It's a weird, weird time to be able to say you own a copy of Action Comics #1. But it's true. Thanks to the big DC reboot, the legendary comic book is given a brand new first issue for a new generation of readers, courtesy of Grant Morrison and Rags Morales.
Action Comics #1 perfectly captures the 'forget everything you know' thrust of the DCnU. This isn't the Superman you grew up with, not by a long shot. Here he's basically a super-powered vigilante, more proactive, a little bit cocky, and not afraid to stick it to The Man and teach the greedy and corrupt a lesson. A Superman that battles social ills instead of costumed bruisers? It's more likely now, more than ever, in this scary new world. Of course, this story being set in Superman's newbie years, the cockiness could be excused, and it's interesting where Morrison takes it from here.
The big draw here for me is the DCnU Lex Luthor. Here he's more of the subtle evil genius, laid back and sipping soda while watching his devious plans to help the military capture Superman bear fruit. When Luthor thinks big, he really thinks big, and when you see what he does to Superman here, it's a crowning moment of awesome for him akin to walking away from an exploding warehouse without flinching. Nice and awesome!
Since the ho-hum-fest that was Justice League #1, you immediately notice how action-packed Action Comics #1 is, and it's made even more apparent through Rags Morales' amazing art. Every move Superman makes has the appropriate oomph of a man destined to be the world's most powerful hero. You feel his strength, his speed, his abilities in every page. It's fast-paced and fun, and now Morales is an artist to watch for me.
Action Comics #1 is old-fashioned, comic book fun for the new generation. It's an exciting debut for DC's greatest superhero, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Don't worry, dudes. We still have the original Action Comics #1. Let the new kids have theirs. This is a 4 out of 5.
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