Action Comics #1009: We Want the Same Thing

Superman finds his role as a detective in Action Comics #1009 as the Leviathan mystery continues to deepen, bringing the international spy ring Spyral into the fold.

Let’s get right to the heart of what Bendis has been trying to accomplish across the last few issues of Action Comics. The Leviathan Rising arc ties into both Talia Al Ghul’s narrative in the Silencer’s solo comic, as well as the recent Kobra Cult massacre and the downfall of so many secret organizations in the DC Universe. The consequences of whoever is causing these events has reached several series now, but as Olsen points out, it’s not a whodunnit, it’s a whydunnit. This issue is described as the countdown to the biggest story in DC history, so the perpetrator of these events must not be the only surprise waiting in the midst.  

All of these circumstances have given Bendis plenty of time for dialogue-fueled narratives weaving various plot lines together, but after three issues of this arc alone, it’s time to start putting the pieces together. Instead we are introduced to another player in the game – in the form of Spyral, a spy agency particularly familiar to Nightwing fans – which simply creates a new mysterious situation for Supes to insert himself in. I’m hoping Supes playing detective isn’t something that’s going to keep reoccurring, but “Andi and Chaz” infiltrating am international spy ring next issue doesn’t give me much hope. 

The artwork leaves little to complain about, with spectacular depictions of characters like The Question and even Lois helping to maintain interest. The lack of overall action is starting to hinder the series though. The issues feel more and more restrained by overly complicated and unsatisfactory narrative threads. Hopefully, the Action Comics series will soon return to living up to its name with exciting and memorable…you know, action?