Action Comics 866 Review

[Flash's Lightning]

This issue is a "Sightings" comic, which is supposed to signify that it's a tie-in with Final Crisis. Not sure how that works as this is basically a Superman vs. Brainiac issue.

We begin with a scene thirty-five years ago, on Krypton, as Brainiac "steals" a city, Kandor. The timing is interesting to me as it appears the news had just been found out by Jor El about the world dying, and it makes me wonder if that's why Brainiac picked then to take the city. Did he have a reason for taking the city, and never got around to it, but finally had no choice as the world would soon die? Or did he take it for the sole reason that the world was going to die and he might need something there? A bit of mystery there.

The other story introduces other characters to the Daily Planet. A new sports editor (who Lois proclaims is a cowboy) and the acting-very-wierd Catherine Grant (who Clark says is simply acting out a new personality and sexuality because she is dealing with the death of her son still).

I am very impressed with the dialogue and art of this issue. The dialogue had me chuckling out loud twice (once with the chair vs. cowboy scene, and the second when Clark pretends to check out Cat's butt for a tattoo).

The story is a bit decompressed. Okay, no, it's very decompressed. We ARE introduced to new characters, but in a very typical way. It might have been better to see them in action, so to speak, to see what they do for the Planet rather than everyone around a table talking about it.

And the Braniac vs. Superman story so far is just him catching a "falling meteor" that turns out to be Brainiac. So an entire issue that feels like nothing happened.

Final verdict: 7.5 Almost perfect dialogue, art is outstanding (incredible even), but story is drug out too long.

[Mon-el]

I won't be able to get my issue until the weekend, but a few questions.

What's a "Sightings" comic?

and please tell me that the Sports Editor is Steve Lombard..

[Flash's Lightning]

I won't be able to get my issue until the weekend, but a few questions.

What's a "Sightings" comic?

and please tell me that the Sports Editor is Steve Lombard..

From what I understand it's a tie-in to Final Crisis, that's all.

And yeah, it's Steve Lombard. (Though he's the Sports writer - sorry, that was a typo above.) This is my first Action in quite a while, so...if he appeared before, bare with me as I catch up.

[Mon-el]

From what I understand it's a tie-in to Final Crisis, that's all..

Ah, I See I just didn't know what a "Sightings" comic was. I thouhgt it might have been a tv show or something.

And yeah, it's Steve Lombard. (Though he's the Sports writer - sorry, that was a typo above.) This is my first Action in quite a while, so...if he appeared before, bare with me as I catch up.

Ah Okay, Steve Lombard was a Pre Crisis character often appearing with the Daily Planet Staff. He has been away for a very long time.

Just to help you out a little Wiki does a better job typing it out better than I would.

http://en.dcdatabaseproject.com/Steven_Lombard_%28Earth-One%29

[NDHorse]

I won't be able to get my issue until the weekend, but a few questions.

What's a "Sightings" comic?

and please tell me that the Sports Editor is Steve Lombard..

I don't think a "Sightings" comic is necessarily a tie-in specifically to Final Crisis. I think it is just being used to signify an significant comic to the DC Universe as a whole.

On the issue in general, I was blown away by the artwork. That was the closest I have ever seen an artist get to drawing a Christopher Reeves Superman. Especially the scene where he pushes up his glasses after the guy falls out of the chair and when he opens his shirt when he is about to leave the Daily Planet. I was blown away.

I also loved that the Brainiac machine made him bleed just a little bit.

[Sean Whitmore]

What's a "Sightings" comic?

I haven't decided yet, but it's either proof that DC is losing their minds, or that comics readers have already lost their mind and DC is brilliantly exploiting that.

I'd believe either one.


SEAN

[elise]

On the issue in general, I was blown away by the artwork. That was the closest I have ever seen an artist get to drawing a Christopher Reeves Superman. Especially the scene where he pushes up his glasses after the guy falls out of the chair and when he opens his shirt when he is about to leave the Daily Planet. I was blown away.
I thought the same thing about it looking like Chris Reeve. I absolutely LOVE Gary Frank's art.

This issue was just awesome. That is all. :biggrin:

[Flash's Lightning]

I don't think a "Sightings" comic is necessarily a tie-in specifically to Final Crisis. I think it is just being used to signify an significant comic to the DC Universe as a whole.

Gotcha, didn't realize that. I guess that makes more sense.

On the issue in general, I was blown away by the artwork. That was the closest I have ever seen an artist get to drawing a Christopher Reeves Superman. Especially the scene where he pushes up his glasses after the guy falls out of the chair and when he opens his shirt when he is about to leave the Daily Planet. I was blown away.

Agreed!!! The art team needs to stay together.

I also loved that the Brainiac machine made him bleed just a little bit.

I hadn't even noticed that. I need to go back and take a look now. :smile:

[Mon-el]

I don't think a "Sightings" comic is necessarily a tie-in specifically to Final Crisis. I think it is just being used to signify an significant comic to the DC Universe as a whole..

Ah Clarity. Thanks



On the issue in general, I was blown away by the artwork. That was the closest I have ever seen an artist get to drawing a Christopher Reeves Superman. Especially the scene where he pushes up his glasses after the guy falls out of the chair and when he opens his shirt when he is about to leave the Daily Planet. I was blown away.


It must be Gary Frank drawing this issue (without looking to see if he did). Yeah he draws a pretty incredible Superman, or at least I thought so durning Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes.

I haven't decided yet, but it's either proof that DC is losing their minds, or that comics readers have already lost their mind and DC is brilliantly exploiting that.

I'd believe either one.


SEAN


Im dying laughing.....I think I'm losing my mind really:biggrin: . Like I said earlier I thought it was a new tv show or something. The only thing I ever watch anymore is Discovery Channel or the History Channel.

If Dc would have said "Red Skies" Issue, then I would have easily known what that was.

[ultramandingo]

.....donuts , boob implants and zod . yow

[Joe Acro]

Setting aside the confusing nature of Brainiac and the 35-year timespan, I have one question.

Why can't DC stick to an age for the Kents?

[spidervenom]

The only thing i need to ask, doe's brainiac really need that dark leathercoat tim burton look?

[Sean Whitmore]

The only thing i need to ask, doe's brainiac really need that dark leathercoat tim burton look?

Hey, a leather coat never hurt anyone.

Except cows. And f**k 'em if they can't take a joke.


SEAN

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I thought they were going for a black metallic look for Brainiac, not black leather.

Either way, I like the redesign. Keeps what worked about the previous designs while pushing the character forward.

Loved the Daily Planet stuff. Still not happy with Perry White's reversion to a more J.Jonah Jameson With Integrity type, but the reintroduction of Cat Grant, Ron Troupe and Steve Lombard are very welcome additions to the cast. Looking forward to seeing what James Robinson does with these characters as well.

When does Robinson's first issue come out?

[GRANT!]

I thought they were going for a black metallic look for Brainiac, not black leather.

Either way, I like the redesign. Keeps what worked about the previous designs while pushing the character forward.

It looks great. Actually Johns did a good job making Brainiac creepy while retaining that silver age oddness about him. I'm not a Johns fan but sometimes his Superman stuff hits the right note. Also tying Kandor/Brainiac/Zod together was pretty cool.

Loved the Daily Planet stuff. Still not happy with Perry White's reversion to a more J.Jonah Jameson With Integrity type, but the reintroduction of Cat Grant, Ron Troupe and Steve Lombard are very welcome additions to the cast. Looking forward to seeing what James Robinson does with these characters as well.

Crazy that this essentially the All Star Superman Planet Cast. Though I feel like everyone is kind of wedged in together and explaining Cat's behavior because of her history was kind of annoying. As someone who doesn't know her kid was murdered I thought it was kind of distracting. Though I'm not a fan of constant continuity referencing.

When does Robinson's first issue come out?

I think at the end of the month.

[PatrickG]

Setting aside the confusing nature of Brainiac and the 35-year timespan, I have one question.

Why can't DC stick to an age for the Kents?

They never could. It's been worse for the past few years, maybe, but they've NEVER had a consistent age.

The height of the consistency was probably the 90s. But almost no two artists have ever drawn them alike.

Here's a few questions to drive you mad:

Is Pa Kent bald? Does he wear glasses?

How tall is Ma Kent? How heavy is she?

Do they have workers on the farm or not?

How many times was Martha married and to whom?

What did her parents do?

Did Pa serve in the military and, if so, what war?

Where and how did Jonathan propose?

How long were they waiting to have a child before they found Clark?

Where did Clark's ship land in relation to the Kent Farm?

Which of the Kents believe in God, if not both? What denomination are they?

Do the Kents own the General Store in Smallville?

There is no SINGLE definitive answer to any of the questions.

Heck, Smallville was only moved to Kansas after Crisis.

And another question to grow on: Where was Lois Lane born? What did her parents do?

[dreyga2000]

And another question to grow on: Where was Lois Lane born? What did her parents do?

Her dad works for the miltary as a highranking general. I believe he was a part of Luthor's cabinet

[PatrickG]

Her dad works for the miltary as a highranking general. I believe he was a part of Luthor's cabinet

The most recent and well-accepted answer now.

But other acceptable answers would include farmer (in Sam and Ella Lane's first appearance, pre-Crisis) and doctor (on Lois & Clark where Lois' father was Doctor Walter Lane).

All of these questions have had fluctuating answers.

It just so happens that some of them haven't ever been stable.

Compare Byrne's Ma Kent with the Ma circa Superman's death with McGuinness' with the one in Identity Crisis.

Compare Byrne's Pa Kent with Grummett's with McGuinness' with Pascual Ferry's.

And there ages and appearances varied so much pre-Crisis that there was actually a retcon to explain it. (Had something to do with Superboy using Kryptonian science to rejuvenate them.)

And Pa, well, I'm pretty sure I've seen THE SAME CREATORS peg him as an atheist and a devout Baptist in the course of their careers. In general, the atheist/agnostic take is more common for Pa and the religious take is more common for Ma.

I'm of the school that Pa got turned off from religion after whatever war he was off fighting and that the only two times he's prayed since were when he and Martha wanted a child and when Doomsday killed Clark.

[StoneGold]

Crazy that this essentially the All Star Superman Planet Cast. Though I feel like everyone is kind of wedged in together and explaining Cat's behavior because of her history was kind of annoying. As someone who doesn't know her kid was murdered I thought it was kind of distracting. Though I'm not a fan of constant continuity referencing.



It was only weird in that they bothered to do it. "Here's Cat along with a bunch of old characters who have existed before. But unlike these other old characters that have existed before, she's really existed before, except she's acting totally different than she should, but we've come up with a BS excuse why."

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Crazy that this essentially the All Star Superman Planet Cast. Though I feel like everyone is kind of wedged in together and explaining Cat's behavior because of her history was kind of annoying. As someone who doesn't know her kid was murdered I thought it was kind of distracting. Though I'm not a fan of constant continuity referencing.
.

Normally, I'd agree with you, but the fact that her son was murdered seems to be one of the primary character traits for Geoff's revamp of the character, in the sense that her sexpot gossip hound persona is simply a false front she's putting up to protect herself. Which I find far more interesting than the previous characterization of her as little more than a sexpot gossip hound.

[Joe Acro]

They never could. It's been worse for the past few years, maybe, but they've NEVER had a consistent age.

The height of the consistency was probably the 90s. But almost no two artists have ever drawn them alike.But all the post-IC Superman stories up until now have had them seem much younger, a bit more like the Kents from Smallville, though without looking the same.

There is no SINGLE definitive answer to any of the questions.
I know, but is it too much to ask that if you somewhat get carte blanche to retool a character, their origin, and their supporting cast to a fit new continuity, you make all that consistent?

[Solaris01]

:smile: Wow, what a wonderful issue! I loved everything about it. I can't wait for the next one.

[brundlefly]

Seconding all the love for Gary Frank's work in this issue. He remains one of my favorite comics artists, dating back to PAD's Hulk and Supergirl in the mid-90s.

Quite curious as to whether there will be any mention in this arc of Braniac's last appearance, also written by Johns, in the Teen Titans/Outsiders crossover "The Insiders." There, a more-organic Brainiac teamed up with Lex (who was helping him grow clone bodies in one of his hidden labs) and in one scene a robo-skull Braniac body was shown in a stasis tank, looking very similar to the robots & skull ship we saw in this issue, and Brainiac remarked that it might be necessary to transition to that form in the near future once he "makes Superman's planet uninhabitable." A planned foreshadowing of this story? I wondered why that incarnation of Brainiac completely disappeared after that arc and never followed up on any of his plans. Hopefully Johns will link that in to this story, as opposed to going the route of "the real Brainiac has been floating in hibernation ever since his attack on Krypton 35 years ago" and unnecessarily retconning/explaining away his prior appearances, similar to the previous Toyman-centered issue.

[Zero Hunter]

I was happy to see the organic version of Brainiac at the end there. I really hope Johns can iron out Brainiac's history once and for all. Only thing I do hope is that he keeps in the part about him being Vril Doxs father so the L.E.G.I.O.N. stuff stays intact.

[rZi]

Loving the frank art, he draws a great Supes.

Johns delivers on the writting as always and cannot wait to see where he is going with Brainiac.

[CMBMOOL]

Now I'm a good fan of a good story and this seems like the start of a good story. I can't wait to see what old kryptoian computer brain is up to this time to torment the Man of Steel. :redface:

[Binker]

By Nathaniel Ruff (also known as Binker, Binker2 and Nate on many forums)

ACTION COMICS #866

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal
Edited by Matt Idelson

PLOT:
The new world of Superman for 2008 and beyond begins in Part 1 of "Brainiac"! Decades ago, Krypton went to war with Brainiac, a cold and callous alien obsessed with the control of knowledge. Superman believes he's faced Brainiac before, but he's about to learn the truth behind his close encounters as he heads down the road to his greatest triumph...and greatest tragedy.

REVIEW:
It's that time of year again; the time where summer movies of any kind, dominate our viewing pleasure at the cinemas. The same is also for comic books as big stylized, eventful stories for the summer have now begun for our reading pleasure as well. For Marvel; the event for their universe started with "Secret Invasion", while for example for their other books, we countdown to the 500th issue of Uncanny X-Men (it is also when Astonishing X-Men will be more linked to the X-books than before). DC is no different: the Final Crisis event has started, what could be considered an event in the form of DC's third weekly series, Trinity, has recently begun, and Batman has his event in the form of "Batman R.I.P.", but that is just the beginning. Just like Wonder Woman's current pre-event storyline, another character is getting the same thing before his newest event, and that someone is our own Man of Steel: Superman! This month marks the start of talked about new beginnings for the Superman books, and in this case, the five-part "Brainiac" story! So instead of continuing on in this introduction, here is "Brainiac"!

For first parts of a story arc, set ups are the norm for those issues, and there have been times where they can be boring. But under the writing of Geoff Johns, not only aren't they boring, but the story becomes rich that the idea that this is a set up issue is an afterthought. The first part of the "Brainiac" storyline is filled with interest, from the plot, how the characters are handled, how much the action is shown and plotted, all from beginning to end. When an issue like this is read, it is very obvious that we're in for a new treat by Geoff Johns, DC, and Superman above all.

Geoff promised in interviews regarding the story arc that he wanted to make Brainiac scary, and I believe he accomplished that. From the Krypton flashback, to the scene inside Brainiac's skull ship, you feel sold on the notion that Brainiac is a threat. The point behind the Krypton flashback was how Brainiac took the city of Kandor and made it into a bottled city, a well-known element of the character toward readers. That sequence had Brainiac's robots killing Kandorians escaping the city before he took it 35 years before our story begins; again it was all worked out thanks to the plotting. But it's not just Geoff, but Gary Frank getting his kudos for the final page with Brainiac. What he accomplished was the creepy angle of Geoff's Brainiac, something we had already from the cover to Action #868. he fact that now Brainiac can take his nanomachines and build his body from it, creates a creepy vibe, add that with how he is presented (again from the cover to #868), it's also like a horror movie. Again, kudos for Geoff and Gary for accomplishing what they wanted to do with Brainiac.

Overall, the first part of "Brainiac" accomplished what Geoff wanted to do, with Gary leaning his help visual-wise, on Geoff's revamp on Brainiac. I was sold on him being a threat, with the flashback and final page helping me. There were other things in this issue, as well as there might be things that could come into play in the future. One was that it was nice seeing General Zod again before he was sentenced in the Phantom Zone, fighting against Brainiac. Through here, I understood from "Last Son" that he was someone who was right but doing it wrong, in regards to saving Krypton from death. If you didn't get that, then maybe the flashback could help you in that belief. And lastly, Cat Grant and Steve Lombard return to the Daily Planet. What could Geoff be planning with those two is up in the air, but it's with what's coming next on "Brainiac" that has got me psyched about the next issue!

RATING: Yay

Next Issue: Even with past battles, Superman is unprepared when Brainiac returns!

[dupersuper]

Ah, I See I just didn't know what a "Sightings" comic was. I thouhgt it might have been a tv show or something.



Ah Okay, Steve Lombard was a Pre Crisis character often appearing with the Daily Planet Staff. He has been away for a very long time.

Just to help you out a little Wiki does a better job typing it out better than I would.

http://en.dcdatabaseproject.com/Steven_Lombard_%28Earth-One%29

He hasn't been away as long as people think; he was a very minor supporting charactor in the early 90's, when he worked for WBGS.

[dupersuper]

It looks great. Actually Johns did a good job making Brainiac creepy while retaining that silver age oddness about him. I'm not a Johns fan but sometimes his Superman stuff hits the right note. Also tying Kandor/Brainiac/Zod together was pretty cool.



Crazy that this essentially the All Star Superman Planet Cast. Though I feel like everyone is kind of wedged in together and explaining Cat's behavior because of her history was kind of annoying. As someone who doesn't know her kid was murdered I thought it was kind of distracting. Though I'm not a fan of constant continuity referencing.



I think at the end of the month.

Since Cat hasn't been around for over a decade, except a brief time in Luthors cabinet, I think a little catch up is appropriate. I'm not a fan of Clark calling her "Miss Grant", or Perrys' continues J. Jonah Jameson-ness, but I'm just happy the Superman books may HAVE a supporting cast again.

[dupersuper]

Seconding all the love for Gary Frank's work in this issue. He remains one of my favorite comics artists, dating back to PAD's Hulk and Supergirl in the mid-90s.

Quite curious as to whether there will be any mention in this arc of Braniac's last appearance, also written by Johns, in the Teen Titans/Outsiders crossover "The Insiders." There, a more-organic Brainiac teamed up with Lex (who was helping him grow clone bodies in one of his hidden labs) and in one scene a robo-skull Braniac body was shown in a stasis tank, looking very similar to the robots & skull ship we saw in this issue, and Brainiac remarked that it might be necessary to transition to that form in the near future once he "makes Superman's planet uninhabitable." A planned foreshadowing of this story? I wondered why that incarnation of Brainiac completely disappeared after that arc and never followed up on any of his plans. Hopefully Johns will link that in to this story, as opposed to going the route of "the real Brainiac has been floating in hibernation ever since his attack on Krypton 35 years ago" and unnecessarily retconning/explaining away his prior appearances, similar to the previous Toyman-centered issue.

Technically, Brainiac has been in a Superman/Batman issue since then.

[steve2275]

:cool: homage it kidder and reeves

[Super Buddies Forever]

Man, I absolutely hate the Donnerizing of Clark Kent.

Whether or not the story of Clark and Cat Grant dating is still in continuity, it's still awkward see him call her "Miss Grant." They've known each other for years! How in the world did this Clark get Lois to fall for him? While loving Johns' other work, I'm really not digging Clark becoming a neutered self-parody, Perry White's perpetual anger, or any of the other one-note characterization of the Daily Planet staff.

Knock the '90s all you want, but at least the Triangle era had the supporting cast behaving like human beings towards each other.

[Toonimator]

Glad I'm not the only one who thought the "Miss Grant" was weird. Jimmy's fumbling of how to address Perry was also offputting... didn't he just duke it out with DARKSEID a few weeks ago, after running across the multiverse and generally being fairly competent? There was a bit of both Jimmys in the Toyman issue, with him acting like 'classic' Jimmy for a bit but then punching out Toyman with the "I'm twenty-two!" line. I'm also against the "Donnerizing" of things ever since "Superman Returns" and the Donner/Johns Action Comics basically reversed all the OYL Clark stuff... but when Gary Frank's drawing, I'm TOTALLY for the "Reeve-ified" Supes. It just works!

[brundlefly]

Technically, Brainiac has been in a Superman/Batman issue since then.

Really? Huh.

What form did he take in that issue, the robo-skull android or the green-skinned organic form from "The Insiders?"

[IvCNuB4]

DC Nation, a few weeks ago: "Sightings will be your signposts, marking important storybeats and moments throughout the DCU; soon to be landmark issues, turning points" ...

I paraphrased a bit but that's the gist of it ...

[SuperSince92]

What an amazing issue!!!

FINALLY it appears we have a writer who "gets it" and an artist? Aw MAN I wasn't familiar with Gary Frank prior to coming to Action, but I certainly will keep an eye on him after this. I absolutely LOVE the similarities of his Clark Kent to Christopher Reeve. Great stuff!

[LtMarvel]

Great issue. Johns hit two (Booster Gold being the other) out of the park this week!

[Mon-el]

He hasn't been away as long as people think; he was a very minor supporting charactor in the early 90's, when he worked for WBGS.

Dupersuper or anyone, Do you know what his last appearance was?

I usually have a self-made rule to myself that I never hardly re-read any 90's books on but I will go back and look at that one.

Funny I'm more aware of his Pre-Crisis appearances than anything he did Post-Crisis.

DC Nation, a few weeks ago: ...

"Sightings will be your signposts, marking important storybeats and moments throughout the DCU; soon to be landmark issues, turning points"

I paraphrased a bit but that's the gist of it ...

I see what "Sightings" comic means now, It's been a few weeks since I have been to the comic store, and I saw that JL of A had one on it. I rarely ever read those Dc Nation Pages. In fact, I mostly despise those things, I think it's a page that's wasted for Carnival sideshow theatrics.

I read the issue today. I enjoyed it. I particularly liked the Skull ship and the Robotic Brainaic's. Thoroughly enjoyed the Daily Planet scene.

Something I hadn't scene in this thread was a particular sense of change for the Kent's. That one page seemed forshadowing of maybe Pa Kent's Death, I dunno maybe something about the change in winds, that had me thinking.

Another thing was Brainiac's line "Attempt #242" had me grinning, since Action Comic's #242 was the first appearance of Brainiac and Kandor.

[Lupek]

I thought this was a terrific issue. Great art and characterization. I thought it was the perfect mix of Daily Planet/Clark stuff and the sci fi/alien aspects of Superman.

Loved the spread with the different "bottled" cities.

[Leocomix]

A fantastic issue. Just consider:

Kandor, Zod, Ursa

Brainiac

Steve Lombard, Cat Grant, Ron Troupe and the Daily Planet cast

plus, attempt 242: I wonder how many caught that reference?

[Ilash]

Man, this series is so, so good! The story and characterization was top notch but I think that Gary Frank has truly outdone himself with the art on this issue. I have never seen him hit this level of greatness before.

[atomicturtle]

DC Nation, a few weeks ago: ...

"Sightings will be your signposts, marking important storybeats and moments throughout the DCU; soon to be landmark issues, turning points"

...

I paraphrased a bit but that's the gist of it ...

Nobody's really talking about it so I guess I'll bring it up... it's a Sightings issue, obviously - but what exactly is the signpost?

My money's on it having something to do with Jimmy's new lead he mentions to Clark. "The Secret Under Metropolis." This is the first we've heard of it, to my recollection, and it had nothing to do with the story at large. Bet you that's going to mean something in the near future.

Either that, or the only Sighting was Cat Grant's clevage. Which was a nice sight.

[Mon-el]

Nobody's really talking about it so I guess I'll bring it up... it's a Sightings issue, obviously - but what exactly is the signpost?

My money's on it having something to do with Jimmy's new lead he mentions to Clark. "The Secret Under Metropolis." This is the first we've heard of it, to my recollection, and it had nothing to do with the story at large. Bet you that's going to mean something in the near future.

Either that, or the only Sighting was Cat Grant's clevage. Which was a nice sight.

I like to think the "Sightings" position is a reference to the Kent's scene. Otherwise that scene had no position to be in the book, I could be wrong, but that's my theory right now.

[Superboy-Prime]

Glad I'm not the only one who thought the "Miss Grant" was weird. Jimmy's fumbling of how to address Perry was also offputting... didn't he just duke it out with DARKSEID a few weeks ago, after running across the multiverse and generally being fairly competent? There was a bit of both Jimmys in the Toyman issue, with him acting like 'classic' Jimmy for a bit but then punching out Toyman with the "I'm twenty-two!" line. I'm also against the "Donnerizing" of things ever since "Superman Returns" and the Donner/Johns Action Comics basically reversed all the OYL Clark stuff... but when Gary Frank's drawing, I'm TOTALLY for the "Reeve-ified" Supes. It just works!

didn't you hear Countdown is being Ignored BY all writers.

Also How did johns reverse his own work?

[PatrickG]

Dupersuper or anyone, Do you know what his last appearance was?


He was the news anchor who reported Superman's death. I think he filtered in and out of the WGBS subplots as an extra with the occasional speaking line until Adam Grant was killed, which ended the WGBS subplots mostly.

[Will.S]

I miss Dave McCaig's coloring on this title but Brad Anderson does a decent job.

Great start to the arc btw, loved the opening scenes with the Braniac robots killing off Kryptonians and then it hits the famous city of Kandor and bottles it up. So far while I understand the complaints about Clark and the Daily Planet crew I still found everything to be enjoyable as a person who doesn't know much about Superman's supporting cast pre-Crisis and basically boought Superman from the 90's and beyond.

The inclusion of Steve Lombard felt weird to me because I felt that it had already been done in All Star Superman so well but I can't blame Geoff for implementing old characters back into the book, there really needs to be a good supporting cast on the title again.

The bits where Superman is fighting the Braniac robots were really well done, interestingly we see that the robot's needle actually made Superman bleed which shows how potentially dangerous these guys can be for Superman if they gather enough info on his weaknesses. Gary Frank's art continues to really make Geoff's writing look good, I'm still digging his little homages to Chris Reeve by making Superman/Clark look just like them and the whole Lois/Margot Kidder thing as well. But like I said I miss Dave McCaig's vibrant colors since I thought they complemented Gary's art so well in the Legion arc.

Ever since Johns has had his hands on the book it's been getting increasingly better and better (moreso than Busiek's stuff as good as that was). While I recognize that James Robinson is known as a great writer for Starman I don't know how well he'll be able to do the Superman books considering what Johns is doing with it. I might give his stuff a try but if people want a definitive Superman book outside of All-Star, Action would be it.

9.5/10

[Rev. Calibos]

Picked it up yesterday. I'm encouraged by it, the back and forth between Lois and Clark was great. His quip to her about 'not being able to see the truth, even when it's right in your face' to hear her reply with 'I'd have figured it out eventually' made me chuckle.

Seeing Steve Lombard back made me do a doubletake, to hear Clark stumble with him and resort to 'super-prankery' to shut him up was a bit odd.

Are we going back to a 'milksop' Clark Kent? For the past 20+ years Clark has been more than able to handle himself without stammering and adjusting his glasses.


I'm assuming that this is a result of the Crisis which I haven't read yet, should be interesting catching up and seeing where this came from.

Good stuff, great jumping on point and I'm looking forward to the next year.

[TROUBLEZ]

First time buying a Superman comic (not including All-Star) in a LONG time.

The art was really, really good. At first I thought the Christopher Reeve styled Superman by Frank was corny, but it really works. He puts alot of detail in everything and his Brainiac robots and the ship look really creepy.

I like how Clark/Superman is portrayed as a really nice guy. Like when Jimmy whispers to him about getting a story, and Clark is really happy for him and says, "Thats terrific Jim."

I also noticed that this Cat Grant is similar to the one in All-Star and Earth 2 (by Morrison and Quitely), and yet they atleast explained why the drastic personality change for people, like me, who vaguely remember her from the Post Crisis/Pre-Infinite-Final-Identity-Crisis/Birthright days..

The whole issue was great.

Also, Ma Kent does look different, but atleast they made her and Pa look old again. One time, I think in the Austen/Gog storyline, I saw a young couple with Superman and Lois and thought it was some Smallville buddies. No, it was Ma and Pa.

I really think that the origin they have now for Superman with the crystal-like Krypton, Zod, Ursa and Non is the best one now. With the exception of Lois and Clark being foster parents, everything else I like.

[B. Kuwanger]

Best book of the week, at least that I'd bought. Actually kinda goes without saying, but Johns is almost certain to put the franchise where it should be, at the top of the pile.

[Fatguy]

Another really REALLY good issue of Action Comics :cool: I think maybe this book has surpassed Green Lantern as my second favorite DC series.

[Samy]

I dropped the book after SLOSH because I'm not that interested in Superman solo, but I glanced through this issue in the shop and the reintroduction of a supporting cast -- ESPECIALLY STEVE LOMBARD -- may turn me around. I'm STRONGLY considering returning to the book.

But I have two major fears:

1) As soon as I come back in, Gary Frank leaves, removing my top reason to rejoin the book.
2) The triangle...I REALLY don't want to buy SUPERMAN and SUPERGIRL. I really don't. And if they're gonna cross over, even occasionally, I might as well save myself the trouble and not come back at all.

If they could put their foot down and say, "Gary Frank is committed for 12 more issues" and "There will be no direct Part 1-2-3 crossovers between the titles", I'd jump on without hesitation.

Until then, I live on the edge, cautiously and fearfully watching what happens.

Most of you seem to have latched on to the "Miss Grant", but I latched on more to the "We've met" to Steve Lombard. C'mon, Steve is a jock, but he's not SO dumb he'd forget all the practical jokes he's pulled on Clark over the years. Of course he knows who Clark is.

[winegeek]

It's good to see the supporting cast again.

Solid issue. I still like Busiek's Clark the best, but at least Clark is showing up again.

Part of what makes All Star Superman (not to mention the 80s Superman titles) so good is how Superman/Clark relates to the supporting cast, and if Johns is bringing back this sorely missed aspect, more power to him.

I'm hopeful this will continue but worried it won't.

[Mon-el]

But I have two major fears:

1) As soon as I come back in, Gary Frank leaves, removing my top reason to rejoin the book.

From the interview of Gary Frank at Newsarama found here:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080617-BrainiacFrank.html

NRAMA: How long are you on this comic?

GF: I'm on the book beyond this arc but, more than that, it's hard to know in this business.

2) The triangle...I REALLY don't want to buy SUPERMAN and SUPERGIRL. I really don't. And if they're gonna cross over, even occasionally, I might as well save myself the trouble and not come back at all.

Also from the same interview

NRAMA: There is a lot of talk about what's coming for Superman in 2008, including word of a crossover between the two Superman books and the Supergirl title. Can you tell us anything about that and perhaps alleviate fears some readers have about crossovers?

GF: The scare story that is going around is that, from now on, you'll have to read all three book s in order to follow them. This is not true.

There will be specific crossover stories but they will be well-flagged so that readers can be on board or not. Around those specific stories, the books will be able to be read as regular contained stories.

The main thing is that there is a feeling that the Superbooks need to be more coherent. The Superman in Action must be seen to be the same guy as the one who appears in Superman. Consequently, events which affect the character in one book must also be seen to have occurred in the other book. It's all about trying to create some unity and clarity around the character.

[jeangreydp]

I almost had forgotten what the Daily Planet looked like!

Lately I've only seen it when Superman is punching something across the skyline. Thank goodness for the return of the supporting cast. Its really good to have Superman/Clark back.

I loved this issue. Quick little intro and great art.

[HartyPotter]

Absolutely loved this issue. Mostly because the art was outrageously beautiful.

[suttercain]

Gary Frank's artwork is excellent. I love how he draws the Margot Kidder version of Lois.

Loved this issue!