Review: Action Comics #844
- Written by Outhouse Staff on Friday, October 27 2006 and posted in Reviews
Title: Action Comics #844
Writers: Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Artist: Adam Kubert
Publisher: DC
Reviewed by Tony Mourlot (DeadFett) and L’Indépendant
Tony Mourlot (DeadFett): I had been looking forward to this ever since it was announced. Donner’s vision in Superman: The Motion Picture set the standard to which comic book movies are measured. The story opens with Superman in his Fortress of Solitude talking with Jor-El, Superman’s father. From there we see Clark and Jimmy Olsen in Perry White’s office as Perry berates Jimmy about his photo work. A boy, apparently Kryptonian, in a rocket is rescued by Superman. After the governmant runs tests on the boy he is taken by Superman as he has decided to raise the boy as his son. I wanted to love this issue, I really did. So far, the story just seems like an all too familiar road. There’s an even an appearance by Lex Luthor, who I just feel is overused at this point. What were your initial feelings?
L’Indépendant: I was actually pretty apathetic toward the project. Johns’ pairing on the Up, Up, and Away arc left me wanting more, and I’ve actually not experienced Donner’s Superman 1.5 movies (soon to be 2 - the Donner cut lands on DVD in November). The preview pages released earlier in the day hooked me. There was Jor-El speaking from beyond the grave in the Fortress of Solitude, and given what I saw this summer in Superman Returns, I was encouraged to read further.
Perry’s barking at Jimmy Olsen, and Clark’s bumbling around. And then there’s Superman with the big save. I thought I’d try it out, and I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed. We’ve now got one of those situations where this kid is just like Clark, and if he’s raised by Luthor, he will be the anti-Superman, but if he’s raised as the Kents raised Kal-El, we’ll have us another Superboy (not to mention the big mystery - HOW?!).
How did you feel about Kubert’s art?
Tony: Kubert’s art felt off to me. I’ve always enjoyed Adam’s art but this issue just felt lacking to me. I think his backgrounds and page layouts were fantastic but he lost me with the characters. They just seemed like they were drawn by a different artist than the one I’m used to. How did you feel about the art?
L’Indépendant: It looked uneven. There were panels where I was really impressed, and that being mostly with backgrounds and the inanimate objects, but I really wasn’t pleased with his character portrayals. I’m hoping it’s just his adjustment period.
You gonna pick up the next issue? I think I’m gonna wait on the trade.
Tony: I’ll pick up the next issue on the hope it improves. I usually enjoy Johns’s writing and being that Donner is co-writing I’ll give it another chance. Anything else you’d like to add?
L’Indépendant: If Johns and Donner read this - make sure you don’t tie up all plot threads in this story, lest there be nothing else to say about the kid in the future.
To discuss.
Posted originally: 2006-10-27 22:38:33