Action Comics #814
DC Comics
Writer: Chuck Austen
Pencils: Ivan Reis
Inks: Marc Campos
Price: $2.50

Rating: 3 stars

With this issue, the ?new era? begins in the Superman titles, giving readers all new creative teams and new focuses. Action Comics 814 focuses on Superman as the hero, and a new job direction for his alter ego Clark Kent. Brought to us by Chuck Austen and Ivan Reis, the art is reminiscent of Bryan Hitch?s on the Ultimates, and the storytelling is vaguely mod, sometimes cute, sometimes cringing, but all in all a good start to a new beginning.

Issue 814 finds Clark going back to his old job at the Daily Planet, and finding many obstacles in his path. As he waits for Perry to have a moment with him, he takes intermissions to save lives and meets up with old foe Darkseid, the consequences which appear to have percussions well into the next storylines. From minute one though, the issue concentrates on the man, not the costume, as Austen is so famous for doing in the other titles he has handled.

From various conversations I have had, and online message boards I have read, it is obvious that the readership has a love/hate relationship with Austen. Personally, I have liked his work quite a bit, especially with the characterization he has done in Uncanny X-Men. If I had to guess, Austen will keep the focus here on Clark and his relationships and opinions. In a world where Brian Azzarello is sure to keep the mystery quotient rolling and Greg Rucka is focusing on Lois and Clark, Austen is the third side of the storytelling triangle. Whose work will be perceived as strongest remains to be seen, but I don?t see why readers shouldn?t be able to pick and choose their poison, and buy only the title they like, with the new direction keeping things more separate.

Penciller Reis does a nice job of keeping the action going. His action sequences were the best I have seen from him, and his sense of proportioning has increased dramatically. He is an excellent foil for Austen on this title, and inker Marc Campos fits his style well. I am glad to see Reis on such a high profile title, and look forward to great things from him.

Action Comics started off strongly, if not vaguely in spots, with the focus staying solidly on finding Superman?s character. I will continue to get the book if for nothing else, to see where Austen and Reis take the book. Fans of Austen?s work will be especially happy to see him taking on an iconic character.

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