Comic Review: Action Comics #1,011

Action Comics #1,011

DC Comics

Writer: Brian Micheal Bendis

Artist: Steve Epting

Action Comics #1,011 is the culmination of the Leviathan Rising arc. We’ve been building to Event Leviathan for a while now, and this book’s job is partially to get you amped up for that book. More importantly, though, it needs to excite you on its own merits. Luckily, it succeeds at both.

Steve Epting is doing killer work with this issue. He’s an artist I’ve been fond of since Captain America, but going back to those books now almost makes it seem amateur. At least, amateur in comparison to what he’s doing on Action these days. The first scene with Kate Spencer is incredibly well composed and delivers on the more grounded action that he’s always been great with. Interestingly, the rest of the book isn’t so action heavy. I like to watch Superman punch stuff as much as anybody, but to see Epting pull off this more grounded Superman is incredible. Brad Anderson’s dark colors would normally be a turn-off for a Superman book, but here they complement the tone perfectly. This art team isn’t one I’d ever think to place on Action Comics, yet they work well with Bendis’ scripts. Plus, I love how Epting draws Supes’ X-ray vision.

From a story standpoint, this issue does more to excite me for Event Leviathan than anything else. This whole arc has been building to it, but I didn’t find it overly intriguing. Not even when considering my affection for the creative team. I’m now convinced that it’s something to look forward to. The way Bendis integrates characters from all facets of the DC Universe into this mystery tickles me in all the right places. Every surprise appearance lends to the idea that this is all part of something larger, and in turn makes the Leviathan threat feel more significant. Plus, it gives some spotlight to some characters who desperately need it.

Despite its somewhat darker tone, I never find myself bummed or angry when reading these issues. The past few in particular with the “Chaz” jokes have had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions. The darkness is offset nicely with humor and ridiculous scenarios. The way it flips the switch between serious and ridiculous feels effortless. Some who are less enthusiastic may call that jarring, but it works for me. Partially, because the character work is so strong. It makes me give even the strangest choices the benefit of the doubt because it obviously comes from a place of love.

Action Comics #1,011 is one of the strongest issues yet. Balancing the grim with the whacky, Bendis and Epting deliver a Superman book that feels as familiar as it does unique. It’s a delicate balance, and they walk it with care. This is the book to read if you’re curious about Event Leviathan, and If this issue is any indication of what to expect; strap in folks.