2018 was one of the biggest years for Superman, it was not only 80 years ago that the Man of Steel’s debut but also the very first issue of Action Comics #1 was published; since then, it went down in history and nothing could touch Superman or his popularity. In my review today, we’ll be reviewing the Deluxe Edition of “Action Comics: 80 Years of Superman“.
Even though the majority features Superman stories throughout the years, it also honors other early Action Comic Characters such as Zatara the Master Magician, Vigilante; most forget that it wasn’t always just about Superman but an early way to tell a variety of Comic Storytelling of that time. This was a celebration of the series that inspired the industry today. One of the things that catch a reader’s eye (caught my eye for sure,) was the essays that were written that set the importance of the series, take for example the essay written by Jerry Siegel’s daughter Laura Siegel Larson, she wrote the foreword, telling us more about her father and how proud he and Shuster felt seeing their greatest creation beloved by all. Paul Levitz, a Comic Book Writer, Editor, Executive, and Former President of DC Comics wrote a beautiful introduction for this Collection and it doesn’t disappoint; outlining the historical view of this series.
Speaking of outlining, we have a wonderful collection of single issues that highlight different moments in Superman’s long history, starting with Action Comics #1, #2, then moving forward to #42, #64, #241, #242, #252, #285, #309, #419, #484, #554, #584 (by John Byrne), #655, #662, #800, even a story from the New 52 era, Action Comics #0 written by Grant Morrison titled ‘The Boy who Stole Superman’s Cape!’.
Over the years we’ve seen many firsts, the introduction of Supergirl, Bizarro, Metallo, and the Super-Pets and eras such as the Golden Age, Silver Age, and Bronze Age but what makes it worth reading this Collection of stories was all of the hard work writers and artists put in over the years, from Siegel and Shuster, Curt Swan, Len Wein, Cary Bates, Carmine Infantino, Gil Kane, and so many others that could be listed but you get the message.
Final Grade:
Take flight with Batman and Superman in this adorable Q-Fig! The complex relationship between the Last Son of Krypton and the Dark Knight of Gotham is summed up in this charming diorama inspired by the Rebirth versions of the characters. Superman is featured having a blast while carrying the reluctant Batman through the clouds. Standing about 5-inches tall, this DC Comics World’s Finest Batman and Superman Q-Fig MAX Figure comes safely packaged in a window box.
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