Written By: PAUL CORNELL, RICHARD DONNER, DAVID GOYER, DAMON LINDELOF, GEOFF JOHNS
Artist: PETE WOODS, JESUS MERINO, GARY FRANK
Colorist: BLOND, BRAD ANDERSON
Cover Artist: ALEX ROSS
Superman Created By Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
The 900th Plot
The Black Ring storyline comes to a climactic conclusion in this 96 paged Action Comics installment, as well as providing us with a few smaller, less significant Superman tales with the exception of one. #900 comes to us in a package of three, giving us a heated rhetorical duel between Supes and Lex, another battle where Doomsday vs. everyone else, and a barrage of short stories with multiple guest writers and artists. What’s established amongst all these stories is a satisfying ending to one, and an annoyingly predictable beginning to another.
My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Action Comics #900 is like a can of mixed nuts; you look for your favorites and deal with what’s left over at a later time. Thankfully, the story I was most excited about comes right at the beginning…the conclusion of The Black Ring story arc!
I haven’t been following the whole Reign of Doomsday “thingy” simply because Doomsday is way overplayed and I just don’t care; it’s inclusion within this 900th issue was fairly annoying to me, and I’m probably not alone in the sentiment am I? Its connection to the Black Ring arc, toggling back and forth, felt forced and unnecessary. I hope DC will one day let Doomsday remain in history as the one who killed Superman and boot Cyborg Superman “Owt da doh!” Move on to bigger and better things DC, please.
Paul Cornell, however, was really on top of things with the confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor. Finally, Lex was able to achieve his God-like state and bring his unfathomable wrath on Superman once and for all and put an end to his long hated rival. But of course, like all good Superman stories, the concept of good is ballooned into an awesomely cheesy yet powerful bit of prose, allowing Lex to see his potential of doing good rather than emitting chaos throughout the cosmos.
But now Lex knows of Superman’s secret identity! How will this turn the tides in the future of Superman storylines? Cornell brilliantly implemented a human side to Lex with his anger and jealousy of Superman in having parents like Ma and Pa Kent. This issue gives us an even deeper analytical look into the psyche of Lex Luthor and how everything that he is today all falls back on his upbringing and poor relationship he had with his father. If it hadn’t been for the Reign of Doomsday jargon connected to the Black Ring arc, I would say this was the best issue of Superman this year!
On another note, it’s been hitting the news on both the World Wide Web and public news broadcasting media…Superman is renouncing his American citizenship! This bit of news even hit the radio waves on NPR. Is it really that big of a deal?
The answer: Yes! Why? Because Superman is looked upon as a major American icon. For him to take the Americanized aspect of himself out of the picture could greatly change his image and character among readers and fans.
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But let’s not take this lightly and think Superman is hating on America. As he stated, he feels he cannot limit himself to one type of thinking. His walk across America seems to have done more good for his thinking and broadened his mind quite a bit. He views himself not JUST as a hero for America, but a hero for the entire world. The “American way” is not something he wants to limit himself too, but rather to become a hero for everyone and not only be viewed as an American entity. But again, how will this change in mentality alter future of Superman storylines and will it be for the better? I for one am excited at the possibilities!
Another notable story feels more like a two paged set up for a Clark Kent and Legion of Superheroes pin-up…for those who DARE to tear up good literature for the sake of decoration. (phooey on you all!!!) It’s a cute addition and I loved it. And just a side note, Lois Lane has amazing legs! Thank you Gary Frank for making the sexiest Lois Lane in the history of comics!
Speaking of art, I’m not one for artistic toggling, but this issue did alright. They appropriately placed certain artistic styles depending on what past situations Paul Cornell and his team of assistant writers were calling out to. I was glad to see Gary Frank take over during the memory of Pa Kent’s death and Jesus Merino take over on some of the other flashback scenes. Pete woods, however, brings some amazing artistry to the main story sequence and gives Lex Luthor that terrifying edge needed.
My Majestically Climactic Conclusion
I had more good things to say about #900 than bad, so overall, this issue was a complete success in my opinion. Sure, Doomsday tainted this issues potential, but I can overlook that due to the sheer awesomeness that the rest of the issue delivered. But now that we are at issue #900, can Action comics survive 100 more issues and get to #1000??? I’ll definitely hope to be alive to witness such an occasion!
9 out of 10 Stars
