Julz`s Action Comics Issue# 30 Review

By JulzChan aka Julius Cantara 

Action comics from the start of the reboot has been criticized for its emphasis on a more violent Superman. Now while Grant Morrison`s run, justifiable yes, only made Superman`s actions seem more like an act of terrorism. But here it is more understandable. Much like Azzarello`s run on Superman Man of Steel, Clark is given legitimate reasons why he isn`t the happiest of campers. In this issue the hero is taking his anger out on the organization that has been targeting him and nearly cost him his new companions. However Clark`s storming through Harrow`s headquarters is still jarring. 

But what makes this issue surprising is that while the kryptonian may seem to have reverted back to his more brutal and rash ways, near the end that wasn`t the case.Other than resorting to keep hitting things Clark thought strategically from his encounters with the Ghost Soldier even thinking on the spot and just surviving on a thread.

 And when Superman looks like he is going to kick his opponents while they are down, do something mean spirited , he dose the mature thing. At that moment, once again by Pak, Superman character felt more like what readers expect him to be. Despite the brutal opening. 

However while the battle with Harrow was entertaining as Superman cleverly  subdues Harrow`s forces and tries to survive her second wave, there is things that go unexplained. There is still no explanation why Harrow wanted Ghost Soldier to follow Clark and Lana to the underground city or further explication for Baka`s people. On the upside there is finally explanation for the main villains however would have been preferable that our villains be more fleshed out from the start of this story arch and within this book alone. 

Arron Kuder has been consistent with his dynamic fight scenes and still expressive with the furious  Superman without seeming over the top. The more subdued moment near the end was also well done, selling the understanding Superman that readers know and love. However Kuder cannot take all the credit as he is joined by Karl Kerschl, who worked on the gorgeous underwater scenes and a unique monster design.

Action Comics Issue 30 receives a 4 out of 5.

Julz`s Superman Action Comics Issue #29 Review

By Julzchan aka Julius Cantara 

Greg Pak grabs at our hearts strings and makes readers feel for Superman as he struggles to fight in order to protect the little guys.

The story is a perfect example that even the Man of Steel can hurt inside as struggles to do the right thing and try to save people. The situation gets intense thus making Clark make hard choices. However is balanced out with all of the lighthearted, silly moments.

 Lana and Clark continue to show a dynamic relationship with their inner dialogue as they continue to comment on one another. There are even more bonding moments between Clark and his adorable, beasty friend Baka and it is clear how close their friendship is. The emotional resonance cannot be ignored and is hard not to shed tears.

The fight with the Ghost Soldier was handled very well as it showed Clark learning from his past encounter and being able to cleverly subdue his opponent. As a result this getting on Tower control`s tail, which is good considering that the villains for this story arch aren`t as fleshed out or well known as the story`s lovable protagonists.

The only downside, while the aggressive moments with Superman  aren`t so much a surprise it is still hard to swallow and doesn’t do well with the character since Pak is trying to restore Superman`s pre-New 52 feel. However the emotional moments in between skirmishes and the friendship Superman, Lana and Baka help offset the darker tone.

Kuder does fantastic work with facial expressions and really sell those emotions, even on Baka`s giant monster form. Kuder`s expressions only adding onto the tear jerking, heartstrings tugging moments. And the action scenes are dynamic and showcased as exciting when seeing Superman`s display of power.

It isn`t easy to balance intense, life threatening along with funny and whimsy but Pak makes it work almost flawlessly. Making an intense story not only fun but make the reader feel the feels to almost Moffat level. Apparently Greg Pak has found a loophole in the New 52`s desire to make darker toned stories, by allowing the characters to be fresh and Superman to be recognizable again with some awesome friendships he`s formed.

Hopefully next issue the story continues further as Superman confronts Ghost Soldier`s bosses.

Action Comics Issue #29 receives 4.5 / 5.