Superman: Action Comics #1015 – Brian Michael Bendis, Writer; Szymon Kudranski, Artist; Brad Anderson
Ratings:
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: Bendis can be an odd writer to get into, because a lot of his issues can be best described as “characters talk about what’s going on” – but when he’s on his game, as in Action Comics #1015, his dialogue as they do that can have a unique charm that makes his books feel unlike anything else on the stands. Naomi, from the self-titled Wonder Comics miniseries, crosses over with Superman. Action Comics #1015 is almost entirely told from Naomi McDuffie’s perspective, and picks up immediately after the events of her miniseries – literally immediately, like right when she flew away from Port Oswego towards Metropolis.
This being a few hours after she got her powers, it’s not a surprise she doesn’t know how to land yet. And Bendis absolutely nails Superman’s kind-but-cautious approach to a strange new superhero crashing into his city. It doesn’t take long for him to realize she’s a kid in need of help, and he escorts her to the Justice League’s headquarters.
Bendis’ dialogue is fast-paced as always, as Ray Palmer, the Wonder Twins, and Batman all pop in and out to check out the newest member of the superhero community. Batman in particular is fun to read – Loved Superman snarking that he’s the best fit for talking to teenagers, and the explanation for why Batman likes to sneak up on people is great.
There’s a bit too much time explaining Naomi’s backstory for those who didn’t read the original miniseries, but it’s great to see this intriguing new character enter the DCU. The problem is, about two-thirds through the issue Superman is pulled away to fight the new upgraded Red Cloud – and it feels like we’re pulled away from something we actually want to see, just like Superman.
Szymon Kudranski’s art on this newvillain is excellent, but I have yet to find her a compelling villain. What this issue does prove is that Bendis is still excellent at writing dialogue and teenagers, and this issue played to his strengths for most of the pages.
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Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
