Ok comic-fans, if you were waiting for a good time to jump onto Action comics, now’s your chance, as Action #858 gives you a great starting point as the Man of Steel embarks on a new story arc featuring the Legion of Superheroes. Followers of Legion lore know that the connection between them and Superman runs all the way back to his pre-tights days growing up in Smallville. And if you didn’t know it, you will after you read this issue, as the first meeting between the two is shown within the pages of this comic.
Along with a new story arc, Action #858 also marks the first issue for new penciler Gary Frank. Frank’s rendition of Superman/Clark Kent can be summed up in one word.....classic. His artwork gives a real Golden Age feel to the book, which may really excite old school fans of the blue boy-scout. Personally, I’m kinda 50/50 on it. There are pages in this book that are really, really good and then there are pages like page 11, where there’s a panel that has Clark looking at his tie for mustard stains with a scrunched up look. This one panel sums up my problems with the art in this issue....the facial expressions! There are times that Supes looks downright manic! And Frank seems to really enjoy drawing those big round eyes that just kinda throws off the feel of the characters for me.
My only other gripe with this book is that Geoff Johns is clearly still being influenced by his time with Richard Donner as he is making Clark back into a bumbling simpleton of a reporter who’s only friend is Jimmy Olsen...ala Christopher Reeve's portrayal of him (I kept waiting for him to say ‘Aw shucks!’). I’m sorry, but I thought we were (thankfully) beyond that time in the comics. It wasn’t that long ago that in the One Year Later storyline, Up up and Away, that CK was the top reporter in the planet, brimming with confidence.
Those little complaints aside, Action #585 was an enjoyable read and I can honestly say that where the issue leaves off (I so want to spoil the last page!!) has me eagerly awaiting the next. Chalk that up with some extra pages and you have $3.50 well spent.
