After four issues of excellent storytelling, we arrive at issue #5 of Action Comics and find... a filler story.Which is not to say it's a bad story at all - actually, it's excellent.
But it seems odd to have the Earth on the brink of destruction only to take a couple of months to provide some backstory.
This issue covers the oh-so-familiar ground of Superman's origin, beginning with the destruction of his home planet, how he survived and what happened when he reached Earth.
If you think you know all that, you might be surprised at what writer Grant Morrison has crafted. He uses the original concepts but then builds on it to craft a fresh, modern version of the classic tale.
The art is by Andy Kubert, and it's outstanding - a master at work.
The comic includes a backup story by writer Sholly Fisch and artist Chriscross that provides some history for Clark Kent's adopted parents - and it's a sweet story.
So, did we really need another origin story for the Man of Steel? There have been at least two other versions in recent years, but this one does offer some changes and, as the odd epilogue to the opening story indicates, it will have far-reaching effects.
I was prepared to be put off by this issue, but it won me over. Outstanding craftsmanship will do it every time.
Grade: A
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