Art by: Claude St. Aubin, Sean Parsons, Lovern Kindzierski and Hi-Fi
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 27, 2015Quit Your Stalin
The first issue of Convergence: Action Comics was a bit of a mixed bag. I liked seeing Superman and Lois under the Dome, but I really didn't like Power Girl's "First World under the Dome" problems. Seriously, Metropolis has been uprooted on an alien planet and all PG was worried about was getting bags under her eyes. I wanted to slap her. Luckily by the end of the issue, the Dome disappeared and Red Son Wonder Woman looked prime to dish out an ass kicking. Did that particular scenario play out? Let's find out...
The issue starts with a little kissy face time with Power Girl and her beau, Andrew. He's worried she will not survive the upcoming battle and who can blame him...he will never get anyone hotter than Kara. I mean, look at the guy! Kara heads off to kick butt and take names and comes face-to-face with some Russian missiles and a certain invisible jet.
I'll admit that this opening was promising. PG seemed to have her head on straight and the fight with her and Wonder Woman started off pretty cool. Then Krazy Kara (trade mark pending) showed up for a guest spot. It's hilarious as she rips apart the Invisible Jet that asks Wonder Woman (or nobody in particular), "You love me, now don't you"? It was so awkward that I almost answered just to break up the awkward silence. I guess the gals crashing through various Moscow buildings did that just fine.
We then join up with Lex and Lois who were a highlight last issue. You can always count on Lex to take advantage of a situation no matter what version we are talking about. Red Son Lex uses his smarts and a robot army to seize control of Moscow. Lois does not approve, but you know who does? Recently (I'm talking two minutes ago) deposed ruler, Joseph Stalin. A bunch of these tie-in finales have had rushed moments, but this may take the cake. Stalin goes from wanting Lex executed to being captured to being Lex's comrade "in net vremeni na vse". I haven't seen a russian turn that fast since the end of Rocky IV!
After some more PG and WW fistacuffs, Superman shows up. Not Red Son Superman, he's busy. This is Crisis on Infinite Earths Supes and while he need a Touch of Gray, he wants the fussin' and a fuedin' to end. Yep, this is one of those "We have to work together" issues, but there is one last loose end to tie up...Lex. The three heroes bust into his lab and seize him even though they shouldn't have been aware of what he had done at this point and destroy his cool robot army. My favorite part of the scene is when Stalin does an about face and wants Lex executed again. What a dick! Then Kara and Superman spend a little time with their love ones before flying off into...Convergence #6?!? This poor timing has happened before, but it gets me every time. I'd love to think that the two of them are flying off in a time machine that takes them 2 weeks in the past, but we all know that isn't what's happening here.
I'm sure you can tell from the tone of this review that I wasn't a huge fan. I am usually a huge Justin Gray fan, but this issue is a mess. The dialogue feels off and the plot seemed forced and rushed. I mentioned it above, but I will again...it feels like there are some scenes missing. I know that the constraints of only having two issues sucks, but this alternative is just as bad.
I did like Claude St. Aubin's art in this issue. In fact, the whole art team does a really good job. I just wish the story was as strong.
Bits and Pieces
I wish I could recommend this issue, but between the stiff dialogue and the forced story, I just can't. The art was really good, but in the end, this was another Convergence tie-in that ended with a whimper...and possibly some time traveling.
4.5/10
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