Letter to Action Comics #13

I thought it was okay. Some scenes I really liked (the Perry White one is that the one that springs to mind at the moment), whereas some things didn't work that well for me (the reveal that the Cadmus scenes were a flashback that I just found distracting; the Clark, Pete and Martha scene that just seemed too syrupy, for want of a better word, for my liking, although I'm sure I could be wrong on that; the seeming need to point out scars all the time).

Well, okay, I liked this. It was enjoyable, and the Cadmus stuff didn't bother me at all. Also loved the Perry stuff. Piece of great writing, there.

I does kind of blow my mind that Jimmy Olsen is taken in my Luthor. Has he even talked to Lois or Clark? But that's a small thing.

The only thing that honestly through me off about this story was (and I hate to say it) the style. The present tense kept pulling me out of this story. (it doesn't with all story's, but this one it did). It almost read as script to me.

But the story itself was very intriguing and I love the subplots, a lot! Keep up the good work.

Nice job, Charlie! I actually think you've scaled it back a little bit in your newest run of Action (you'll recall I wasn't such a fan of your original run ). No bone-cracking or blood-spraying (well, not much--- and none of it belonging to our beloved characters--- well, not much of it, that is!), and some very interesting character development.

The Kent Family farm scenes are laid on a bit thick, but hey! This is Smallville! And Perry was a bit of a spaz--- though funny. But the various storylines got a good set-up here, particularly the Mystery of Isotope X! )I hope you will remember who Superman's first superpowered villain was, according to his origin in Who's Who!)

My favorite thing about this issue was the interesting juxtapositioning of the Perry White/Lex Luthor scenes. To answer Brian's concerns, I think that Lex (in our continuity) has always been seen as a force for good in Metropolis, with no more outright villainy than your average billionaire buisinessman (though I can imagine Donald Trump donning a green and purple battlesuit and menacing blue-skinned alien Green Lanterns). In fact, Lex is a bit of a hero, given his actions in the Crisis (his betrayal of Superman is probably not common knowledge). So a young man, like Jimmy Olsen, looking to get ahead (or out from under the tyrannical thumb of Perry White) might just indeed go to work for him--- and be won over by his apparant charm and seeming philanthropy!

Can't wait to see the mayoral race between Lex and Irons heat up--- and for the Planet to get involved!

Lastly, that cover was simply awesome! Another masterpiece, Roy, cementing your reputation as a leading interpreter of Superman at the DC2!

Wow thanks Dave, I'm just having fun!
I had a preview of this issue but either I had forgotten some stuff (which I do ALL the time, ask Charlie) or he snuck new stuff in after I saw it. Either way I was pleasantly surprised. My favorite part is Pete and Clark's friendship. I think it's very grounded for Clark to have a friend who is a human that he can confide in. I love the "throw short" Line great stuff. Reminds us just how much effort it takes for Clark to interact with humans on their level. I don't mind the scenes with Lana and Martha as long as we address it and move on. Let's not fall into that "Smallville" Lana trap of whining every episode and not making any progress as a character. I would also like to officially lobby for a Pete and Clark mini. Like a buddy movie. Think Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. I already mentioned it to Charlie and he has dubbed it "The Road to Krypton" PS: I saw next issue and OH MAN IT ROCKS!

This is the first time reading any of the stories here. And figures that I read a #13 of a series. But if I want to try and write this character I got to see how I can screw up his world first. I laughed my ass off at the Daily Planet scene. I was surprised with the Parasite part. Overall I loved it. Keep up the good work.

Mischief, the other 'Chief.

Overall I enjoyed this. Some of the things that I don't think worked as well have already been brought up so I will skip over that and focus on what I did like.

My favorite era of Superman was in the 90's because of the weekly stories featured in the rotating titles. Sure some of that was bad but the best part was that a lot of characters got the spotlight then. Also Metropolis was almost a supporting character throughout. I got that same feeling here with the various subplots and characters throughout the story. This was a good issue that let the story simmer before it boils over soon.

I love Steel and can't wait to see him go to toe to toe with Luthor.
(Who I liked here when he is scaled down a bit from the psycho he has been seen as in the past. Luthor is smart and should be in control more often then not!)

Some of my favs popped up as well. Bloodsport and Parasite are some very cool villains! And you know how much I love cool villians!