Action Comics #894

I know this isn't exactly timely per se, but.....deal with it:

For comic writers, working with another person's creation is generally the rule when working on any project, especially if you work for DC or Marvel. However, some of the more unique and memorable characters of a writer's work are not used as often by other writers, because they fear they cannot live up to such a high standard. Paul Cornell broke that mold in an excellently written issue of Action Comics.

Action Comics #894 is about Lex Luthor's encounter with Death, but this Death is not the grim man with a robe and a scythe that we're used to. Instead, we were treated with the Death from Neil Gaiman's acclaimed Sandman: a cheery, seemingly teenaged girl. Gaiman's Death is full of life in great contrast to the seemingly dreary role she plays.

Cornell writes for the issue format masterfully. This issue could easily stand alone, yet calls back to the previous issue and sets up the next one with enough anticipation to make a month seem like an eternity.

Most shocking is the ability to write Lex Luthor admitting that there are things beyond his control, and have it not seem entirely out of character. Luthor's encounter with Death seems to humanize him. Showing that death (and Death) can effect Luthor in the same way as anyone else takes him off the pedestal of “evil genius mastermind”. Of course, he does try to tackle the situation analytically, because he just wouldn't be Lex if he didn't.

Cornell's writing is complemented wonderfully by the art of Pete Wood. Wood's backgrounds weren't the best in this issue, mostly due to the setting. No matter how talented you are, you can't make a black plane of existence an interesting background. But no one looking at the facial expressions Wood drew could call his art lazy. Flipping through this issue, I was astounded by the great faces Luthor would make. Whether he was scared, furious, or ever so slightly backing down.

This issue, along with Cornell's whole run on Action Comics so far, is something I would recommend to any comic fan, and even people who don't usually read comics. Well written, well drawn, and incredibly interesting Action Comics #894 was well worth the 3.99 admission price.