Action Comics #878 Review

Written by Greg Rucka

Penciled by Diego  Olmos

Cover by Andrew Robinson

The sleeper Kryptonians Az Rel and Nadira, still on the run, try to find a quick resting spot in New Mexico.  They take over a house as the cops arrive moments too late. 

The police find the house in shambles and in a closer investigation, run into their targets.  The police release fire to no avail as Az Rel and Nadira take mere moments to kill all of them.

Back in Metropolis, Thara Ak-Var (Flamebird) wakes up frightened in Lois Lanes apartment.  Thara immediately announces she must search for Lor-Zod (Chris Kent, Nightwing).  Lois calms her revealing that she is Chris' mother.

General Lane's special Team Alpha searches the Fortress of Solitude.  A kryptonian blood sample is recovered for further research. 

Hollister, General Lane's consultant informs him that Team Bravo searched the Fortress as well, uncovering the body of Empire Communications CEO, Davide Carter.

The results of the blood sample test returns and is presented to General Lane.  It is confirmed that David Carter was a sleeper Kryptonian as well as Chris Kent.  With no other evidence Lane is convinced that Lor-Zod killed David Carter.

Chris returns to Lois' apartment telling her about the events at the Fortress with his Kryptonian mom Ursa.   A news brief flashes across the tv screen updating the whereabouts of Az-Rel and Nadira.  Flamebird and Nightwing rush after them telling Lois they will be back.

Flamebird and Nightwing catch up with Az-Rel and Nadira and battle ensues with the heroes getting the upper hand.

Before they can be taken into custody, there is an interruption from Codename: Assassin with a groupd of green armored warriors.

Story:

This story started off very strongly with some intense action scenes and interesting plots.  This issue fell a little flat for me compared to previous ones.  Chris Kent is given a new name by Thara (K'Riss) which I don't remember being used before.  Nothing really seemed to move forward other than Nadira and Az-Rel being caught but that ended quick with Assassin showing up.   Hopefully the next issue picks things back up.

Art:

Maybe its just me, but I really missed the art from Eddie Barrows and Ruy Jose in this issue.  I'm not trying to take anything away from Diego Olmos, but it seemed thrown together and is a much different look than what we've had before.  If it stays consistent, I am sure it will grow on me.

Cover Art:

So far Andrew Robinsons covers have been great.  This one shows a great action piece and something that actually takes place in the comic.  Love the pencilled colors and the cool blue tone over all.  Another solid cover.