Action Comics #39 (spoilers)

[DochaDocha]

You know, when I saw the story was going to take place in Smallville, and be a bit of a horror story, I just brushed it off and didn't read the arc. However, I read a few blurbs on the internet, so I decided to pick up the entire horror arc today. Boy, that's what I get for judging a book by its cover.

Pak really delivered in this arc. I think a lot of writers get caught up in the making sure Superman has something to punch. Pak tells a great story giving Superman without the standard action sequences, and tells a character story, and his voice for Superman is just really pleasing to read. I loved the use of the Phantom Zone, how he had a personable story about how Lana dealt with her grief and how she couldn't help but lash out at Superman, the reintroduction of Ultra-Humanite, how Steel was able to extend his armor to Supes, and how the story came to its conclusion. Absolutely fantastic.

Oh yeah, since I read the entire arc just today, I feel entitled to ask my favorite irritating question: I forget, but what does Lana Lang do for a living?

[JustJelly]

Greg Pak is basically the definitive new 52 Superman writer at this point. I like Morrison's Action Comics run a lot, especially when I've been able to read it all at once, but Pak is just delivering great Superman stories in both this and Batman/Superman (which is really just Superman book with Batman as a side character). This arc is probably one of the best new 52 Superman arcs if not the best. Kuder's art is absolutely phenomenal, and the re-imagined Ultra Humanite is frankly amazing. Also, Lana is an electrical engineer. Also, I am super-pumped for Action Comics #40 and Superman visiting Bizarro World (Earth-29). I didn't realize that Pak and Kuder would take advantage of the Multiversity so quickly but I am so pumped because at this point I have complete faith in them to deliver an awesome story.

[Myskin]

They should definitely give Pak free rein on Superman at this point. It always seems to me that they are allowing him to play with a limited number of toys (no Jimmy, almost no Lois, no Metropolis etc.).
There is some cringeworthy dialogue here and there, but a generally good story with excellent art.

[JustJelly]

They should definitely give Pak free rein on Superman at this point. It always seems to me that they are allowing him to play with a limited number of toys (no Jimmy, almost no Lois, no Metropolis etc.).
There is some cringeworthy dialogue here and there, but a generally good story with excellent art.

He's been using Lois in Batman/Superman for a while, although I think Johns/Romita have Metropolis and the Daily Planet on lockdown.

[AwesomeUsername]

Another great issue, and a pretty nice conclusion to the arc. Now the Fortress of Solitude zoo is fully operational again. Kuder's recent ink wash technique has been mind blowing. Please don't ever let this man go off the title..

[Frontier]

Surprised that we're getting Bizarro World Bizarro in the next issue when there's already a New 52 Bizarro...I just assumed we'd be dealing with a new clone from Lex. Not that I mind since it'll probably be a fun arc and it'll still be good to see Bizarro again, just think it's a little weird to already be introducing another version of Bizarro.

Was nice reading this alongside the latest Superman, since it meant I was able to read two very enjoyable Superman issues despite their differences in storytelling, focus, and art .

Still hope we'll eventually get a classic gorilla Ultra-Humanite, though the eldritch abomination he was here was used pretty effectively both in terms of the story and how he was depicted .