By R.C. Samo
Editor-in-Chief
At what was once referred to in small circles as “Docile Comics,” the man of rust has been shined up to his formal glory, thanks to the polishing of Ralph “Rags” Morales.
Action Comics number seven is ready to hit news stands, revealing just how “The Man of Steel” obtained the colors representing the House of El.
“Grant (Morrison) does these things that are cool; once you get past the initial shock, it makes sense. He’s essentially outgrowing his past and moving forward. It’s the continued rebirth of the Alpha Person,” said Morales about his Action collaborator.
The initial concept for Superman starting off in blue jeans and a short cape was simple. Morales notes, “I didn’t want to make it so small as Verb from School House Rock; it was supposed to be a baby blanket. There was a time that his cape was just passed the jockey shorts, it was mid-thigh.”
Rags, a Jets and Mets fan, was excited yet slightly disappointed in being chosen to draw Superman. “Geoff Johns is a dick because he’s doing Shazam! without me,” jokes Morales, just before praising Johns’ work and congratulating him on his recent marriage.
“It wasn’t scary and it wasn’t final, but maybe I should be scared. I was disappointed for that moment that it wasn’t Captain Marvel. It’s not like I had choices; as an independent artist, it’s what they give you,” shrugs Morales. “I’ve been trying to get Captain Marvel off the ground for years. I always root for the underdog. I’d rather hang out with my favorite uncle than my father.”
However, once the reality set in for Action, “It was like Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! To know that I was going to do Action Comics from issue one and have to back up my opinion of Superman.”
The success of Action Comics and the New 52 are evident of the talent pool DC is able to fish out the best writers, artists, and inkers to soar above the competition.