Is Action Comics all we need?

[Rainzo]

I think, generally speaking, Superman can have two good books. The fact that he tends to sell on name alone is reason enough to try to get decent staff on his titles -- you have a chance of multiplying your sales, there.

It's a bit of a tough spot right now for the writer of the "Superman" title, though; Since "Action" is in a sort of building stage, setting up a status quo for Superman with every issue, there are certain things that are off limits. Any of the very classic rogues gallery, for instance, may be re-imagined by Grant Morrison. A number of the standard trappings have already been re-imagined, the costume and the fortress of solitude, potentially the Superman/Brainiac relationship (ie, that it's a slave program).

Since most people come to the title with a desire to play with those elements, it can be tough to fill the spot.

That said, I think it can be done, and done really quite easily, with just a bit of creativity and dealing with the fundamental elements of the character and mythology in a more subtle, less direct way.

Some really good points there. I see this as an even greater reason to put the Superman title on hold for a while till everything about him (power level, his growth and other relevant facts) are sorted well in Action comics. Again, my opinion.

[crossbones]

i think we need an alternative for Action. while i mostly like his writing, some of Morrison's stuff is just way too weird and random. i'm guessing he writes while high a lot?

i have no problem with the art on the current Supes book. they just need to get better writers on it and soon. the character itself seems truly lost at the moment.

[The Frozen Reptile]

Is that like going to a fine restaurant and secretly replacing the coffee served to customers with Folgers instant coffee?

At least that would be preferable to Tim Horton's cup of swill...

[Mat001]

i think we need an alternative for Action. while i mostly like his writing, some of Morrison's stuff is just way too weird and random. i'm guessing he writes while high a lot?

Not as much as he used to.

[SpideyCzar]

Does Action Comics have a regular art team? I've picked up 6 or 7 issues and all the issues seem to have different artist.

[Fonecrusher]

i think we need an alternative for Action. while i mostly like his writing, some of Morrison's stuff is just way too weird and random. i'm guessing he writes while high a lot?

i have no problem with the art on the current Supes book. they just need to get better writers on it and soon. the character itself seems truly lost at the moment.

I feel exactly the same way, I know some people like Morrison's style just because of this, and even I admit sometimes it does work (I love his Batman & Robin run for the most part) but he's writing Superman FFS, it should be pretty straight forward.

The Superman ongoing is supposed to be the "normal" alternative I guess, but it just so happens it's boring and uninteresting as hell and poorly written.

[Sacred Knight]

Actually I found the Collector arc to be incredibly straightforward. The structure timewise is being shuffled, deliberately, but beyond that Morrison seems to be telling a pretty normal story, by his standards.

[paulski]

Does Action Comics have a regular art team? I've picked up 6 or 7 issues and all the issues seem to have different artist.

Rags Morales is the regular artist, but he's not what one would call especially quick (he's good, just not monthly). That's why they've had the likes of Kubert and Ha filling in at times.

[davidgrantlloyd]

While Action is the better title at the moment, we need the Superman title as well. I think it may just be a matter of allowing this New 52 Superman to settle in a bit; I mean, the retro boy scout Superman was around for so long, most creative teams, in all fairness, are probably still adjusting to this design of the character. Basically, this is new territory, there's going to be a few strikes at first but more and more home runs will be hit soon.

There's also potential for some limited series spotlighting this New 52 Superman, which could potentially become awesome graphic novels (it would be great to see Scott Snyder write one of those)

Sometime in the future, DC could even launch some kind of 'Legends of the Man of Steel' series, just focussing on the jeans-wearing Superman ... time factor could be a problem, still it's an idea.

[smokeysabear]

All we need? Maybe. All we want or deserve? Not by a long shot.

The biggest problem I have with the title is there doesn't seem to be a consistent editorial vision for it. That, and the game of musical chairs they are playing with the creative teams. What this title needs is a strong, consistent editor, and a creative team with a long-term plan. The book thus far has been wildly varied in quality and plot direction. They need someone like Morrison on the title, not to say that they need someone who writes like Morrison, but someone who has a long-term plan for the character and isn't afraid to be creative and take chances.

You can literally do anything with Superman, the possibilities for a long-form story are endless. This title needs consistency, something it hasn't had an ounce of yet.

[Fused]

Imagining Geoff Johns and Gary Frank on a Superman title is one I would buy consistently every month. As it stands, I'm ony reading Supergirl and Superboy. It would be cool to be excited over Superman...

[Auguste Dupin]

Imagining Geoff Johns and Gary Frank on a Superman title is one I would buy consistently every month. As it stands, I'm ony reading Supergirl and Superboy. It would be cool to be excited over Superman...

We already had that....and it wasn't that great.

[Fused]

I loved it. I think that and Lex Luthor Man of Steel are the only Superman hardcovers I own. /shrug

[Auguste Dupin]

I loved it. I think that and Lex Luthor Man of Steel are the only Superman hardcovers I own. /shrug

Secret Origins? I just read the first half but...it wasn't very good, to be honest. And I just can't stand Frank "emo Christopher Reeves" version of Superman. He always looks like he's appologizing to be here.
Lex Luthor Man of Steel is a much more interesting read.
Anyway, back on topic, this conversation is just proving that some people don't like what Morrison is doing (as uncomprehensible it might be for me). And these guys needs to have something. The problem is that, like always when you have tow books about one character, you have the "important book" and the "other book". Action is the important book right now (on the account of being the best selling, the more critically acclaimed, being the one who didn't change writer after 6 issues, doing obvious world building....). That's why you can't have Johns right now. He's a world builder too. They would end up shooting at each other.
Honestly, I still wait a bit before saying Griffen and Jurgens need to go. It's still a pleasant read, and it has the potential of being better. Wait and see.

[Judge-Dredd]

I really like the current Superman title since issue #7.