Action Comics #1038

Writer: Philip Kennedy Johnson, Shawn Aldridge Artist: Adriana Melo, Miguel Mendonca, Daniel Sampere Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: December 29, 2021 Cover Price: $4.99 Critic Reviews: 12 User Reviews: 47
8.5Critic Rating
8.9User Rating

+ Pull List

“The Warworld Saga,” part three. Everything changes! 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
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Jan 3, 2022

    Seriously, Superman is physically beaten but indomitable. He cares. And he wants to be heard by those who need him the most. Powerful stuff indeed. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Comic Watch - Ariel B. Dec 28, 2021

    There is nothing more satisfying than watching Superman's most impressive ability, his absolute and incorruptible goodness, coming into play. Don't get me wrong, I love to watch Clark throw down as much as anyone else... but fists are often impotent in fighting the most important battles, especially in a situation like this. Fantasies of playing the savior are tempting, but in the end, it is the people of Warworld themselves who must want a new path... and who must choose to walk it. Clark knows that, now. And that's why he's going to win. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Dec 28, 2021

    In some ways, this actually feels more like a Black Label book"from the isolated nature of the story, to the older Superman, to the sheer level of brutal violence that gets dealt out. But it never feels gratuitous"it feels like the opening act to a story that might just define Superman for this current era, if he's lucky enough to escape it alive. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    COMICON - Tony Thornley Jan 4, 2022

    The Warworld Saga continues in an unexpected way. This story isn't at all what it could have been, and may have been twenty years ago. This is a modern epic in the making and I'm excited to see what's next each month. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Dec 28, 2021

    Action Comics avoids the rumored twist few Superman fans wanted while establishing a seemingly impossible task. Johnson and Mendonca have set the stage nicely and are continue to keep the title one worth staying invested in the end game. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    The Comicbook Dispatch - StoryBabbler Dec 29, 2021

    Action Comics #1038 keeps up the momentum from the previous issue. The story shows the aftermath of Mongul's victory, highlighting the brutal struggles that Superman and his team will have to overcome. All while showing that the Warworld Saga is as much a moral battle as it is a physical one. The writing by Phillip Kennedy Johnson continues to capture Superman's heroic spirit, while the art by Miguel Mendoca and Adriano Lucas' colors make this an amazing comic to look at. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Dec 28, 2021

    Action Comics is upping its game lately and thankfully this issue continues that trend as we see the aftermath of the epic defeat of our heroes in the previous issue. While things seem gloomy for Superman and the Authority I love the way that this issue plays with the elements of hope and how Superman will never give up. The art is fantastic and the Martian Manhunter backup is a great step up from the backups we've had previously. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    You Don't Read Comics - David Harth Dec 29, 2021

    Action Comics #1038 is yet another hit in a book that has been full of them lately. Both teams do a remarkable job of building their stories. The art is mostly great, but it lacks in places in both stories. All in all, this issue is gets it done. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Dec 28, 2021

    Mendonca delivers some fantastic visuals throughout the issue. The art takes on the dark tone of the story and it is evident in every page and panel. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Dec 28, 2021

    Action Comics hasn't felt this different in some time. Issue #1038 delivers an adventure story with high stakes that are testing Superman beyond anything we've seen before. This may be a slower and sadder chapter, but it's incredibly important as it's always darkest before the dawn. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum Dec 29, 2021

    It's a good book, just gloomy and grim and it kind of pulls everything down a bit for a character so rooted in hope. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd Dec 28, 2021

    Buy this one for Tedesco's variant cover and the Marian Manhunter second feature. Action Comics #1038 isn't without merit, it's just probably not the merit you were banking on. It's still a difficult time for Superman, but it's nice that there's more to this title than the lead Superman story. Read Full Review

Reviews for the Week of...

January

1st

December

More