Comic Review: Action Comics #1025

DC Comics

Action Comics #1025

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis

Artists: John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson, Brad Anderson

Usually when I absolutely despise a series, I keep reading it anyway.  It’s not that I expect the series to get better anytime soon, my enjoyment just switches from enjoying good moments to laughing at bad ones.  But, Brian Michael Bendis’ Action Comics is different.  I certainly believe it’s a lackluster book, but I keep reading for different reasons.  Despite all of its bad characterization, plot holes, and “Bendis speak”, Action Comics is full of endearing moments and interesting concepts.

This leads up to Action Comics #1025, an issue devoid of both of these things, but one I still I actually enjoy.  Let me explain.  The premise of House of Kent is very interesting.  Who wouldn’t want to read a story involving all of the Super Family shutting down the Invisible Mafia?  Unfortunately, Bendis doesn’t really follow through on this premise.  Supergirl, Superboy, and Jon Kent act more like unlockable party members in a video game than actual dynamic characters.  They aren’t here to add to the story, instead, they serve two purposes. 1: Act as more muscle to punch stuff that apparently Superman can’t.  2: To have five characters complete the same sentence that apparently one person couldn’t.  Instead of characters talking back and forth, they all just complete the same thought.  This works in the case of creepy, single-minded twins but makes no sense coming from Kara and Conner.

That being said, I actually enjoyed a decent bit of this issue.  The fair amount of action combined with decent dialogue made for a solid read.  I particularly like the scene of the Daily Planet under investigation from the FBI.  Bendis’ jarring dialogue actually works in a chaotic scene full of yelling reporters and agents rifling through documents.

But if there is one thing really holding this issue back, it’s John Romita Jr’s art.  I typically enjoy his work, but I don’t think the biweekly deadline suits his style.  There are decent bits in the issue.  Romita created a wonderful two-page spread halfway through the issue.  The paneling and momentum in the scene beat any other piece of art in the arc so far.  But unfortunately, most of the pencils are incomplete and rushed.  Paying full price for an issue feels off when the art seems more like a sketch than a finished piece.

Overall, I enjoyed this issue.  House of Kent still hasn’t done anything interesting by assembling the Super Family, but the story is enjoyable enough.