Discover the origin of Nightwing and Flamebird! The new dynamic duo is busy rooting out General Zod's sleeper agents in the present, but how did they find out about the sleepers in the first place? What exactly is their history with Zod? How did they meet? What is their connection to the original Nightwing and Flamebird? Find out these answers and more in this all-new annual!
At the heart of this tale, with all of its Superman myth sci-fi gadgetry and super heroics, is a tale of the recurring yin and yang of man and woman, light and dark, and completeness of unity that is a universal theme. The Nightwing and Flamebird mythical images even form a very yin/yang looking symbol when penciled by Perez. Depth and mystery are added to the the myth of the two heroes, while at the same time light is shed on areas that the majority of Superman titles, and stories have touched on, but not delved much into yet, namely Kryptonian myth and religion. These two characters, as an overall mythic archetype, and the two current individuals bearing their names, Chris and Thara, become more and more interesting every time they appear. Action Comics Annual #12 simply makes these already interesting characters more intriguing, and engaging. Read Full Review
In weaving Thara Ak-Var and Christopher Kent's back-story together with the history of Krypton, Rucka takes his story to the next level, transforming it into a sweeping and often romantic adventure that's head and shoulders above the work currently being done in the other Superman books. The art, by Pere Perez, isn't quite as dynamic and eye-popping as Eddy Barrows' recent work on this title, but it is impressive in its own right. His work in the Phantom Zone sequences in particular hit all the right notes of terror, isolation and otherworldliness. By the time the issue is through, you'll be convinced you've just read one of the strongest Superman issues in a long time. Read Full Review
In the end it still was a good story, Thara Ak-Vars more than Lor-Zods, but not enough of the information clicked to warrant this story. While this did show where both characters came from, it failed to establish the purpose of the Nightwing and Flamebird entities or how Chris Kent becomes Nightwing. I have every confidence that the regular series will tend to this in good time, but if thats the case, what was this published for? If youve collected Ruckas Action Comics you could pick this up to help fill in some gaps, but at $5 and very little overall payoff, a less intense fan may find it pointless. Read Full Review
© 2024
Prev
