The clue is on the first page, amid all the detritus of the average person’s desk. Sticky notes and pads of paper and various reminders to do this or that. The energy burst what struck last issue strikes again. And again. And again. It’s obliterating major groups within the DCU, working its way up the chain. Who’s next? The Blackhawks? The Outsiders? The JLA?

At the epicenter of this whirlwind of destruction are three characters who have been involved to one degree or another: Amanda Waller (admin); Sam Lane (operative); and Jimmy Olsen (reluctant witness). And for one reason or another, Superman is expected to protect them, and others involved – if he can.

It’s an okay story that adds pieces to the puzzle, though nothing is substantially resolved. A few pieces remain missing, though I suspect that may a matter of poor editing. For instance, a scene is introduced, but it’s only several pages later that the reader is told the location of that particular scene. Again, editing helps with that.

I’m uncertain about Steve Epting’s artwork. At first I thought this issue seemed a bit bland, but upon closer examination, it's almost as if he's going for a retro, Joe Giella style. If so, it will take some refining to get there. Or maybe he was off his game. Or maybe I’m just now noticing it for the first time. Regardless, I’m happy to keep an open mind. Action Comics is too high profile for DC Comics to allow its artist to flounder.