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Action Comics #1013 Action Comics #1013 KindleDownload iBookBuy Now

Action Comics #1013

Scheduled to arrive in stores: July 24, 2019

Cover date: September 2019

"Gifts"

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller: Szymon Kudranski
Inker: Szymon Kudranski
Cover: Jamal Campbell
Variant Covers: Frank Quitely

Reviewed by: Mario Bennese
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It's nighttime when crime leader Leone is confronted by Lex Luthor via hologram technology. Luthor offers a gift before Leone calls in some of her men. She initiates a full house protocol which makes the entire house vanish. At The Daily Planet, Perry questions Robinson as to how she managed to get a Leviathan story, something even Lois couldn't get. According to Robinson, it was a case of dumb luck. After Thorn refused to join Leviathan, Leviathan soldiers tried to overtake Rose in her own apartment. Rose's only option was to turn to The Daily Planet. While explaining the story, Robinson momentarily loses control of her powers as her hand begins smoking. Perry, having not noticed, gives her the go-ahead to write the pieces she had brought him.

Elsewhere in Metropolis, Superman breaks up a fight between Leviathan soldiers and Thorn. The leader of the group is questioned by The Man of Steel. Before attempting to remove the man's mask, he asks if the suit is booby-trapped. The wearer is unsure, but as Superman touches it, he's transported to India. Later at The Daily Planet, Clark gives Perry a rundown of his suspicions. Perhaps the DEO, ARGUS, and others were only relocated.

In her apartment, Robinson struggles to get a grip on her powers. Suddenly, a hologram of Luthor appears. He gives her the gift of a complete power set and offers to reveal her secret origin.

3Story - 3: It looks like things might start picking up. Then again, we're only two issues into the Event Leviathan series, so everything that happened in this issue is likely going to be dragged out. That being said, I am interested in knowing more about Robinson Goode, but mostly because I don't feel like there's been much to show why I should care about her.

There really isn't much to this issue except promises about future payoff. This might read better as a collected edition. On a technical level, the book is written well, but it feels like it was written with the trade paperback in mind.

3Art - 3: Kudranski needs to work more on facial wrinkles, or at least knowing where to put them and when to stop drawing them. Perry is an older guy, but he's not that old. Superman is easily the worst looking character in this book. There's only one panel where he looks like Superman should.

4Cover Art - 4: For the most part, I like this cover. Superman in peril usually always makes for an intriguing cover. The only criticism I have is that Clark and Rose's faces could have used another pass. Other than that, the layout, colors, and concept all work for me.

2Variant Cover Art - 2: The fact that a Frank Quitely variant cover is this boring offends me. I know it's part of a company-wide monthly theme, but you don't waste Quitely's talents on this.

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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