Action Comics #32

The Good

ACTION COMICS #32 does a fine job at building on the DOOMED storyline without rushing. This issue sets up the idea that there's little hope for Superman, as he cannot control the infection from Doomsday as well as he thought he could, which leaves America no choice but to make him an enemy of the state. The man who once protected the country and the world is now a threat to those same people. This is a very interesting turn of events and really elevates the story to a new level.

What writer Greg Pak does extremely well here is building on the fact that Superman is having trouble controlling this infection and no matter how hard he tries, it seems it's never enough. We see a very different Superman here. One that is struggling with himself and trying his hardest to just not hurt people. He's extremely well-written for the situation that he's in.

The stand-out character here is Steel though. Pak has his voice down and makes him into the hero he truly is in this issue. Steel jumps into a fight so Superman doesn't have to because he may lose control. It's fantastic to not only to see the full vision of this character but to also see him as a stand-out hero. Someone give this guy his own series.

Seeing Scott Kolins are here is a bit of a shock because fans may be used to seeing Michael Atiyeh's colors along with it. The two go hand-in-hand. However, here, Kolins' art gets the Wil Quintana color treatment. It may be hard for Kolins fans to handle right away, but overall, Quitana's colors add a whole new dimension to Kolins' work. These two put together some amazing artwork in this issue that still has Kolins' style, but with some big, bold colors and fantastic shading that Quintana is known for.

The final scene is a doozy and without spoiling anything, it's well-played and only leads to something larger. The pacing for the final paces is suspenseful and thrilling. It will make you want the next story for this arc right away.

The Bad

The first time I read this, I wasn't a big fan. The book felt slow-paced and seemed like a ton of filler. After sitting on it and thinking about it and then reading it again, I felt the book just needed some time to sink in. However, the opening to the book is a bit slow, which is what really caused the rest of the issue to feel like that. So, all-in-all, the opening five pages are what really brings this whole book down a bit, which stinks because ACTION COMICS #32 is a good read.

The Verdict

DOOMED continues to be one of the better Superman story lines since the start of the New 52. Greg Pak does a fine job of really making the reader feel for Superman and understanding the struggle he's going through. The standout character here is actually Steel though as he rises to the occasion to help out a fellow here. The art is crisp and brilliant and the issue leaves the reader at quite the shocking end point. The world is really changing around Superman, especially when it comes to how other governments handle him, so ACTION COMICS #32 does its job of moving the story forward while entertaining the reader.

I have loved this series so much ever since Pak and Kuder took over.

This event is actually enjoyable.

Another great issue, but I am a bit annoyed these Doomed tie ins are going on so long. I just want a great stand alone Superman story!

Agreed on the exciting pacing towards the end, that really made this issue for me. I'm feeling sad about Metallo :'( Hope he comes back somehow.

I am loving all of it so far.

Geoff Johns to the rescue :D

@ultimatesmfan:

Not necessarily, Pak's AC does it for me, but it hasn't been quite so good since issue 30...but yeah, obviously interested in seeing what Geoff Johns can do with Superman later this month!

Agree with this review, that’s a good issue. Lana’s fistbump – just totally fitting for the moment.

This really is the best superman story the new 52 has offered up. I'm really enjoying this. I hope they can maintain the momentum through out this story and the rest of their run.

This is weird, I got the bombshell cover which is a variant... at regular price. As for the issue itself, it was pretty boss. I love Luthor's line at the end

All that's left is Doomed!

My spine is still tingling.

Luthor's characterization, Lana being awesome, Steel and Superman's interaction and Metal-0, I mean, John Corben's humanity! This book was awesome!

I can't wait to see Greg write Luthor outside of Doomed! Now this event has started!

I thought it was really cool that Lex was genuinely trying to help Superman. I don't know why but I hope that he stays a good guy. The stuff going on with Lois is kind of weird though.

Doomed has been really good so far. I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.

@theacidskull: You'd have to read Scott Lobdell's Superman. Basically it's an awful idea that Pak kinda has to work with. My brain has just kinda repressed my memories of those books, so I can't explain it.

I think I'm going to switch this for Superman once Johns and JRJR take over later this month, as much as I like Action Comics, the constant crossovers are starting to get old fast.