Superman # 1 takes place somewhere along the lines of 5, to 10, years after the DC relaunch of the Action Comics titles. In Superman # 1, we get a revamped Man of Steel who's different from the one most of us have come to know and love.The book starts off with the Man of Steel returning to Metropolis to witness the loss of an old friend and the introduction of a new. While there is a jab from George Perez, the writer, about the fans who aren't to keen about the DCnU, it's neither hurtful nor spiteful. After the subtle slap, Superman starts being Superman. The story starts off with the Daily Planet, facing bankruptcy due to the death of print, introduces their new owner--Morgan Edge--to the world. Morgan explains to the Planet staff about the benefits of integrating the paper with his TV news network, now headed by Lois Lane. During Lois' introduction, we come to find where her relationship with Clark is. It turns out that they were neither married nor have they ever dated in this universe. Lois and Clark have a heated exchange over the integrity of Morgan Edge that only gets worst when Lois offers Clark a job as a TV anchor, but Clark, having the most simplistic disguise in comicbooks, is not too keen about the idea of having his face on every television in the city he moonlights as Earth's mightiest protector. Here we see the disconnect between the two characters that makes you wonder if these two really are meant to be. It's clear that Lois doesn't understand Clark and she doesn't care to try, but we'll save that for another issue.
In Superman's absence, some of the scum from Gotham City have swarmed to the semi-utopia that is Metropolis. Superman tries to make quick work of the criminals while, unbeknownst to him, a new terror comes alive. This new fiery foe makes itself noticed as soon as possible as it instantly goes on the offensive against the Man of Steel. Superman makes quick work of the creature while Lois shows off why she is one of the most respected women in fiction as she manages to get coverage on the battle while making sure that not a single life of her staff is lost. Clark, after defeating the alien foe, returns to apologize to Lois for the way he reacted earlier after she offered him a job and tried to defend Morgan Edge. In this, we see a more human Superman than I've ever seen before. As he tries to make right with her, we are introduced to Lois' new beau Jonathan Carroll who is celebrating Lois' excellent work in covering the fire monster. Clark mentions to him that he thinks his name is nice (hint, hint, wink, wink?) and apologizes to Lois for interrupt their romantic exchange and walks away. Where many fans of the DCU Superman were disappointed to see a more Kryptonian version of the character in the DCnU, I'm pleased to say he's now more human than ever before. As he walks away, Perez and Jesus Merino shows us just how tough it is to be Superman. Clark, taking a page out of SInger's book, eavesdrops on the romancing couple. In this instance, we see just how lonely Clark is in this new universe and how painful it must be to be man who hears everything, all the time.
The entire Planet staff returns in the revamp. Perry White, who most fans will be happy to find out is still white in the comics, returns as the chief editor of the paper. Ron Troupe has been promoted to Lois' job and Cat Grant and Steve Lombard also return, but in a brief cameo appearance. New Characters, besides the afore mention Morgan Edge and Jonathan Carroll, include Ms. Izquierdo, the Planet's new publisher and Morrie, Jimmy's Asian partner and possible girlfriend. Both seem to be a blow for diversity, similar to what Ron Troupe was in the 90s, as both characters come from a minority group. To me, diversity is good as Superman has one of the least diverse books in comics. Longtime Superman baddie, Lex Luthor, is not mentioned, but exists since he made an apperance in Action Comics.
While I thought Action comics # 1 was a good launch title, I couldn't help but hope that I would see Superman's new suit in full action after Jim Lee's art made him look so amazing. Let me be the first to say that the art in Superman number is superb! Merino really shows off how amazing Superman's new suit really is. The dialogue and story isn't the best from the DCnu, but it's neither flat nor is it dull. This book has plenty of good in it, but it's not as good as Batman # 1 nor Red Lanterns, both of which I think are the cream of the crop in the relaunch, but it is a very good read and worth the price. It's definitely worth following whether you're a Superman fan or not.
I give it a 4 out of 5.
