Action Comics: Futures End # 1 3D Lenticular Motion Cover 2014 NM

Action Comics: Futures End #1 is a special one-shot comic book published by DC Comics on September 3, 2014. Released as part of DC’s massive company-wide "Futures End Month" initiative, the issue jumps five years into a dark, potential future of The New 52 universe where a missing Superman’s legacy takes on a unique, street-level folkloric perspective.

The Plot & Storyline

The main story, titled "Crossroads," abandons traditional giant superhero brawls to examine how the missing Man of Steel influences ordinary human lives:

• An Exile of Hope: In this timeline, Clark Kent has abandoned his traditional role in Metropolis and exiled himself to Ethiopia. Stripped of his grand armor, he spends his days quietly attempting to plant gardens and grow vegetables for starving communities. Though resources are scarce, Clark believes that hope must survive, even if his crops do not.
• The Miraculous Mirages: Meanwhile, across the globe, random citizens facing critical, life-altering emergencies suddenly begin manifesting individual traits of Superman's powers:
• A depressed woman jumping from a high building unexpectedly starts to fly.
• A young gambling addict fighting off violent loan sharks suddenly develops super strength.
• A young boy standing up to an abusive family dynamic discovers he is entirely invulnerable.
• The Sand Superman: In each instance, these ordinary people are visited by a mysterious entity made entirely out of moving sand shaped like Superman. The creature temporarily grants them a fraction of Kal-El's power before reclaiming it, leaving them with vital life lessons about their own inner resilience and vulnerabilities.

Creative Team & Tone

• Creators: The issue was written by Sholly Fisch, who was widely praised by fans for his grounded, emotional approach to the Superman character. The dynamic interior pages were illustrated by artist Pascal Alixe.
• A Spiritual Tribute: Critics noted that the story serves as a spiritual nod to classic Bronze Age stories (referencing the iconic "Sandman Superman" entity created by Denny O'Neil and Curt Swan) as well as the famous emotional pacing seen in All-Star Superman.

Collectibility & Covers

Like all books published during the 2014 event, this comic was heavily defined by its physical formatting:

• The 3D Lenticular Variant: The primary, premium version of the issue features a thick, 3D Lenticular Motion Cover illustrated by Lee Weeks and Dave McCaig. When tilted back and forth in the light, the image shifts dynamically between a portrait of modern Superman and his moving sand-entity counterpart.
• Standard Edition: A traditional flat-print matte cover printing featuring the same artwork, sold at a lower cover price for standard reading.