Action Comics 1: Path of Doom

Action Comics starts off with a bang, while also sowing the seeds for numerous future mysteries. Taking place chronologically before the Superman solo series (which released its first Rebirth trade a few weeks back), Action Comics sees the pre-New 52 Superman (along with his wife Lois and their super-powered son Jon) reacting to the news of the New 52-era Superman's death. The family is shocked to see the announcement that Lex Luthor (sporting the new super armor he first donned at the end of Darkseid War) has declared himself the new Superman. Unwilling to let Lex taint Superman's legacy, Clark dons the cape and comes out of hiding. His confrontation with Lex is cut short however by the seeming return of the pre-New 52 Doomsday (the menace that once killed Clark). While Lex and Superman attempt to stop the monster, another wrinkle is thrown into the mystery by the appearance of reporter Clark Kent. This new Kent claims to not be the Superman who died, so who he is and where he comes from is up in the air. All the while the new Mr. Oz is keeping an eye on the proceedings. Overall a fun and action packed start to the series that resurrects the classic "Death of Superman" drama with Clark and Lois worried that history will repeat itself. Great artwork and an intriguing new direction for Luthor make this is a solid title.

Action Comics is really living up to the first part of its title. Most of the book has emphasis on the action. Makes sense.Now, the beginning of the book does set up some interesting plot threads regarding the likes of Lex Luthor and Clark Kent. While these threads do follow throughout most of the book, it quickly switches to an extended fight against the pre-New 52 Doomsday that lasts the rest of the book. In individual comics, this was probably a tad unwieldy to read, but reading it here it clearly shows that it was meant to be read as one whole piece. The fight is certainly destructive, but it's also fairly smart and always stays interesting, showing just how much of a threat Doomsday is without feeling as cheap as he did in his original Death of Superman appearance. Lois and the new Superboy also appear, unsurprisingly, but I feel like the balance they have in this book worked a little better than the Superman title, as Superboy especially felt a little overemphasized in that book. Here, he feels significant without taking over the story.I am definitely excited to follow up on what has been established here.

This new run of Superman is consistently amazing! Bringing back the old, optimistic and heroic superman is great, but then giving him a son? And focusing on how superman and lois want to raise that son? The writing is leaps and bounds above anything that has come out of the monthly comics in years. This story is interesting, but the killer story is over in Superman hence 4 stars. Still, this is really good stuff, which is rare from the non stand alone continuity.

If a book has Doomsday in it I'm going to purchase it. Rampaging monsters are always fun. I'm glad they brought back the original Superman also. The book is a great read, good flow and dialogue between characters. Action is good throughout and artwork is top notch. I'll be picking up more volumes of this series as it goes on sale. If you enjoyed the 90s Doomsday you'll enjoy this!

FYI I like Superman, not my favorite. More of a new interest. Nice story line. Super Lex is interesting. Looks like a nice start to a deeper story. Tons of fighting. Nice art style.

Superman and Lex fight a certain villain from Superman's past, while Lois and Jon.....And Clark Kent (?) look on.Great story, great writing, good action and pretty good dialogue....And the art is right on....Though a few panels may require some closer examination to tell what is happening.

Cool story. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Actual cover is different from the stock image which I don't really mind since I like this one better. Just keep that in mind if you're hoping for the stock image.

DC, you truly understand the concept of the big payoff! This story not only validates the New 52 era, but it gives us back your greatest achievement ever... LEGACY!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! This is what makes you the best in the business!!

It was ok, a good enough storyline. But much of the artwork was manga style. It kind of dissapointed me to see what could've been really good artwork turned in a simplified manga style. I hope it's not a new trend.

Superman returns to metropolisbut so does doomsday.Lex luthour is also there in a power armoured suit telling people he's now superman??This superman having already been a hero in another universe for many years knows lex of oldand tells him exactly what he thinks of him.Then another old enemy shows up.A good story with superman fighting desperately against his old nemesisand protecting his family when it comes calling on them.

Really well packaged and presented in very good condition. I had wanted it for an art piece and was going to cut it up in order to create a present but ended up not having the heart and gave the comic as the gift

Action Comics is, for all its lofty ambitions, just simply a serviceable Superman book. Fans of the character will have seen this kind of story many, many times; there’s a big beastie, and Superman is gonna whack seven bells out of it for six issues. It’s fine. There’s some interesting stuff woven in with regards to the overarching narrative of DC’s tremendous Rebirth storyline, but otherwise this book is just... fine. It’s fine. It’s just... fine.

Both the art and story are really good. You see pre new 52 superman confront lex luthor at long last once lex tries to don the mantle of the new 52 superman. A huge, classic superman villain is brought back and from then on the book stands up to the name of action comic's.