Action Comics #1030
Scheduled to arrive in stores: April 27, 2021
Cover date: June 2021
Reviewed by: James Lantz
“Warworld Rising” – Part One
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Penciller: Daniel Sampere
Inker: Daniel Sampere
Cover: Mikel Janin
Variant Cover: Julian Totino Tedesco
As a mysterious stranger promises a gift to Warworld’s Mongul, Batman is worried. Clark’s power levels are diminishing, he’s still able to use his abilities to save the multiverse. Lois knows her husband will overcome the odds. In spite of this, it may be time for Jon Kent to take his father’s place. However, the Kent men may not have time to discuss the future. Warworld ships arrive on Earth. That’s not the only surprise. Superman hears a prayer he remembers reading spoken in Kryptonian. Are some gladiator slaves survivors of Superman’s birth world?
Story – 5: We’re off to a great start as Mongul and Warworld return to make Superman’s life more complicated. I have some theories about who truly orchestrated the latest attack on Earth. However, I’ll wait to see how things progress in this story arc. I will say that Phillip Kennedy Johnson is setting up the Supertitles for the events of “Future State” to possibly come true to some degree or other. That’s making me impatient to read the next issue.Art – 5: The art seems more suited for a Superman book than that of the previous serial. Sampere particularly does a great job on aliens, robots and science fiction settings that work perfectly in the main Supertitles.
“The Passenger” – Part Two
Writers: Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad
Penciller: Michael Avon Oeming
Inker: Michael Avon Oeming
Midnighter has assured Apollo he is okay. He just must accomplish his mission. Trojan, whose future self occupies the A.I. in Midnighter’s head, has been performing cruel experiments to see if the mind can transcend the body. Midnighter is preparing to assassinate Trojan, who will become a powerful villain while at the same time living in Midnighter’s head.
Story – 5: The last issue was my first time reading Midnighter. I am enjoying this serial so far. This is mainly due to Cloonan’s work. I hope this story leads to a connection to Superman’s universe somehow. It’d be interesting to see how Cloonan handles the characters there and their interactions with Midnighter. She and Conrad have written a perfect back-up feature for this series. This chapter pays tribute to time travel tales told before, while adding their spin to the sub-genre and to superheroes in general.Art – 5: Oeming is still an interesting choice as artist. His style is strangely perfect for this story.Cover Art – 5: I was reminded of “Superman in Exile” with this awesome cover. I am officially old.Variant Cover Art – 5: Yet another great homage to the Kellogg’s ads and the Superman of the Golden Age and radio show. I’m really loving these covers.
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