Action Comics #27 Review

Written by: Greg Pak  
Art by:Aaron Kuder, R.B. Silva and Mike Hawthorne
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 8, 2014

Tomb Raiders and Beast Boys

It's been a long time coming, but Superman is finally here.  I can hear you out there saying, "What do you mean, Internet blogging dude, hasn't Superman been around like, forever?"  Number one, the Superman that has been in the New 52 up until recently just didn't feel like good old Superman, and number two, don't call me dude.  I credit Greg Pak's Action Comics and Charles Soule's Superman/Wonder Woman for bringing the sexy back and Pak continues the resurgence this month with Action Comics #27.

Action Comics #27 starts with a flashback of Superman discovering his powers.  He's trying to fly when his super hearing kicks into gear.  Among other things, he hears Ma and Pa Kent talking about him not being Human.  Talk about life changing moments.  Greg Pak uses this event to mirror how Superman feels about the transforming beast he encountered last issue, now named "Baka".  Superman sees himself in this "alien" and it is a touching moment.  These little moments are what's making Pak's Superman so special.

Meanwhile, Lana Lang is doing her best Lara Croft impersonation (down to the outfit, which is awesome) in Venezuela, tomb raiding in the hole Baka was found in.  There is action, intrigue and an awe inspiring reveal that sets up future issues.

Greg Pak shows that Superman doesn't need a out-and-out villain to be interesting.  He is intrinsically interesting when written right.  Greg Pak writes him Superman right.

This issue has three artists.  That usually spells disaster, but don't worry, that's not the case here.  R.B. Silva gives us Superman's younger years and it looks great.  Mike Hawthorne joins regular artist, Aaron Kuder, and while the transition isn't seamless, everything looks great as well.  Kuder's finish to the issue is up there with the best I've seen in the New 52.

Bits and Pieces:

Action Comics #27 shows that Greg Pak's Superman is one of the best written.  Without a clear villain, Pak let's us meet Superman all over again.  Aaron Kuder is joined by R.B. Silva and Mike Hawthorne on art and everything looks great.  If you have been waiting for the real Superman appear in the New 52, go pick up Action Comics.

9.0/10