When DC Comics announced back in late 2017 that Brian Michael Bendis was defecting from Marvel to write both “Action Comics” and “Superman,” it was big news, with many fans excited to see how the prolific writer would handle the Man of Steel.
While Bendis’ run has received mixed reviews, the writer announced back in June that his time writing Superman was coming to an end. With the release of the December 2020 Solicitations from DC Comics, we now know that Bendis will end his run with “Action Comics #1028” and “Superman #28”.
ACTION COMICS #1028
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON
card stock variant cover by RAFAEL GRAMPÁ
ON SALE 12/22/20
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC
CARD STOCK VARIANT COVER $4.99 US
The powerhouse creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, John Romita Jr., and Klaus Janson wrap up their run on Action Comics with “House of Kent: Epilogue”! With the final fate of Metropolis’s underworld revealed at last, it’s time for each member of the House of Kent to face their unknown futures head on, including Lois, Conner, Jon, Kara, Jimmy, and, of course, Clark Kent! This standalone Superman story connects threads from Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Superman, Justice League, Legion of Super-Heroes, and other unforgettable series in epic – and unexpected – ways!
SUPERMAN #28
written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
card stock variant cover by KAEL NGU
ON SALE 12/15/20
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC
CARD STOCK VARIANT COVER $4.99 US FC
It’s the Man of Steel’s last stand in this final Superman tale by the superstar team of Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis, and Joe Prado! Superman comes face to face with an alien race that he desperately wants to help before it is too late. As the cosmically powered race known as the Synmar aim their deadly power at the Man of Steel’s adopted planet, Superman finds himself pushed past anything he has ever faced! Get ready to experience a powerhouse moment for Superman that’s been years in the making!
“I’m heading toward the end of my run on Superman,” Bendis revealed on David Harper’s Off Panel podcast. “So I’ve been more reflective on it and… I will never be more grateful than I got to heal my near-death experience through Superman and then get through this pandemic.”
Before signing with DC, Bendis had an MRSA infection that went septic and saw him spend nearly a month in hospital, with multiple visits to the ICU.
Bendis’ biggest change to Superman saw the Man of Steel reveal his Clark Kent secret identity to the world. Whether the next writer, whoever that might be, decides to somehow put that genie back in the bottle remains to be seen. We do know that writer Mark Waid has returned to DC Comics, with his name appearing amongst the credits for December’s “Dark Nights: Death Metal: The Last Stories of The DC Universe” one-shot alongside Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Gail Simone, Mariko Tamaki, Jeff Lemire, Cecil Castellucci, and Christopher Sebela. Whether or not Waid, who wrote “Superman: Birthright,” might return to take on the Man of Steel is anyone’s guess at this point in time. I guess we’ll find out for sure who is replacing Bendis when the January 2021 solicitations are released.
Don’t let the door hit you.
(takes deep breath)
*aaahhhhhh*
You see fellow civilians, God DOES exist, doesn’t he? 😀
It would probably take a higher power to ensure DC actually learns anything from their mistakes and does better by the character moving forward. Their track record for that is not so good. As far as genies back in bottles, don’t care how it gets done as long as it is done quick. Don’t drag it out with a big storyline. One issue, hell even one panel. All a dream? Fine. Mxy f’n around? Fine. Different Earth? Fine. Just forget it happened and move on with secret ID is back and Jon’s a kid again and with his family? Great!… Read more »