Superman as we know is a very well recognized character that everyone who loves the character or not knows almost all they need to know about his origin. If you asked any person on the street most will know at least his origins.. Everyone knows that he was born on some planet and sent to earth in a ship. For that matter i think making any changes to a character like that is sure to cause controversy... But what about a change in a good direction?
The one thing that stood out for me was the fact that Clark Kent does not start out at the daily planet. This gives room and reason for his rivalry with Lois Lane when he finally starts working there.. From the dialogue you are told that Lois has heard about the said Clark Kent and is not very much of a fan. This will make sense when she finally meets him and doesn't really care much for him.. On the contrary it is hinted that she might already be smitten by his alter ego.. even being confirmed by Lex that she named him. That dynamic will sure bring in some good stories as it goes on. Speaking of Lex, His character though still in his origins , from the dialogue expresses some serious hate for Superman. He refers to him as "the creature" and "It". which is no surprise that he seems to have his own personal agenda for Supes even though the latter has probably not met him yet. I also like that he is a sinister government contractor with villainy just bubbling below the surface. You have a hint that he is shady, and sees this new "creature" as some sort of a threat to him.
With the Man of Steel himself, i see that his character is being rightfully portrayed as young guy whose mind and heart is set to using his powers to help the weak, poor and unprivileged.. to fight for Justice.. But has not quite wrapped his head around the best way to do this yet. His escapades are quite messy, his tactics are not so subtle and the fact that he is messing with the cops and showing off his powers just proves how young he is ("one of you wants to know if its true what the daily planet says about me right?" "Catch me if you can"). But still his beliefs and values shine through. I'm not too crazy about the costume though. But for me the story of his journey to the man we know is quite worth the not so aesthetic costume. Besides, this time it will lead to a real explanation to his suit.
This bring me to Jimmy Olsen. I like that he is Clark's bestfriend in this origin. Or at least he thinks he is. He is not a younger guy who is going to follow Clark around calling him "Mr. Kent" (which i used to like btw) but rather a friend of his. He seems to be characterized in the same vein as "Smallville's" Jimmy. Which was fine by me as a good modern take of the character.
So in general i feel that Action Comics #1 was a good start up to a potentially good story and i hope that it continues in that vein and delivers a great origin story for the big daddy of all superheroes. Here's to a great story!