Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank; Jon Sibal; Rob Leigh; & Brad Anderson
Cover Art by Gary Frank & Brad Anderson
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for October 2008, the third chapter of the five-part Brainiac storyline is entitled “Greetings.” At The Daily Planet, gossip columnist Cat Grant smugly targets Supergirl. Absent again, Clark’s cover story is that he is presently “on assignment” in Coast City. After Lois discreetly interrupts Supergirl’s naïve confusion re: Cat’s vanity implants, the cousin-in-laws discuss Superman’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, aboard Brainiac’s starship, a captive Superman resists interrogation by the villain’s cybernetic drones. Briefly escaping, the Man of Steel confirms Supergirl’s suspicions re: the stolen city of Kandor.
Superman is stunned that he has inadvertently given Brainiac the necessary coordinates to Earth. Supergirl is designated Brainiac’s next victim. Brainiac’s starship commences its invasion of Earth, as the Kents in Smallville and Lois & Supergirl in Metropolis look on in breath-taking horror. Even sleazy Steve Lombard wonders where’s the Man of Steel when you really need him.
REVIEW:
Gary Frank’s stellar rendition of a Christopher Reeve-esque Superman is always welcome. The art team’s visuals are once more superb, including an absolutely spot-on cover image. Writer Geoff Johns’ storyline continues to impress with this sci-fi/horror reboot of Brainiac that resembles a homage directed at Star Trek’s The Borg, Aliens, and probably The Terminator.
However, there are two parental advisory notes:
- As with Action Comics # 866, there’s another amusing gag sequence re: displaying Cat Grant’s recent cosmetic enhancements. The well-played joke is fun adult humor, but it’s inappropriate for impressionable younger readers.
- Superman’s Borg-like interrogation scene is a bit gross (i.e. when the Man of Steel extracts a metallic tube forcibly shoved down his throat). The imagery may be scary to kids.
Even so, Action Comics # 868 is a near-flawless gem of Superman entertainment.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Dan DiDio’s DC Nation column talks about writer J. Michael “Joe” Stracynski’s assignment writing Brave and the Bold. DiDio also announces that DC Comics has reacquired the necessary rights and will (this time) include Archie Comics’ super-heroes (the Fly; the Shield; Jaguar; the Mighty Crusaders, etc.) into DC Comics continuity.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
Note: The complete storyline is available in both hardcover and trade paperback form.
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
