Action Comics 1001
I truly started following Brian Michael Bendis with Jessica Jones, the Defenders, Infamous, and invincible Ironman. With a list of characters, he has created and brilliant storyline I like many others am following him to DC. I am for the first time a regular reader of Superman and Action comics.
Action comics 1000 and 1001 are stories directly following his Man of Steel mini-series. So far Jonathan Kent has left with Jor-el, superman’s father to parts unknown for Jonathans training. Of course, being the Doting mother Lois would not allow him to go without her. They have been gone for an undisclosed amount of time but long enough for the Daily Planet vultures to eyeing her office and the Daily planet to be looking for a new headliner.
There is an arsonist on the loose Deputy Fire Chief Melody Moore is on the case. On her first day on the job she gets an assist from superman. At this point there were seven fires, but more every day. The fire department is desperately trying to keep up with the rash of fires when a boy comes forward and implicates Superman as the arsonist. Oh, did I mention the deputy fire chief is a super cool, fiercely brave, and stunningly beautiful redhead.
When we arrive to issue 1001 the word has spread that Superman is involved with the fires. Superman again meets up with Melody at, of course, a fire. She lets him know he is a suspect and they seek to find the boy and clear his name. When they fond the boy of course he was paid by some mysterious BALD GUY to implicate Superman. I don’t think its who we would expect, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Action Comics 1001 has plenty of action and mystery for any fan especially knowing we’re building up to SO MUCH MORE. Come on its technically his 2nd issue. There are a few new characters including the mystery BALD GUY and a new villain. I know I’m going to upset a few people when I say I really want to see Superman and Deputy Fire Chief Melody Moore build a relationship. Hey Lois has been gone a long time.
Patrick Gleason pencils beautifully. I found I forgot I was reading a comic and enjoyed the flow. With one caveat, Clark Kent was HUGE. I know superman and Clark Kent are the same size but it took me out of the story for a quick second to wrap my head around how big he was.
Brian Michael Bendis keeps the bar high with a writing that keeps you interested in the characters and want to know more about them. I even want to know more about the Gossip Columnist Trish as she investigates Clarks personal life and the possibility Lois “ran away with Superman” and even what’s going to happen to the boy who threw Superman under the proverbial bus. I guess that is what you get from such an acclaimed character creator.
We have places to go and mysteries to unravel but aren’t there yet. I look forward to following Bendis’ run and hope to see you there. As always Thank you Brian Michael bendis, Patrick Gleason, and all other comic book writers and artist who make me dream, give me universes to set the dream, and keep me a kid inside.
Frank Auletti (Fanboy)
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Batman 52
Twelve Angry Men is one of my favorite movies. With only twelve men in a room almost the entire movie it is dripping with a level of dialogue, interaction, and intensity rarely seen. Tom King and Lee Weeks attempt that here in the second episode of the Mr. Freeze story arc. Now add Bruce Wayne as the antagonist attempting to persuade the other eleven (yes there are twelve) who have voted Guilty to change their vote seemingly against batman and find Mr. Freeze innocent.
In issue 51 where Batman catches Mr. Freeze in regards to the deaths of three woman. Bruce Wayne get selected to do Jury Duty and works hard to get selected. He gets asked why he couldn’t get out of it and in true Bruce Wayne fashion states it’s his civil duty but end with him being the only not guilty vote.
The evidence is largely against Mr. Freeze. Who wouldn’t convict him when The women’s Brains were found unnaturally cold and he already confessed to the police. What could Bruce Wayne possibly be thinking not convicting this obviously guilty man. Jurors reiterate the fact unlike Bruce they have jobs and children unlike the “playboy” with nothing to worry about or get home to. Please let these poor people go home!!
Tom King’s ability to create a dialogue is nearly unrivalled in current writing. This is especially true about the mundane parts of life, interactions between people, or to blossom a relationship between two people and works well in the juror’s room. When the Jurors complained I felt I knew them like they were my neighbors bickering about the lawn being mowed or being late for work. I can’t say this is one of his best works but he writes in a way that we believe these people said these words and reacted this way. Tom King writes real people…
Although Lee Weeks has not been on my “go to” artist and really wouldn’t be able to pick out his titles from others I was impressed. The facial expressions and emotion in the juror’s room was intense and intricate. I could feel the emotion and aggravation of the jurors as each second passed. The action/flashback scenes were drawn in a surreal dark manner with a hint of 50s noir that separated Bruce from Batman. This also reminisced on our views of Batman of the past.
King and Weeks do a wonderful job complimenting each other and this story. Truly quality writing and art but I found myself comparing it to not only twelve angry men but King’s previous works. Also, this seemed to be the vessel for 53 setting up what’s next but Sometimes the foundation is not a pretty as the house. The highlight of issue 52 was the last panel. It left me needing to read 53. You’ll have to read it yourself!
As always Thank you Tom King, Lee Weeks, and all other comic book writers and artist who make me dream, give me universes to set the dream, and keep me a kid inside.

Frank Auletti (comic book fan)
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