Action Comics #30 Review

Written by: Greg Pak
Art by: Aaron Kuder, Jed Dougherty and Karl Kershl
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 2, 2014

Ghost Adventures

Before I go into any sort of detail I must warn you that this issue takes place after the end of Forever Evil and Superman/Wonder Woman #7.  WTF!?  This has become a DC trademark with the recent out-of-order "First Contact" releases pissing my man Eric off.  Unlike Eric, I'm going to trudge forward and review this issue.  I guess I'm just a better man.  I will try not to spoil too much, but certain things are bound to come up that could ruin things so beware and continue at your own risk.  

Doomsday hates Polar bears and hits Icebergs like his the Titanic. Superman gives the Ghost Soldier a tour of the World and then some. Harrow can raise the dead, and that means...Elephant Attack! Superman's weakness is that he cares too much.

Greg Pak wraps up his first arc while launching into the Doomed story with grace and skill.  After trying to blow off some steam, he confronts Harrow.  He blames her for all his troubles, but she shows him that he might be even more to blame.  This is so good because of the characterization Pak has given us since starting on this book.  Readers know that Superman is a good guy (maybe too good) who wants to save everyone. Harrow asks if Superman can make the hard decisions to save the World and his actions show he may not be the man for the job, especially with what's on the way.

Speaking of Harrow, I like her as a villain.  She's mysterious and has a really cool power set.  I'm not sure that she will figure too much in the Doomed story, but I'm looking forward to seeing her more in the future.

This months art duties are shared by three artists.  I love regular artist, Aaron Kuder, and this issue is no exception.  However, the transition to Jed Dougherty and Karl Kershl is a little harsh.  Their styles compliment each other ok, but following Kuder's awesome art, their cartoony style didn't impress me.

Bits and Pieces:

Action Comics #30 has an out-of-sequence release and three artists and is still really good.  Credit Greg Pak's great characterization of Superman and Aaron Kuder's awesome art while it lasts.  Pak ends his first arc and sets up the Doomed story all in one.  Recommended, but you may want to find a reading order and follow it.

8.5/10