afterwards.
Grant Morrison — Writer
Rags Morales — Penciller
Andy Kubert — Penciller
Published 1 Aug 2012
Collects Superman — Action Comics 1 – 8 (7 Sep 2011 — 4 Apr 2012)
[yasr_multiset setid=0]
Art
For Art, I really like Morales’ musculature, but his faces are so inconsistent. Kubert’s style is great, but it’s easier since it’s all futuristic costumes.
Story
As for Story, usually Morrison is known for more… high-brow plotlines, but this opening arc was very approachable. I like that, much like Batman Year One, Superman starts with a simpler costume and fights human corruption. The reviews are pretty much unanimous in saying this is the most relatable Superman in a long time, and I agree. Clark Kent’s journalism on behalf of the the downtrodden ordinary citizens of Metropolis is a great balance to punching the bad guys when other avenues are exhausted. The intergalactic collector bit, while a trope at this point, was a great device for giving Superman both additional information about his origin and some nice tech upgrades.
Connections
This book introduces Glen “Mr. Metropolis” Glenmorgan, Vyndktvx, Blake, Zoft, Martinez, Casey, Lex Luthor, Sam Lane, Lois Lane, Intergang, Mrs. Nyxly, Jimmy Olsen, Angus “Guns” Grundig, Brainiac, John Henry Irons (Steel), John Corben (Metallo), Emmett Vale, Lana Lor-Van, Zar-La, Zora Lor-Van, Van-Da, Lon-Zo, Jor-El, Lyla Lerrol, Dal-Vo, Krypto, George Taylor, Lucy Lane, Jonthan Kent, Martha Kent, Maxim Zarov (Nimrod), Zod, Xa-Du, Ursa, Non, Jax-Ur, Ras-Krom, Ak-Var, Vak-Ox, Kryponite Men, Drekken, Lightning Man, Cosmic Man, Saturn Woman, Natasha Irons, Lana Lang, and Pete Ross. Pandora makes her one-frame cameo on the runaway train Jimmy and Lana are on.
The wrap-up left plenty of breadcrumbs for future conflicts, both as Clark and as Superman.
Next up, Green Arrow Vol. 1.