reflection

Strange attacks in and around Metropolis bring Superman and his pals closer to uncovering a deep, dark conspiracy.
Writing/Story
Pencils/Ink
Colors
Lettering

Review: ACTION COMICS #1008 Brings Superman Closer To The Rising Leviathan

Last month’s Action Comics #1007 kicked off the “Leviathan Rises” story, which is setting the stage for the DC event Leviathan Rising. This event is meant to bring on a monumental shift for Superman, as well as for other heroes and organizations within the DC Universe. Before the Leviathan Rising event begins in May, Bendis is setting the stage in the next few issues of Action Comics. He does so by putting main players Clark Kent/Superman, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, as well as special guests Amanda Waller, General Sam Lane and Adam Strange, in the middle of a (literally) explosive conspiracy. They each witnessed a “blue blob of light” destroy buildings that housed various familiar organizations. This most recent issue of Action Comics sees their paths begin to converge. And it’s… alright.

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

The superstar creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Steve Epting dig into the DC Universe in this sweeping espionage epic that’s shattering the agencies-and heroes-dedicated to protecting the world! As the D.E.O. falls, only Jimmy Olsen may hold the answers to helping Superman and Lois Lane uncover who’s behind the attacks rocking the DC Universe’s biggest clandestine organizations. And when the Suicide Squad’s Amanda Waller makes a shocking discovery, can she help the trio understand the truth before the balance of power shifts to Leviathan forever?

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Action Comics 1008 Cover

This issue isn’t all that exciting. Writer Brian Michael Bendis is maneuvering some interesting characters together to take on this Leviathan, including one that is hinted at on the final page of this issue. You won’t find any big action sequences. No earth-shattering revelations. But it’s not supposed to be that kind of issue. It’s part two of the story that’s setting up THE story. It’s a solid push forward.

Bendis continues to deliver dialogue that is rich with wit and charm. It particularly shines in an exchange between Superman and Lois, and then shortly after with Clark, Lois, and Jimmy. I almost wish that Bendis would use one of his Superman series for single-issue stories filled with his signature dialogue, and use the other for his big, tent pole concepts.

action comics 1008 variant cover

Art:

Steve Epting continues to bring Bendis’s words to life with wonderful artwork. Epting does admirable work with the characters’ facial expressions. The action pieces are worth noting as well, but Epting, much like his writing counterpart, excels with his characterization.

Conclusion:

Action Comics #1008 can easily be described as underwhelming, but that is only because it is setting the stage for what is hopefully going to be an exciting event series. Come for the charming dialogue, stay for the bigger picture.

What did you think of the rise of Leviathan in ACTION COMICS #1008? Let us know in the comments below!

Michael Fromm
Michael Frommhttps://www.michaelefromm.com/
Michael E. Fromm is an all-around scrivener, writing screenplays (short and feature), short stories, novels, poetry, blogs, articles, and press releases. Since first learning to hold a pen, he has done little but read, watch, and write about characters and worlds of fantasy. It would be very difficult to find him without a pen in hand and an idea in mind, which is problematic for anyone wanting to have a conversation with him. Michael graduated from Rowan University, primarily focusing on improving his skills as a filmmaker and screenwriter. After said schooling, he joined an elite force of Rowan grads who also had the notion of becoming filmmakers. This group, known as Justice Productions, call on him every so often to write short films. And, until this whole writing thing pays off, Michael currently does development & marketing communication (writing, graphic & publication design, social media and website upkeep, etc.) for a web development company in Central New Jersey, where he currently resides.
Strange attacks in and around Metropolis bring Superman and his pals closer to uncovering a deep, dark conspiracy.Review: ACTION COMICS #1008 Brings Superman Closer To The Rising Leviathan