Written by David Michelinie.
Art by Tom Grummett; Denis Rodier; Bill Oakley; Glenn Whitmore; & Digital Chamelon.
Cover Art by Tom Grummett.
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Sins of Change,” DC Comics released this issue for May 1997. Lois guides her bewildered husband, Clark, into using his strange new energy powers to heal his battered human form. Seeking advice, Superman consults young second-generation hero, The Ray (Ray Terrill), about life as an energy being in humanoid form.
Inside the Fortress of Solitude, a violent revolution rocks the bottled City of Kandor. An escaped Kandorian renegade, Ceritak (known to Earthlings as ‘Scorn), explores Metropolis seeking out a rematch with Superman.
Sporting new metal assimilation powers (reminiscent of Marvel’s Absorbing Man), Metallo gleefully terrorizes the Oceanside Amusement Park. Despite Metallo nearly killing him in the day, Superman joins forces with the Metropolis SCU against Metallo’s most dangerous incarnation yet. The Superman/Metallo feud subsequently shifts to Man of Steel # 68.
Briefly depicted is Jimmy Olsen opportunistically seeking an exclusive explaining Superman’s new look. Having recently covered for Clark’s extended absence, Perry White wearily hints at dire medical news to discuss with his wife.
Note: For DC’s interlocking Superman titles, this issue is # 21 in order that year.
REVIEW:
Unlike writer David Michelinie’s ho-hum plotting, the art squad’s visuals hold up relatively well a quarter-century later. Given Superman’s ‘blue electric’ phase was a desperate sales gimmick, it is hardly surprising that Action Comics # 733 is forgettable. Still, this issue offers a harmless bargain bin find for any child’s entry-level comics collection.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Along with “Watch This Space # 42” sharing some DC insider tidbits, there is a two-page “Re-Action” letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
