Action Comics #1001 goes someway to show that Bendis is planning a long game that should please some of the doubters, following the MoS mini-series. Recent Tweets advising that Lois and Jon will be coming back, should also alleviate fears that Bendis is out to destroy some of the better additions to the Superman mythos. All in all, this is a great start to the next 1000 issues. Read Full Review

This is a good issue, but far from Earth shattering. The ambiguity of Lois's larger role in the story is a little off-putting. However, the new villains appear to be intriguing and should provide a good challenge for Superman. There's a fair amount of story in this issue, which allows for some of the supporting cast to get panel time. Hopefully, Bendis will explore these new characters, but not at the expense of Lois and Jon. Read Full Review

Much like Superman #1, this is a near perfect first issue. It sets up a few plot lines, the art is great, and works to hook readers in. Read Full Review

And Gleason makes it all seem fresh. He has just come off a great run on a Superman title. Yet, this seems like its brand new to him. It just is great. I can't believe how excited I am for this book. I need more as soon as possible. This is a good time for sure. Read Full Review

Although I am a huge fan of Bendis' work at Marvel, I confess to a bit oftrepidationwhen I first learned of him taking on Superman. Those early concerns have completely disappeared and I am strapped in for the long haul with Bendis at the wheel. He has provided a unique take on Superman that is more about the man than the super aspect. This issue of Action Comics, perhaps more than any of the Bendis Superman issues to date is an example of that human aspect of the superhero. Moreover, Bendis has shown there is more separating Clark and Superman than a pair of glasses and a tie. Read Full Review

All in all this issue is the most enjoyable Bendis Superman issue thus far. Bendis is on a mission to flesh out all of Metropolis (in the same way that Gotham is it's own character in the Batman books) and looks to do so in the pages of Action Comics. Read Full Review

The series is fast and clever with some good character moments - and we meet a brand new villain, too. Read Full Review

Going under the assumption that Brian Michael Bendis doesn't want to destroy everything we know and love about Superman, I don't think DC could have picked a better writer for the job. Every issue by Bendis has a weight to it that was simply missing from previous runs. Everything feels more important and problems seem larger. Between his classic take and Patrick Gleason's fantastic artwork, I could not be anymore happy with how Action Comics is being handled. It's nice feeling excited to read Superman comics again. Read Full Review

Action Comics #1001 is a great start for the new creative team, one marked by strong characterization and art. Read Full Review

We've gotten an advance look at Brian Michael Bendis' vision for Superman over a miniseries and a launch issue in Superman #1, but it feels like Action Comics #1001 is by far the purest look at who his Superman is " and it's also by far the best issue that Bendis has written since his arrival at DC Read Full Review

Flawless art, pretty good developing story, I have a good feeling about Bendis' Reign over Superman, if the last round of issues is any indication I think Bendis will do just fine, excited for next issue. Read Full Review

Showing off Superman's detective side, Action Comics #1001 dives headfirst into the mysterious arsons that have been plaguing Metropolis. Brian Michael Bendis, Patrick Gleason, and Alejandro Sanchez knock it out of the park. Read Full Review

Action Comics #1001 is a fun and endearing Superman adventure that pits the well-meaning Man of Tomorrow against some of the complexities of his role. It also shows how people can even take advantage of his good nature, which is an interesting obstacle for Clark. In any case, this was a good book and comes recommended. Check it out. Read Full Review

Brian Michael Bendis' Superman saga that started in the Man of Steel mini-series continues here in Action Comics, and while I find myself enjoying most of what Bendis is doing, I feel as though readers are going to get tired, sooner or later, continuing the same story week after week. But, Patrick Gleason's illustrations are amazing and do more than just complement Bendis' script. Read Full Review

I like the direction of many of these storylines, but I felt like there was a lack of focus in the issue. The threads that are the most interesting seems to be lost a little bit. I actually found myself more interested in the office politics going on at the Planet than most of the fire storyline. Read Full Review

This issue is a little less action packed than previous chapters, but it doing a stellar job of adding lore and developing the world around Clark in truly a fascinating way. The creative team are working well at giving us a balanced view of Metropolis and the issue certainly benefits from the return of the super talented Patrick Gleason. Its still too soon to predict just how this tale will unravel but with Bendis at the helm we can be sure itll be an interesting ride. Read Full Review

I didn't hit subscribe on this series but I'll be back to it down the line when I can read arcs in full. Read Full Review

We also get introduced to a new super-powered threat in Red Cloud (think Livewire except on fire?) who may have ties to Clark Kent's world as well as Superman's. Hmmm…. Worth a look. Read Full Review

When Bendis focuses on a grounded Superman, among the people, his stories really soar. Read Full Review

Action Comics #1001 was a really good and though the art wasnt always top notch like we got used to in Man of Steel, where it really held its own and worked well with the story. As I stated before, this issue didnt pack the same punch as Superman #1 but doesnt take away from the fact that this was a solid start to Bendis work on Action Comics. Im giving this issue 4 stars and look forward to seeing where this story is headed. Read Full Review

This comic was a fun read, as well as a solidly written and drawn piece of work. Read Full Review

Bendis and Gleason have turned the spotlight square on the Man of Steel and I dare say he has not sounded or looked this good since Byrne. Read Full Review

Bendis uses his short time on the Superman line to set up plenty of things for Clark to worry about and with a debut issue that acts as a standard for what's to come, he sticks the landing while leaving us interested for more. Read Full Review

The newest Action Comics arc promises an intriguing new mystery in the Bendis Era of Superman. Read Full Review

With the truth out of the bag on who started the fires, the story looks to be speeding up and in a good way. And although this story's headline claims it's a Clark Kent story, we don't get much of the alter ego himself. It will be interesting to see how Bendis merges the apartment fires, with the gossip of Clark's family absence and what repercussions he will face with what seems like the entire Daily Planet watching his every move. Read Full Review

"Action Comics" #1001 is a fun superhero story that captures the character of Superman. Read Full Review

So 95% good but 5% really off-putting. And very solid art throughout. Read Full Review

At this point, Bendis is a very known commodity. Whether you love him or hate him, this issue isn’t going to sway you to the other side and will likely only reinforce the opinion you already hold of him. But art fans who want to see how an artist can keep their style fresh and resonant even when they’re treading familiar territory should be following Gleason’s every move. He is without a doubt one of the best Superman artists of the last decade, and he’s continuing to build his legacy here. Read Full Review

There have been plenty of persistent disconnects throughout Bendis' tenure as the Scribe of Steel, some of which carry-over into the new Action Comics, DC's flagship title. However, the narrative flow of this issue is much tighter and more coherent. Readers and fans are introduced to a new chapter in Superman's on-going Action Comics saga. Read Full Review

The issue drags along, Superman's characterization is weird, and there is a compelling cliffhanger, so the story itself is something of a mixed bag. Read Full Review

While Superman balances out arson investigations and his career in this issue, I'm sitting back and wondering why the hell we're getting the boring parts to Superman's life in something called Action Comics.  The art here was great, but I'm seriously worried about the state of Superman under the helm of Brian Michael Bendis from what we've been getting. Read Full Review

Does a good job at establishing what will be different between this and Superman.

I reckon this has more potential to be great.

Action Comics 1001
I truly started following Brian Michael Bendis with Jessica Jones, the Defenders, Infamous, and invincible Ironman. With a list of characters, he has created and brilliant storyline I like many others am following him to DC. I am for the first time a regular reader of Superman and Action comics.
Action comics 1000 and 1001 are stories directly following his Man of Steel mini-series. So far Jonathan Kent has left with Jor-el, superman’s father to parts unknown for Jonathans training. Of course, being the Doting mother Lois would not allow him to go without her. They have been gone for an undisclosed amount of time but long enough for the Daily Planet vultures to eyeing her office and the Daily planet to be looking for a new headliner.
There is an arsonist on the loose Deputy Fire Chief Melody Moore is on the case. On her first day on the job she gets an assist from superman. At this point there were seven fires, but more every day. The fire department is desperately trying to keep up with the rash of fires when a boy comes forward and implicates Superman as the arsonist. Oh, did I mention the deputy fire chief is a super cool, fiercely brave, and stunningly beautiful redhead.
When we arrive to issue 1001 the word has spread that Superman is involved with the fires. Superman again meets up with Melody at, of course, a fire. She lets him know he is a suspect and they seek to find the boy and clear his name. When they fond the boy of course he was paid by some mysterious BALD GUY to implicate Superman. I don’t think its who we would expect, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Action Comics 1001 has plenty of action and mystery for any fan especially knowing we’re building up to SO MUCH MORE. Come on its technically his 2nd issue. There are a few new characters including the mystery BALD GUY and a new villain. I know I’m going to upset a few people when I say I really want to see Superman and Deputy Fire Chief Melody Moore build a relationship. Hey Lois has been gone a long time.
Patrick Gleason pencils beautifully. I found I forgot I was reading a comic and enjoyed the flow. With one caveat, Clark Kent was HUGE. I know superman and Clark Kent are the same size but it took me out of the story for a quick second to wrap my head around how big he was.
Brian Michael Bendis keeps the bar high with a writing that keeps you interested in the characters and want to know more about them. I even want to know more about the Gossip Columnist Trish as she investigates Clarks personal life and the possibility Lois “ran away with Superman” and even what’s going to happen to the boy who threw Superman under the proverbial bus. I guess that is what you get from such an acclaimed character creator.
We have places to go and mysteries to unravel but aren’t there yet. I look forward to following Bendis’ run and hope to see you there. As always Thank you Brian Michael bendis, Patrick Gleason, and all other comic book writers and artist who make me dream, give me universes to set the dream, and keep me a kid inside.
Frank Auletti (Fanboy)
more

Really loved the start of this series. I love how Brian Michael bendis is taking the two Superman books in two completely different directions. I can’t wait to find out who red cloud is!

Honestly, I was not looking forward to this. Why change something that's already good, you know? But, this is good too. An entirely different sort of story for Superman, which makes it very interesting to me.

It had a good deal of humor, but not over the top stupid like so many writers do. Just enough to be good without being silly.

I like the whole perspective going on. I'm in.

Story was decent but what made this book stand out was the captivating artwork.

Stronger than Superman #1, Bendis is naturally more suited to the day-to-day stuff than expansive super epics. Patrick Gleason's change in style from the Rebirth Superman title is fascinating and keeping him on the character was a smart call.

A few Bendisims aside, this is yet another strong Superman tale from a writer that I thought had nothing to bring to Metropolis. And I think this approach plays to Bendis's strengths (if not necessarily Superman's). And oh that art! Gleason at his absolute best, which is saying something.

Brian Bendis continues taking rains over Superman with Action Comics 1001.

The issue sets a slightly lighter tone than Superman 1. Both in dialogue and art. This can be perfectly seen in the first panels when Big Blue is dealing with some, rather inept, robbers.

As for the story, it follows up on the mysterious fires that were popping up in the Man of Steel mini-series and Superman's supposed involvement in them. We also learn about the existence of some secret cabal of criminals that were operating right under Superman's nose. I wonder if Luthor is somewhat responsible for them or maybe just like Supes he doesn't know about them?

On the art, we have Pat Gleason, who does a great job. His art is a little bit exaggerated, but not enough to make it caricatural. Exaggerated in a way, that characters sometimes have big eyes or their facial expressions are a bit over the top (again, the robbers at the beginning) but most of all in Superman. His muscles are crazy big and both him and Clark are literally towering over people. more

Still not loving Bendis on the Superman titles yet, but this one is a little better than the Superman issues.

It's Better than Superman 1, but Bendis still doesn't gets Superman that well, his Supes is like from JL movie. At least he knows his strenghts here, and uses it with his Dialogue.

+ Like • Comments (3)

• Likes (2)

• nickogle
• myconius

Show all comments

Doomy - Jul 25, 2018

How so? I think his characterization of Clark is great.

myconius - Jul 25, 2018

i'm with you on Bendis missing the mark with Superman. i enjoy the inner monologues he gives Clark, but some of his actions just don't fit the character. in MoS and Superman #1 i wasn't thrilled seeing a mopey Superman who let his son and wife wonder the galaxy with a father that he doesn't even really know. i haven't read this issue yet. not really sure if i want to or not.

MKW69 - Jul 26, 2018

Supes just feels like so asshole, like a scene with firefighters, they say that he's a suspect, and he squints he's eyes and looks like he just wants to beat them all up.

Sign in to comment

This is… an OK issue. Patrick Gleason's art is certainly not the worst, but something about just doesn't feel right to me. Easily the best page of his is the lineup of bald villains. I hope to see more of them in the issues to come. The arson-themed story however, just doesn't interest me. It was the most out-of-place story in Bendis' Man of Steel miniseries, and now that its getting its own story it just doesn't capture my attention that much. The "mystery" villain, Red Cloud is yet another case of that. The secret of her identity just doesn't intrigue me. That said, Bendis' script is actually good, probably his best script yet, however this issue just doesn't do enough to overcome it's main problem, which lies in the overall plot.

Should be renamed. Boring Dialogue Comics.

This was honestly pretty meh for me but not exactly offensive.

The only redeeming factor present within this issue is the Art and Colors; that said having Patrick Gleason as the artist only makes him have a front row seat to see someone else dismantle the great work he did on this very book just one volume ago

Art - 9/10 easily the best thing about this issue, the artist and colorist work together to deliver a book that is just a joy to look at.

Writing - 2/10 I would go lower, but the words make sense and are properly written in complete sentences. The actual plotline is absolute garbage, not nearly as atrocious as that in the Superman book, but still completely and utterly lackluster. Each character acts in ways that do not fit how they have been portrayed, a clear example is the now “quippy” Superman who seems far removed from the Big Blue we all know. Additionally how he acts when facing the child who claimed Superman was causing fires was far more akin to how Batman would react, and the interactions among the Daily Planet staff were cringeworthy.

Overall even the introduction of a new villain group does nothing to truly build up intrigue and allow interest in upcoming issues of this title. Such a miss just after a historic anniversary issue is just the next in what have a series of strikes brian michael bendis has delivered for DC. The only hope I have is his run on the Superman line will be short. more

No hope, no love, no compassion, only the same Bendis we have seen before when he is forced to write in continuity...

Look at all Bendis own creations. Same main character in every one of his own creator books. He is incapable of writing anything actually diverse. He is activist first, many other things second and lastly a writer.

Bendis in a podcast shows his typical non-caring for continuity and announces these things for people to ignore.

Jon and Lois are gone but Jon will be brought back when Bendis needs a political nail to hammer home. Jon will be brought back to discuss racial issues (like we don't have enough of that in every form of entertainment on every product that comes out). Lois is gone but just came back or never left to write a tell all tale about Superman.

Summary...

* The villain is Doomsday who can talk and has unjustifiable fascist hatred of Kryptonians. We get enough of this BS from CNN and social media.
* Super marriage/Lois Lane's marriage to Superman is in jeopardy no matter how many fans claim different. All the greatness of Rebirth is undone with this never-was hack Bendis.
* Jon is gone to return as the same character you have read in every other Bendis story as a angsty hipster douche teen who is not even relatable to teens from California.

Action Comics is now the Character Driven Story.
Superman is now the Action Comics. Typical Bendis, everything is backwards.

The Art is top notch, but that is Bendis connections. Somehow he has been kept barely afloat by artists bailing his boring copy/paste characters, dialogue and stories afloat.

Tomasi and Jurgens were dragged off the books and speaking to one of them at a convention you get hints that the rug was pulled from under them. Multiple stories (some you will see in Adventures of Super Sons mini among) others were done but this mental reboot of Superman for Bendis to try to save his failing career is taking Superman in the wrong direction. more

The first half of this issue is practically unreadable, as bad as The Strazinsky Superman Walks story.
Things pick up in the second half but interest has been lost by them. Why set up a “mystery” last issue to uncover it by the middle of the story here, and wasting precious pages. Too much talk with new and boring characters.
And second half is not much better. Some boring new characters which seem like X Men villains.
Bendis is all wrong for Superman. Who thought he was a big get? What was the last time he had a super popular series at Marvel? Was he brought in to counter Geoff Johns as the big talent in DC?
I’m dropping all Superman books now.