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Action Comics #1006

Scheduled to arrive in stores: January 2, 2019

Cover date: February 2019

"Invisible Mafia" - Part 6

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Ryan Sook
Inker: Brad Anderson
Cover: Ryan Sook
Variant Covers: Francis Manapul

Reviewed by: Mario Bennese
Click to enlarge


Following a children's charity event, Clark Kent confronts Mayor Hopkins regarding his decision to halt the Metropolis fire department's investigation into the recent string of fires. Hopkins and his team leave, avoiding Clark's questions. In their limo, they discuss who might have leaked the information to the Daily Planet. Unbeknownst to them, Kent uses his super hearing to eavesdrop on their conversation.

At the Daily Planet, Robinson Goode has finished her story about Superman's encounter with Red Cloud. Perry demands more, believing it to be front page material. Clark and Jimmy have a light conversation, but Clark springs into detective mode as he sees Goode leaving the bullpen. He decides to follow her.

Meanwhile, Melody Moore is leaving the fire station for the night when she is nearly murdered by Red Cloud. Superman arrives just in time to stop Red Cloud and the two begin to fight again. Believing that there's good in everyone, Superman offers Red Cloud a chance to turn herself in and make steps towards redemption. Instead, Red Cloud vanishes.

Later, at a shady bar, Robinson Goode is given the chance to meet with her employer. Goode was selected by a woman named Leone for very specific reasons. Leone had grown up in Suicide Slum and worked her way to the top. Acknowledging that they can't kill the Man of Steel, she informs Goode that in addition to running a crime organization right under Superman's nose for years, she also bought the Daily Planet.

4Story - 4: If I remember correctly, this is the last issue of this story arc. However, I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of a much larger story. There's plenty being set up here with the corrupt Mayor Hopkins and Leone's acquisition of the Daily Planet.

Not much happens in this issue, but it was still an enjoyable read. I got a bit of a Golden Age vibe with Clark taking on corrupt politicians. Of course, the wrecked green sedan didn't escape my notice. Perhaps Bendis is trying to take Superman in a more Golden Age direction, pulling him away from the big space battles and world-shattering events. Without getting too political, a champion for the oppressed is the kind of Superman we need.

I love that Superman offers Red Cloud a chance at redemption. That empathy is what sets him apart from other heroes, and it's always a treat to see that compassion on full display. I'm not entirely sure about Leone purchasing the Daily Planet. At this point, who hasn't owned it? The switching of the company's ownership just feels like an easy out for when the writers want to switch up the status quo. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's a bit old hat at this point. Hopefully, we get something unique out of this setup.

4Art - 4: Ryan Sook continues to deliver superb work for this title. The fight with Red Cloud is dynamic and engaging. Every panel is a treat to look at and his Superman is magnificent.

3Cover Art - 3: The cover also features art by Sook. While it's certainly not a bad cover, it just didn't grab me in the way that I think he might have intended. The red map of Metropolis makes the cover feel a little cluttered. Perhaps the cover might have benefited from a different layout.

4Variant Cover Art - 4: This is a nice, cheery cover. Clark's face looks a little weird, but it's not enough to detract from a fun New Year's cover.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2019

Note: Except for digital first releases, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic went on sale.

January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019

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