Comic Review: Action Comics (2016-) #1004

Action Comics #1004

DC Comics

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Ryan Sook 

Lois went with Jor-El and Jon Kent in deep space, and now, Superman and Lois Lane finally reunite! Even though it’s been fewer than 10 issues that they were apart, it feels like it’s been a while. The description for this issue says “Lois and Clark’s relationship will be redefined” and it is. Kind of.

A gossip reporter at the Daily Planet asks for Clark Kent’s opinion about a photo showing Lex Luthor and Lois Lane meeting at an apartment. Cut to the reunion of Superman and Lois Lane, the latter of the two having been in space for a bit. Having their fun in the bedroom, the two discuss what their relationship will become, and how there’s not really a “normal” for them

I’ve been enjoying Bendis on Superman. I think Action Comics is the better of the two series Bendis is writing. That being said, this issue is a very strong “meh” for me. It’s not entirely bad, but it’s also not entirely good either. Something happens, but nothing really happens. Yeah, Superman and Lois get together, but between bouts of the hanky-panky, they talk and reach a conclusion that doesn’t really change their dynamic too much. There are not any action scenes either, just one page that’s a montage of Superman fighting crime and helping people. It’s a very intimate feeling issue, with the majority being Lois and Clark talking in bed.

Putting the story to the side, the art in here is really good. Two pages really stand out to me in this issue. When Lois and Superman embrace in the street, it’s a gorgeous page. The lighting and shadows and the pose just convey all the emotion without any words needed. The second is the spread of Superman being Superman. Alarms are going off, fires are being put out and villains are being punched. It’s a good representation of what Superman does, in an otherwise very intimate issue. The work by Ryan Sook (pencils), Wade Von Grawbadger (inks) and Brad Anderson (colors) really comes together to make some great moments. Besides that, the characters are expressive and look appropriate. The backgrounds do look plain and empty, for the most part, but that can be forgiven since they are mostly an office space and an apartment at night.

Overall, I don’t regret reading this issue. It’s just not entirely what I was expecting. Mostly I think this issue is to appease the fans who thought Bendis would break up the marriage. It’s not a thought I ever had (or that I’d be entirely against), but I know that’s what some people thought. The story in this issue is alright. It’s not anything that we’d discuss a year from now, but I get why it happens. The art is the definite highlight for me, with some pages that really stand out. If you’re a Superman fan, I think you’ll like this issue. Or at least you won’t hate it.