Written by: Grant Morrison Art by: Rags Morales, Rick Bryant, and Patrick Brosseau This review marks the third of my DC new 52 purchases. It also marks me really going out on a limb to try another book from Grant Morrison. To provide a little background, Superman has been my favorite superhero since childhood. Like most people my age, my first introduction to the character came in the form of Christopher Reeve’s rendition of the character from the 1978 film. Unfortunately, I have never seen the original Action comics, but I have had my fair share of exposure to my favorite character. I have also had my fair share of distaste for Grant Morrison’s writing. Like my other bits of skepticism in regards to the new DC 52, hearing the Grant would be writing my favorite super hero really made me worry. Sure there are good stories Grant has written, but I have truly hated the majority of his work. That said, I can honestly say that I am very happy with the results of this comic, and it is the first book on my list to continue purchasing in this universe from DC.

Art
Overall the art is very enjoyable in this book. There are points were the faces of various characters look a little weird, but the overall product is very enjoyable. The colors are well done, really bring out the various panels, and the book is very easy to follow. The effects are also visually stimulating, and kept me turning the pages to see what would be on the next page. I especially enjoyed all the times that I got to see an angry, intimidating Superman. For some reason, I have always loved seeing Superman intimidate people by threatening to “burn” them with his eyes. (4.5 out of 5)

Writing
Since I have never seen the original material, this is the first time I have seen Superman in this light, and I truly loved it. I really enjoyed seeing Superman take care of the common criminals, and taking care of business all because the police were not doing it. I also liked to see the damage that would occur in a city, in a time when Superman was not as reserved as he has been throughout my lifetime. Certainly, this is a visualization of Superman when his strength is still growing, but I am glad that get a chance to see this side of Superman.

I am also glad to see Lex Luthor as he is portrayed in this first installment. To me, Lex is at his best when he is the calm, calculated, and arrogant genius. As General Lane continued to yell at Lex for what he did not accomplish, Lex calmly pointed out how he fulfilled his function, even while General Lane had no idea what was happening.

This book shows the difference in writing styles of two of DC’s top writers. In the Justice League, the general feeling was that there was not a lot that happened in the book. Action Comics #1 actually showed a lot for the first installment. We got an opportunity to see all of the major characters, and see a clear picture of the tone that I hope this book continues. (4 out of 5)

Would I read it again?
This is the first book in the new 52 that I know I am looking forward to continuing to read. I will continue to read the Justice League due to the team working on it, and since I know Geoff Johns stories are better as a whole, but this book I will just be looking forward to read more. (4 out of 5)

Final Thoughts
I found this to be a very good introduction story. We were able to see all of the major characters in the Superman universe that I want to see, and a nice ending that has me looking forward to what will happen next.