While his run hasn't been entirely perfect, installments like this prove that Bendis is a good Superman writer and will be missed when he moves on in a few issues. Read Full Review

It's the small details that get under the skin. I've really been enjoying Brian Michael Bendis' take on Superman - but the beginning of this issue shows one of his weaknesses. The story opens with Superman fighting a powerful alien in front of the Daily Planet - and in the fight we see his "civilian" clothes being burned off, revealing his costume beneath. But later in the issue, when he fights the alien he's already removed his civvies. I'll admit that's a minor point, and the rest of the issue is very good. We get more about Superman's "regular" life now that he's revealed his secret identity, we see some unexpected ways in which Superman protects his friends (and the world in general), and we see what happens when he encounters a truly alien opponent. So, the issue isn't perfect - but it is a lot of fun. Read Full Review

This was a fun issue to read, I would have loved to have read more from Synmar’s perspective, but seeing Superman try to communicate with it before engaging in a physical confrontation was nice. The “Mythological” arc makes for a fine jumping on point for new readers, so if you’ve been thinking about trying out a Superman book, now’s the time. Let us know down in the comments your thoughts on Synmar and this week’s issue. Read Full Review

Bendis' run on the title has been hit or miss, but I would definitely group Superman #26 among the hits. In this issue we get to see a some good character interaction between Lois and Clark, as well as between Clark and Steve. Plus, Bendis has added an interesting twist by pitting Superman against a villain who remains mute, leaving Clark to guess at his motivations. All in all, Superman #26 is one of Bendis' better issues of Superman. Read Full Review

As Brian Michael Bendis begins his final arc on Superman, the new villain Synmar is headed for Earth with one purpose"to destroy Superman for what the explosion of Krypton did to him and his world. But while Ivan Reis gets to draw some excellent battle sequences at the start and end of the issue, the best parts of the script are the quieter ones as we see more of the fallout of Superman's decision to reveal his secret identity. Read Full Review

This is another fun, but not exactly groundbreaking issue of Superman that continues a string of solid issues. Read Full Review

Ivan Reis makes every action sequence look epic. The fight is big, bright and bold. The quiet moments are beautifully rendered. I just wish I cared more about the antagonist. Read Full Review

Bendis doesnt offer much development after a strong introduction to Synmar, but the character work and Reis art make the issue work checking out. Read Full Review

Superman faces a baffling foe as the creative team's final arc kicks into high gear! Read Full Review

Superman faces a Synmar threat, and this issue is mostly a fight between the two forces. While there are some nice character moments, overall this is a physical conflict. If you pick up this issue it will feel unfinished and like it was a chapter ripped from a trade. A typical Bendis Superman comic, where there are some great ideas here but not executed to the fullest extent. Read Full Review

Truly, I am looking forward to a new writer on this book. That day cannot come soon enough. Read Full Review

Superman loves his wife and Jimmy's been sleeping at the Fortress of Solitude. These are the big reveals of this issue, but as far as the new villain Symar goes, you just get a fight that you don't understand, nor does Superman. The art looks great, but the story doesn't do much for this arc. Read Full Review

entertaining, but not moving forward as much as it should.

As usual, this is the better of both titles in print, but it's still a letdown, as only Bendis can make. The best thing is the art, as usual. It doesn't seem to make much sense, because Jimmy is still at the fortress and they talk about the FBI at the planet in a past tense like Jimmy wasn't there, even though he was.
Otherwise this issue's just the same old stuff other writers have done before all meshed into one issue. All that was original was a scene at the planet that should've happened almost a year ago. For doing something as big and stupid as making Superman reveal his identity, Bendis sure hasn't done much with it. And none of his enemies have done anything. Any real writer would have Superman's foes coming in all the time from all directions intent on destroying him, but Bendis only wants to focus on the pathetic villains he's came up with instead, and none of them could care less who Superman is. The big reveal could have developed into something interesting if it were written by someone who knew how to write a half-ass Superman story.
Then there's Synmar. An alien intent to destroy Superman, but he has no idea why. Been there, done that-over and over, too many times to count over the last 50 years. Thanks for another letdown issue Bendis. Defenseless innocent trees died to make this, you know.
I suggest to my fellow readers we force DC's editors to sign a sworn legal Affidavit indicating that after his run is over that Bendis will NEVER be allowed to write another Superman book or even do one with a guest appearance by him, or even be allowed to write a book mentioning him ever again. more

Weirdly paced and meandering issue, that does not really feel like an issue. There are just things happening, one after the another. It feels directionless. I liked the scene with Lois and Clark, but after that It's seems like Bendis is just trying to find a way to fill the pages. Most of my points come because of the art.

So much talking. And for what? For Superman? Ugh.

Why indeed, Superman.

Bendis.Must.Fall.

Nothing like wasting 23 pages to accomplish what could be done on 2 page spread panel. Then we couldn't have Superman recap the past 2 years of uninteresting story lines then continue on to emasculate himself for 4 pages telling Lois how important she is to him...Blah blah blah. I'm unsure when did Bendis confuse the character of Superman with Jerry from Rick and Morty?
I only gave this book a 1.5 because of the artwork. It's a shame it is weighed down by such a lame story arc. Bendis won't be missed when he's gone. Give the Superman books back to Dan Jurgens.