Love the Beard, clark!
After the dreadful event that was "doomed" or whatever it was called, I had to drop Action Comics simply, because it unfortunately got absorbed into the event, which severely limited Pak's creativity. I was in it for Clark, Lana and their adventure, and I wasn't going to buy almost every single superman title just to enjoy Paks writing. However, all of that is in the past now, and I finally get to enjoy a regular story about superman and his friends. Now bare in mind that I haven't reviewed a comic book in two months, so I may be a bit rusty.
Anyways, right of the bat I'd like to give Greg credit for keeping things a bit fresh. I do enjoy a good old fashioned superman story, but some diversity never really hurts the experience. I can understand the superman crossing into many different genres, but I guess I never really imagined it reaching the Horror territory. Having said that though, Greg doesn't really lose sight of what comic he's writing. Even with the horror and disturbing elements you still know that it's a superman comic right from the start.
Funnily enough, that's all I can really say about the story itself without really spoiling what exactly happens in this issues. Besides, the plot really is pretty basic for now, and yes, while I have some theories that suggest some interesting developments, I can't really talk about the story without emphasizing on the characterization, because the characters are what essentially stand out. Clark as always is the superman we all know and love; the opening monologue really reminds of how superman doesn't really solve problems with his fists and power only. He's the kind of superhero that pays attention to the small details and really thinks about what's best for society, even if it may involve some hardship and labour. Moreover, Lana continuos to be my favorite female character from the DC universe. I'm not sure how she was back in the day, but considering the positive reactions, and the fact that I myself am loving every moment she's on panel, I'd say that this version is in many ways superior. She's just a lot of fun, and that's really the big appeal. She never feels unreal and campy, and Greg Pak utilizes this very quality of hers for story-telling proposes. I won't spoil what happens, but lets just say Greg uses her to make a point, and it's absolutely fantastic.
And while I've brought the subject up, there are a couple of scenes that really do feel realistic. Superman is usually portrayed to be ideal (not in the new 52, obviously and unfortunately); usually when someone's feeling down they have Clark to tell them it's going to be okay, but a situation where even he can't come up with comforting words is something you don't see to often, which is why I like Greg's writing so much. His plots and stories may not always be very unique, but he writes with passion, and it really shows.
Visually the books is pretty satisfying. We didn't have much action, but the collaborating between the artist and the colorist is particularly great. There's a scene were one of the characters describes a specific environment, and as you look at the panels themselves you see just how accurately Aaron Kudor depicted this specific place.
In conclusion, Horrorville seems like a very good start to what could possibility be a thought-provoking, fantastic and fascinating story for superman and non-superman fans alike. I look forward to what will come next.
