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Action Comics #1015 is published by DC Comics, written by Brian Michael Bendis, with art by Szymon Kudranski, colors by Brad Anderson, and letters by Dave Sharpe. This issue continues the ‘Year of the Villain’ arc wherein Lex Luthor is enhancing the powers of supervillains worldwide. However, this month the book takes a left turn to focus on a newcomer, Naomi. Naomi is a brand new superhero who appeared in the last issue looking for the Man of Steel.
Superman has plenty to deal with these days including superpowered gangsters, Lex Luthor’s ascension to power, and Leviathan. So it might seem like another villainous ploy when Naomi, a teen with incredible energy powers crashes in his neighborhood. Fortunately for him, she’s looking for help from the Man of Steel. The issue takes place only a few hours after Naomi got her powers so it showcases some of her backstory.
This envelops Action Comics #1015 in a familial, upbeat story that contrasts nicely with prior issues of power plays, mysteries, and violent vigilante action. Naomi offers these pages a breather from the various dramas in Superman’s life while letting the Man of Steel have the time to act as teacher and mentor. There is an excellent sampling of this when Superman, having scanned Naomi for her power set, tells her how she might be able to fly, and then, silently, he lifts off. He teaches but allows her to figure out her own limits. It’s a beautiful two pages that display the Man of Steel as a down to Earth character while giving readers an easy introduction to Naomi. This issue also drops in numerous plot elements taking place in the DC Universe including the Multiverse, which is becoming public knowledge.
In previous reviews, I have praised Bendis’ writing in Action Comics. What makes issue Action Comics #1015 so good is it introduces readers to a new character and garners enough interest to make me want to read Naomi while leaving space in the plot for other plotlines to show up. Nothing felt rushed or underused.
Additionally, the art complements the story, this time in a big way. Kudranski has Naomi nailed down and as typical in this series, he has a lot to draw. There is a lot of action sequences and none of them disappoint. Kudranski excels at creating dynamic panels with superhero extras coming in and out and excellent focus on the various character’s facial expressions. Anderson illuminates this issue with bright yellow lights, horrific pink and magenta, and some very richly inked panels. Action Comics is a good series and truly makes Superman relatable and an exciting read. There’s a lot going on but it never feels as if a lot has been missed and the creative staff team great care with every aspect of it.
Action Comics #1015 is available wherever comic books are sold.
Action Comics #1015
TL;DR
Action Comics is a good series and truly makes Superman relatable and an exciting read. There’s a lot going on but it never feels as if a lot has been missed and the creative staff team great care with every aspect of it.
William J. Jackson is a small town laddie who self publishes books of punk genres, Victorian Age superheroes, rocket ships and human turmoil. He loves him some comic books, Nature, Star Trek and the fine art of the introvert.