Action Comics #1039

Writer: Shawn Aldridge, Phillip K. Johnson Artist: Riccardo Federici, Adriana Melo, Miguel Mendonca Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: January 26, 2022 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 10 User Reviews: 51
8.9Critic Rating
8.9User Rating

+ Pull List

“The Warworld Saga, Part III.” Everything has changed. After the heart-stopping events of Action Comics #1037, Superman and the surviving members of the Authority see a side of Warworld they never knew existed. In the lower catacombs, Superman finds another survivor of the lost Phaelosian race of Krypton, a scientist turned enslaved gladiator with much to teach Superman of his new home, including how to survive…and maybe, in time, how to escape. Meanwhile, Superman’s quest to turn the hordes of Warworld against their masters begins.

  • 10
    You Don't Read Comics - David Harth Jan 26, 2022

    Action Comics #1039 is terrific. Johnson is creating a once-in-a-lifetime epic, and Federicis art is the perfect complement. The backup is heating up, and things are getting interesting there. Aldridge and Melo are doing an excellent job with Martian Manhunter. Action Comics has truly reached the next level. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Jan 25, 2022

    Melo's artwork is a great fit for Martian Manhunter. Along with Hi-Fi's coloring, this would be a firm creative team for a Manhunter ongoing series. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Comic Watch - Ariel B. Jan 25, 2022

    Someone needs to make a film out of this Action Comics run sooner rather than later. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Jan 28, 2022

    So nothing but praise for this issue. We start out with a tremendous action sequence. And then we get, in essence, a lot of exposition. But it is presented in a way that we are shown and told. The wonders of this saga just keep heaping up, like the layers on Warworld. I didn't know I needed this story. But I'm sure glad I am getting it. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Jan 25, 2022

    With great art and great storytelling throughout the main story and the backup, Action Comics has become what feels like one of the biggest books that DC Comics is putting out. There's drama, heart, and impeccable pacing that makes sure that the new concepts for Mongul and Warworld feel important throughout, not to mention a deep dive into continuity with the backup that is trying to bring to light the villains of Martian Manhunter that we barely ever get. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Jan 25, 2022

    If there was a Black Label Superman tale, it probably wouldn't look much different from this, but what's impressive is that Johnson manages to keep Superman's inherent character even amid the most brutal of situations. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    The Comicbook Dispatch - StoryBabbler Jan 27, 2022

    Action Comics #1039 shows the new life of Superman on Warworld. The comic shows Superman fight to survive and endure the brutal environment he's in. Phillip Kennedy Johnson delivers some interesting world-building of Warworld, which goes hand in hand with the artwork from Riccardo Federico and Lee Loguhridge that characterizes the planet as a cruel and soul-crushing place waiting to grind Superman into fuel. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    COMICON - Tony Thornley Feb 2, 2022

    Superman continues to learn about this wildly different version of Warworld. The creative team combines their efforts to weave a tapestry, making this a captivating read and an engrossing Superman epic. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum Jan 26, 2022

    I am admittedly not a huge fan of "The Warworld Saga" arc, but even though it's not my cup of tea I can recognize just how solid Philip Kennedy Johnson's writing is this issue and just how well he understands Clark Kent. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd Jan 26, 2022

    Character is the strongest element of the Superman story in Action Comics #1039. Johnson nails this page after page, even if Superman's not quite fitting into a John Carter of Mars story as one might expect he would. The Martian Manhunter story continues to build up with an interesting reveal. The art across the issue is at a high level, Melo is great on J'onn J'onn, but Federici is exceptional on the Superman tale. All in all, this is a step up from last issue. Read Full Review

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