DC Comics reviews 5/25/21 – Strange Adventures #10, Robin #2
Action Comics #1031
Action Comics is finally interesting again just as the latest status quo shakeup is in place to waste an ideal jumping on point for new readers.
Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson has built Mongul back up as a credible threat complete with this latest invasion that might have some Kryptonian refugees involved. Krypton seems to have more inhabitants that weren’t present when the planet got destroyed every year. At least Johnson is making this idea feel fresh thanks to some questions on their condition and their true allegiance.
To add to the mystery, Johnson brings in Supergirl, who’s far more qualified to break down Kryptonian history than her cousins. And it makes sense to have investigate reporter Lois Lane helping crack the case as well. This was a fantastic showcase for how quickly Johnson has captured the Superman Family voices. They all sound authentic and in keeping with their usual portrayals.
There was an odd sequence when Superman returned to the ship’s crash site and interacted with Atlanteans Vulko and Murk. Artist Daniel Sampere included Aquaman in these scenes yet he wasn’t included in the dialogue, which feels more like an oversight on Johnson’s part. It would seem like Aquaman would be the main person Superman would interact with in any scenario involving Atlanteans.
Sampere is making the most of this showcase opportunity to deliver some of his most elaborate and stunning artwork. From the ship battle to the investigation at the Fortress of Solitude, everything looks incredible. I’m glad Sampere and Johnson will continue their collaboration once Superman is moved off Earth in the next arc.
Ditto for colorist Adriano Lucas, who has been one of DC’s most prolific colorists over the last few years and has found a new level to take his coloring.
Action Comics remains a solid, enjoyable read and this creative team is doing essential work restoring the luster of a title that had been tarnished with the previous writer.
Rating: 9 out of 10