Action Comics #1045
As Mongul’s forces close in, Superman and company prepare to make their last stand in Action Comics #1045, by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson, artists Will Conrad and Brent Peeples, colorist Lee Loughridge, and letterer Dave Sharpe. In the back-up, by Johnson, artist David Lapham, colorist Trish Mulvihill, and letterer Sharpe, Conduit attacks just as Steel and company make the breakthrough that could save the day. As usual, this issue slays from beginning to end.
Survivors of Citadel relate the story of its fall to Superman, as Mongul has OMAC, Apollo, and Lightray on his side as the new Unmade. Superman and his council make their final plan to save the day, splitting their forces into three: Midnighter, Manchester Black, and Enchantress shoring up their defenses, Natasha and Orphan heading to the Star Forges, and Superman and Kyrl-Ux going to find the Fire of Olgrun. Natasha and Orphan and Superman and Kyrl both encounter unexpected developments that could doom everything. In the back-up, Conduit breaks into the Steelworks after Natasha and John come up with the next phase of their plans. He steals the Genesis fragment, but Lois calls in major league help.
Johnson has created a masterpiece so far in the Warworld Saga, and this issue is no different. In a lot of ways, it hits all the tropes for this section of the story. Mongul’s forces are resurgent with new weapons to use against heroes and the three members of the Authority in his clutches, making up for his recent losses. The heroes come up with a perfect plan, but it obviously gets messed up. These are all the correct beats for this, but Johnson makes it hit just right. This story just keeps getting better with every chapter, even when it’s hitting the same notes that this type of story is known for.
Another thing that makes it really stand out is the character he invests into the story. There’s a sign between OMAC and Lightray that shows just how much they care about her. OMAC sold their soul to get Lightray back but made her a devil. OMAC wants to kill both of them, but the only thing stopping them is that Superman may win. Until then, it’s the devil’s work. It’s a wonderful little scene that says a lot about OMAC. Later, the two Phaelosian children ask Superman to take them to Earth, and it’s wonderful. Johnson knows how to write Superman so well, and this season proves it. The back-up explains a part of the Authority’s plan and then devolves into a brawl with Conduit. It’s fun and well-paced; Johnson writes a great Conduit.
Conrad’s art is fantastic throughout his pages. His character work is top-notch, and he sells the dialogue scenes. With OMAC, readers only get to see their eyes, but that’s enough to get across the emotion of the scene. The last page is brilliant as well. Peeples’s art isn’t as good, but it still works. Loughridge’s colors are brilliant. He changes up the style for each artist and brings out the best in both of them. Meanwhile, in the back-up, Lapham and Mulvihill keep up their amazing work. This is an action-heavy story, and the art team does a fabulous job of investing the scenes with kinetic action.
Action Comics #1045 is yet another great story, both in the main and back-up. The creative teams are hitting hard, and other than a few weaknesses in the art in the main story, this is a great read.
