Action Comics #1018: Teases All the Way Down

I really enjoyed the first half of this issue. Red Cloud’s origin was the classic “fell into a vat of radioactive goo” type of story but it felt much more human. I think what was so striking about it was the scientists’ dialogue while Goode is knocked out. They insult her and discuss what to do with her. They are disgusting and I have to admit I was a little giddy when the Red Cloud destroys them. Readers learn that the energy is composed doorways into pocket dimensions and they are not sure if it consists of matter or antimatter. It is apparent in their horror that they really don’t know much about it, which makes the fact that they were going to throw her in to dispose of her body even more horrifying. On top of it all, Goode’s horror made this a really compelling origin story. Her screams of “what did you do to me” sent chills down my spine and they are just words on a page.

The issue lost me after Goode’s section. In another flashback, we see Clark Kent meeting with the new fire chief who then reveals that she is running for mayor and asks if Superman would endorse her. Clark pulls the, “well actually, I am Superman and I endorse you.” It felt really awkward and corny, but maybe Bendis knows what he’s doing (he usually does). There is also some weird flirting stuff going on which weirded me out a little. Anyways, Clark is planning to reveal that he is Superman in a few days and that is why he told the chief. I am interested to see where all of this leads.

The issue starts out amazing and then takes a weird turn so I was hoping it could finish strong. Then I remembered that the end of Event Leviathan teased Leviathan’s return in Action Comics #1018. He shows up, but in the last panel and says something along the lines of “You brought this on yourself.” It felt like a let down. I have to wait another month to see him in action. I was disappointed with Event Leviathan, so I was excited for this issue but I have the same disappointment. Bendis seems to be teasing more teases. It’s teases all the way down.