Action Comics #50

Strong pacing, great character work and a big finish make this an entertaining read, even if you haven't been following Superman's adventures... Read Full Review

It's unfortunate that such a talented creative team is forced to wrap up their Superman saga as cogs in a bigger machine, but Pak and Kuder make the most of their final issue of Action Comics. This issue is a rousing celebration of Superman and his supporting cast. The mish-mash of artists leads to a visually inconsistent issue, but Kuder's pages are worth the price of admission all on their own. Read Full Review

"Action Comics" #50 is a strong issue -- probably one of the best Superman chapters post-"Convergence" -- and it feels like this comic is going to make a lot of readers feel much better about Superman's year-long depowered story arc. With two final chapters to go, we've gotten a great setup for those remaining pieces. Nice job. Read Full Review

It was as if Pak and Kuder (as co-plotters) finally got to get back to the Superman they have wanted to write, the smiling, positive, optimistic hero. So throughout this issue, we really get a lot of pure Superman sentiment. Read Full Review

More than anything, Action Comics #50 will be most remembered for its ending, a long foreshadowed and slightly-spoiled-by-solicitations end of the line-wide "Truth" storyline and it's a fantastic reveal but it's also a testament to how strong the creative direction of this book. Pak and Kuder have such a command of what they wanted to do with Superman and more than anything else, Action Comics #50 justifies the tinkering with characters and continuity that's come to define the New 52. Read Full Review

Action Comics #50 is a great read! It's a great build up to the conclusion of the war between Superman and Savage and it makes you eager to read the next issue! We have great fights, great cameos from other characters–and finally the return of the shield and cape! I'm really looking forward to seeing how all of this plays out. Read Full Review

My heart breaks just a little bit at the knowledge that Pak and Kuder won't be sharing Action's marquee for much longer. And when Rebirth springs the DC Universe towards the future (and us along with it), the next adventures of Superman will likely demand all of our attention. But there will come a time, possibly late at night, when I drag out my longboxes and rifle through their entire Action Comics run once more. It will be then that I fondly leaf through the pages to find Superman, grinning ear-to-ear as he boldly soars up in the sky. And I'll know exactly who to thank for the privilege. Read Full Review

Despite that, it's still hard to ignore that two more chapters of “Savage Dawn” remain and if Pak's finale would have played out any differently had it not been tied to other books. Should you want to continue the story, follow it next week in the pages ofSuperman/Wonder Woman#27 and then later toSuperman#50, which will serve as the conclusion. Read Full Review

We have waited over eight months for a couple of things to happen in this massive crossover story arc and yes, the big one happens here.  While I am so happy it did, I hated the way it actually went down. Actually, I'm not even sure how it happened and that is not a good thing.  It's a shame because the rest of the issue was good and even with a ton of artists, looked good as well.  I wish I could say I loved this issue, but I'll have to settle for liking it. Read Full Review

Empowered by Metallos kryptonite heart, Superman attacks Vandal Savages Stormwatch Carrier as the comet is drawn nearer to Metropolis. Lois Lane, Lee Lambert, and Jimmy Olsen assist with relief efforts on the ground. Batman, Wonder Woman, and Mr. Terrific provide backup while the Man of Steel goes after Savage and his descendants. Superman rescues Lana Lang and the Justice League. Read Full Review

What's probably most disappointing about a book like Action Comics #50 is that it almost assuredly was not an easy undertaking - Pak and Kuder are having to juggle storylines with two other books, plus the editors on this issue had to juggle nearly a dozen art and production crew members to put this book out. Read Full Review

I was left wanting more. Greg Pak certainly closes off his run with a long tendril of connective tissue, but the actual climax is disappointing. Save for an interesting connection between Superman and Savage's kid this is a decompressed sort of read with plenty of filler as the heroes rush around doing things to fill the page count. Read Full Review

On the whole, ACTION COMICS #50 is a strong issue that does a great jobof being the first of a multi-part, multi-book finale (the next part takes place in SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN). It's a real joy to read if you can get past the few issues with dialogue, which leave no question as to why some people find Superman annoying. Fortunately, the strong elements,like the pacing, art, and overall direction largely overshadow these gripes to deliver a wholly solid bookthat has weight, purpose, and most importantly, creativity. What ACTION COMICS #50 does right is that, even as world is crashing down around Superman, it exposes the cracks in his steely facade and lets you in behind the man of steel. Read Full Review

Supes' soups

Mar 09, 2016

Action #50 was a fun a read. I hate it when there are a bunch of artists in a single issue but a lot of the art was solid with a few iffy panels. When he finally gets his powers back and emerges triumphant from the fortress, I definitely smiled. The splash page made you feel like a kid again. Giddy that the superhero is ready to punch some bad guys in the face after reaching full power. I feel the conclusion will serve up some welcome payoff moments. I initially thought the "Truth" storyline was a misfire and a clusterphuck of a story with too much crap going on to make it very cohesive but this salvage job could be worse. It's a feel good issue that is far from perfect but I liked it.

Vancha

Apr 12, 2016

I was feeling an 8 from this all the way up until the end. All the controversy...all these months...and that's it? He literally falls back into his powers? "Doot doot doot identity confirmed all better!" ??? It would always be hard not to make the restoration feel any less than "plot devicey", but to do it during a single page of deus ex machina? It feels like cheating.

JBL Reviews

Mar 13, 2016

Enough with the Vandal Savage plot.