‘Action Comics’ #5 featured a story about a group of villains called the Anti-Superman Army who were, for reasons unknown, looking into the origin of the Man of Steel. It seems as if each member of this team has an past beef with Superman and are looking to put an end to him once and for all. To that end, they steal the power source of the rocket that sent Superman to Earth… Kryptonite!
This issue, the Anti-Superman squad are meeting with a scientist who has extracted the Kryptonite from the rocket’s engine. We also learn that this single load of green Kryptonite can be used to formulate more of the element. And, even more importantly, that it can also be modified to create the various colors of Kryptonite, which all have different effects on Superman’s Kryptonian physiology.
Meanwhile, back with the “good guys”, we discover that the future Superman who appeared last issue is actually the Superman from the current New 52 continuity (set 5 years after the events of ‘Action Comics’). With Superman, comes the founding members of the 31st century superteam, the Legion of Superheroes. Superman and the Legion have traveled back in time to protect the Kryptonite from falling into the wrong hands.
In true Morrison fashion, this issue moves into some of the high-concept story elements that the genius/madman is famous for. There’s the aforementioned time-travel of course. But what Morrison does with Titano the Super-Ape and the big reveal of the villains’ hideout is pure Morrison!
Combine Morrison’s writing with art from Andy Kubert and you’ve got one of the best ‘Action Comics’ issues so far. Of course, with Morrison hitting his stride this issue and all the weirdness that brings with it, this might not be an issue that new readers want to jump into. If you’re a new reader, I’d recommend waiting until issue #9 when a new story arc begins then go back and catch Morrison’s spectacular opening salvo to ‘Action Comics’ in trade paperback.
As with the last issue, there is a short backup tale. This one, titled ‘Last Day’ (written by Sholly Fisch), follows Clark, along with his Smallville friends Lana and Pete as Clark prepares to leave the Kent farm for his big new job as a reporter in Metropolis. As Clark roams the farm and town, readers are treated to some flashback sequences that give some insight into the New 52 Superman’s view on justice since it’s a little less “boy scout” than the previous incarnation before the relaunch.
Verdict: Buy
ACTION COMICS #6
Written by GRANT MORRISON and SHOLLY FISCH
Art by ANDY KUBERT, JESSE DELPERDANG, and CHRISCROSS
Cover by ANDY KUBERT and RAGS MORALES
