Action Comics #1037
Superman and the Authority do battle with Mongul’s forces on Warworld in Action Comics #1037, by writer Philip Kennedy Johnson, artist Miguel Mendonca, colorist Adriano Lucas, and letterer Dave Sharpe. In the backup, by writer Shawn Aldridge, artist Adriana Melo, colorist HI-FI, and letterer Dave Sharpe, Martian Manhunter investigates the theft of a familiar artifact from the Gotham Museum. The main story is an action-packed banger, while the backup is a great beginning for a Martian Manhunter tale.
The main story is all-out action, bookended by segments with the UP. It starts with the UP council discussing whether they should help Superman when the Durlan head of the council says they should take a wait and see attitude. On Warworld, the battle begins with Mongul and his forces getting the upper hand with some rather surprising casualties. Back at the UP council meeting, they witness the events on Warworld with resignation, all except the Durlan. In the backup, Martian Manhunter contemplates his life before hearing about a museum heist. Meanwhile, at the Metropolis Police Department, a detective is looking into their own case and gets a lead. At the museum, MM finds out the stolen artifact was the Heart of Diabolu but is interrupted by an old foe.
Johnson promised an epic and so far is delivering. This issue is a balls-to-the-wall action book, and there are some surprising moments. That’s pretty much the crux of the chapter. There’s a minimum of trash-talking, although Johnson reveals that this Mongul is the son of the last one. Other than that, it’s all action, which is fitting in this particular comic.
It all begs the question of how exactly Superman and company are going to win. Mongul has prepared Warworld for Superman’s arrival because he knows his history. His group of helpers has a Black Order feel to them, which is pretty fitting since Mongul is basically DC’s Thanos in many ways. While there are some similarities, they are completely different powers-wise, and this battle shows that. Beyond that, this is just an excellently written fight comic. Johnson gets how to build tension, and while the ending is surprising, it also feels inevitable. The stuff with the UP is still fascinating and makes this story that much better. In the backup, Aldridge starts things out with MM in four different shapes. It all plays to MM questioning who he is, which is an interesting direction to take the character. Everyone knows a lot about the character by now, but that’s just history. Who is Martian Manhunter? That’s a great tact to take with the character, and so far, this story plays it very well. Also, the last page reveal of he’s fighting next chapter is perfect for longtime fans of the character.
Mendonca’s art in the main story is great. An issue that is so action-oriented like this one needs a penciler that’s going to do it justice, and Mendonca knocks it out of the park. The action hits hard in every panel, the detail is good, and it really complements the script. Mendonca was a good choice to fill in for Sampere for this issue. In the backup, Melo’s pencils are fantastic. She does a great job with capturing a very classic Martian Manhunter. The villain reveal on the last page looks terrific as well.
Action Comics #1037 lives up to its name. Johnson and company give readers an action-packed comic full of surprising moments. It’s exciting and where it’s going to lead is anyone’s business. The backup is a great kick-off for a story. As usual, this book is killing it.