Action Comics #1025
Scheduled to arrive in stores: September 22, 2020
Cover date: November 2020
“The House of Kent” – Part Four
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Klaus Janson
Cover: John Romita Jr.
Variant Cover: Lucio Parillo
Reviewed by: James Lantz
“The Invisible Mafia ends tonight.”
This is what’s written in an article under the double byline of Clark Kent and Superman. It is being sent to Lois Lane as Superman, both Superboys, Supergirl and Brainiac 5 scour Metropolis for any signs of Marisol Leone, Robinson Goode (AKA Red Cloud) and/or any off their soldiers and connections in the city’s underworld network. Meanwhile, a Parasite from a future timeline has been unleashed on the Super-Family. They’ll have to stop it before it turns Metropolis into a dead husk.
The FBI’s raid of the Daily Planet is still going on as Lois wonders if Clark’s piece on the Invisible Mafia can be published. While that is being pondered Marisol Leone, accompanied by her lawyer has made accusations that Lois made up lies about her as well as claiming Superman’s wife is from a parallel universe. However, Lois has no time to respond about these accusations, for the Parasite is attacking the Daily Planet.
Story – 5: This issue had a lot going for it. There’s a great story with all-out action (pun intended) and great character moments all tied up with an ending that put me on the edge of my seat. I’ve stated before that I’ll miss Bendis on the Superbooks. He’s breathed new life into them as he’s done with his other superhero tales from both DC and Marvel, and he’s provided readers like myself with solid entertainment to boot.
Art – 5: There are some extremely minor flaws in this issue’s art. However, there has been a vast improvement to what has appeared in previous chapters. Let’s hope Romita’s style continues to go down this path.
Cover Art – 5: This cover was a surprise even the dialog balloon and blurb work perfectly. One would think that it was better suited for Batman, but it fits the Man of Steel’s part of the universe like a glove.
Variant Cover Art – 5: It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Lucio Parillo’s covers. He gives fans classic, iconic images in his unique style.
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How in the name of Rao does this …art…rate a 5?? JRJR’s scratchings are incomprehensibly bad–so bad, I put the book back. The last time that happened, it was Carlos Meglia’s godawful work on Adventures of Superman.