Written by: Greg Pak
Art by: Aaron Kuder
Publisher: DC Comics
For my money, Superman is the very epitome of what a superhero should be. He stands for truth justice and peace, fighting for the underdogs and believing in everyone. Since the launch of the New 52, Superman has struggled to live up to the person that he was before the re-launch. He often has been portrayed as simply an all powerful alien with really cool powers and not like the compassionate super-man that he is at his core. Thankfully in Action Comics #41 the creative team of Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder deliver a game changing Superman tale that literally strips him down to the core of his character, proving that the reason why Superman is the greatest superhero of all time isn’t because he has amazing powers, or a cool costume, but because he is a man who is selfless, loving and very much the living embodiment of hope and all that is good in the world.
Action Comics #41 is the start of a big change in the Superman mythos and the DCU as a whole, as Superman’s civilian identity has been outed and he has been de powered. This issue is really a breath of fresh air as it shows Superman without his powers, trying to adapt and take in all the new experiences that come with his newfound humanity. I was worried going into the issue that this whole Superman wearing a t-shirt and riding a motorcycle would lead him to be written as a simple badass and appeal to those who prefer a certain dark knight. I am happy to say that those worries have been effectively put to rest and that I am wholeheartedly on board with this new direction.
This issue has a number of standout moments brought to life stunningly by artist extraordinaire Aaron Kuder. He is in my opinion the best artist in the industry when it comes to drawing people’s facial expressions, as his art is very much exaggerated and over the top in the best possible way. The amount of joy I felt reading this issue can only be matched by the amount of joy that so many of these characters looked to be feeling. There’s something extraordinary to be said when art can draw you in like Kuder’s work in this issue does and I can honestly recommend it based solely on the gorgeous art.
Thankfully the story more than holds up with the art. Their are some truly memorable moments in this book, from Clark eating burritos and beating up some punk douchebags to him being mobbed by some adorable kids, this whole issue screams Superman in its purest form and that is something that has been a longtime coming. This book also succeeds in striking an emotionally resonant cliffhanger that effectively parallels the recent acts of police brutality in the U.S., while also tying effectively into the new status quo introduced in this issue.
In an industry that is mostly dominated by dark, morally ambiguous characters, Action Comics #41 is a breath of fresh air, as it proves that compassion and hope are things that never go out of style. This issue is unlike any comic that I have ever read and is easily one of my all time favourites. The fact that this is only the beginning is something that my mind cannot truly handle right now and I am beyond excited for the release of the next issue. If you can only pick up one comic this week make it Action Comics #41, trust me, you’re in for a super read.
