Action Comics Annual #3 Review

Written by: Greg Pak
Art by: Ken Lashley, Aaron Kuder, Jack Herbert, Cliff Richards, Julius Gopez, Will Conrad and Pascal Alixe
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: August 6, 2014

My Body is a Cage

In general, I have enjoyed the Doomed story so far.  Yes, some chapters have been better than others, but that's par for the course with events like this.  After a flurry of releases, it's been almost a month since the last chapter in Superman/Wonder Woman #10.  Superman/Wonder Woman Annual and this Annual ends the SUPERDOOM chapter with tons of guest stars and the realization of the real threat facing the Universe.



Lois Lane may be called Lois Lainiac on the intrawebs but she's putting up a fight.  She doesn't have much of a plan, just her faith in Clark.  That may just be enough.  Meanwhile, Batman and Lex Luthor are hanging in the Fortress of Solitude.  They are great together, but they aren't alone.  Ghost Soldier, Harrow and Dr. Shay Veritas are there as well.  Lex steals the show by being Lex, but they can't seem to figure out Brainiac's plan.  If it's to have Superdoom return to Earth, mission accomplished because...

Superdoom is back.  Superman is in control at first as he helps Red Hood and the Outlaws fight Brainiac in Gotham.  Unfortunately, the Kryptonite particles in the air are making it hard for him to keep Doomsday from taking control.  Of course, Batman has a plan. Batman always has a plan.

The plan involves one part Dr. Xa-Du and one part Baka.  The Xa-Du part is a bit crazy, but I love Baka.  Anyone who has been reading Action Comics has to be jumping for joy.  I didn't think we'd see the little guy again.  I say "little guy" even though he transforms into a huge monster that helps Superman fight off Brainiac.  While the issue almost ends on a high note, the real threat is revealed and it's not Doomsday.  This event just took a left turn.

I'm a sucker for cameos so this issue had me from the start.  It's not just for show, however.  Superman turning into Doomsday should get the attention of everyone and it finally did.  Greg Pak gives the reader a who's who and does a great job writing each character.  Lex may steal the show, but I also loved seeing Baka.  Then there is the ending which turns the event on it's ear.

The issue had seven artists.  SEVEN.  Really?  I usually rail on something like this, but while there was some transition issues, nothing ruined the issue for me.

Bits and Pieces:

Action Comics Annual #3 is a good chapter of the Doomed event.  It's star studded and action packed.  Greg Pak and seven (yes, seven) artists push the story forward and then turn it on it's head just in time for the next chapter.  The real threat is revealed and It's not Doomsday.  I can't wait for the next chapter.

8.6/10