This morning the New York Post has the scoop on the official cover for September's Action Comics #1.
As the image embodies one of the most dramatic renovations in the line of 52 new #1s, we wanted to spotlight it here. No, that promo image from last month was not metaphorical as some had theorized. Superman really is going to be wearing a T-shirt and jeans in his earliest adventures as recorded in Action Comics. We have visual confirmation and an explanation from writer Grant Morrison.
"We felt it was time for the big adventures of a 21st-century Paul Bunyan who fights for the weak and downtrodden against bullies of all kinds, from robot invaders and crime lords to corrupt city officials," Morrison says of the street-level young hero.
Sound familiar? It should. This is where Superman started in those early Action Comics adventures of the 30s and 40s. Before Lex. Before Kryptonite. He was a bit like a powerhouse Daredevil, taking down slum lords and local corruption.
As such, we can likely infer that the ongoing Action Comics will relate the earliest Superman adventures while Superman focuses on the modern exploits which run parallel to most of the other 52 ongoing titles. Scoff at this image of Superman in jeans if you must, but understand that this is not the only Superman you'll be getting.
Me, I'm thrilled. I love the idea of a back to basics Superman. The first real metahuman in the DCU, with no entanglements with Batman or the JLA. This is very exciting. That said. That said. The suspicious likeness to Captain Marvel here has the gears going at full crank…
Update: Here's the cover to Action Comics #2:
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That cape is so small…
But that’s a nitpick. Yeah now understanding that this is of Supes’ earliest adventures in Metropolis, then this totally makes sense. If you were just a wide-eyed farm boy dumped into the city, I can understand that you’d just take up fighting crime in the slums and alleyways before deciding to take on bigger issues like corrupt corporations and illegal government black ops teams. I wonder if he’ll be treated as a vigilante at first, just like Batman?
Color me interested, I’m onboard for the first few issues.
I like it. But I also like the new suit, so my opinion may not matter too much to die hard Superman fans. 🙂
This feels like the Wonder Woman incident all over again. While the cover art is nice, the outfit is almost too practical. It’s probably akward to fight crime in it. I’m sure other people love it, it’s just not my taste.
I’m not against Superman’s jeans/T-shirt look only because I literally laugh every time I see it haha.
ew
I actually really like it. I’m also betting that Grant Morrison is helping us get to and understand the new costume he’ll have in Justice League. I really like a super accessible Supes.
so wait wait wait I need some clarification from connor or ron, is this a reboot or a retcon?
Literally my first thought was “That’s awful”. The second? “That’s really awful”
Superman fighting street gangs does not sound all that interesting to me, You have Superman who is probably one of the most obscenely powered superheroes of all time and you are going to have him fighting mobsters and street gangs. One of the reasons I have never been a huge fan of the live action Superman movies is the fact that they never have him fight any villains that are really a challenge to him, and before you say but he has fought lex luthor in the movies, let me say that none of the live action movies have ever done Lex Luthor justice. Now all start superman did an excellent job of portraying Lex Luthor.
So, it’s not metaphorical like I thought, but I wouldn’t worry too much. This first arc of Morrison’s is set as a sort of Year One, by all accounts, right? So he’s using the “farmboy” look to show Clark’s first outings as Superman. It makes sense that he might start like this. I’d guess Morrison is perhaps detailing the equivalent of Bruce’s first “street clothes” outing in Batman: Year One…
Having read Morrison’s take on Superman in SUPERGODS, I’m VERY excited.
i just want a good, current Superman book.
damn this is the book i’m most excited for out of all the new #1’s
If he’s just running around in a Superman T-Shirt and jeans, he’s gonna run into one hell of a lot of people who look just like him…
So I’m wondering, will Superman have the same level of powers in “Action Comics” as he will in “Superman”? Because if his powers increased over time, it would make sense to start fighting “small” crime early on, when he’s not yet at his peak. If you want to take on big calamities and super criminals, you need to be able to fly, change the course of mighty rivers, etc. Muggers, not so much – speed and nigh-invulnerability might be enough. It might also make sense for the costume to evolve over time as well. You gotta start somewhere, right? Just a thought.
I dont like Superman being the “first” hero in the new DCU. I understand it’s a reference to him being the first published “superhero” character (arguable, although he is often recognized as the first character to combine a costume with super-human abilities). And I’m sure he will serve as an inspiration to others to do the same in the new DCU. But I find that pretty limiting for a whole universe.
Um, yeah. I thought the other “cover” looked a lot cooler…and was more reminiscent of the original Action Comics cover.
This could be really awesome… I hope it is.
Here’s the thing… we don’t know.
Hmm, Superman Vs Street Level criminals.
Am I the only one who see’s the problem there?
I mean, sure Superman would help people with that problem, but he could destroy them, so it’s not going to make for a very interesting story. I always feel that the interesting thing about Lex Luthor is that he is the perfect villian for the most powerful superhero, Superman can’t just solve the problem of Lex Luthor by punching him, and no matter what he does he always has a team of legal experts to get him out of anything.
It might just be me though. I guess you can’t please everyone.
.. I’m still gonna pick it up though..
@fantasticflembo128 It’s how Superman started originally–he took on street level criminals: wife beaters, slum lords, etc..
@conor I guess. I don’t see it being very interesting reading about Superman beating up normal powered slightly rich people, isn’t that kinda more Batman’s thing? I suppose those were the things people were afraid of in the 30’s and that’s why that worked then. I just don’t see it working now, as it won’t be as relatable to as it was then. It might just be me, and I do hope I’m wrong.
Good god, do we really need yet ANOTHER origin? How many times are they going to shove this down our throats, everyone joked that Secret Origin would only be canon for 3 or 4 years max, well looks like DC outdid themselves, leaving it canon for just one year!
Also, Im just really bummed that the Kents are dead. And Clark, ahem, I mean, Kal-El a brooding loner? Seriously, I THOUGHT Morrison understood Superman is cool just being who he is and that there is no need to make him more hip or relevant.
@kennyg I have read elsewhere that his power set akin to what it was back in the 30’s. No flight, yet. So, good call (if reports are right).
I love everything about this except for the little cape and the Kents being dead. So, I love everything important about this.
Excited about all the opportunities forthcoming!
I was so excited to see this new cover because the first one shown was so gorgeous. Then I saw this and I’m like:
“Oh……That’s a cover alright”
Why is Superman wearing Krypto’s cape?
Updated with the cover for Action Comics #2.
Honestly, I prefer the original “cover” image. It seemed much more mysterious and less “happy fun times.” Not that I expect grim and gritty Superman stories, but there was an ominous quality that I liked from the first image. He also seemed more real somehow.
This image, in comparison, seems more cartoonish. And I can’t say I’m thrilled about the idea of Superman vs. Thugs Of The Month. I assume there’s more to it than that. I hope there’s more to it than that…
I was on the fence about this, but now I’m going to have to pass on at least the first issue (until maybe I read some reviews).
The initial image we saw was intriguing. These covers are too pedestrian.
And I’m very underwhelmed with this whole “Fighting for the underdogs!” idea that Morrison seems to be pushing. That’s just the 1950s Superman all over again. And none of the other qualities that Morrison describes seem all that new either. Fighting against “robot invaders” and corrupt politicians? We’ve seen all that before, in recent years.
Morrison is too impressed with himself here. He’s picking out certain nostalgic concepts and he’s so in love with them that he thinks he’s being original. Maybe the series will end up being great, but he’s not as original and groundbreaking as he says he is.
The first image of this series made me think this really WAS going to be a genuinely different take on the character. Now it seems like “Superman’s Greatest Hits (according to Grant Morrison)–The Remix!”, which isn’t nearly as interesting to me.
Just so we’re clear: this is a from-the-ground-up Superman series by the author of All-Star Superman which, according to the reviews I’ve read, can heal the sick just by keeping it on the night stand.
This is going to work out just fine.
@froggulper It’s actually 1930s/40s Superman. By the 1950s Superman’s primary goal seemed to be to maintain the status quo in society. He was not fighting for the underdogs at that point.
@froggulper Just to clarify, that’s pre-war 1940s. Superman as defacto government agent happened during World War II and continued on through the 1950s.
I agree with DarkKnightDetective. I’m not that interested in in a brooding loner Superman. isn’t that supposed to be Batman’s schtick? And the Kents are dead? Major mistake! I have tried to be optimistic about this reboot thing but everything I’ve read just makes me sad. I rather enjoyed the recent Superman Earth One story. Any chance we can make that the new reality and make this Morrison story an “Elseworlds” tale?
I like it.
We’re seeing conflicting quotes about the “brooding” thing. Morrison says it’s more hopeful and I think that’s going to turn out to be the case. Supergods points to that. I think Dc just says brooding for the SEO value.
Shadowy baldy on #2 = Lex Luthor?
I really hope they depower him and wonder woman a bit.
I agree with a lot of the posts that it’s in the context of the story that he’s wearing that. It’s Action #1, it’s Morrison, it’s all good…
I thought the original image we saw when the reboot was announced was fantastic. I think this current cover is just alright. It doesn’t seem as interesting as the first one, more of just a generic superman pin-up page. But I’m digging the cover to issue #2, and I’m REALLY excited for the comics themselves. I have bought maybe 3 issues of Action Comics in 30 years, but I’m actually very much looking forward t this series.
I’m very excited for this series. Building Superman from the ground up is a great idea, it will connect with readers because unlike superman now, readers, especially new readers, will grow with superman, and knowing morrison’s knowledge of the mythos, Superman will grow to become a hero we look up to.
I would love to see meteropolis grown with him, becoming the city of tomorrow that it’s been known as.
It’s not the clothes. It’s the (Super)man
You can’t kill the Kents. Superman’s supporting cast is amazing, but it’s really, really small. Without the Kents you’re down to Jimmy, Lois (not even that anymore), and Perry. Sure it might make for a good story now, but taking out the Kents is a really bad long-term move.
Lose the half-cape. Looks stupid.
@zombox
Losing the cape still won’t make it look good (See ‘Conner Kent’ for details)
I’m definitely digging this. Superman as he’s been portrayed in recent decades is both too powerful to have interesting action; and too enslaved by the world’s status quo to have any value as a champion of good, freedom, etc. Alex Ross’s noxious Superman: Peace on Earth being an excellent example. Watching the MAN OF STEEL cowed by tinpot dictators with hostages made me physically ill. And I wasn’t even into the character to begin with. Watching a Superman stand up for what he considers, on his terms right or wrong, should really be interesting.
@serabird I may be wrong about this, I’m guessing Conor would know for sure, but when Superman was originally created, The Kents had passed away. I believe the idea of keeping the Kents alive to be a part of Clark’s adult life was one of John Byrne’s changes when he rebooted the character post-Crisis.
@JohnVFerrigno @serabird Conor commented earlier that the Kents were had in fact based before Action #1 debuted in 38.
Also, I’m not sure why the kent’s still wouldn’t have a presence in this series or in the superman mythos. Look at Uncle Ben, died in Spidey’s first appearance and has been a lasting impactful character on Peter. He was even discussed in last week’s issue of ASM.
Ma and Pa Kent will make apparencesd in flashbacks, Clark will reference them, and the man Clark will become will always be because of the Kents. With Morrison’s love of the character and the mythos, even though these characters are deceased they will still be around.
@WeaklyRoll I believe that back in the “old days” Clark didn’t even go to Metropolis until both his parents passed away. Having the Kents around is a post-Byrne “Man of Steel” reboot thing we’ve all grown up with. I personally like having the Kents around – it humanizes Clark and gives him a good support network. But I’m willing to give this a shot. Hopefully it doesn’t turn out like All-Star Batman…
Haven’t really seen too much of Rags Morales’ art since Identity Crisis, but based on these covers he’s seemed to have changed his style a bit. I’m digging it.
Also, if people are complaining about the writer of ALL STAR FREAKIN SUPERMAN being on this book, then i guess some people really can’t be satisfied.
Actually I believe the very first newspaper series that Superman appeared in had Superman raised in an orphanage with no Kents and no farm in Smallville. The Kents added a human element not only to Superman but also Supergirl and Superboy and I think cutting off that connection this early in the reboot is a mistake. Superman is an alien who, with all his powers, embodies all that is best about humanity. That compassion is due in large part to the Kents. I don’t mind the de-powering of Superman and concentraiting on smaller stories. That’s not original, it’s been done many times before. But I think losing Ma and Pa before the stories even begin is a bad move.
Also I haven’t read anything about Perry White or Jimmy Olsen and I believe one of the press releases indicates that Lois Lane has a much more important role. Perhaps Lois is now the Editor in Chief or publisher of the Daily Planet? Making her Clark’s boss? Now that could be an interesting story twist that I might enjoy. They would start off their relationship as boss and employee not competitive equals.
I don’t mind the tee-shirt, jeans and work boots since they have already said these are just temporary and we know he winds up in a costume. But I did think this was supposed to be a new updated Superman. Didn’t patched jeans and work boots go out in the seventies? Isn’t this the era of expensive crosstrainers or flip flops? And what’s with the knee pads? Both the jeans in the above picture and the new costume seem to have knee pads. Has he been roller bladeing?
As far as the new costume goes it’s … okay … from the waist up. Hate the utility belt, knee pads and strappy boots. Artistically they just don’t work. The cover of the 52 preview free comicbook due out next week already shows modifications to Wonder Woman’s costume – she has white stars on a bikini bottom with bare legs. Is this a mis-print? I hope they tweek Superman’s (and Supergirl’s) costume before their debute in September.
Final thought – many of the pictures of the “new” Superman show his eyes are glowing red. Is this perhaps a way of further disguiseing his identity in public? It would be a lot harder to nail Clark Kent as Superman if the public never sees Supes real eyes. It would certainly make him more alien appearing and harder for the public to identify with. It would also be interesting if Clark couldn’t control his eyes from glowing when he gets angry. Could cause interesting problems for Clark Kent crusading reporter. Just a thought.
re: the cover for #2- How in the world does Supes let himself get captured, and strapped to an electric chair? verrrry interestingk
Is this really supposed to attract new readers, or just cause a ruckus to get people talking about Superman in order for the “talking” to attract new readers? We have seen these kinds of stunts before and we will see them again. 3 years from now: Crisis on Infinite Earths 2 – revert.
The costume does look a bit off. Aside from the colours, it’s basically what Connor Kent wore/wears (he hasn’t changed yet, but will very soon, so I don’t know what tense to use), shoes, jeans, and the logo on a t-shirt. It’s just that cape… It’s shorter, and it just doesn’t go with the whole casual lower half.
It was all I thought when I saw the #1 cover for the first time. “That almost looks awe inspiring, except for that tiny little cape back there which ruins it.”
All that said, it’s Grant Morrison writing. And in the case of Superman, that overrules any possible doubts.
@kennyg At least ma kent being alive pre-dates Bryne; see Superman: The Movie for Pa Kent’s death being a catalyst to leave Smallville, but Ma Kent’s alive & kicking.
Im probably in the minority here, but I dont really need or want to see Superman as the FIRST hero in the new continuity. We already know Batman’s going to have operated in secret for a while, but I hate losing the whole JSA in the process. I got a whole rant about how the JSA could be retooled in a number of ways that keep them as the first heroes, but I’ll save that for elsewhere. What we really want is a Superman that isn’t necessarily first but is the icon or the standard-bearer, for the rest of the world.
@Skyfire124 I think DC has only said that Superman is going to be the first super-hero. So I think it’s totally possible that the JSA could still have existed in some capacity during WWII, but they either weren’t publicly known (decent explanation), or just simply weren’t called super-heroes (kind of weaselly explanation). I would imagine that once Barry Allen’s tweaked origin is revealed you’ll know a lot more about how they’re handling the JSA.