Comic Review: ACTION COMICS #5
Grant Morrison can write on hell of a literal filler issue.
For the past few months, almost every time Ive venture to my local comic book store I heard a slew of mixed opinions about writer Grant MorrisonsAction Comics, how theyre dropping the series and overall how the book has been lower than their expectations. However I walked into my LCS yesterday to find that every-single-copy had sold and that the book was the talk of the shop, after reading I can fully see why this issue was eaten up by the public so quickly.
Upon first glance this issue may be seen as a filler tale to let regular artist Rags Morales catch up with the busy schedule, and to some extent it is. But Morrison sure can write one hell of a literal filler issue. This issue leaves the current Braniac and the Bottled Metropolis storyline from last issue hanging, while instead focusing on the final day of Krypton with Jor-El, Lara, Kal-El & Krypto planning their escape. This issue thankfully takes the time to fill in a lot of plot holes from previous issues to a satisfying level. The reason behind Clarks ghost dog in previous issues is unveiled (to the sheer glee of myself and other Krypto fans out there), the silly question of why was Jor-Els rocket only big enough to fit a single child? is dealt with superbly and the question that has been on every comic loving fans lips for months now: what on earth is that tin foil goat creature!? is given a fantastic pay off during the introduction of Jonathan & Martha Kent. Morrisons style of storytelling has always been rather cryptic in its presentation, so whenever readers finally get those satisfying answers, they are always the sweeter. The final scene of the story is a return to the more familiar out there element that comes hand in hand with a Morrison story, while clearly setting up a lot of new threads for upcoming issues (with the introduction of the Anti-Superman Army and a familiar group of friends to the Man of Steel)
Art duties for this issue are passed to blockbuster artist Andy Kubert (Flashpoint and Batman & Son). Thankfully there has been a strong increase in Kuberts quality and overall line work throughout this issue (when compared to the likes of the somewhat rushed Flashpoint). Krpton is vibrant, vast and dramatic throughout while striking a nice contrast with the fields of Kansas in the second half of the issue (with thanks to Inker Jesse Delperdang and colorist Brad Anderson for shaking up the art style).
The back up story by Sholly Fisch & Brad Walker following Jonathan & Martha Kents journey from a recently Married couple, trying to conceive a child, to discovering Kal-Els crashed ship. The story helped bring a new light to the couple in this fresh new world (as they have been mostly unseen since the beginning of the New 52) and I look forward to seeing where this new direction goes before the Kents are inevitably rushed to their graves
Action Comics #5 brings a rather satisfying change to the series and does a fantastic job of filling in the stories plot holes. My interest in the series was admittedly dropping after previous issues but #5 has perked my interests up highly.
rating: 4.0