It seems to be a busy month with Flashpoint Beyond books, the Shadow War storyline, the usual glut of Batman books and the beginning of Dark Crisis. I don't know how heavy I'll be getting into any of these outside Dark Crisis which I will sample.
But this was a month I feared I wouldn't see any Supergirl anywhere. But I was wrong!
BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST #3
Written by MARK WAID
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Great Scott! It's a twisted time-travel tale of titanic tenure! In an attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery of the "demon," Robin the Boy Wonder and the Supergirl of Krypton venture back in time to China circa 1600 B.C.—running headfirst into the ancient superheroes known as the House of Ji! Meanwhile, Superman and Batman are losing a race against time to save their fellow superheroes from the schemes of a new villain…one simply known as the Devil Nezha.
WORLD OF KRYPTON #6
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by MICHAEL AVON OEMING
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
Variant cover by CAT STAGGS
The final days of Krypton are upon us. Will the House of El survive the turmoil? One fateful battle between science and authoritarianism will decide the future!
Hard to believe that this mini-series is already near its end. I have loved what I have read of this mini-series so far. I find the art hypnotic. And I love that we are getting a young, precocious Kara.
I think this cover by Staggs is fantastic. The outfit is definitely reminiscent of her Supergirl design for Smallville! Sad to see this end already!
ACTION COMICS #1043
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by RICCARDO FEDERICI
Cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
Backup written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Backup art by BEN TEMPLESMITH
The next chapter of the Warworld Saga begins! Following the first victory by Superman and the Phaelosians, the Warworld Rebellion has begun. But Mongul has become more merciless than ever, cracking down on his enemies with unspeakable cruelty. With Superman's people suffering and his options dwindling, his thoughts turn to the mythical necropolis that supposedly lies at the heart of Warworld. Superman's epic space adventure continues in this new arc! Then, in "Myth of the Mongul," journey back to the origin of the first Mongul in history…and uncover deadly secrets that could spell certain doom for Superman and his revolution
I have very much loved this Warworld Saga so far and this solicit makes me think it is going to end as solid as it has started. You might remember the Necropolis from Action Comics #1032, so glad we are getting back to that vision.
And the idea of learning about the first Mongul is fantastic. Templesmith seems like the perfect choice on art.
ACTION COMICS 2022 ANNUAL #1
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON and SI SPURRIER
Art by DALE EAGLESHAM and IAN CHURCHILL
Cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Variant cover by STEVE RUDE
As the Warworld Saga reaches a breaking point, battle lines are drawn between the two towering forces at odds: Mongul and Superman. In this special 2022 annual we'll explore how our combatants have evolved over the years to represent the beacons of hope and tyranny that they respectively embody…and witness the first chilling chapter of their ultimate final battle!
Phillip Kennedy Johnson has done a great job of world and history building during his time on Action Comics. From the future history of the El family in Future State to the Phaelosians to the culture of Warworld and the Monguls, there is a historic quality to the work, as if there is a whole timeline and culture in Johnson's mind.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST #3
Written by MARK WAID
Art and cover by DAN MORA
Great Scott! It's a twisted time-travel tale of titanic tenure! In an attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery of the "demon," Robin the Boy Wonder and the Supergirl of Krypton venture back in time to China circa 1600 B.C.—running headfirst into the ancient superheroes known as the House of Ji! Meanwhile, Superman and Batman are losing a race against time to save their fellow superheroes from the schemes of a new villain…one simply known as the Devil Nezha.
Thank goodness for Mark Waid!
I love Waid on Superman and the super-family. Giving us a Supergirl/Robin issue 3 months into Batman/Superman is more than I could have dared dream. This makes me happy.
How great that we will get some sort of classic take on The Supergirl of Krypton, a throwback to her original moniker on Action Comics #252! And can't wait to see Dan Mora's take on her!
WORLD OF KRYPTON #6
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by MICHAEL AVON OEMING
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
Variant cover by CAT STAGGS
The final days of Krypton are upon us. Will the House of El survive the turmoil? One fateful battle between science and authoritarianism will decide the future!
Hard to believe that this mini-series is already near its end. I have loved what I have read of this mini-series so far. I find the art hypnotic. And I love that we are getting a young, precocious Kara.
Now we get the final issue and this variant cover by Cat Staggs showing Kara holding baby Kal.
I think this cover by Staggs is fantastic. The outfit is definitely reminiscent of her Supergirl design for Smallville! Sad to see this end already!
ACTION COMICS #1043
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by RICCARDO FEDERICI
Cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
Backup written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Backup art by BEN TEMPLESMITH
The next chapter of the Warworld Saga begins! Following the first victory by Superman and the Phaelosians, the Warworld Rebellion has begun. But Mongul has become more merciless than ever, cracking down on his enemies with unspeakable cruelty. With Superman's people suffering and his options dwindling, his thoughts turn to the mythical necropolis that supposedly lies at the heart of Warworld. Superman's epic space adventure continues in this new arc! Then, in "Myth of the Mongul," journey back to the origin of the first Mongul in history…and uncover deadly secrets that could spell certain doom for Superman and his revolution
I have very much loved this Warworld Saga so far and this solicit makes me think it is going to end as solid as it has started. You might remember the Necropolis from Action Comics #1032, so glad we are getting back to that vision.
I still hope we will learn more about the Phaelosians and Thaklis.
And the idea of learning about the first Mongul is fantastic. Templesmith seems like the perfect choice on art.
ACTION COMICS 2022 ANNUAL #1
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON and SI SPURRIER
Art by DALE EAGLESHAM and IAN CHURCHILL
Cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Variant cover by STEVE RUDE
As the Warworld Saga reaches a breaking point, battle lines are drawn between the two towering forces at odds: Mongul and Superman. In this special 2022 annual we'll explore how our combatants have evolved over the years to represent the beacons of hope and tyranny that they respectively embody…and witness the first chilling chapter of their ultimate final battle!
Phillip Kennedy Johnson has done a great job of world and history building during his time on Action Comics. From the future history of the El family in Future State to the Phaelosians to the culture of Warworld and the Monguls, there is a historic quality to the work, as if there is a whole timeline and culture in Johnson's mind.
So I can't wait to read this in-depth look at Warworld! And the artists associated with the book are great too!
SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #11
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by CIAN TORMEY
Cover by TRAVIS MOORE
Jonathan Kent has faced many challenges in his life as both Superman and a Super Son, but what will the first son of the Last Son of Krypton do in the face of...metahuman bombs? Jon faces a deadly decision and Lex Luthor's alliance with President Bendix deepens in this penultimate chapter of The Rising Saga!
I am glad the rising won't be a drawn out storyline. It'll be over as the first year of this book ends.
SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #11
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by CIAN TORMEY
Cover by TRAVIS MOORE
Jonathan Kent has faced many challenges in his life as both Superman and a Super Son, but what will the first son of the Last Son of Krypton do in the face of...metahuman bombs? Jon faces a deadly decision and Lex Luthor's alliance with President Bendix deepens in this penultimate chapter of The Rising Saga!
I am glad the rising won't be a drawn out storyline. It'll be over as the first year of this book ends.
Cian Tormey is a great choice to stay on this book.
JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #3
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art and cover by SCOTT GODLEWSKI
The Justice League is trapped in the 31st century with the Legion of Super-Heroes, while the looming terror of the Great Darkness hovers over both time period simultaneously. Even as the great heroes of the 21st century get to experience the fantastic far-flung future, the mysteries behind the Gold Lantern and the Great Darkness threaten all of existence. What is the secret behind the Great Darkness? And will the greatest heroes of two ages be able to stop it before it's too late?
Is this Legion Great Darkness the same Great Darkness that is the big bad in Dark Crisis?
JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #3
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art and cover by SCOTT GODLEWSKI
The Justice League is trapped in the 31st century with the Legion of Super-Heroes, while the looming terror of the Great Darkness hovers over both time period simultaneously. Even as the great heroes of the 21st century get to experience the fantastic far-flung future, the mysteries behind the Gold Lantern and the Great Darkness threaten all of existence. What is the secret behind the Great Darkness? And will the greatest heroes of two ages be able to stop it before it's too late?
Is this Legion Great Darkness the same Great Darkness that is the big bad in Dark Crisis?
I think it'll be fun to see the League roaming around the future.
And what is the mystery of the Gold Lantern? Will there be a connection between the Gold Lanterns and Naomi as I theorize?
DARK CRISIS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION 2022 #1
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON and more!
Art by JIM CHEUNG, DANIEL SAMPERE, and more!
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
Witness the rise and fall of the Justice League! The event years in the making is here with Dark Crisis! The Justice League is comics' greatest super-team—made up of DC Comics' legendary heroes, they have saved the world countless times. No crisis was too much for them to handle...until now! The Justice League has been defeated by the Great Darkness and its army of DC's most dangerous enemies—now a new generation of heroes must rise to protect not only the Multiverse…but also the legacy of the DCU!
A prelude to DC Comics' biggest story of 2022! Includes a preview and art from Dark Crisis #1 coming, in June! Don't miss out on this Free Comic Book Day special featuring the blockbuster talents of Joshua Williamson, Jim Cheung, and Daniel Sampere! For free!
We know the League will die in Justice League #75. Why not use FCBD to preview Dark Crisis.
DARK CRISIS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION 2022 #1
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON and more!
Art by JIM CHEUNG, DANIEL SAMPERE, and more!
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
Witness the rise and fall of the Justice League! The event years in the making is here with Dark Crisis! The Justice League is comics' greatest super-team—made up of DC Comics' legendary heroes, they have saved the world countless times. No crisis was too much for them to handle...until now! The Justice League has been defeated by the Great Darkness and its army of DC's most dangerous enemies—now a new generation of heroes must rise to protect not only the Multiverse…but also the legacy of the DCU!
A prelude to DC Comics' biggest story of 2022! Includes a preview and art from Dark Crisis #1 coming, in June! Don't miss out on this Free Comic Book Day special featuring the blockbuster talents of Joshua Williamson, Jim Cheung, and Daniel Sampere! For free!
We know the League will die in Justice League #75. Why not use FCBD to preview Dark Crisis.
I have loved everything I have read by Joshua Williamson. And the art team of Cheung and Sampere is unparalleled.
I don't know if I'll be all in on Dark Crisis. But a free comic is a good way to try and hook me.
JUSTICE LEAGUE: ROAD TO DARK CRISIS #1
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON, JEREMY ADAMS, BRANDON THOMAS, CHUCK BROWN, STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, and PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, FICO OSSIO, EMANUELA LUPACCHINO, LEILA DEL DUCA, and more!
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
The Justice League has tragically fallen in battle, and now we see the aftermath.
How does the world react to the Justice League being gone? Which heroes rise up…and which villains try to take advantage? And what dark forces are lying in wait to attack? An all-star roster of DC talent showcases a world without a Justice League and sets the stage for next month's Dark Crisis event!
JUSTICE LEAGUE: ROAD TO DARK CRISIS #1
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON, JEREMY ADAMS, BRANDON THOMAS, CHUCK BROWN, STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, and PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Art by CLAYTON HENRY, FICO OSSIO, EMANUELA LUPACCHINO, LEILA DEL DUCA, and more!
Cover by DANIEL SAMPERE
The Justice League has tragically fallen in battle, and now we see the aftermath.
How does the world react to the Justice League being gone? Which heroes rise up…and which villains try to take advantage? And what dark forces are lying in wait to attack? An all-star roster of DC talent showcases a world without a Justice League and sets the stage for next month's Dark Crisis event!
This is another great lineup of creators. I assume we will break down by seeing how each hero's cast and location reacts to the death of the League. Seeing Phillip Kennedy Johnson on the docket makes me think we'll see Metropolis. Maybe that means Supergirl.
And again, just a cavalcade of great artists. Glad to see Emanuella Lupacchino getting some work!
DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION 2022 #1
Written by HEATH CORSON
Art by BOBBY TIMONY
There is nothing the Super-Pets love more than spending time with they're heroes, but are finding it difficult to be taken seriously as members of the team when their humans just don't understand them. But when Mr. Mxyzptlk (a magical imp from the fifth dimension) arrives in Metropolis with a plan to wreak a little chaos and destruction, the Justice League are caught in his trap! The Super-Pets will need to come up with a plan to prevent Mxy's mischief from destroying the city—while somehow trying to rescue their human counterparts. The only problem is, they may need to recruit their greatest enemy in order to defeat him. This Free Comic Book Day special edition is a standard periodical size and features an excerpt from the upcoming original graphic novel DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up, which picks up immediately from where the movie leaves off!
Super-Pets fighting Mr. Mxyzptlk? I am sold!
DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS FCBD SPECIAL EDITION 2022 #1
Written by HEATH CORSON
Art by BOBBY TIMONY
There is nothing the Super-Pets love more than spending time with they're heroes, but are finding it difficult to be taken seriously as members of the team when their humans just don't understand them. But when Mr. Mxyzptlk (a magical imp from the fifth dimension) arrives in Metropolis with a plan to wreak a little chaos and destruction, the Justice League are caught in his trap! The Super-Pets will need to come up with a plan to prevent Mxy's mischief from destroying the city—while somehow trying to rescue their human counterparts. The only problem is, they may need to recruit their greatest enemy in order to defeat him. This Free Comic Book Day special edition is a standard periodical size and features an excerpt from the upcoming original graphic novel DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up, which picks up immediately from where the movie leaves off!
Super-Pets fighting Mr. Mxyzptlk? I am sold!
For free? Double sold!
Hoping we'll see Streaky!
FLASHPOINT BEYOND #3
Written by GEOFF JOHNS, TIM SHERIDAN, and JEREMY ADAMS
Art by XERMÁNICO
Cover by MITCH GERADS
The DC event of 2022 continues! Thomas Wayne's investigation into the Clockwork Killer goes sideways when he is confronted by a deadly alien invader the world knows as...Project: Superman? But what's happened to the Kryptonian and Krypton in the World of Flashpoint? Will Thomas Wayne do what he has to in order to stop Superman—or has he changed? And what are those strange earthquakes now erupting across reality?
Okay. I doubt I am getting Flashpoint Beyond.
Written by GEOFF JOHNS, TIM SHERIDAN, and JEREMY ADAMS
Art by XERMÁNICO
Cover by MITCH GERADS
The DC event of 2022 continues! Thomas Wayne's investigation into the Clockwork Killer goes sideways when he is confronted by a deadly alien invader the world knows as...Project: Superman? But what's happened to the Kryptonian and Krypton in the World of Flashpoint? Will Thomas Wayne do what he has to in order to stop Superman—or has he changed? And what are those strange earthquakes now erupting across reality?
Okay. I doubt I am getting Flashpoint Beyond.
But I did like the Project Superman mini-series of Flashpoint. So seeing that take on Superman again made me pause. Will I try this? Doubtful. But hope someone else will and tell me about it!
Overall, not a bad month! How exciting to think of Mark Waid writing Supergirl again!
Did I miss anything?
Finally, after being forced to pay for irrelevant and often poor or marginal backup stories we'd never choose to buy, Action will have a backup that meaningfully connects to the main story. There have been rich opportunities all the time, like they could have checked in on other members of the Authority, or told tales of the Phaelosians, and I was sure we'd have gotten some of that, but DC seems to prefer to burn off stories that belong in an editor's drawer. So I look forward to this PKJ and Tempelsmith backup.
ReplyDeleteAn adult Kara on Krypton will be nice to see, and the World's Finest story. I wasn't expecting that, and I like Dan Mora's cover.
T.N.
I am cautiously optimistic, Waid did a pretty good job in The Brave and the Bold of depicting Kara as being clever and courageous (once he got some cringe out of his system)...at least she isn't on the moon wallowing in misery. JF
ReplyDeleteI won't be getting one single issue of Dark Crisis. Nothing new there. DC Events tend to leave me cold. At most I read the last issue as homework for what they've upended in the linewide status quo this time. As for tie ins, for years I've had a policy not to let them blackmail me into reading a book I don't already get through a crossover. That means I won't be reading the conclusion of the story in this month's Nightwing. I also have checked out of the Super Books because nothing I read in synopses appeals to my personal tastes at all. Now Waid on the Great Duo? Mister Waid has done amazing things in his books. I love that he can check into a property decades old and something he comes up with will going forward as important as things from their formative years. My favorite example is his idea that Reed Richards pushed the Fantastic Four because he wanted to make up for ending the lives his friends had been living before!
ReplyDeleteSteve, is the Jon/Dick crossover akin to the DC linewide events ‘blackmail’? To me it’s one writer having his two featured characters meet for one short storyline… look on Nightwing as an extra issue of SSoK and you have a better than usual Jon issue because it has Nightwing in it.
ReplyDeleteAs regards the Action back-ups, much as I’m enjoying the Warworld story, I’m getting enough Mongul there… and we’re also getting a Mongul in the annual. If we must have a back-up, give me some variety. I’m enjoying the current J’onn J’onzz serial.
It's the same thing to me and I've been doing this since at least back when X-Force crossed over with Cable. A character or team I enjoy being added to a book I have zero interest in feels like putting a pig in a party dress.
ReplyDelete