Action Comics #36 Review

Written by: Greg Pak
Art by: Aaron Kuder
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 5, 2014

The Mist

If you ask me, Greg Pak started this new Golden Age of Superman we are experiencing in the New 52.  His Action Comics run (and Batman/Superman to a lesser extent) has been great when left alone.  I am, of course, alluding to the Doomed story which was okay, but hijacked the Super books for it's own nefarious plans.  While Doomed still resonates through this book, Greg Pak is getting back to what made it great...Clark trying his best to save everyone and awesome supporting characters.  Lana Lang has been the star of Pak's run and adding Steel to the mix looks to make it even better.  What more could you ask for?  A horror story perhaps?



Lana's been having nightmares.  After all she's been through, it's no surprise.  It's standard horror movie fare...the dead rising from their graves at night to get revenge.  However, these dreams are more personal and they just might be coming true.  Something is not right in Smallville and I'm not sure Superman can help.

Greg Pak really works overtime to show the reader how great Smallville is.  Everyone knows everyone and waves when they go by.  It's all a setup for when hell breaks loose and when a strange Mist rolls into town, it does just that.  When Lana's nightmares come true, Clark comes to the rescue, or at least tries to.

When Superman shows up there is no mistaking it's No-Shave November.  Seriously, his beard is epic.  Unfortunately, so is that Mist.  It takes some awesome Toymaster beat-boxing to get Superman into town and while he stops the initial threat, the cliffhanger shows that there is more going on.  Much more.

Greg Pak's character work has been so good and this issue continues that.  Lana is great (she's an electrical engineer, you know) and her relationship with John Henry feels so natural.  However, it's Lana and Clarke's relationship that pushes this book forward. Lana is Clark's oldest and best friend, but he let her down.  Superman saved the Planet, but couldn't save Lana's parents and it's killing him...and her.  Mix that in with this horror mystery and I can't wait to see what happens next month.  If you missed out on the Doomed story or haven't read Action Comics is a while, have no fear.  This issue is a pretty good jumping on point for new readers and anyone will be up to speed and enjoying the story in no time.

Aaron Kuder's art this issue is awesome.  From Clark's beard to the gruesome results of the Mist, everything looks great.  I especially liked the sense of speed during Superman's flight and the facial expressions Kuder give Clark.

Bits and Pieces:

This issue is the start of a cool horror mystery and I'm intrigued to see where it goes.  Greg Pak continues his great character work and Aaron Kuder nails the art as usual.  Something is not right in Smallville and it has everyone in it's grip, even Superman.

9.0/10