Superman: Action Comics Vol. 1: Warworld Rising by Phillip Kennedy Johnson marks a thrilling new chapter in the Man of Steel's legacy. This volume kicks off an epic storyline that not only revitalizes Superman's mythos but also injects it with a fresh and dynamic twist.

In Warworld Rising, we find Superman facing an unprecedented challenge as he takes on the tyrannical regime of Warworld. The narrative pushes Clark Kent to his limits, both physically and emotionally, as he becomes embroiled in a battle that stretches far beyond Earth. Johnson’s storytelling is rich with tension and high stakes, driving home the gravity of Superman's struggle against a ruthless enemy.

The plot is invigorating, blending cosmic-scale action with profound character exploration. Johnson adeptly balances Superman’s heroic actions with introspective moments, revealing the weight of the choices he faces and the impact on those he loves. This volume explores themes of power, sacrifice, and hope in a manner that resonates deeply with both longtime fans and newcomers.

Visually, the book is a feast for the eyes. The artwork by Scott Godlewski and the dynamic colors by Adriano Lucas complement Johnson’s script, creating a visually stunning experience that brings the grand scale of Warworld to life. The action sequences are vibrant and engaging, while quieter moments are rendered with equal care and detail.

One of the standout aspects of this volume is its ability to reinvigorate Superman’s character while staying true to his core values. Johnson’s writing ensures that Superman remains a beacon of hope and justice, even as he confronts challenges that seem insurmountable.

Overall, Superman: Action Comics Vol. 1: Warworld Rising is a compelling read that sets the stage for an exciting new era in Superman’s saga. It's a must-read for fans of the Man of Steel and anyone interested in a high-stakes, emotionally charged superhero story.

I an unable to review this title, as it was archived before I had a chance to download and read it. This feedback is only to stop this title from adversely affecting my netgalley feedback rate. If in the future I have the opportunity to read this title, I will post a proper review here.

Phillip Kennedy Johnson really seems to get Superman and his family. Their views are point on. Superman will always do what's right, no matter the cost, even when he knows it's a trap. The story is all prologue. Warworld leaves a ship behind hat contains three ancient maybe Kryptonians behind. They have been in thrall to Mongul for generations. Superman knows it's all a trap but if there could be more proto-Kryptonians there, he'll go no matter what to free all of Warworld. Sampere's art is great. So is Duce's fill in issue. Yo can also read Superman and the Authority if you feel you need more backstory about what's happening.

I had a tough time putting this graphic novel down. We see a couple changes in this hero, like something might be going on with them. After he tries to help some people they turn out to be more than they appear to be. Superman thinks they might somehow be linked to Krypton, his home planet. While this is going on a powerful enemy sets a plan into motion. As this graphic novel comes to a close it is clear this story has only just begun.

It's good but not my favorite Superman story. Not bad but not memorable. But if you're a fan it will scratch that itch.

This is an OK Superman story. Starts intriguingly, with possible new kryptonians found, then there is some in-fighting between heroes, which gets old fast, and also a new conflict between US and Atlantis (which was handled way better a couple years back by Dan Abnett in Aquaman). Also, turns out it's just a prologue to a new Warworld Saga.
I am intrigued for the continuation of the story, but some plotting and dialogue were too clunky for my taste.

Admittedly, I've never been much of a Superman guy. This is not to say I don't appreciate his value as a character, which I've actually really come around to in the past few years. It's just that, in the Man of Steel's extremely long history, I've come across very few stories that have managed to grip me. The age-old complaint about the Last Son of Krypton, one that anyone reading this review has probably heard on numerous occasions, is that he's a little too powerful to be interesting. If he can survive anything, and save anyone, then the stakes can never really be high enough to engage the reader on any significant level. The solution to this, of course, is to challenge the hero mentally rather than physically, a tactic that has been tried time and time again. While a lot of these psychological threats have obviously paid dividends for plenty of fans, they just never really pulled me in the way I'd hoped. Then I read the latest from Action Comics, Warworld Rising, and realized just how intriguing Superman can be.

The genius of Rising, expertly written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, is in the type of mental anguish it chooses to push upon its protagonist. Instead of simply squaring Superman up against somebody smarter or more dangerous, the story gives Clark a moral conundrum that impacts nearly every facet of his life. Surprisingly, this is achieved through the use of a villain typically better known for his pure brutality than any form of advanced trickery. Mongul, the masochistic ruler of Warworld, sends a group of ancient, enslaved Kryptonians (or so they seem) to Earth with the aim of emotionally manipulating Superman toward his untimely demise. The plan works like a charm, with a distraught Clark knowingly heading straight into the trap. Normally, this would not be a cause for concern among fans. A fully powered Superman should have no problem jetting off to another planet, kicking it's leaders bum, and then heading home in time for dinner. However, Johnson uses several pre-existing plot points to install reasonable concern around the situation for both the characters in the story and the readers at home.

It is established early on that Clark's powers, for whatever reason, are starting to falter. While Kent himself is not overly concerned, Batman shows a decent amount of hesitation, which usually means there's a genuine problem at hand. This information, coupled with Jon Kent's chilling warnings from time spent in the future that Clark is scheduled to soon disappear from history books, aids in heightening the suspense around every decision Superman makes. The character no longer feels infallible, which suddenly makes his and Lois' constant assertions that he "always comes back" appear foreboding. If Mongul's plan wasn't already good enough, he also finds a way to take any form of help from the Justice League off the board. Along with the Kryptonians, an immensely powerful Warworld artifact finds its way into the ocean, causing a political conflict between the United States and Atlantis that threatens large-scale war. With the League preoccupied with humanity's inability to find peace, Superman is left to deal with his personal obligations alone.

The book leaves off on a massive cliffhanger, leading directly into a follow-up arc that presumably concludes the whole shebang. Having previously stated that I'm not a huge fan of Superman comics, the fact that I'd like to purchase the next volume should speak to just how good this collection of issues truly is. On top of giving its leading man some juicy drama to chew on, the commentary on human nature and the evils of war and slavery are reason enough to buy the comic on their own. I would support the creation of an entire series of stories that's just the members of the Justice League sitting in their war room, discussing how they should approach matters of international concern. The issue in question is akin to the excellent Japanese film Shin Godzilla, in which the first Kaiju attack is shown entirely from the perspective of government officials who have more than just human safety on their minds.

Warworld Rising is Superman at his very best, willing to sacrifice everything if it means even one innocent person can go home to their family. It's moral and political intrigue on a level few Superman stories have achieved with such palpable authenticity. We've seen writers claim that they've devised the final Man of Steel story in the past, but the thing that sets this one above and beyond its competition is that it really does feel like Superman may not make it out alive. Of course, he likely will, but any comic that makes you doubt that even for a second is one worth putting on your shelf.

Warworld Rising provides some intriguing steps for Superman, including dealing with humanity/weakness, and encountering new threats. With the long history of the character, it’s good to see that there is still steam in the storyline. Those unfamiliar with recent DC events might want to go back to some back issues, but the narrative still works well (and the art is action-packed and compelling).

First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and DC Entertainment for an advanced copy.

I ended up reading this graphic novel twice because there was so much to unpack. This is actually one of the first Superman comics I've read, and I feel compelled to read more now. In this comic, Superman is already dealing with some troubling news that he has cellular decay. Later Kelex informs Superman that extraterrestrial vessels are approaching the Earth. And all hell breaks loose. The ships are Warworld ships and they're holding refugees and a very important fragment that sources a ton of energy.

This graphic novel has shown the amount of kindness and concern Superman has for others. He wants nothing else but to help these refugees. I believe in the next volume we find out the mystery of the refugees and the fragment as well.

This is my first Superman comic, and I'm not super (ha) familiar with his storylines. HOWEVER, I am living for this bindup and I am thrilled that this is where I started. Besides the bigger plot points I do love that Superman is playing Daddy dealing with toddlers, taking away the toys. And then Supes does what Supes always does (at least what he usually does in all of the Batman things hes showed up in). It's asking for forgiveness not permission and he gets away with it every time because he has the brawn to back it up.

I was also loving the realtionships Superman has with the other heros, becuase being in the most exclusive club in all of the collected universes you have many relationships to manage. And the fact that Batman is concerned on his wellbeing made me feel all warm and fuzzy. And sure, we could say it was for the greater good of all the world, butttttttt but I love that their friendship is awkward.

As for the plot, I enjoyed the storyline. I look forward to what happens next and how Mr. Kent gets through this pickle.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and DC Entertainment!

This volume is action-packed and engaging. It was so compelling, I ended up reading the entire thing (152 pages) in one sittin!g. While the storyline is solid, I would not recommend this as your place to start if you have not read any other Superman comics. There is a lot of content packed into this graphic novel and it could be confusing if you don’t have prior knowledge.

The illustrations are excellent and everything fits well with the dialog.

Looking forward to reading the next installment

If you enjoy the big action stories, this one won't disappoint. Jon is moving into an adult-type of Superman role, and something is going on with Superman himself, and there are indications that his part to play in keeping everyone safe is soon to come to an end. Throw in a mysterious power source, Atlanteans and the US Government about to go to war, and you have a non-stop thrill ride ahead of you. I do have to say I miss the small humor in these comics, though. There really is no light-hearted part in any of it, though there is love and angst and a lot of other emotions included. However, this is a highly recommended read that I am certain many will find entertaining.

This book has a lot of material I enjoy in my comic books. Godzilla. A kraken. Lois being awesome. Unfortunately it has the same issues as a lot of other superhero comics have. It has Superman looking heroic, but it does so at the expense of making Aquaman and Batman look bad. I mean these are two guys we’re supposed to admire in other books. It also makes a lot of references to other series despite being a volume one. The first few times this happens it’s only a minor deal as the book provides enough context so that new readers can follow along. Unfortunately the last incident of this is actually plot relevant: a bunch of new characters show up from a different series and the book acts like readers are supposed to know who they are. This is a fun book for people looking for a good superhero story, but it has a few issues.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher DC Entertainment for an advanced copy of this superhero graphic novel.

Movies never seem to get the Man of Steel right, which is a shame as the character brings so much to the table. Yes he is Superman and pretty invulnerable, but Clark Kent is much more of a character and influence on Superman, than Bruce Wayne who is just a persona of the Batman. Superman cares, and he cares a lot. Be it a human on Earth, or a slave on Warworld, Superman cares and he will do whatever he can to help anybody, anywhere. In Superman: Action Comics Vol. 1: Warworld Rising written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and illustrated by Daniel Sampere, Superman's enemies learn not to endanger his friends, his family, his dog, his adopted planet, nor the group of people he had no idea existed until this issue. For he is Superman, and keeping people safe is what he does.

The graphic novel starts with Superman undergoing a series of tests designed by the Batman and Atom to determine if Superman's strength levels are decreasing, based on events from the previous issue. At the same time Jon, Superman's son is talking to Batman's son Damien about his time in the future with the Legion of Super-Heroes, and how mentions of Superman just seemed to disappear at this point. Suddenly a ship enters Earth's atmosphere, a junked ship that looks a lot like something out of Captain Harlock or Starblazers, pursued by ships from Warworld, a planet of cruel gladiator games and slaves controlled by Mongul. The ship crashes into the ocean, but not before Superman rescues survivors, possible Kryptonian refugees. To make matters worse the ship contains a valuable energy element that Atlantis and the US government both want to control. Is this all an elaborate trap for Superman, or can there be more Kryptonians trapped on Warworld? Superman plans to find out.

A really good set up for what sounds like a great saga for the Man of Tomorrow and his allies, both old and new. The whole comic is full of big ideas, big events, big art and bigger surprises. The art work is excellent, with the portrayal of Superman powerful, and yet not comforting but real. Batman is dark and moody, Lois and Kara are heroic and dressed, which is nice, and I like Krypto here. There are many excellent moments, and memorable lines. At one point Superman is discussing two of the survivors from Warworld and, I am paraphrasing, says I know nothing about these two, but I will meet their friends and family and will enjoy the stories they tell about them. That is Superman. A person can aspire to being Superman cause even without the powers Clark Kent would still be in the fight, doing what was right. All the time.

The only problem is not knowing what is going on in the DC Universe. I have no idea what is going on with Wonder Woman, odd outfit, Aquaman, seems on the outs with Atlantis, Shazam is in black, and who is the Atom now. However this did not effect me enjoying the story, which was really quite good. This is the first book I think by both creators I have read and I look forward to not only more Superman stories from these two creators, but more stories by them both in general.