Letters to Action Comics #40

Great conclusion to "Kon-El!" Brian! I think you did well to mesh Conner feeling loyal to Xadu, confused by the implanted memories, but also happy to be starting a "new" life being SUPERBOY! This whole story arc has really made me glad to be reading something with Conner again since DCU well shall we say...lacks something like that lol. Nice little Robin slip in there by the way. And that last line made me smile. Good job, Brian!

Brandon's cover was also superb! I really like Superboy's design. Gotta love the leather jacket!

Thank you Sir. I have a few thoughts on my trip through the Superman mythos that I plan on sharing as I leave as writer of this book and resume my role as editor, but I'll save those for when I'm not at work. Glad you enjoyed it, though. And as editor I will have to say, "Take note of that last line, next writer of this book."



Brandon is the first, and the best! He went way beyond for this and I really do appreciate it. I had to have the jacket and I was really glad that B agreed with me. I am in his debt for doing this.

I just need to preface this feedback by saying I have nothing but the utmost respect, admiration and indeed affection for the creative team on this issue (I mean, Roy+Brian+Brandon+Charlie--- who could ask for anything more?!?)--- but I really felt this issue took a wrong turn .

This was a strong, interesting arc, with some really nice moments, and this issue in and of itself was not bad at all: strong writing, some good characterization, and a great new character joins the pantheon of heroes... and of course that last bit of dialogue between Clark and Connor is a classic! The villains were handled beautifully (especially the brilliant new creation Dr. Xadu), and the lighter tone mixed with a sense of drama made for an overall fun issue.

My biggest hang-up was the origin of Superboy. It just plain creeps me out. Also, the fact that we now have Clark as a father (I... suppose...?) is a huge shift in the way this character will have to be written, and maybe I missed something, but does the fact that Superman and Lois returning together from Smallville where they left Connor with Martha Kent mean that Lois knows Clark is Superman?

I want to reiterate I'm not disappointed, per se, in this creative team at all (this will go down as perhaps one of the all-time cclassic runs at the DC2), but this is not a turn of events I can easily get behind (but then, maybe I'm, being a backseat writer ). However, I will be back next issue, and will continue to support my all-time favorite character, and see how this all comes out in the wash!

Oops, sorry! For some reason, I thought you were the editor...

I'm honored. And... uh oh.



Yeah, I did love those last two lines myself. Roy was amazing with Dr. Xadu and I hope I was able to do right by him.



(I... suppose...?) might just be the right way to think at this point. As was written, Superman had a bit of an ephinay when he realized Dr. Xadu had a much bigger plan in the works. This was just an opening act. I left many, many things ambiguous for a reason.

And unless I'm mistaken, the Superman and Lois scene was before Clark went back to the farm in the epilogue (set weeks later). I really apologize if that wasn't clear. Lois does not know who Superman really is, but she continues to have a relationship with the man of steel.

[quoteI want to reiterate I'm not disappointed, per se, in this creative team at all (this will go down as perhaps one of the all-time cclassic runs at the DC2), but this is not a turn of events I can easily get behind (but then, maybe I'm, being a backseat writer ). However, I will be back next issue, and will continue to support my all-time favorite character, and see how this all comes out in the wash!

[/quote]

You, Sir, are never a back seat driver. You are the man who engineered this world, and so you have a great passion for all these characters. Totally understandable. All I can ask is that you hang in there with us. A great new writer, a new direction, and more answers in this and in a certain new book that will be coming out at the end of the year, should explain it all.

Thank you for being honest and taking the time to read and respond, Dave! It always means a lot.

Shoot, Dave used most of the comments I wanted to make.

I also thought that Lois knew or found out Superman's secret identity, the way the final scenes were written ("returning from Smallville..."). Even re-reading it left me confused, but maybe that's just me.

The actual biology of Superboy is a little...disturbing. It will be interesting to see how Kal handles explaining to Kara everything that has gone down, as well as how Superboy is presented to the world at large (his son? Who is his mother?). I also am concerned with Superman now taking a fatherly role, as opposed to a big brother one a la Supergirl, but I suppose that would be in character for him. And how will Lois deal with all this heavy stuff?

That said, I actually enjoyed this arc tremendously. Xadu really grew on me as a villain, in an almost Luthor-like way, and I always love to see Captain Marvel in action (though I felt for poor Mary). I always love to read your writing, and I also loved the last line. Still not sure if I'll become a big fan of Conner, but I remain to be swayed.

What's that you say? There's going to be a Young Justice title in the near future? That IS exciting news! ;D

Well, I enjoyed it all. I am, of course, worried about Xadu's influence. I hope that this Superboy has better luck with that than his "mainstream" DC counterpart did.

The fighting was good, and the Tim cameo was nice also.

I have the feelin Amazo is going to want Luthor's head after this. Lex may have made one mistake too many.