REVIEW: Action Comics #1036

Action Comics #1036 is here and The Warworld Saga has begun! I have been so excited for this ever since it was teased in Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s previous issues.

But before we get into the issue itself, let’s take a look at the covers. The standard cover is by interior artist Daniel Sampere and Alex Sinclair. It is an incredible team line up of Superman and his brand new team, The Authority as they jump into action. I love the detail on each and every single character and their poses are so powerful. I love the use of flecks and dustiness on the ground, it really shows the power and magnitude that this team have to offer.

The variant cover is by Julian Totino Tedesco and it is gorgeous. It takes me right back to the Golden Age of Superman, especially during the war where this type of cover was common. The detail is phenomenal as can be expected with Totino Tedesco’s work and I adore the sepia tone of the colour palette, which really makes this piece look like a photograph from way back when. It is a truly gorgeous cover and one that I will be proud to own.

Action Comics #1036 opens up with the introduction of a brand new character, one that has seemingly already had previous interaction with the Phaelosians’. From what we know in this issue, this is someone who does what needs to be done no matter the consequence. Seeing how quickly he snapped to his so called ‘friend’ was shocking, and leaves me intrigued to get to know him more and his place in all of this.

We then arrive at Warworld with Superman and The Authority as they scope out the planet and get a grasp of the mission at hand. This sequence is absolutely brutal and really goes to show what a nasty piece of work Mongul really is. My jaw was on the floor and my reaction perfectly resembled the facial expressions of Superman and his team, which was perfectly executed by Daniel Sampere and Adriano Lucas.

This issue perfectly set up the stakes for the Warworld Saga and gave us just a glimpse at the magnitude of the brutality the Phaelosioans’ have faced. Seeing Superman take a moment for the dead was a really emotional moment for him as a character, but also for us as the readers. It instantly sparked emotion in me and I’m sure many will say the same.

We are also introduced to several new characters in this issue, who really amp up the stakes that are introduced. This is going to be a very tough fight for Superman and The Authority, especially with Superman’s reduced power set. The designs of each of these characters are very well thought out and intricately executed, I cannot wait to see what writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson has in store for these characters.

The artwork by Daniel Sampere and Adriano Lucas is truly gorgeous, I really love these two working together, their artwork and colours go perfectly in tandem to create highly detailed and truly engaging artwork. The scene when the team arrive on Warworld is stunning, you can really feel the heat of the page thanks to the bright and fiery colours used alongside the iconic Kirby Crackle.

There are many incredible pages in this issue and some artistic moments that really stick with you. From Superman’s speech to the Warzoons, to the incredible heart wrenching image of the field of dead Phaelosian’s, this team have executed every moment expertly and with the care that each moment needs.

Action Comics #1036 is an excellent and explosive start to The Warworld Saga which has left me eagerly awaiting more. The writing in this issue is incredibly rich and dense and combined with the artwork this is a story-arc NOT to be missed.

Haven’t picked up Action Comics #1036 yet? You can get the standard cover by Daniel Sampere and Alex Sinclair here (UK) and here (US).

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