Action Comics 1

Action Comics (1938-2011) #1

by Jerry Siegel, Leo E. O'Mealia, Joe Shuster

Superman, Chuck Dawson, Zatara Master Magician, Sticky-Mitt Stimson, Adventures of Marco Polo, Pep Morgan, Tex Thomson

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Superman, Comic Book, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Superheroes

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1938

About the author

Jerome "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.

Reviews

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I got the chance to read Action Comics #1 (the Superman part), thanks to DC's 80 Years of Superman: Deluxe Edition.

While nothing really is remarkable with Supes in this issue, I could just imagine how phenomenal it was back in 1938. With most of the comics during that time being grounded with human characters doing extraordinary things, Superman redefined the industry, being the prime superhero archetype that started what can be rightfully called as modern mythology.

The Superman story here took me to the time I was just experiencing comics for the first time, being mesmerized by the illustrations and the otherworldly things the characters can do, like superstrength and flying and megablasts, leaving me wanting for more and slightly frustrated because the next issue is going to be published next week. I miss that time (90's) when things were so much simpler. That sense of nostalgia that I unexpectedly felt from reading this first Superman story gave me a sincere feeling of childhood joy.

Objectively, I can describe Jerry Siegel's writing as youthfully frenetic where the plot (which is almost nonexistent) bounces from panel to panel like a frenzied mosquito on steroids. It is fast, straightforward, compact. His illustrator pal Joe Shuster didn't slack off either. His panels are fast and direct to the point, with minor perspective and movement issues.

Action Comics #1 is not just a debut comics. It is a piece of history as important as the birth of graphic literature itself.

[Nẹdu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois Lane! that is all.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have finally read the very first comic of Superman!
There are many things that are just so different, yet things that never change. Superman's powers work a little differently, his backstory's almost the same plus Lois can't stand the "weakling" Clark Kent.
They go right into the action, which left me slightly confused but overall, not a bad comic.

Side note: Love that even in this first appearance you see...Lois is a kick ass woman!

[Ana Lelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I just read the first comic about Superman, awesome!
Superman is my favorite superhero and it's so cool to see how similar he is nowadays.
I liked it very much.

[Raghav Bhatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first Batman comic ever and was disappointed to see how the character started out. The Dark Knight's gone through quite the evolution.

So I wasn't expecting Superman's debut to be halfway decent. Life's full of suprises, what can ye say.

[Spencer Eschmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, there's a reason Superman has grown to become the most recognized character in the world and it isn't because he had a mediocre first appearance. He this is the first time comic readers of the 30's ever saw a man with superpowers, whereas today we get a superhero origin story every 6 months, this was the original, the very first time a superhero origin story was told. Sure there is absolutely no character conflict with Superman, he's the all American boy scout good guy, no questions about it, but even without the complex character development the comic shares a depth that is definitely intended for people's older that the target demographic. A good story that, as famous and important as it is, would be considered mediocre by today's standards, as far as depth of plot and continuity. But just remember, whoever your favorite superhero is he or she is around because of this comic right here.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. I never read or watched any superhero books/movies. But of course I’ve heard of the classics like Batman, Superman, and Spiderman, and I always kinda was interested in who they actually were and what their stories were. On a whim I decided to check if Archive.org had any graphic novels on those superheroes and I lighted on this 1930s/40s gem. It’s so vintage that it’s just adorably cute. And Superman had a pretty legit backstory, too! I honestly would kind of like to read more about him now. 😄 I need to see if Lois ever finds out the truth!

[Lilli]

weniger gelesen und mehr durch emotional labor verdient

[Vikas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comics started as daily or weekly Newspaper strips and then went to the magazine format covering a lot of smaller stories and so in 1938, a magazine called Action Comics #1 introduced us to Superman whose story is only worth 15 pages but that's the start which gave birth to the superhero comics industry, DC and Marvel and so on and on. And along with Superman, there are other stories of magicians, detectives, Cowboys, reporters, etc. I finally read the first appearance of Superman, I would be reading a book soon 1000 comic books to read and hopefully cover the entire list, thanks to some wonderful people who worked to ensure that the obscure comics from 80 years ago were made available. Thanks to everyone who's allowed me to Keep on Reading.

I have always loved comics, and I hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would recommend: Duh! It's history, people!

I mean it's Action Comics #1! Sure it might not be all MUSCLES and GUNS and BUTTS, but it's still pretty sweet.

[Bill's Chaos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the beginning of superman. Superman is just a small part of the comic book and only has part of a story. Many of the other stories are also continued in the next issue.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.

I received a free copy of the 2018 Action Comics #1 reprint in a giveaway on the collectors website Gemr. If you have not heard of Gemr, I would highly recommend checking them out as they are a great way to catalogue and show off your collection, whether it be comic books, to movies, collectable figures to watches. I have been on Gemr for quite a while if you want to check out some of the stuff that I have collected, click here.

This is the first time Superman was ever in a comic book, so to say that I was curious as to how his first outing went is a bit of an understatement. Action Comics #1 contains other comics such as Chuck Dawson and Sticky-Mitt Stimson, but I do not particularly feel like reading those right now so I will only be reviewing Action Comics.

Before I review the comic book I have to say that I was surprised when I read this comic as the paper that it was printed on felt like newspaper! Whilst most of you will be like why is this a big deal, I just found it great that for this reprint they made it as authentic as possible by printing it in the same materials that it was printed in back in 1938.

Lets start with the storyline. I found that it set up Superman’s / Clark Kents character very well for only 13 pages. In the first pages it shoes what Clark Kent is capable of, and what is motives are. It was very obvious how future writers of Clark Kent / Superman drew from this original comic and continue to try and keep Superman at his roots as it works.

The art style is what you would expect from the 1930’s. Block colours with a very limited colour palette, whilst do look old compared to modern drawing styles, somehow manage to simplify what is going on (even though that was all that was available on printers at the time). It forces you to pay attention to the story instead of the wonderful world that the artists have drawn (no offence intended).

If you have not read the first ever issue of Action Comics I would highly recommend it if you enjoy comic books. It is the starting place of superhero’s and should give you an appreciation for how much the superhero genre has evolved over the years.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden age, silver age, bronze age, modern age: I've read a lot of comic books. However, I had never read the urtext that started it all until this evening: Action Comics #1, written by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The art and story are a little clunky, but bristle with energy. It is definitely worth reading, at least once, for any fan of comic books in general, and the superhero genre in particular.

[Alayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

¡La primer aparición de Superman en la historia!

Según vi, este cómic vale una fortuna y se lo considera como el "nacimiento del super héroe".

Es corto, pero pasan mil cosas muy rápido.

[Luke Stevens · Rating 1 out of 5]

SNOOOOOOOZE

[Shane Stanis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chrises on Infinite Earths- Chris’s Time Capers #1

Action comics #1 puts the Action! In comics! Early DC is clearly much lesss concerned with words than the golden age “Marvel” books.

Read for superman!

[David Chavez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that it was ok. This was the beginning of Superman and it had mentioned a few things of his origin and his job as a reporter. Theres a few plots, ones about an innocent lady whos going to get executed and Superman goes to save her. Another is about superman preventing a wifebeater to kill his wife. Another one is about Superman saving Lois Lane from some thugs when he invited her on a date as Clark Kent. The last one is about him going to South America but before that he has to stop a guy named Alex Greer from starting a war with the U.S. and Europe.

[SkywalkerSyd]

I got the reprinted version in the 2017 January Lootcrate, and I love it! The only reason this is marked under "owned with no plans to read" is because I refuse to break the plastic casing it is in.

[aaroh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally stopped the slacking and began my comic journey (with DC first of course). First ever appearance of Superman and it's nice to see that many things about the character still remain the same after 80+ years. Excited to read further.

[Philmore Olazo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of superheroes doesn't exist without Superman. The first and the best one.

I've always been a fan of Superman, he is my favorite comic book character. It was about time to look into this story.

Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman was based on the concept of the circus strongman, he came from the doomed Planet Krypton where its citizens became powerful demigods. Here on Earth, he is the single most powerful being around.

When you see it as is, it's a pretty dull story, only telling us the most basic things about the character. Who he is, the secondary cast, his secret identity, etc.

It's important as a piece of history but only for those who are truly interested in comics history.

The other stories that were in Action Comics #1 are also amazing retellings of historical events and other heroes that sadly just got lost in time.

[August · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Gunn's Superman movie hype-read #1

"And so begins the startling adventures of the sensational strip character of all time : SUPERMAN!
A physical marvel, a mental wonder, Superman is destined to reshape the destiny of a world!"

On April 18, 1938, Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster created Superman for National Allied Publications under the issue Action Comics, and the world has never been the same since.

[Kevin Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun introduction to the character of Superman/Clark Kent, as well as having Lois Lane in there, but what you get here is a very potted history of the character, a background that will feel unsatisfying to those who think everything we know about him was established from the very beginning. Decent stuff though, and very worthwhile.

[Orion Maple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Start to a great series.

Can't wait to see what else superman will do. It's a quick start, but I'm sure more will be expanded on later.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

1938 Lois Lane was badass. And superman took on corrupt lobbyists and Senators trying to trick Congress into war. Who knew? This stuff is awesome!

[Roman Colombo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this as an artifact, you can't help but admire it.

[reveurdart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois Lane is awesome in this.

[Robert Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

How it all began. 5 stars just for the history.

[wrader2001 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Superman comic!

[Damián Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

El primer número de Action Comics, publicado en junio de 1938 al precio de diez centavos, vendría a revolucionar para siempre el mundo de la cultura popular. En sus páginas, que al modo de la época recopilan ocho historietas de muy variados temas y personajes, hace su debut el primer superhéroe en el mundo de los comics. La historia de origen de Superman se presenta de forma apresurada y torpe: un lejano planeta en destrucción, una nave con destino a la Tierra, un niño en un orfanato sosteniendo un pesado sillón, el poder de saltar por encima de los edificios, levantar objetos pesados y correr más rápido que un tren, todo esto es contado en las cuatro viñetas iniciales. La primera historia del hombre de acero es también un tanto desordenada y confusa. En una especie de prólogo, Superman se mete a los golpes en la casa del gobernador para salvar a una mujer inocente de la pena de muerte, dejándoles atada en la puerta a la verdadera culpable. Otra brevísima secuencia, que nos muestra a Superman salvando a una mujer del abuso doméstico, tiene como objetivo relevar su doble identidad. Y el núcleo de la historia lo ocupa una cita entre Clark Kent y Lois Lane, interrumpida por el matón Butch Matson, quien secuestra a Lois y obliga a Superman a levantarle por los aires el automóvil, como puede verse en la clásica portada de la historieta. Finalmente, un trato sospechoso entre un hombre de aspecto furtivo y un senador dan comienzo a una nueva secuencia que queda interrumpida hasta el siguiente número, al estilo de los folletines, para sostener la curiosidad de los lectores. Pero a pesar del estilo apresurado y la narrativa un poco torpe, como si fuera un pre-piloto de Superman, ya muchos de los componentes que lo convertirán en un clásico absoluto de los superhéroes están presentes: una historia de origen extravagante para la época, poderes extraordinarios (justificados con una curiosa explicación científica), un sentido innato de la justicia, el drama de la doble identidad –que produce la paradoja de que el hombre más fuerte del mundo deba fingir ser un cobarde cuando no lleva su traje–, las escenas de vértigo y acción, y por supuesto, la historia de amor, ese trío amoroso entre dos personas.

Pero quizá más interesante que la historia en sí sea el contexto en el que esta se publicó. La revista Action Comics #1 reúne otras siete historietas además de la de Superman: Chuck Dawson, un western sobre un vaquero que debe recuperar sus tierras robadas; Zatara: Amo de la Magia, un misterioso policial que tiene como protagonistas a un mago y su compañero Tong, quienes recuperan un tren robado por “La Tigresa”; una tira cómica sobre un ladrón escurridizo bajo el título Sticky-Mitt Stimson (que luego cambia de nombre); Las Aventuras de Marco Polo, un relato histórico bastante mediocre, en el que casi no se le ve la cara al supuesto protagonista; “Pep” Morgan, un joven atleta que en este número participa de una pelea de boxeo, pero en los números subsiguientes va cambiando de deporte; Scoop Scanlon, otro policial pero con un reportero y su amigo fotógrafo, que capturan a unos maleantes; y Tex Thomson, un tejano petrolero millonario que se va a recorrer en mundo y termina resolviendo un asesinato en Inglaterra. Es decir, si tenemos en cuenta este contexto, donde las historietas se manejaban en los géneros populares ampliamente conocidos, como el policial, el western y el histórico, debe haber resultado enormemente innovador plantear la historia de un ser súper poderoso llegado de otro planeta que debe esconderse entre los humanos para salvarlos de sí mismos. Creo que es en este contexto puntual donde cobra verdadera importancia el acontecimiento del Action Comics #1, como nacimiento de un nuevo género imaginativo que cambiaría para siempre a la cultura popular mundial.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welcome to my journey to read as much DC comics, (plus certain extras) as possible.

Action Comics #1.

Superman - Champion of The oppressed!
We have Jerry Siegel writing, the penciling and inking by Joe Shuster, and cover art by Joe Shuster and Jack Adler.

And of course the iconic Cover Art:



Superman does quite a lot in this first story, he stops the governor from executing someone falsely accused, stops a domestic violence, saves Lois from some gangsters and ends with messing with a munitions manufacture from starting a war in order to profit.



His origin is different in this as well, it states that he was from a planet dying of old age and was discovered by a passing motorist a took him to an orphanage.



My only complaint is the coloring, it s fairly inconsistent, which is a modern problem, whoever did the colored reprint messed up, take for example the difference in the the color of Supermans attire.



An then here -



Overall a pretty solid beginning, especially for the late 30s. I'm interested to see what happens next.