Action Comics #23.3
Written By: Charles Soule Art By: Raymund BermudezSoule scripts a cringe-worthingly arrogant Lex Luthor that you can’t help but love. He does, and says, some awful things in this issue, that are a joy to read. However, the one sided angle on Lex comes off as superficial at times, and the art does this no favours, by showing no depth in personality for Lex on the page.
What makes this issue an overall enjoyable read textually is the mind-set Soule creates for Lex Luthor. He doesn’t make us side with the character, but scoff at how much of a jerk he is. Soule explores a day in the life of Lex without Superman and starts things off with a playful sequence where Lex offers a prison guard his jumpsuit to sell and make a fortune.
In the narration, Luthor’s delusional narcissistic ways are evident, when he says things like “I’m all he cares about,” with regard to Superman.
Moments like this one make for good laughs, but when Lex allows a manned shuttle to explode to prove a point to Metropolis, his villianous ways feel too predictable, and not layered. A lot of the fun of the character is typically wondering whether or not he’ll save the day.
The visuals from Bermudez offer a two dimensional perspective on the character, with unexpressive facial art. There are jarring jumps between characters, like the blocking of Lex and the prison guard between panels. The double page spread of Lex testing out his armoury is cluttered and takes away from the gravitas of his power.
On the surface, Action Comics #23.3 is a fun read about an awful Lex Luthor. By offering one take on the character’s moral compass, and sporting unmoving art, the issue falls short of giving the character a cerebral spotlight.
