Brian Michael Bendis is saying goodbye to Superman. According to the recently released DC Comics’ December Solicitations, the Eisner Award-winning writer will finish out the year working on Action Comics and Superman titles and then move on to greener pastures. The departure of the long-time Man of Steel scribe leaves vacant one of the most coveted writing jobs in all of comic books, and means an uncertain future for the ever-growing Superman family.
“The House of Kent: Epilogue” in Action Comics #1028 will see Bendis, John Romita Jr., and Klaus Janson “wrap up their time” on the current story line involving Superman and the Invisible Mafia. Lady L and her associates recently killed Melody Moore, attacked Lois and Jimmy, and somehow bought The Daily Planet. Presumably, this final issue will reveal the aftermath of the Invisible Mafia's plot and bring closure to Superman family questions such as Jon’s aging-up, and Connor mysteriously remembering Ma and Pa Kent.
More definitively, Superman #28 is teased as the “last stand in this final Superman tale by the superstar team of Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis, and Joe Prado.” Not much can be inferred about the “Mythological” story arc thus far, as the first issue only just hit newsstands. Superman #25 introduced the Synmar, an alien race that witnessed the destruction of Krypton and now keeps watch over Superman, lest he should try to conquer his adopted home world. The December solicitations suggest that Clark will try to help this alien race while simultaneously trying to prevent them from destroying Earth.
- ACTION COMICS #1028
- Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
- Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON
- Card stock variant cover by RAFAEL GRAMPÁ
- ON SALE 12/22/20
- $3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC
- CARD STOCK VARIANT COVER $4.99 US
- The powerhouse creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, John Romita Jr., and Klaus Janson wrap up their run on Action Comics with “House of Kent: Epilogue”! With the final fate of Metropolis’s underworld revealed at last, it’s time for each member of the House of Kent to face their unknown futures head on, including Lois, Conner, Jon, Kara, Jimmy, and, of course, Clark Kent! This standalone Superman story connects threads from Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Superman, Justice League, Legion of Super-Heroes, and other unforgettable series in epic—and unexpected—ways!
- SUPERMAN #28
- Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
- Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
- Card stock variant cover by KAEL NGU
- ON SALE 12/15/20
- $3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC
- CARD STOCK VARIANT COVER $4.99 US FC
- It’s the Man of Steel’s last stand in this final Superman tale by the superstar team of Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis, and Joe Prado! Superman comes face to face with an alien race that he desperately wants to help before it is too late. As the cosmically powered race known as the Synmar aim their deadly power at the Man of Steel’s adopted planet, Superman finds himself pushed past anything he has ever faced! Get ready to experience a powerhouse moment for Superman that’s been years in the making!
In June of 2020, Bendis appeared on David Harper’s Off Panel podcast and announced his time as the Superman head writer was nearing its end. Later that day he clarified on Twitter that his departure was, “sooooo far away.” These vague proclamations left loyal comic book readers confused about the future of the Big Blue Boy Scout. It wasn’t until DC Comics released their December Solicitations on September 11th that it was revealed that Action Comics #1028 and Superman #28 will finally mark the end of Bendis’ tenure.
Since Brian Michael Bendis left Marvel Comics to sign an exclusive contract with DC in November, 2017, his work on various Superman titles has been met with mixed reviews. Fans praised his decision to expand the Superman-family and reintroduce the Legion of Superheroes. Conversely, controversial decisions such as prematurely aging Jon and revealing Superman’s secret identity elicited criticism. Needless to say, his departure will be celebrated by some and mourned by many. More importantly, a new era is about to begin, and only time will tell what the future holds for the Man of Tomorrow.