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Action Comics (2011)
Superman – Action Comics, Volume 8: Truth
Spinning out of the epic events of National Book Award nominee Gene Luen Yang's Superman, Volume 1: Before Truth, the secret is out: the world knows that Clark Kent is the Man of Steel!
The reprecussions of this massive event have affected Superman on every front, including his relationship with the once-trusted Metropolis Police Department. However, as Clark deals with a society that no longer trusts him, he must fight off a monstrous army called the Shadow Warriors as they try to destroy the city. The only problem? Along with his secret identity, Superman's powers have gone on the fritz. Does the former Man of Steel have enough strength to stop this grave threat?
From the critically acclaimed creative team of Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and Aaron Kuder, comes Superman: Action Comics, Volume 8: Truth.
Collecting: Action Comics 41-46, Sneak Peak
The reprecussions of this massive event have affected Superman on every front, including his relationship with the once-trusted Metropolis Police Department. However, as Clark deals with a society that no longer trusts him, he must fight off a monstrous army called the Shadow Warriors as they try to destroy the city. The only problem? Along with his secret identity, Superman's powers have gone on the fritz. Does the former Man of Steel have enough strength to stop this grave threat?
From the critically acclaimed creative team of Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and Aaron Kuder, comes Superman: Action Comics, Volume 8: Truth.
Collecting: Action Comics 41-46, Sneak Peak
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2016
6 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pak
1,649 books581 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 20, 2022
(B) 73% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: Supposedly Superman, its superhero's a social streetfighter: shadowboxing spooks, and sermonizing self-sufficiency.
Notes: Supposedly Superman, its superhero's a social streetfighter: shadowboxing spooks, and sermonizing self-sufficiency.
December 4, 2024
What does the mouse say about 3 stars?
The mouse says, "I liked it".
Sorry, folks, It wasn't one of the great Superman arcs. But it was good.
Something has begun sapping Supes' power. He is stalked by hordes of shadow enemies -- literally, shadows. Is someone, or something, behind the rage infecting Clark Kent's Metropolis neighborhood?
Decent story, but it had a lot of "lather, rinse, repeat", if lather means battle and rinse means battle against shadow monsters while having an un-Superman-ish temper. The art was also good but with a few flaws.
Good enough to get to the next round.
The mouse says, "I liked it".
Sorry, folks, It wasn't one of the great Superman arcs. But it was good.
Something has begun sapping Supes' power. He is stalked by hordes of shadow enemies -- literally, shadows. Is someone, or something, behind the rage infecting Clark Kent's Metropolis neighborhood?
Decent story, but it had a lot of "lather, rinse, repeat", if lather means battle and rinse means battle against shadow monsters while having an un-Superman-ish temper. The art was also good but with a few flaws.
Good enough to get to the next round.
January 31, 2020
Aaron Kuder's art is really, really good. The story I found so-so. More fighting shadow creatures. I felt like there was no payoff with the reveal of Wrath. There was no foreshadowing at all really. Just here's the mayor and it turns out she's suddenly evil. The whole depowered Superman story was really mishandled across all the Superman books.
May 17, 2021
With his secret identity exposed and his powers failing, Superman returns to Metropolis to find the entire town against him. But is there something more sinister afoot, or is it purely anti-Superman sentiment?
Another 'okay' volume. The idea of a powerless, exposed Superman has great potential, and there's a glimmer of what I thought we were doing in the opening issue as Supes travels the country trying to keep himself going and saving people where he can, but that's all jettisoned fairly quickly to get back to Metropolis in favour of this weird shadow-monster plot. The politics of it all are also kind of interesting, but are again thrown out after an issue or so in favour of more straight forward superheroics. The plot then devolves as we leave the four issue Truth arc behind in for Blind Justice which is just Superman and Frankenstein hitting each other until a feeble attempt at a feel-good ending.
It feels like this volume didn't want to commit to the bigger issues. It's not bad, but you can tell that Greg Pak wants to tell a different story than he's saddled with here. What starts out extremely promising backpedals away from anything even remotely deep so that we can get back to Superman hitting people, and that's more than a little disappointing.
The art's still the same story as before though - Aaron Kuder draws the majority of the first four issues before Scott Kolins steps up for the second two issues. Then Buffy artist Georges Jeanty attacks the final issue with some truly horrific pencils, but then he's also got like 5 inkers and 3 colourists so I think that one was a rush job all around.
A glimmer of something interesting smothered by superheroics for no apparent reason other than lack of conviction. Another shame.
Another 'okay' volume. The idea of a powerless, exposed Superman has great potential, and there's a glimmer of what I thought we were doing in the opening issue as Supes travels the country trying to keep himself going and saving people where he can, but that's all jettisoned fairly quickly to get back to Metropolis in favour of this weird shadow-monster plot. The politics of it all are also kind of interesting, but are again thrown out after an issue or so in favour of more straight forward superheroics. The plot then devolves as we leave the four issue Truth arc behind in for Blind Justice which is just Superman and Frankenstein hitting each other until a feeble attempt at a feel-good ending.
It feels like this volume didn't want to commit to the bigger issues. It's not bad, but you can tell that Greg Pak wants to tell a different story than he's saddled with here. What starts out extremely promising backpedals away from anything even remotely deep so that we can get back to Superman hitting people, and that's more than a little disappointing.
The art's still the same story as before though - Aaron Kuder draws the majority of the first four issues before Scott Kolins steps up for the second two issues. Then Buffy artist Georges Jeanty attacks the final issue with some truly horrific pencils, but then he's also got like 5 inkers and 3 colourists so I think that one was a rush job all around.
A glimmer of something interesting smothered by superheroics for no apparent reason other than lack of conviction. Another shame.
June 29, 2019
Superman gets a buzz cut (so he looks like me now) and fights a Venom-like black thing.
July 28, 2016
If only the second half was as good as the first half...Hmmmm that seems to be the same goddamn problem with every Superman comic I've been reading.
First half deals with a Superman with a lot less powers but a lot more to do. Sure he can't fly, sure he can be hurt, but he still feels like he must protect people. I also like how he has some traits from his original run at the start, that he gets angry quick, and it makes for a interesting and fun story. Especially when he gets into town.
But then we get the Wraith storyline. Which is decent at the start but by the end we have Superman facing off against Frankinstien. YES....you read that right. Yes...I nearly shut off my phone when reading that shit.
So the less said the better. For first half alone it's worth reading. 3/5
First half deals with a Superman with a lot less powers but a lot more to do. Sure he can't fly, sure he can be hurt, but he still feels like he must protect people. I also like how he has some traits from his original run at the start, that he gets angry quick, and it makes for a interesting and fun story. Especially when he gets into town.
But then we get the Wraith storyline. Which is decent at the start but by the end we have Superman facing off against Frankinstien. YES....you read that right. Yes...I nearly shut off my phone when reading that shit.
So the less said the better. For first half alone it's worth reading. 3/5
June 10, 2020
The first half of this book is 5 stars, in which a depowered Superman must stand against corrupt police officers intent on turning a peaceful street party into a bloody riot. It unfortunately loses its way beyond this in order to provide the reader with a massive show down complete with unnecessary cameos. Still the story in this book makes Superman more relevant than he’s ever been.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
When was Superman ever motivated by rage?
Contrived and absolutely tedious story, artwork is okay, but Superman looks nothing like he should.
Just an all round crappy comic.
Contrived and absolutely tedious story, artwork is okay, but Superman looks nothing like he should.
Just an all round crappy comic.
September 6, 2016
Okay this volume of the Action Comics is a mixed bag. I know many Superman fans are not fans of the depowered Supes of Greg Pak's run. I am being open minded. Fans are always saying they want something a little different with their Superheroes but complain when the creators do just that. This is not the first time Supes has lost his powers in comics but it is really interesting to see Superman tackle threats when his identity as been outed to the whole world. My biggest gripe is with the artwork. I am not a big fan of Kuder's artwork in this book. It just does not feel like a Superman book. There are times when it has good spreads and a few nice panels to look at but it comes off quirky at times. I did enjoy the plot which sees Clark Kent return to Metropolis when an monster calling itself Wrath begins taking over the people's minds of the city. The neighborhood folk of where Clark was living before he was discovered to be of the Man of Steel rally behind him to continue to protect their city even when the police begin to push back any civil disobedience. I can tell Greg Pak is trying to take Supes back to his roots as a social crusader. This is done well most of the time but their are some times it feels too political which may alienate readers who just want to be entertained. I am looking forward to finally reading the next arc which puts Superman against fan favorite DC Comics villain Vandal Savage. I really would give this book a 3 1/2 stars but Goodreads doesn't do half stars so it gets a generous 4 stars.
July 22, 2016
The first half of this book is fantastic. Kuder's art is great, Superman is faced with real problems that don't have easy solutions, and there are several great moments that showcase what makes Superman so awesome. At about the halfway mark, though, things devolve, as Superman goes hunting for Wrath, a baddie who is all about the shadows and rage. Outside of a handful of interesting moments, this arc falls flat, with the baddie telling Supes how crap he is, over and over and over, as we lumber through shadow fights to the inevitable conclusion.
Worth reading for the first half. 3.5 stars, rated up for Kuder's art.
Worth reading for the first half. 3.5 stars, rated up for Kuder's art.
July 17, 2016
Here's the "Truth", this book was a special kind of awful. There are characters acting completely out of character for starters; but the thing that really makes me angry, is that they basically turned Superman into Power Man/Luke Cage. If you want to work for Marvel, then go work for Marvel and leave DC alone.
June 24, 2017
I'm starting to sense the pattern here. Superman is infected with something which affects his powers, but then he turns the tables and uses the infection to his advantage somehow. Also, there was a big moment lost "between volumes" on which a good chunk of the plot was based (Superman's identity being publicly revealed).
October 22, 2016
Like a good chunk of Superman books these days, starts out good, then kinda meanders along.
December 20, 2025
Eh? I don't know why this particular arc was written but I guess it did...something?
Haha 😂 No, seriously, this arc could have been summed up in like 20 pages, but it carries on and doesn't add any real new subtext to Superman or better define the "Clark Kent is Superman, and everyone knows his secret."
Nice context on police brutality of the public and how the emotional state of wrath can be overall consuming, but the rest was lackluster at best.
Clark Kent is without his powers and begins in the frigid cold of the subarctic fighting off shadow creatures who are chasing him. Clark finds his way back to America and manages to buy a burrito, a new T-shirt, & a motorcycle before going to check into a motel when the citizens recognize him. He beats up two jerks and high-tails it to Metropolis where he learns that his block has been blocked off by the police.
Upon entering his block, he finds his best pal Jimmy, who is happy to see his friend and tells him that all of his neighbors are on his side. We are also introduced to a Lee Lambert, who is a firefighter and has admired & appreciated Superman for years. That's when a fire breaks out, and she is about to go on duty, but Superman takes off and finds shadow creatures in the wake of the destruction. Meanwhile, the police attempt to charge the block and claim that all the civilians need to leave. Lee tries to promote a peaceful gathering by encouraging everyone to sit down, but one neighbor won't have it and tries to oppose the police when a chemical bomb of pepper spray is hit, and the neighbor returns fire. The police begin to charge the civilians but Superman steps up with a chain to block them. One thing leads to another and the main cop refuses to back down. Superman punches him and the guy goes flying. Jimmy captures the shots of brutality breaking out around him, but when the cop gets up, it is revealed that he is not human. The cop is a shadow creature and ends up infecting Lee who tries to rebound one of the attacks.
We then cut to a few cops being asked to provide a character witness testimony by the judge who happens to be the mayor? The shadow creatures take over the police station but Superman and his citizens rise up to take them down.
We then cut to a diner and get an expos on how Superman is exposed to be Clark Kent. Clark returns to his hidden base outside of town, and Hiro shows up to pay Superman a visit and help. Superman blows up his base and warns Hiro to stay far away because her hurts everyone who is near him.
Clark then uses the face-distorting device given to him by Bruce to investigate a place called Lyfegene and upon further infiltration. Clark discovers that innocent people were abducted and used to experiment on the black shadow. Superman breaks out to free the people, and Wrath makes herself known. What follows is a major battle as Superman absorbs more goop in a fight vs. Frankenstein. Lee is used as a pawn by Wrath, but Superman steps in and absorbs all of the black shadows, then dives into the shadows like a portal to stop the jet missiles that Wrath has designed to aim an attack on Metropolis. When Vandle Savage shows up to take the gift away from the mayor (who was a created villain because Metropolis was destroyed and killed her mom in the process via the alien attack from Brainiac, and then wanted to work with Superman, but he became SuperDoom and destroyed Metropolis once more).
Superman's shadows are ripped away from him, and everything is absorbed into Vandle Savage's box. Lee shows up to help Superman out of a wheat field.
The plot drags on and doesn't have any real definitive direction but it is interesting at the very least. I didn't really like this volume, but it wasn't awful compared to other New 52 volumes. 6.7/10 🌟. Let's hope vol 9 redeems this series.
Haha 😂 No, seriously, this arc could have been summed up in like 20 pages, but it carries on and doesn't add any real new subtext to Superman or better define the "Clark Kent is Superman, and everyone knows his secret."
Nice context on police brutality of the public and how the emotional state of wrath can be overall consuming, but the rest was lackluster at best.
Clark Kent is without his powers and begins in the frigid cold of the subarctic fighting off shadow creatures who are chasing him. Clark finds his way back to America and manages to buy a burrito, a new T-shirt, & a motorcycle before going to check into a motel when the citizens recognize him. He beats up two jerks and high-tails it to Metropolis where he learns that his block has been blocked off by the police.
Upon entering his block, he finds his best pal Jimmy, who is happy to see his friend and tells him that all of his neighbors are on his side. We are also introduced to a Lee Lambert, who is a firefighter and has admired & appreciated Superman for years. That's when a fire breaks out, and she is about to go on duty, but Superman takes off and finds shadow creatures in the wake of the destruction. Meanwhile, the police attempt to charge the block and claim that all the civilians need to leave. Lee tries to promote a peaceful gathering by encouraging everyone to sit down, but one neighbor won't have it and tries to oppose the police when a chemical bomb of pepper spray is hit, and the neighbor returns fire. The police begin to charge the civilians but Superman steps up with a chain to block them. One thing leads to another and the main cop refuses to back down. Superman punches him and the guy goes flying. Jimmy captures the shots of brutality breaking out around him, but when the cop gets up, it is revealed that he is not human. The cop is a shadow creature and ends up infecting Lee who tries to rebound one of the attacks.
We then cut to a few cops being asked to provide a character witness testimony by the judge who happens to be the mayor? The shadow creatures take over the police station but Superman and his citizens rise up to take them down.
We then cut to a diner and get an expos on how Superman is exposed to be Clark Kent. Clark returns to his hidden base outside of town, and Hiro shows up to pay Superman a visit and help. Superman blows up his base and warns Hiro to stay far away because her hurts everyone who is near him.
Clark then uses the face-distorting device given to him by Bruce to investigate a place called Lyfegene and upon further infiltration. Clark discovers that innocent people were abducted and used to experiment on the black shadow. Superman breaks out to free the people, and Wrath makes herself known. What follows is a major battle as Superman absorbs more goop in a fight vs. Frankenstein. Lee is used as a pawn by Wrath, but Superman steps in and absorbs all of the black shadows, then dives into the shadows like a portal to stop the jet missiles that Wrath has designed to aim an attack on Metropolis. When Vandle Savage shows up to take the gift away from the mayor (who was a created villain because Metropolis was destroyed and killed her mom in the process via the alien attack from Brainiac, and then wanted to work with Superman, but he became SuperDoom and destroyed Metropolis once more).
Superman's shadows are ripped away from him, and everything is absorbed into Vandle Savage's box. Lee shows up to help Superman out of a wheat field.
The plot drags on and doesn't have any real definitive direction but it is interesting at the very least. I didn't really like this volume, but it wasn't awful compared to other New 52 volumes. 6.7/10 🌟. Let's hope vol 9 redeems this series.
August 24, 2023
Y'know, for a little over two issues, this story threatens to become something REALLY special... but then it completely chickens out and turns into something cowardly, nonsensical, and reactionary.
Set during the cursed New-52 run, as part of DC's desperate "DC You" publishing initiative (meant to shake up the status quo in crazy ways, like making Batman a robot for a year), this volume starts in media res with Superman massively depowered, his secret identity made public, and his hair chopped down to a buzz cut for some reason. No longer able to fly and without his dumb New-52 nanotech power armor (ugh), he buys a motorcycle and an "S"-shield T-shirt, and sets out to right what wrongs he still can. Which: neat! It's the return of Folk Hero Superman-- an idea that Grant Morrison had at the START of the New-52, but which didn't last nearly long enough to make an impression. It's a good hook!
And things get REALLY interesting when the Metropolis police-- who largely resent Superman for making them look bad-- march on Clark's old neighborhood in riot gear to quell support for the Man of Steel in disadvantaged communities. Superman tries to peacefully protest with his neighbors, but the cops use tear gas and batons on the community, forcing Clark to fight back against the cops. The second issue ends with Supes full-on slugging the commanding officer in the face-- which is awesome! "The book's tackling police violence against marginalized communities," you think; "Superman's taking a stand against a real-life issue!"
... Then in the next issue, you find out that the one cop Supes punched is actually an evil shadow monster, and that all the other cops were totally innocent and were just following the orders of a single, corrupt superior.
(*sigh*)
See, throughout the book Supes is being attacked randomly by these inexplicable shadow monsters that can take the form of, like, ninjas or kaiju or whatever. And after learning that a cop has been infected by it, we find out that all the police corruption and violence is actually the result of the machinations of the female BIPOC mayor of Metropolis, who is secretly a shadow-powered supervillain named Wrath who wants to infect everyone with evil shadow superpowers and make them her minions.
In the metaphor the narrative ultimately settles on, the shadow-stuff is RAGE-- specifically, rage against injustice. The mayor was raised poor and disadvantaged, but managed to bootstrap her way to success in a cruel and unjust world-- and the shadows are her anger at the injustices she's witnessed. So she wants to spread the anger around... infecting people, empowering them, and driving them to take action (and unwittingly fall under her sway).
So... when all is said and done, this is a story villifying the righteous anger of oppressed minorities, and suggesting that taking action to destabilize corrupt power structures is simply playing into the hands of the REAL bad guys.
It sucks.
The last three issues of the book are so stupid they're not really worth talking about. Suddenly Folk Hero Superman has high-tech safehouses and holographic face-altering tech (because he's friends with Batman, naturally), and he infultrates a high-tech laboratory to free people infected with the shadow goop, and he fights Frankenstein, and UGH, it's just awful. To see a story that started with so much promise, veer so wildly into mediocrity, is deeply depressing.
It could have been something special, this story. But like the rest of the New-52 and "DC You", it's probably best left forgotten.
Set during the cursed New-52 run, as part of DC's desperate "DC You" publishing initiative (meant to shake up the status quo in crazy ways, like making Batman a robot for a year), this volume starts in media res with Superman massively depowered, his secret identity made public, and his hair chopped down to a buzz cut for some reason. No longer able to fly and without his dumb New-52 nanotech power armor (ugh), he buys a motorcycle and an "S"-shield T-shirt, and sets out to right what wrongs he still can. Which: neat! It's the return of Folk Hero Superman-- an idea that Grant Morrison had at the START of the New-52, but which didn't last nearly long enough to make an impression. It's a good hook!
And things get REALLY interesting when the Metropolis police-- who largely resent Superman for making them look bad-- march on Clark's old neighborhood in riot gear to quell support for the Man of Steel in disadvantaged communities. Superman tries to peacefully protest with his neighbors, but the cops use tear gas and batons on the community, forcing Clark to fight back against the cops. The second issue ends with Supes full-on slugging the commanding officer in the face-- which is awesome! "The book's tackling police violence against marginalized communities," you think; "Superman's taking a stand against a real-life issue!"
... Then in the next issue, you find out that the one cop Supes punched is actually an evil shadow monster, and that all the other cops were totally innocent and were just following the orders of a single, corrupt superior.
(*sigh*)
See, throughout the book Supes is being attacked randomly by these inexplicable shadow monsters that can take the form of, like, ninjas or kaiju or whatever. And after learning that a cop has been infected by it, we find out that all the police corruption and violence is actually the result of the machinations of the female BIPOC mayor of Metropolis, who is secretly a shadow-powered supervillain named Wrath who wants to infect everyone with evil shadow superpowers and make them her minions.
In the metaphor the narrative ultimately settles on, the shadow-stuff is RAGE-- specifically, rage against injustice. The mayor was raised poor and disadvantaged, but managed to bootstrap her way to success in a cruel and unjust world-- and the shadows are her anger at the injustices she's witnessed. So she wants to spread the anger around... infecting people, empowering them, and driving them to take action (and unwittingly fall under her sway).
So... when all is said and done, this is a story villifying the righteous anger of oppressed minorities, and suggesting that taking action to destabilize corrupt power structures is simply playing into the hands of the REAL bad guys.
It sucks.
The last three issues of the book are so stupid they're not really worth talking about. Suddenly Folk Hero Superman has high-tech safehouses and holographic face-altering tech (because he's friends with Batman, naturally), and he infultrates a high-tech laboratory to free people infected with the shadow goop, and he fights Frankenstein, and UGH, it's just awful. To see a story that started with so much promise, veer so wildly into mediocrity, is deeply depressing.
It could have been something special, this story. But like the rest of the New-52 and "DC You", it's probably best left forgotten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2021
Największa tajemnica Supermana wyciekła na jaw. W połączeniu z jego osłabieniem zwiastuje to tylko nadchodzące problemy, na dodatek w większych ilościach. Bo przeciwnik z 'Suparman: Before Truth' i wróg tutaj nam prezentowany to tylko etapy osłabiania bohatera przed spotkaniem z sprawcą zamieszania, który ujawni się na końcu omawianego tomu.
Zanim jednak do tego dojdzie Clark pozna jak to jest żyć między ludźmi, którzy oskarżają go o wiele nieszczęść, jakie spadły na nich w wyniku działań Supermana. To stawianie czoła konsekwencjom dawnych czynów, czasami mające mocne podstawy, a czasami całkowicie irracjonalnym. W końcu Supek broni ludzi przed tymi złymi, ale nie jest nieomylny, ani wszechmocny. Nie zawsze zdąży na czas, a wyniku walk zawsze może ucierpieć ktoś postronny. Rodzi się pytanie, czy super bohater ma być zwolniony z odpowiedzialności za cierpienie jakie niesie jednym wraz z ratunkiem dla innych?
To mógł być sztos w tym temacie, ale jednak nie jest. Pak udowadnia, iż Supek nawet bez mocy stanowi motywację i bodziec dla innych do działania, ale nie dostajemy tu pełnej odpowiedzi na pytanie jakie zadałem w końcówce poprzedniego akapitu. Niemniej widok Supermana broniącego swojej dzielni przed policją, która zachowuje się mocno irracjonalnie. jest całkiem interesujący. Choć największym plusem był sam początek historii, kiedy Kent traci dostęp do Fortecy Samotności oraz do swojego legendarnego kostiumu.
Image zmieniony, motor kupiony. Kryzys wieku świętego gwarantowany. Do tego przeciwnicy oraz ich dowódczyni. Nie był to dobry złoczyńca. Wrath (całkowicie inna postać niż ta w czwartym tomie Detective Comics w ramach New 52!) ma słabą motywację, choć jej moce są ciekawe. Na jej tle równie źle wypada w pewnym aspekcie... sam Superman. Bo to dosyć błyskotliwy i mądry gość, który tutaj zachowuje się czasami głupio i rozwiązuje sprawy siłą, którą utracił. Miejscami to było słabe. Nie wiem też co myśleć o nowej postaci, Lee Lambert. To zdecydowanie pozytywna postać, która jako jedyna z ludzi zdaje się radzić z cieniami Wrath, które 'opętują' tych, którzy mają kontakt z substancją, ale miałem wrażenie, że to postać filler. Sprowadzenie Supermana na poziom ulicy to unikatowy moment, pozwalający na nietypowe rozwiązania. Mam wrażenie, iż Pak tego nie wykorzystał do końca. Jest tylko poprawnie.
Kuder ze swoją kreską w pierwszej, większej części komiksu daje radę. Drugą część powierzono komuś innemu i to widać, oj widać. Nie jest może tragicznie źle, ale to też ta część gdzie Pak irytuje mnie zbyt często pokazując jak to Supek stracił swoją moc. Jakby to była kartka to by się długopisem przebił na drugą stronę, tak często podkreślając ten temat. A nie o to tu chodzi. Nie jest to słaba pozycja, bo pomysły tu zawarte bawią i cieszą, ale jednocześnie z drugiej strony mamy wiele miernych momentów. Uwłaczających intelektowi bohatera, z czym nie potrafi się pogodzić.
Zanim jednak do tego dojdzie Clark pozna jak to jest żyć między ludźmi, którzy oskarżają go o wiele nieszczęść, jakie spadły na nich w wyniku działań Supermana. To stawianie czoła konsekwencjom dawnych czynów, czasami mające mocne podstawy, a czasami całkowicie irracjonalnym. W końcu Supek broni ludzi przed tymi złymi, ale nie jest nieomylny, ani wszechmocny. Nie zawsze zdąży na czas, a wyniku walk zawsze może ucierpieć ktoś postronny. Rodzi się pytanie, czy super bohater ma być zwolniony z odpowiedzialności za cierpienie jakie niesie jednym wraz z ratunkiem dla innych?
To mógł być sztos w tym temacie, ale jednak nie jest. Pak udowadnia, iż Supek nawet bez mocy stanowi motywację i bodziec dla innych do działania, ale nie dostajemy tu pełnej odpowiedzi na pytanie jakie zadałem w końcówce poprzedniego akapitu. Niemniej widok Supermana broniącego swojej dzielni przed policją, która zachowuje się mocno irracjonalnie. jest całkiem interesujący. Choć największym plusem był sam początek historii, kiedy Kent traci dostęp do Fortecy Samotności oraz do swojego legendarnego kostiumu.
Image zmieniony, motor kupiony. Kryzys wieku świętego gwarantowany. Do tego przeciwnicy oraz ich dowódczyni. Nie był to dobry złoczyńca. Wrath (całkowicie inna postać niż ta w czwartym tomie Detective Comics w ramach New 52!) ma słabą motywację, choć jej moce są ciekawe. Na jej tle równie źle wypada w pewnym aspekcie... sam Superman. Bo to dosyć błyskotliwy i mądry gość, który tutaj zachowuje się czasami głupio i rozwiązuje sprawy siłą, którą utracił. Miejscami to było słabe. Nie wiem też co myśleć o nowej postaci, Lee Lambert. To zdecydowanie pozytywna postać, która jako jedyna z ludzi zdaje się radzić z cieniami Wrath, które 'opętują' tych, którzy mają kontakt z substancją, ale miałem wrażenie, że to postać filler. Sprowadzenie Supermana na poziom ulicy to unikatowy moment, pozwalający na nietypowe rozwiązania. Mam wrażenie, iż Pak tego nie wykorzystał do końca. Jest tylko poprawnie.
Kuder ze swoją kreską w pierwszej, większej części komiksu daje radę. Drugą część powierzono komuś innemu i to widać, oj widać. Nie jest może tragicznie źle, ale to też ta część gdzie Pak irytuje mnie zbyt często pokazując jak to Supek stracił swoją moc. Jakby to była kartka to by się długopisem przebił na drugą stronę, tak często podkreślając ten temat. A nie o to tu chodzi. Nie jest to słaba pozycja, bo pomysły tu zawarte bawią i cieszą, ale jednocześnie z drugiej strony mamy wiele miernych momentów. Uwłaczających intelektowi bohatera, z czym nie potrafi się pogodzić.
August 27, 2023
Action Comics: Truth continues off of the title series' Before Truth, where Superman not only has his identity outed to the public, but he's also depowered now. No longer welcomed in Metropolis, Superman roams the nation on motorbike, with many civilians distrusting them, including former friends. Arrest warrants are out for him, and with no more superpowers, the public is willing to take that chance to take on Clark Kent. During a short return to his city, Clark is surprised to see he has a whole city block of supporters who are wanting to change the area's name after Superman. But some enemies are taking to the shadows (literally) to turn any goodwill left to vengeance against him, including Superman's own mind.
Volume 8 does better at expanding on the crisis that followed Before Truth. Showing that not everyone's happy to learn of Superman's identity and turning the tables against him. Seriously, the Man of Steel has become a walking target wherever he goes now. In the process, Superman is very much cautious and somewhat hostile to a lot of things. When in combat, Superman is ever more heavily reliant on strategizing now, given his physical state, but he appears to become more reckless too (this is a plot point also in the story). More at stake is that the enemy appears to be taking over the authority (police & politicians alike), so things are getting pretty grim for our hero.
Despite all this grim atmosphere, there is still some glimmers of hope. Small factions are still on the supporting side of Superman, showing much appreciation for him throughout this volume. Superman is still Superman, even without his powers, standing by to defend those in need and inspiring others to do the same. One little nice touch is the writers making a reference on the stance of police brutality, with the beginning story having Clark take part in a peaceful protest when the cops were about to get violent. Honestly, even though the collected works here are all connected, it does almost feel like two separate arc. There are heavy themes of corruption, rage and world order in this volume, more so than other previous ones, but I liked that it worked good on here. Even through it all, Superman managed to remain the hero he knows he is.
Volume 8 does better at expanding on the crisis that followed Before Truth. Showing that not everyone's happy to learn of Superman's identity and turning the tables against him. Seriously, the Man of Steel has become a walking target wherever he goes now. In the process, Superman is very much cautious and somewhat hostile to a lot of things. When in combat, Superman is ever more heavily reliant on strategizing now, given his physical state, but he appears to become more reckless too (this is a plot point also in the story). More at stake is that the enemy appears to be taking over the authority (police & politicians alike), so things are getting pretty grim for our hero.
Despite all this grim atmosphere, there is still some glimmers of hope. Small factions are still on the supporting side of Superman, showing much appreciation for him throughout this volume. Superman is still Superman, even without his powers, standing by to defend those in need and inspiring others to do the same. One little nice touch is the writers making a reference on the stance of police brutality, with the beginning story having Clark take part in a peaceful protest when the cops were about to get violent. Honestly, even though the collected works here are all connected, it does almost feel like two separate arc. There are heavy themes of corruption, rage and world order in this volume, more so than other previous ones, but I liked that it worked good on here. Even through it all, Superman managed to remain the hero he knows he is.
February 6, 2017
After the disappointing Superman, Volume 1: Before Truth, this is a much superior take on Superman being outed to the public.
To start with, Pak takes the Nu52 Superman back to his populist beginnings, first chronicled by Morrison in Superman: Action Comics, Volume 1: Superman and the Men of Steel. In general, the Nu52 Superman has been very uneven, but the one glimmer of hope was in the first Action Comics volumes, written by Morrison, which really presented an intriguing working man's hero, so it's good to see him back here, in the end.
Beyond that, there's a much more nuanced look at Superman and the effects he has on city, good and bad. We get people on both sides, and a better understanding of how people might dislike Superman's effects.
The villain in this volume is a new one, and that's always a bit of a trick, but Pak does a good job of making the shadows both interesting and a believable threat to Superman.
Finally, I love his new supporting cast member, Lee.
My only complaint about this volume is that it goes on for one or two issues too long. The intriguing fights against the shadows in the first several issues have gotten a little old by the one.
Still, this feels like what the Nu52 Superman always should have been. If the other authors had managed to stick with the character found here and in Morrison's stories, I think the reaction would have been much different, but instead we got a lot of dull stories filling the majority of the Nu52 run (particularly over in the eponymous Superman title) with a Superman that was so bland as to be characterless.
To start with, Pak takes the Nu52 Superman back to his populist beginnings, first chronicled by Morrison in Superman: Action Comics, Volume 1: Superman and the Men of Steel. In general, the Nu52 Superman has been very uneven, but the one glimmer of hope was in the first Action Comics volumes, written by Morrison, which really presented an intriguing working man's hero, so it's good to see him back here, in the end.
Beyond that, there's a much more nuanced look at Superman and the effects he has on city, good and bad. We get people on both sides, and a better understanding of how people might dislike Superman's effects.
The villain in this volume is a new one, and that's always a bit of a trick, but Pak does a good job of making the shadows both interesting and a believable threat to Superman.
Finally, I love his new supporting cast member, Lee.
My only complaint about this volume is that it goes on for one or two issues too long. The intriguing fights against the shadows in the first several issues have gotten a little old by the one.
Still, this feels like what the Nu52 Superman always should have been. If the other authors had managed to stick with the character found here and in Morrison's stories, I think the reaction would have been much different, but instead we got a lot of dull stories filling the majority of the Nu52 run (particularly over in the eponymous Superman title) with a Superman that was so bland as to be characterless.
July 29, 2025
This series was never particularly strong, but this volume is where things really start to unravel. Key story developments, like Clark losing his powers, happen entirely in the other Superman title, which is a major problem. If the entire premise of this volume is Superman being powerless, then not showing how or why that happened, without even a flashback, is a massive storytelling failure. It starts the volume off on the wrong foot.
Beyond that, this volume feels more like a side story to the other Superman book, when it should be the other way around. This is Action Comics, the flagship Superman title, and yet it reads like the secondary series.
The plot itself is underwhelming. The shadow creatures introduced early on were intriguing and had potential, but they were quickly sidelined in favor of a generic fight with Wrath. It’s disappointing, because the shadow creatures offered a far more unique and visually compelling threat. Speaking of visuals, Kuder’s art remains consistent with the rest of the series, solid in places, but nothing that elevates the material.
Overall, this volume had some promising elements, but it missed the mark entirely. I can’t recommend it.
Grade: D+
Beyond that, this volume feels more like a side story to the other Superman book, when it should be the other way around. This is Action Comics, the flagship Superman title, and yet it reads like the secondary series.
The plot itself is underwhelming. The shadow creatures introduced early on were intriguing and had potential, but they were quickly sidelined in favor of a generic fight with Wrath. It’s disappointing, because the shadow creatures offered a far more unique and visually compelling threat. Speaking of visuals, Kuder’s art remains consistent with the rest of the series, solid in places, but nothing that elevates the material.
Overall, this volume had some promising elements, but it missed the mark entirely. I can’t recommend it.
Grade: D+
May 10, 2017
It's Superman vs Anger! Well, Wrath, officially, but apparently his opponent is shadows made up of bad feelings. No, really. Superman serves not as a super hero but as a community leader that punches things and tries to motivate people to be good and maybe not punch things. And then he punches things. But he doesn't even punch things well.
Okay, when did Superman become an idiot? He used to be smart, even brilliant. But this version of him, he's completely ruled by his emotions in spite of his head (his mantra here seems to be 'I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I'm gonna anyway'). So we get six issues of him punching shadows (and meet some decent side characters, who he supports and then immediately marginalizes), before the final issue reveals who is really behind it (spoiler, it's stupid).
I kind of get where Greg Pak was trying to go here, but it doesn't work. At all. It's just another volume of obnoxiously underpowered and illogical Superman. But the artwork's not bad.
Okay, when did Superman become an idiot? He used to be smart, even brilliant. But this version of him, he's completely ruled by his emotions in spite of his head (his mantra here seems to be 'I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I'm gonna anyway'). So we get six issues of him punching shadows (and meet some decent side characters, who he supports and then immediately marginalizes), before the final issue reveals who is really behind it (spoiler, it's stupid).
I kind of get where Greg Pak was trying to go here, but it doesn't work. At all. It's just another volume of obnoxiously underpowered and illogical Superman. But the artwork's not bad.
September 22, 2018
So really not liking Superman's new look - I know that we have to have angst and drama with Superman losing his powers but did we have to lose his hair as well? Why??? And how come he has bulked up so much - are they implying that a de-powered Superman is coarse and like a "red neck"? Not a fan.
Parts of the book are interesting - Clark coming back to Metropolis and seeing Kentville was great. Him standing up to the police was a good touch as well. However, the second half went off the rails and devolved to a super-demon infecting all us poor humans. I was hoping for something a little more. It made all the dissatisfaction with Superman the fault of the demon which lost the point. There were a few panels which I liked but the solution was very pat.
Superman was thankfully not as mopey as I was expecting. Phew! However, combined with the art which I didn't like and an inconsistent story made for an average read.
Parts of the book are interesting - Clark coming back to Metropolis and seeing Kentville was great. Him standing up to the police was a good touch as well. However, the second half went off the rails and devolved to a super-demon infecting all us poor humans. I was hoping for something a little more. It made all the dissatisfaction with Superman the fault of the demon which lost the point. There were a few panels which I liked but the solution was very pat.
Superman was thankfully not as mopey as I was expecting. Phew! However, combined with the art which I didn't like and an inconsistent story made for an average read.
February 24, 2021
Taking place on the last days of the "New 52" publushing initiative by DC comics, this volume is somewhat one of my favourites during that period.
If you know the basics about Superman, you just have to know that now his identity has been exposed, and a new ability gets him depowered for a period of time. That cleared, Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder gives us a story about the reaction of the community close to Clark Kent in Metropolis, now that the secret is no more. And some kind of creature feating on the hate that has filled the people that may feel wronged by an alien posing as one of them.
A really fun, action packed volume that only suffers by the absence of the starting artist in the last issues, but definitely a recommend for people that want to get a grip on a different (if not lasting) version of the Man of Steel
If you know the basics about Superman, you just have to know that now his identity has been exposed, and a new ability gets him depowered for a period of time. That cleared, Greg Pak and Aaron Kuder gives us a story about the reaction of the community close to Clark Kent in Metropolis, now that the secret is no more. And some kind of creature feating on the hate that has filled the people that may feel wronged by an alien posing as one of them.
A really fun, action packed volume that only suffers by the absence of the starting artist in the last issues, but definitely a recommend for people that want to get a grip on a different (if not lasting) version of the Man of Steel
April 17, 2023
This is part of the "Truth" storyline, in which Superman has to deal with the consequences of his secret alter ego being outed to the world. To make matters worse, his powers are very diminuished.
Most readers seem to really dislike this "Truth" storyline, but I quite enjoy it. The way SUperman is given no quarter or rest from all angles across all main three SUperman books, and has to deal with personal attacks from villains, the govermment, as well as the mistrust of the geenral population, and even old close friends makes for a exciting read. Despite the considerable amount of action, there is still alot of time spend on character development, which lends some depth to the proceedings.
Artowrk, mostly by Aaron Kruder is fantastic. Reminds me of Frank QUeitly, while having very much his own personal style. It's really good.
A solid 7/10.
Most readers seem to really dislike this "Truth" storyline, but I quite enjoy it. The way SUperman is given no quarter or rest from all angles across all main three SUperman books, and has to deal with personal attacks from villains, the govermment, as well as the mistrust of the geenral population, and even old close friends makes for a exciting read. Despite the considerable amount of action, there is still alot of time spend on character development, which lends some depth to the proceedings.
Artowrk, mostly by Aaron Kruder is fantastic. Reminds me of Frank QUeitly, while having very much his own personal style. It's really good.
A solid 7/10.
December 7, 2020
I'm really torn between giving this a 3 or 4.
While reading it I felt the art was great but it very much felt like a filler volume with just a small amount of larger story points peppered throughout.
Reaching the last issue of the volume I was set to give it 3 stars... then the final volume teased a larger villian that I know is a big part of The Final Days of the New52 Superman.
Any case the reveal got me excited so I say it was worth the read and is 4 STARS.
But because a bunch of it felt generic I've rated it 3 on GoodReads...
Before Truth had real Essentials plot. TRUTH is skippable.
On to Superman Volume 2 Return to Glory ... find out if this is essential to one of my favorite Superman/AC arcs.
While reading it I felt the art was great but it very much felt like a filler volume with just a small amount of larger story points peppered throughout.
Reaching the last issue of the volume I was set to give it 3 stars... then the final volume teased a larger villian that I know is a big part of The Final Days of the New52 Superman.
Any case the reveal got me excited so I say it was worth the read and is 4 STARS.
But because a bunch of it felt generic I've rated it 3 on GoodReads...
Before Truth had real Essentials plot. TRUTH is skippable.
On to Superman Volume 2 Return to Glory ... find out if this is essential to one of my favorite Superman/AC arcs.
February 17, 2023
More of a 3.5
The themes of wrath, self control, and injustice are a bit muddled, but the premise of the plot enticed me all the way through. However, I’m not a fan of depowered Superman because I don’t think it makes him any more interesting, and I think that applies here too. Clark appears vulnerable sometimes, but is never in any real danger or disadvantage. The plot doesn’t commit to the idea.
I like to see Superman return to his social justice roots, although this book definitely doesn’t embrace it as much as I’d like. It’s still great to see Superman see the value of community and mutual aid.
the execution of this book is lacking, but not so much that it’s a complete miss. The art is good and the narrative remains mostly focused.
Overall, a solid read.
The themes of wrath, self control, and injustice are a bit muddled, but the premise of the plot enticed me all the way through. However, I’m not a fan of depowered Superman because I don’t think it makes him any more interesting, and I think that applies here too. Clark appears vulnerable sometimes, but is never in any real danger or disadvantage. The plot doesn’t commit to the idea.
I like to see Superman return to his social justice roots, although this book definitely doesn’t embrace it as much as I’d like. It’s still great to see Superman see the value of community and mutual aid.
the execution of this book is lacking, but not so much that it’s a complete miss. The art is good and the narrative remains mostly focused.
Overall, a solid read.
April 26, 2023
Not a fan of this one, particularly because of its empty politics. When your story borrows so much imagery from protests and excessive police force, but ultimately ends up dismissing systemic issues as a shadowy, fictional villain — it ends up hollow. It ultimately amounts to saying nothing, and almost offensively resolves tensions between police force and the rioters as a big misunderstanding, simply needing to see ‘they’re on the same side’. Ultimately, it’s frustrating because this is a story that could be done well. At least we have Superman Smashes the Klan and a plethora of golden age stories that did a better socialist Superman. He’s a champion of the oppressed, not a centrist.
March 29, 2025
His powers failing him and his identity revealed to the world, Clark Kent has never been more vulnerable.
I really enjoyed this story of a weakened Superman, he's lost access to his Fortress of Solitude and can't fly, but still he fights to protect his neighbourhood from trigger-happy riot police and a deals with a conspiracy threatening to destroy Superman.
There's something tragic about New 52 Superman in hindsight. This was a Superman who would never last, who would "die" in order to return to the more popular status quo. I think that adds heightened enjoyment to reading the final few volumes before Rebirth.
I really enjoyed this story of a weakened Superman, he's lost access to his Fortress of Solitude and can't fly, but still he fights to protect his neighbourhood from trigger-happy riot police and a deals with a conspiracy threatening to destroy Superman.
There's something tragic about New 52 Superman in hindsight. This was a Superman who would never last, who would "die" in order to return to the more popular status quo. I think that adds heightened enjoyment to reading the final few volumes before Rebirth.
June 4, 2023
The first arc in this volume is “Hard Truth”. Superman has lost his power and his identity has been revealed. A small block in Metropolis around Clark Kent’s apartment remains loyal to Superman. Clark has to defend them from corrupt police and an evil shadow monster that really gets to the heart of Superman being the champion of the oppressed. Kind of interesting. The next arc is “Blind Justice” where depowered Clark fights more shadow monsters. It’s just kinda weird and convoluted way to say Superman always keeps fighting. It had more potential.
August 5, 2024
Superman - Action Comics Vol. 8: Truth
A depowered Superman has been revealed to the world as Clark Kent and now Metropolis wants revenge on the alien who visited so much terror on the city. A hideous black shadow may hold the key to Superman's redemption.
I think the depowered Superman idea was fascinating, breaking the character down to his very core and showing how hard it is to try to do the right thing. Beautiful artwork and colouring showcase the characters at their best.
A depowered Superman has been revealed to the world as Clark Kent and now Metropolis wants revenge on the alien who visited so much terror on the city. A hideous black shadow may hold the key to Superman's redemption.
I think the depowered Superman idea was fascinating, breaking the character down to his very core and showing how hard it is to try to do the right thing. Beautiful artwork and colouring showcase the characters at their best.
August 10, 2017
As I've made clear in past reviews I enjoy the jeopardy that truth has applied to superman. Seeing a rawer, different side of Superman, seeing his human side I guess, has been real fun. This story is gritty and shows superman against the world but battling on despite the physical and emotional pain it is causing him. I also found it fascinating his desire (almost lusting) after his departed powers makes for some great moments.
Overall a great read!
Overall a great read!
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