Both of these were new series to me. Have I added something new to my permanent plate?
Warning: Most likely contains spoilers.
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| Issue #3 |
Action Comics
Re-cap: Lex Luthor and General Lane have captured Superman and are running tests on him (electrocution, exposure to sarin gas, you know, the usual tests), his cape and the ship he was sent to Earth in. Meanwhile Lois is outside the military base pleading with John Corben to let her in. Because they don't understand Superman yet, he is able to escape. They realize he is indestructible and John Corben volunteers to be Steel Soldier. Lex has been getting info form some strange space alien, The Collector of Worlds. While Clark is fighting off intense "anti-superman" public opinion and the scrutiny of the MPD, the Collector of Worlds is taking over earth (and Steel Soldier) through our digital networks.
What Soars: I'm a huge fan of the "everyman," blue-collar costume. To me, there's something more sexy about a beefy guy in jeans, work boots and a tight fitting shirt. Much hotter than tights. I also really like the way they embrace the feeling of the early 20th century origins of this title while still keeping current with technology and social issues.
What Crashes: If I have to pick something, it's the way Clark is depicted. As Supes, he's hot, beefy, tough, working-class. As Clark though, he's ragged (although he still has a hot bod and looks phenomenal in his undies - this is why they invented paper bags) and the eyes on the characters in this title border slightly on anime size. It's a bit distracting.
Decision: Overall, it's a good series, but it just doesn't grab me in the long term. I know Superman. Who doesn't? I always will and he'll always be great in my book. I just don't think I have the energy to follow Action Comics.
Decision: Overall, it's a good series, but it just doesn't grab me in the long term. I know Superman. Who doesn't? I always will and he'll always be great in my book. I just don't think I have the energy to follow Action Comics.
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| Issue #3 |
Issues 2 and 3
Re-cap: Strange creatures from the ocean's deep are surfacing to find food. They first attack a fishing boat and then a small seaside village looking for fast food and reserves to stock their pantries. A frightened deputy seeks out Aquaman's help since this hero knows all about the sea. Unfortunately, when they investigate, Aquaman and Mera have no clue. They take a creature to an old marine biologist "friend" who establishes these creatures have come from the deepest part of "The Trench." Throughout the story, we learn about Arthur's youth.
What Soars: As always, Ivan Reis' art is a winner in my world. It's hard to open one of his books and not be amazed by the detail. The story itself is also engaging and transparent. They play with the typical perception that Aquaman as a lesser hero, but counteract those claims by showing how completely badass he can be. Geoff Johns' writing is always strong. He uses subtle foreshadowing throughout the stories and directs hidden visual clues throughout. Another bonus is that Aquaman is not a "secret identity" hero. While most establish their alias as a way to protect their family and love interests, AC doesn't have that on the surface. He is protecting his family, but it's his Atlantean and aquatic family he's must hide and protect from the humans.
What Crashes: The story is not moving as quickly as I'd like which seems to be a style for Johns. It shouldn't have taken this many issues to get the story to where it is. It's following in the vein of Justice League and, to an extent, Green Lantern. While I really like Johns as a writer, taking so long in exposition could really turn of some readers. Maybe this is what he has to do in order to keep three titles going at a time.
Decision: Strangely, I'm going to keep following this one. I want to see what happens and I want to get to know Aquaman and Mera more. Maybe this is Johns' way of holding his readers a little longer, but I'm not sure it's a good way to gain new ones. It's a good thing he's got a big name.
All images copyright DC Comics and used under the guidelines of Fair Use.
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