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Action Comics #1040 Action Comics #1040 KindleDownload iBookBuy Now

Action Comics #1040

Scheduled to arrive in stores: February 22, 2022
Cover date: April 2022

Reviewed by: James Lantz
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"Warworld Saga" - Part 5

Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Penciller: Riccardo Federici
Inker: Riccardo Federici
Cover: Daniel Sampere
Variant Covers: Julian Totino Tedesco and Alexis Franklin

Martian Manhunter continues his adventures in Metropolis while Superman and The Authority carry on in their fight on Warworld. Hints of rebellion move across the planet as the Man of Steel continues to battle Mongul. Though he has been beaten and broken, Clark continues to soldier on. There are those who wish for Mongul to kill his foe. However, the tyrannical ruler of Warworld refuses to allow Kal to become a martyr. His plans for Superman and the United Planets, whatever they may be, will not permit that.

As O.M.A.C. is being promised the resurrection of Lightray, Superman is teaching a brother and sister (whom he rescued from Mongul) the concepts of hope, love, truth and justice. Clark then receives a message from Midnighter. He and a group of rebels intend to destroy Warworld's star forges. If he does this, Superman's powers could return, but thousands will die. There may be a way around that, however, as Superman goes into the underground catacomb-like tombs which seem to have veined walls similar to the Genesis Crystal he encountered on Earth. Kal and his Phaelosian guide will have to return to the surface to warn the others of this new development. Plus, Mongul's guards have been ordered to kill the youth whom Superman had protected from Mongul.

5Story - 5: There's really nothing wrong with this chapter story wise. In fact, I enjoyed it immensely. My problems with this are perhaps more unfounded fears more than anything. I'm worried this whole saga will go on too long. I hope that isn't the case. The pacing itself is rather even. I'm just paranoid that it could risk going on like Marvel's "Spider-Man Clone Saga" from way back when. That doesn't change the fact that this is an overall great comic book. I merely needed to clear the air.

5Art - 5: I stated that this style is similar to something you'd see in "Conan". This seems especially influenced by Cary Nord's run on the Dark Horse comics featuring Robert E. Howard's Cimmerian character. The arena scenes are particularly well rendered.

5Cover Art - 5: Mongul looks absolutely menacing in this main cover. Daniel Sampere is probably one of the best artists to draw the character.

5Variant Cover Art - 5: Tedesco gives us a blast from the past mixed with modern styles. He pays tribute to Superman and DC Comics perfectly with this variant.

5Variant Cover Art - 5: Alexis Franklin is an artist whose work should be more prominent in the comics community. This image of Nat is iconic for both the artist and the character.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2022

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