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Superman: The Action Comics Archives #5
Superman: The Action Comics Archives, Vol. 5
Don't miss this thrilling archive featuring some of Superhero's earliest adventures by his creators, Siegel and Shuster! This volume includes ACTION COMICS #69-85, from 1944-1945.
- GenresGraphic NovelsComics
228 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
Jerry Siegel
619 books81 followersJerome "Jerry" Siegel, who also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter, Jerry Ess, and Herbert S. Fine, was the American co-creator of Superman (along with Joe Shuster), the first of the great comic book superheroes and one of the most recognizable icons of the 20th century.
He and Shuster were inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1993.
He and Shuster were inducted into the comic book industry's Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1993.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 29, 2017
This book collects Action Comics #69-85 from 1944 and 1945.
Long-time Superman villains the Prankster (69, 77), Mr. Mxyptlk (#80) and the Toyman (#85) appear.
The pranksters stories are fun as he plays a seemingly annoying but minor prank but with major ramifications. He's not unlike the Joker in the Batman comics, although he's far from being as interesting.
Mr. Mxyptlk is the highlight of the book. He's incredibly goofy and uninhibited, making him fun to watch. Superman has to use his brains to get rid of him as Superman can't just punch him away.
The Toy Man story wasn't bad but it was a bit convoluted, and the explanation for the Toyman's crimes was somewhat unclear.
Beyond that, there are some nice comedy stories that would set the stage for the Silver Age silliness to come such as when there's a huge Valentine's day mix up between Jimmy, Lois, and Superman (#71) and then there's a weaking who tells his girl he's a Superman and actually finds a way to impersonate him. (#74).
There are some heartfelt stories such as Superman coming to the aide of a chef who wants to prepare food for Bohemians (#78) or also the story of a father who left all his funds to build free amusment parks and his sons efforts to sabotage them (#79), or a schoolboy who fears he can't compete in an essay contest about excitement until Superman comes into his life. (#84)
Beyond that, it's mostly thugs and rackets, yet many of these are from ordinary such as robbers who steal hobbies (#73) and a criminal with last name of Aesop who wants to tell his own twisted fables (#75), and the slick conmen in Issue 79 is worth a shout out.
If I could, I'd give this 3.5 stars. There are some stories that don't work , that are too dull, and kitsch, and even the good stories are not as good as some of other Superman collections. Still, there's a lot of fun to be had in these pages, and this is a worthwhile read.
Long-time Superman villains the Prankster (69, 77), Mr. Mxyptlk (#80) and the Toyman (#85) appear.
The pranksters stories are fun as he plays a seemingly annoying but minor prank but with major ramifications. He's not unlike the Joker in the Batman comics, although he's far from being as interesting.
Mr. Mxyptlk is the highlight of the book. He's incredibly goofy and uninhibited, making him fun to watch. Superman has to use his brains to get rid of him as Superman can't just punch him away.
The Toy Man story wasn't bad but it was a bit convoluted, and the explanation for the Toyman's crimes was somewhat unclear.
Beyond that, there are some nice comedy stories that would set the stage for the Silver Age silliness to come such as when there's a huge Valentine's day mix up between Jimmy, Lois, and Superman (#71) and then there's a weaking who tells his girl he's a Superman and actually finds a way to impersonate him. (#74).
There are some heartfelt stories such as Superman coming to the aide of a chef who wants to prepare food for Bohemians (#78) or also the story of a father who left all his funds to build free amusment parks and his sons efforts to sabotage them (#79), or a schoolboy who fears he can't compete in an essay contest about excitement until Superman comes into his life. (#84)
Beyond that, it's mostly thugs and rackets, yet many of these are from ordinary such as robbers who steal hobbies (#73) and a criminal with last name of Aesop who wants to tell his own twisted fables (#75), and the slick conmen in Issue 79 is worth a shout out.
If I could, I'd give this 3.5 stars. There are some stories that don't work , that are too dull, and kitsch, and even the good stories are not as good as some of other Superman collections. Still, there's a lot of fun to be had in these pages, and this is a worthwhile read.
July 21, 2023
What a difference the writer makes. Most of these stories are penned by Don Cameron who is a big improvement over Jerry Siegel. A couple are written by Alvin Schwartz, who is an improvement over Cameron. I would probably up the rating one star if Schwarts wrote most of these stories.
October 22, 2025
Even more wacky superman
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews