The redefining, refining and reinventing of the “new” Superman and his world continue in Action Comics #5. In this issue we get the retelling of Superman’s origin, and while the classic and familiar elements are there, Grant Morrison is able to present new things and give new takes to the more familiar elements. While this issue might seem as a bit of a filler, as it’s a sort of interlude from the larger story arc, it actually ties with earlier issues and progresses certain sub-plots as we see what happens to Superman’s rocket after he found it way back in issue 2. Having the rocket’s I.A. , refered to as “Brainiac”, tell the story is different as it presents a different type of narrative. The second half of the story though is a bit more typical of Grant Morrison as the phantoms from the Phantom Zone have escaped and moments later the current Superman and a somewhat different looking Legion of Super- Heroes show up, setting up next issue.
This issue’s art was done by guest penciller Andy Kubert and well I haven’t the words to describe the art, detailed, wonderful story telling and expressive.
The back-up story by Sholly Fisch and Chriscross focuses on the Kents, from the day of their wedding and through the trails they went through to try to have a family and ending just moments before they found the rocket that carried baby Kal- El. It’s a nice story as we are introduced to the new take on the Kents and picking up from the previous continuity, these Kents aren’t an elderly couple, but most likely around their late thirties or early forties. The art by Chrisscross matches Fisch’s story as it is a very positive story and 90% of the time we see the Kents smile. I really like the take on Jonathan always positive and whenever Martha felt down he was always there to pick her up.
It’s a great issue and it was a bit surprising that it didn’t take long to get the New DCU Superman’s origin.
