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Superman: The War Years 1938-1945
Superman's original origin story, first published on the eve of World War II, has been compiled with other original 30s and 40s comics and artwork in Superman the War Years. Classic art featuring the first occurrences of widely known tropes is now available for long-time fans or people looking to learn a bit of art and the way it influenced the people during wartime.
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman!
You can probably recite his seminal title sequence by heart. However, there was a time when the Man of Steel was struggling to become the star of his own comic strip (let alone comic book). Pioneering his skills with bank robbers, corrupt business owners, and ruthless criminals, crooked football coaches, and natural disasters, after combating all this at home Superman was ready to take on more. In his earliest iterations, Superman was called 'the champion of the oppressed ,' which basically mean that he was exactly the mascot that was needed for World War II . With real world problems bringing people down like the war and the Great Depression , it's no wonder Action Comics took off with the Man of Steel leading the way. Superman paved the way out of American isolationism and right into the World War II .
Earth's favorite Kryptonian is one of the most recognized characters in pop culture. Though he may not be from this planet, his dedication to protecting its people is inspiring. The War Years 1938-1945 shows how his introduction at the start of World War II lifted the spirits of a weary country and brought people the hero they so desperately needed.
Read all about all of these original adventures and more! Roy Thomas has been a comics writer since 1965, mostly for Marvel or DC. Among the thousands of comic books he has written are Conan the Barbarian, The Avengers, The X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Squadron, Sub-Mariner, The Invaders, Dr. Strange, Red Sonja, Wonder Woman, and The Savage Sword of Conan.
Brush up on the history of the world's favorite farm boy turned international hero, with Superman the War Years . Part of The DC Comics War Years trilogy that celebrates the Golden Age of Heroes .
Other titles in the DC The War Years series include : The War Years 1939-1945, Wonder The War Years 19-41-1945
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superman!
You can probably recite his seminal title sequence by heart. However, there was a time when the Man of Steel was struggling to become the star of his own comic strip (let alone comic book). Pioneering his skills with bank robbers, corrupt business owners, and ruthless criminals, crooked football coaches, and natural disasters, after combating all this at home Superman was ready to take on more. In his earliest iterations, Superman was called 'the champion of the oppressed ,' which basically mean that he was exactly the mascot that was needed for World War II . With real world problems bringing people down like the war and the Great Depression , it's no wonder Action Comics took off with the Man of Steel leading the way. Superman paved the way out of American isolationism and right into the World War II .
Earth's favorite Kryptonian is one of the most recognized characters in pop culture. Though he may not be from this planet, his dedication to protecting its people is inspiring. The War Years 1938-1945 shows how his introduction at the start of World War II lifted the spirits of a weary country and brought people the hero they so desperately needed.
Read all about all of these original adventures and more! Roy Thomas has been a comics writer since 1965, mostly for Marvel or DC. Among the thousands of comic books he has written are Conan the Barbarian, The Avengers, The X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Squadron, Sub-Mariner, The Invaders, Dr. Strange, Red Sonja, Wonder Woman, and The Savage Sword of Conan.
Brush up on the history of the world's favorite farm boy turned international hero, with Superman the War Years . Part of The DC Comics War Years trilogy that celebrates the Golden Age of Heroes .
Other titles in the DC The War Years series include : The War Years 1939-1945, Wonder The War Years 19-41-1945
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Roy Thomas
4,524 books274 followersRoy Thomas was the FIRST Editor-in-Chief at Marvel--After Stan Lee stepped down from the position. Roy is a longtime comic book writer and editor. Thomas has written comics for Archie, Charlton, DC, Heroic Publishing, Marvel, and Topps over the years. Thomas currently edits the fanzine Alter Ego for Twomorrow's Publishing. He was Editor for Marvel comics from 1972-1974. He wrote for several titles at Marvel, such as Avengers, Thor, Invaders, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and notably Conan the Barbarian. Thomas is also known for his championing of Golden Age comic-book heroes — particularly the 1940s superhero team the Justice Society of America — and for lengthy writing stints on Marvel's X-Men and Avengers, and DC Comics' All-Star Squadron, among other titles.
Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.
Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 23, 2020
I'm a completionist it seems. Since I already had Wonder Woman and Batman during their war years, I had to break down and get Superman as well. In the early days Superman was a Superjerk, constantly threatening to crush skulls and break necks. He even shoots a gun at a guy!
Anyway, this was an interesting look at America's view of World War II in the comics. At first they couldn't/wouldn't even use the names of the real countries at war and instead had fictional states shooting at each other. Later, as America officially got into the mess, the comics mainly concentrated on the European front. Rarely did Japan and the Pacific get mentioned. Superman isn't able to join the military (as explained in this book) so instead he stays home to encourage other people to fight, sniff out Fifth Columnists, and even fight with the mob over tires.
Anyway, this was an interesting look at America's view of World War II in the comics. At first they couldn't/wouldn't even use the names of the real countries at war and instead had fictional states shooting at each other. Later, as America officially got into the mess, the comics mainly concentrated on the European front. Rarely did Japan and the Pacific get mentioned. Superman isn't able to join the military (as explained in this book) so instead he stays home to encourage other people to fight, sniff out Fifth Columnists, and even fight with the mob over tires.
July 28, 2021
I'm not the biggest Superman fan. He just can do everything. This is especially glaring here in the Golden Age. This collection of WW2 related comics, newspaper strips and advertising brought together every Superman related piece during the years 1938 through 1945 and inserted narrative sections appropriately as the war escalated and the US entered. I was a quite shocked to hear Superman say the word 'nip' and see a horrible portrayal of an inuit (eskimo) that was bumbling and could barely speak coherent english. I get that it was the 40's but wow. I am happy to have read this as I feel like I can say I have a good feeling for Golden Age Superman and can move right along to the Silver Age and save some time. I was pretty amazed that it took so long for him to fly as in all of these issues he was just jumping really far. If you like Superman you'll like this. I don't know if a WW2 buff would really care and would probably be better served by a book on general war propaganda.
December 15, 2022
As the title suggests, this is a volume of Superman comics from the year before World War II until the end of the war. It includes complete stories from the comics books, including the first Superman story; as well as newspaper strips, public service announcements, cover art and some articles that put the comics in perspective. Keeping in mind that the US didn't officially enter the war until the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, this book gives a fascinating insight into the road to war as well as the years when America was directly involved.
As one of the articles notes, they had to think of a reason why Superman couldn't just go and use his superpowers to defeat Hitler and Tojo. They came up with the scenario that Clark Kent tried to join the army, but he 'failed' the eye test because his super vision actually saw through the wall to the chart in the next room, rather than reading the chart in front of him. But Superman was a bigger boost to morale, by fighting fifth columnists on the home front and making sure honest citizens were getting behind the war effort.
Although there are some regular stories set during the war, I found some of the more propaganda-ish pieces the most interesting. For example, one whole story shows that those in technical roles, such as aircraft maintenance, are just as important as those on the frontlines. Another couple of stories show that every branch of the services is just as important as the others, and they all need to work together to win the good fight. One story deals with crooks who are selling tires on the black market during the wartime rubber shortage. But the interesting thing about that story to me was that Superman not only rounds up the crooks, but also shows that those who buy black market goods are hurting their own side. There's also a one-page public service strip where Superman encourages readers to recycle waste paper for the war effort. But probably the most intriguing is a two-page story that appeared in 'Look Magazine', Feb 1940, in which Superman carries Hitler and Stalin off to a meeting of the League of Nations, where they are found guilty of war crimes.
Not all of the stories grabbed me as much as others, but the book as a whole provides a fascinating glimpse into how a fictional character did indeed help the war effort for real, in attempting to change people's attitudes and behaviours. Recommended for anyone who likes retro comics, and connections between history and pop culture.
As one of the articles notes, they had to think of a reason why Superman couldn't just go and use his superpowers to defeat Hitler and Tojo. They came up with the scenario that Clark Kent tried to join the army, but he 'failed' the eye test because his super vision actually saw through the wall to the chart in the next room, rather than reading the chart in front of him. But Superman was a bigger boost to morale, by fighting fifth columnists on the home front and making sure honest citizens were getting behind the war effort.
Although there are some regular stories set during the war, I found some of the more propaganda-ish pieces the most interesting. For example, one whole story shows that those in technical roles, such as aircraft maintenance, are just as important as those on the frontlines. Another couple of stories show that every branch of the services is just as important as the others, and they all need to work together to win the good fight. One story deals with crooks who are selling tires on the black market during the wartime rubber shortage. But the interesting thing about that story to me was that Superman not only rounds up the crooks, but also shows that those who buy black market goods are hurting their own side. There's also a one-page public service strip where Superman encourages readers to recycle waste paper for the war effort. But probably the most intriguing is a two-page story that appeared in 'Look Magazine', Feb 1940, in which Superman carries Hitler and Stalin off to a meeting of the League of Nations, where they are found guilty of war crimes.
Not all of the stories grabbed me as much as others, but the book as a whole provides a fascinating glimpse into how a fictional character did indeed help the war effort for real, in attempting to change people's attitudes and behaviours. Recommended for anyone who likes retro comics, and connections between history and pop culture.
January 15, 2026
It’s not the easiest thing to review, because even more than the Batman equivalent, this IS war propaganda. I don’t think it’s the pervasive kind as much, as that term gets used for such. But that’s what it is. So judging it as a collection of stories is dicey. But I will say, historically, that I enjoyed my time reading this. Less than the Batman version, but still a solid experience to learn about the early days of such an iconic character. Some absolutely seminal covers collected here — particularly Action Comics #59, World’s Finest #8, and Superman #12, #14, and #24 — show exactly why “the American Way” is ascribed to his core tenets. Personally, I think “and a Better Tomorrow” is perfectly fine. But for this era, there’s no questioning this is as patriotic as Captain America could ever hope to be.
I’m surprised how much of the supporting cast is already locked in. I don’t remember Jimmy explicitly, but Lois is (save for her damselisms) exactly who she’ll be later, as is Perry. I’m also surprised how little of the home life we get for any of these people. Clark Kent exists as a reporter and sleeps at his desk for all I know. But that’s the time, I suppose.
Very glad I’m going through these volumes, not because I find the stories all that engaging if I’m being honest, but because the history is fascinating. Seeing these characters which define a culture now, not just a generation, beginning in such a generational place, in a specific point in time, is just really neat to me. I’m no scholar, but I am a nerd, and I find it neat.
I’m surprised how much of the supporting cast is already locked in. I don’t remember Jimmy explicitly, but Lois is (save for her damselisms) exactly who she’ll be later, as is Perry. I’m also surprised how little of the home life we get for any of these people. Clark Kent exists as a reporter and sleeps at his desk for all I know. But that’s the time, I suppose.
Very glad I’m going through these volumes, not because I find the stories all that engaging if I’m being honest, but because the history is fascinating. Seeing these characters which define a culture now, not just a generation, beginning in such a generational place, in a specific point in time, is just really neat to me. I’m no scholar, but I am a nerd, and I find it neat.
July 18, 2017
The early Superman was a hero that was not all that concerned with the loss of human life as long as they were the “bad guys.” Criminals and villainous military leaders died in explosions and car crashes and Superman thought nothing of terrorizing and torturing the villains into confessing their crimes.
When World War II opened in Europe and Asia and the United States was attacked, the comics were drawn into the patriotic fervor and Superman was no exception. Along with his secret identity Clark Kent, Superman was engaged in fighting the Axis forces, yet always within limits. Given his great power, Superman could simply fly to the locations of the enemy critical war industry infrastructure and destroy it all, ending the war in a matter of hours. Therefore, the actions of the mighty Superman were largely restricted to supports roles or the periphery. There are stories where fighting men on both sides are killed in the fighting while Clark Kent is merely an observer.
Therefore, the most interesting aspect of this book is the manner in which war propaganda was expressed in comic form. All aspects of the war, from rationing and the black market at home to the pure heroism of American forces versus the bloodthirsty evil of the enemy are exaggerated as can only be done in the comics. In that sense, it is a history lesson.
When World War II opened in Europe and Asia and the United States was attacked, the comics were drawn into the patriotic fervor and Superman was no exception. Along with his secret identity Clark Kent, Superman was engaged in fighting the Axis forces, yet always within limits. Given his great power, Superman could simply fly to the locations of the enemy critical war industry infrastructure and destroy it all, ending the war in a matter of hours. Therefore, the actions of the mighty Superman were largely restricted to supports roles or the periphery. There are stories where fighting men on both sides are killed in the fighting while Clark Kent is merely an observer.
Therefore, the most interesting aspect of this book is the manner in which war propaganda was expressed in comic form. All aspects of the war, from rationing and the black market at home to the pure heroism of American forces versus the bloodthirsty evil of the enemy are exaggerated as can only be done in the comics. In that sense, it is a history lesson.
May 11, 2017
While Superman is probably my favorite character of all time, the Golden Age of comics isn't my favorite era. I enjoyed this compilation, but I honestly don't think it holds up as well today.
A lot of aspects of things from that time, not just comics, are now super dated. The author of the compilation and historical parts does a good job of recognizing this, though – especially when it comes to slurs used against the Japanese. Our culture has changed so much from that time that it's difficult to truly appreciate work from that time when it is so influenced by the bigotry of that era.
The artwork was also kind of mixed – I know that was the standard for the time, but it doesn't stand out at all today. It's pretty generic, and I didn't ruminate on it at all – I just read the panels and kept going.
I thought it was interesting how the authors at the time worked around the war: it was such a big part of the stories, but at the same time, it had to be background. That wasn't something that I had considered before and really appreciated seeing in this compilation.
From a historical perspective, and for the author who put this together, I'd give 3.5 stars for a solid look back at the origin of Superman. For the original comics, I'd lean more towards a low 3.
A lot of aspects of things from that time, not just comics, are now super dated. The author of the compilation and historical parts does a good job of recognizing this, though – especially when it comes to slurs used against the Japanese. Our culture has changed so much from that time that it's difficult to truly appreciate work from that time when it is so influenced by the bigotry of that era.
The artwork was also kind of mixed – I know that was the standard for the time, but it doesn't stand out at all today. It's pretty generic, and I didn't ruminate on it at all – I just read the panels and kept going.
I thought it was interesting how the authors at the time worked around the war: it was such a big part of the stories, but at the same time, it had to be background. That wasn't something that I had considered before and really appreciated seeing in this compilation.
From a historical perspective, and for the author who put this together, I'd give 3.5 stars for a solid look back at the origin of Superman. For the original comics, I'd lean more towards a low 3.
July 26, 2017
A good retrospect of national pride and, yes, jingoism, of the period. We *were* at war, and the outlook was sometimes bleak, but comic strips such as are shared in this book fortified the youth and many adults.
It must have been hard for DC Comics to not explain why Superman didn't just win the war single-handedly. Instead, he cheers on the American fighting man and occasionally lends a hand in battle or against fifth-columnists. It's almost like Germany and Japan were kryptonite-laden.
It must have been hard for DC Comics to not explain why Superman didn't just win the war single-handedly. Instead, he cheers on the American fighting man and occasionally lends a hand in battle or against fifth-columnists. It's almost like Germany and Japan were kryptonite-laden.
June 20, 2018
An interesting read, seeing both what Superman was like in his earliest days (less godlike, for starters), and the way the Superman comics gradually adapted to World War II. A number of these stories are actually still pretty entertaining. Seeing anti-Japanese slurs and stereotypes in Superman comics was certainly uncomfortable, though. (B)
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April 21, 2023Letto il primo capitolo del 1938, reputo interessante il come cerchino di spiegare la forza di Superman, lo stile di disegno ha chiaramente ispirato Watchmen, non ho però intenzione di leggere altro, forse per mancanza di tempo od impegno, ma ho già tutte le informazioni che mi servivano.
January 16, 2020
It is as the title describes: war propaganda. Great if you are jingoistic or voted for 45.
May 21, 2021
Interesting seeing the early years of Superman, but the over the top patriotic comics are a bit of a bore compared to much superior story lines to come.
January 5, 2025
A reprint of the comics in the war years. Many racial slurs and stereotypes. I did think that the concept of Superman not winning the war was a good one that Action Comics stood by.
January 30, 2016
This year superman will be 78 years old. His origin has been retold and re-embellished numerous times to bring it in line with the times and to bring new readers up to speed. Superman’s abilities and weaknesses have been altered so much over the years about the only thing he shares with his true origin is his name.
Where did it all begin and what was he really like in the beginning? Roy Thomas has dug through the archives and selected over 20 stories and cover art for Superman during the war years, from 1938 – 1945.
While rumblings of War brewed in Europe Superman was making his debut in Action Comics #1.
Superman was nothing more than an extra strong guy who was semi-invulnerable and could leap tall buildings in a single bound. By War’s end he could actually fly and had x-ray vision and telescopic vision and was more resistant to harm.
For decades the Man of Steel was called a Big Boy scout; obviously due to his Midwestern upbringing and values. In the early years you might have thought it was Batman in disguise.
At times he used brute force to get a confession, he made threats and even used a machine gun to shoot down planes. Often he left felons to their own dastardly fate; never stepping in to prevent it.
DC knew that Superman could likely end the war single-handed. Who could stop him? Instead of engaging in the War, DC decided to keep Superman at home to fight spies, saboteurs, and subversive, fifth columnists. There was plenty to do to guard the home front.
But what of Clark Kent; he could easily be drafted into the service? That was handled by an inadvertent mistake on Clark’s part; one he was not aware of until he’d been classified 4F.
The book is hardbound with over 300 pages crammed full of the adventures of the Man of Steel and his efforts to protect the United States and it’s allies. Many covers are reproduced and a story run in the Sunday Funnies.
Excellent commentary on each sections topic are presented in detail by Roy Thomas and A final summation in closing.
The book is a unique history of one of the most iconic characters from the world of fiction
I give the book FIVE STARS.
Where did it all begin and what was he really like in the beginning? Roy Thomas has dug through the archives and selected over 20 stories and cover art for Superman during the war years, from 1938 – 1945.
While rumblings of War brewed in Europe Superman was making his debut in Action Comics #1.
Superman was nothing more than an extra strong guy who was semi-invulnerable and could leap tall buildings in a single bound. By War’s end he could actually fly and had x-ray vision and telescopic vision and was more resistant to harm.
For decades the Man of Steel was called a Big Boy scout; obviously due to his Midwestern upbringing and values. In the early years you might have thought it was Batman in disguise.
At times he used brute force to get a confession, he made threats and even used a machine gun to shoot down planes. Often he left felons to their own dastardly fate; never stepping in to prevent it.
DC knew that Superman could likely end the war single-handed. Who could stop him? Instead of engaging in the War, DC decided to keep Superman at home to fight spies, saboteurs, and subversive, fifth columnists. There was plenty to do to guard the home front.
But what of Clark Kent; he could easily be drafted into the service? That was handled by an inadvertent mistake on Clark’s part; one he was not aware of until he’d been classified 4F.
The book is hardbound with over 300 pages crammed full of the adventures of the Man of Steel and his efforts to protect the United States and it’s allies. Many covers are reproduced and a story run in the Sunday Funnies.
Excellent commentary on each sections topic are presented in detail by Roy Thomas and A final summation in closing.
The book is a unique history of one of the most iconic characters from the world of fiction
I give the book FIVE STARS.
June 14, 2016
I'm not sure that the comics, as adventure strips, hold up today. Not only are they full of sexist and racist images and comments, but they're also told in a style that looks, how shall we say, dated by our modern standards. Plus, the artwork was cranked out mighty quickly and lacks the polish of much of today's work. However, as a piece of history, as a snapshot of the national mood during WWII, they are fascinating.
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February 3, 2017First time that I read Superman, and I was left with a happy feeling of wanting more
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews