Today an entire history and universe concerning the Man of Steel was rebooted, and people are actually okay with that. Plenty of people were worried that Morrison and Rags Morales would give waiting comic book fans 40 pages reeking of disappointment, but luckily this is not the case. Most reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with only a couple of small setbacks that may be remedied in further issues.

DC’s website describing the stats on this comic rightly notes that, “This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!” After all, Superman was the first super hero. Justice League #1 takes place five years ago, leading readers to believe that this first issue of Action Comics must take place before that because Superman has not yet acquired his full costume. He wears his red cape but sports jeans, boots and a t-shirt scribed with his famous “S” logo. He is still a greenhorn at this superhero business, and charges right into matters without thinking things through as young men are wont to do. This adds a certain intrigue to this first issue leading to many questions: how does he get into his super hero career? When will he adopt his costume? When will Metropolis finally embrace him? For Superman is not much loved in his chosen city. Those who he has saved are grateful, but everyone else is wary and frightened. It brings to mind Batman’s touch and go relationship with the Law.

It’s nice to see that Superman wasn’t always such a boy scout. He doesn’t seem to have found his ethical/moral code of honor yet, so we see him kicking down doors and being just a wee bit too rough. I suppose if Batman had met Superman at this stage of his growth they may have become better friends.

This is a fast paced, energetic issue. Luckily Rags Morales is able to keep up and still be capable of telling a story with his art. Superman looks younger, but not adolescent. Action scenes are vibrant and pleasing to the eye. Superman is clear cut, modern, young, and expressive. Jamie Slough from whatculture.com points out that, “Morales struggles to draw the general public at times, eyes in the wrong place or heads oddly shaped, even Clark Kent looks a little bit like a potato at times – I don’t know if this is intentional to help accentuate the difference between humans and Superman (and even Clark and Kal) but its a bit jarring.”

This is a must read issue. Some small negatives about the art are not enough to convince me to throw this into the trash. It is fun, refreshing and honestly, who can resist a more modern retelling of such a classic story like Superman? Action Comics #1 was released September 7, 2011 and retails for $3.99. Pick up a copy of your younger and greener Superman today.