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Action Comics #1038

Scheduled to arrive in stores: December 28, 2021
Cover date: February 2022

Reviewed by: James Lantz
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"Warworld Saga" - Part 3

Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Penciller: Miguel Mendonca
Inker: Miguel Mendonca
Cover: Daniel Sampere
Variant Covers: Julian Totino Tedesco

While Martian Manhunter seeks out who hired the new Human Flame, Warworld's star forgers are creating red solar energy. A battered Superman is in chains, defeated in battle by Mongul. The Authority has unsuccessfully taken on his gladiators. Only Midnighter has escaped the fate of his allies. The Warlord of Warworld plans to use his armies and weapons to bring the United Planets to its knees. However, even caged within the dungeons of Warworld, nothing, not even Midnighter's doubtful discourse, will deter the Man of Steel as he attempts to rally the troops in his weakened state. All hope may not be lost, for in a neighboring cell, a prisoner draws Superman's S-shield on the floor.

5Story - 5: I must admit that I was not expecting to like this serial as much I am right now. Granted, Darkseid, Mongul and Brainiac are among my favorite villains in DC Comics. Yet, I first thought this was going to be a rehashing of the Post-Crisis "Exile" story. It does take inspiration from that, but it also adds its own details, making it one of the finest Superman stories ever written. Plus, it's entertaining science fiction, which I love immensely.

5Art - 5: Miguel Mendonca and Daniel Sampere have similar art styles, making much of what they both have done in this series pretty uniform. The differences between their work is extremely minor. That said, Mendonca works as perfectly with Philip Kennedy Johnson as Sampere does. The Warworld visuals, particularly those in the dungeons, are downright stunning in this issue.

5Cover Art - 5: This is a beautifully drawn cover that hints at the comic's events without giving the buyer too many spoilers. That's what every main cover should do instead of looking like a movie poster.

5Variant Cover Art - 5: Julian Totino Tedesco seems to have changed gears a bit with some Frazetta Conan inspiration. That doesn't change the fact he has crafted one of the finest variants since he began on this title.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2021

Note: Except for digital first releases, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic went on sale.

January 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021

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