Action Comics #1039
Scheduled to arrive in stores: January 25, 2022
Cover date: March 2022
Reviewed by: James Lantz
“Warworld Saga” – Part 4
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Penciller: Riccardo Federici
Inker: Riccardo Federici
Cover: Daniel Sampere
Variant Covers: Julian Totino Tedesco and Riccardo Federici
Martian Manhunter is still seeking answers while Clark Kent has begun writing his Warworld Journal. He learns that Warworld’s Bloodpriests are pretending to know how to read the same dead language that was inscribed on the Genesis Fragment seen in “Warworld Rising”. If Kal can decipher it, it could be the key to liberating the slaves on Warworld. First however, he must learn to fight like a Warworlder. In the meantime Natasha Irons will be a blacksmith’s apprentice in order to aid Superman and The Authority in their mission, and Midnighter has banded together with some rebels to free Apollo and get everyone off Warworld. All these plans are part of the greater objectives of Superman.
Story – 5: While this issue isn’t what I expected, it is a pleasant surprise. This chapter focuses more on characters than actual action. However, it’s needed in order to see how Superman and his team adapt to life on Warworld while going through with their mission. It’s not easy for either Clark or The Authority, but that’s the point of the story. We have to see the trials and tribulations in order to get a deeper look into each character and their situation.
Art – 5: The art diverges greatly from the styles of previous artists. Yet, it works perfectly for this issue and this story arc. Federici would also be a perfect fit for Conan comics. Plus, there seems to be a bit of Simone Bianchi’s influence in each image. I hope to see more of his work in the future.
Cover Art – 5: The white area framing the image is distracting. However, that’s no reason to give the art itself a lower rating than it deserves. Sampere’s covers are awesome.
Variant Cover Art – 5: Julian Totino Tedesco must have been inspired by Neal Adams for this one. It’s a mix of Adams, Shuster and Tedesco’s own style.
Variant Cover Art – 5: This, to the best of my knowledge, is my first time seeing Federici’s art. I love Supes’ similarity to Brandon Routh. It adds to a cover that reminds me of some Conan covers I’ve seen.
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