Action Comics # 4 Review

Well, this issue is all action. It's at break neck, heart pounding pace. All the characters are feeling it on these panels. From the start where Lex is trying to save his self-preserving hide from a rampaging Corben to Clark seeing the Terminauts and wisely suggesting to everyone outside the factory to "RUN!"

While the Terminauts call for Superman, and the mayor, Maxwell Minor, decide now is not a bad time to beg for the alien's help, we glimpse Professor Irons who has his own armored suit at home; it is waiting to be used should there be an alien invasion.

Superman battles the Terminauts and he's in a white t-shirt this time. And the police typically want to try to arrest him amid all this madness. Clark dares them to arrest him and if not, to just let him do his job. But it's a tough battle for young Superman. To compound matters, Lois and Jimmy get into the thick of things and, of course, the mandatory get into the line of fire just like the train and the elevator.

Corben faces off with Superman and we learn Lois broke his heart and he really is a wuss. The mustache he shaved did not do the trick and now he's possessed by an alien consciousness. Can't say I care nor do I believe this guy would listen to Red Hot Chilie Peppers. I just want Superman to kick his sorry ass.

Clark is overwhelmed and is about to be collected when Steel makes his appearance. And while he takes Corben down, Metropolis vanishes.

 

Brainiac has collected the city and the way he's drawn is awesome. The caterpillar/centipede design looks really creepy yet almost whimsical. I almost expect him to pull out a hubble bubble pipe and smoke it while he observes his collection. Of course Lois and company are part of the collection now and her father, General Lane, begs for Superman's help. He eats humble pie here but clearly he did not allow it to digest since he is hostile and rude to Superman in the other title five years later. Can't say I care for Sam Lane either.

Steel is awesome in his backup story. Superman needs a friend and the city could always do with another hero. A Steel Driving Man is just the guy for it.

This issue was entirely enjoyable. Rags owns the art in my opinion. I love his raw,mobile style. His action sequences just makes you breathless. And in the Steel backup feature Walker and Ramos' art is very beautiful.

I would give this 4.5 out of 5.

Best Panel : There were many to choose from (Clark in battle, Steel, that panel of Brainiac) but once more I am indulging myself. It's has to be this: a glimpse of Superman's sexy abs under that torn t-shirt. Rags just drew that for me, didn't he? Hee! Here is to him losing more t-shirts along the way!!!