The other day I was discussing things that the geek community hated when it came out, and then grew to love.  This includes most cartoons that were shat on when the first images came out and then became beloved (Batman Brave and the Bold, Justice League, Avengers).   One of those things is the DC reboot.  I’m trying to be better, four issues in, and give some of these titles a new look with an open mind.

A lot of people hate the t shirt and jeans early Superman tales being told in Action Comics.  With the fourth issue I’ll see what my open mind opinion is for this title.

Its actually pretty good.  Superman is brand new, and everyone is getting adjusted to this.  He hasn’t mastered the dramatic getaway as Clark Kent.  He isn’t trusted by the folks of Metropolis yet.  He doubts himself.  This is a very human Superman.  Sure, he looks silly in his outfit.  But he’s the first hero.  Where the hell is a super hero supposed to go get a costume sewn up for himself when there are no super heroes?  Maybe he can find some seamstress that makes wrestling tights.

Superman is THE inspiration in the DCU.  He is inspiring Lex Luthor to want to eliminate him.  He’s inspiring robot assailants.  He inspires John Henry Irons to become Steel.  And he inspires some alien race (an all new Brainiac?) to bottle up Metropolis like so much Kandor.  Superman is being written as the before and after.  His arrival changes the world and things will be in this permanent state of chaos from now on.

As we see the “5 years ago” progression of a new world of super heroes we’ll see Superman get a costume, see characters that are new and familiar and most importantly see it all from the onset.  I’m very happy with this new take on Superman and I think I’ll be coming back now.

Also, introducing characters with a mini story in the back (like with Steel for this issue) is a great idea.  I loved DC’s back up features and for some characters its the best way to treat them.  They may not be able to carry a book on their own, but they are perfect for an extra few pages every month.