Action Comics #1045
Scheduled to arrive in stores: July 26, 2022
Cover date: September 2022
“Warworld Revolution” – Part 3
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artists: Will Conrad and Brent Peeples
Cover: Lucio Parrillo
Variant Cover: Ian Churchill
Pride Variant Cover: Rafael Sarmento
Reviewed by: James Lantz
With O.M.A.C., Lightray and Apollo part of Mongul’s army, Superman and The Authority’s rebellion has suffered a great defeat. However, this does not hinder Superman’s plans. Natasha Irons and her uncle John, who is on Earth, are working on a means to harness and stabilize Genesis Radiation to harness and convert the red solar energy in Warworld’s star forges into that of a yellow star. Once that happens, Superman and the Phaelosians will have superhuman abilities that will aid them in their quest for freedom. While Nat, Orphan and Leonath test the Genesis Reactor, Manchester Black, Midnighter, Enchantress and Khaljo will gather soldier to liberate O.M.A.C., Lightray and Apollo from Mongul, and Superman and Kryl-Ux must find the Fire of Olgrun to keep it out of Mongul’s hands. If Superman and The Authority succeed, they will be able to save every slave gladiator on Warworld.
The Teacher has found Nat Irons’ group in the star forge. He is thoroughly convinced that they will fail in their task. At the same time, Byla has encountered Superman in the Necropolis catacombs. To gain the Fire of Olgrun, Kal-El must accomplish a series of trials, and he isn’t the only one. The rest of The Authority will have a bunch of tasks on their hands before victory over Mongul is guaranteed.
Story – 3: I’m not feeling the story fatigue I felt with “The Spider-Man Clone Saga” years ago, but I’m coming pretty close to it. Had this run in multiple Superman titles like “The Death of Superman”, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way. Then again, for as good as Phillip Kennedy Johnson is on this book, he has dragged out many story elements causing the more recent issue to move at a slower pace than the ones that began this arc. I do like what I am reading. I just expected there to be a brand new tale for Clark by now.
Art – 4: Some image styles work better for a darker comic series than this one. It’s still good, but would you have Frank Miller draw a Disney comic? Brent Peeples’ strength seems to be more urban, gritty art more suited for Daredevil or Batman.
“A World Without Clark Kent” – Part 2
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: David Lapham
The Genesis Reactor Steel and Nat Irons are working functions perfectly. Thao-La is able to absorb its energy and that of a yellow sun without mutating. However, before the process is finished, Conduit steals the Genesis Fragment. Lois Lane, believing this might happen, has already planned for such an eventuality. Kara Zor-El, Kong Kenan, Conner and Jon Kent all have been summoned. They will begin their search for the Genesis Fragment and Conduit…
Story – 5: I wonder if this back-up means we’ll get an overall conclusion to the entire “Warworld” serial in, say, six to eight issues or less. It does tie some loose ends regarding what is being done for Thao-La. Plus, it’s great to see the Superfamily together while Clark is on Warworld. Plus, it’s become more entertaining than the main story.
Art – 5:This art continues to be the perfect style for this back-up feature. Any other visuals would most likely ruin the story.
Cover Art – 5: I sincerely want to see an entire Superman story will all the art – interior and covers – by Lucio Parrillo. He’s that darn good.
Variant Cover Art – 4: Something in this profile is off somewhere in the forehead area.
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