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Superman: The Golden Age #2
Superman: The Golden Age, Vol. 2
In the early 1940s, Superman was a much-needed hero for a nation on the brink of war. The Man of Steel (and his comic book medium) were in their Golden Age, and with each new story, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were continuing to expand and enrich the world of their still relatively new creation. This volume includes the first appearances of such classic figures as Daily Planet editor Perry White and Superman’s archenemy, Lex Luthor. It is also in these timeless tales that the Man of Tomorrow first takes flight, no longer just leaping tall buildings in a single bound, but soaring over them!
SUPERMAN: THE GOLDEN AGE VOL. 2 collects adventures from ACTION COMICS #20-31, SUPERMAN #4-7 and NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR COMICS #2.
SUPERMAN: THE GOLDEN AGE VOL. 2 collects adventures from ACTION COMICS #20-31, SUPERMAN #4-7 and NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR COMICS #2.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
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73 people want to read
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 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 1, 2024
Title: Superman: The Golden Age, Vol. 2
Author: Jerry Siegel
Genre: Superheroes
Publication year: 2016 (containing material from the 1940s)
Review: Once he was created by Siegel and Shuster, it didn't take very long for Superman to capture the imagination of the American zeitgeist. As far back as Action Comics #1 in 1938, an issue with Superman right there on the cover, he was a hit. He looked a little different, but that was part of the appeal. After all, he is an alien from another planet.
In this second anthology of early Superman stories there are: Action Comics #20 - 31, Superman #4 - 7, and New York World's Fair Comic #2. The stories are pretty common following a pattern of Clark and Lois investigate a story; Lois gets in trouble and Superman bails her out. The villains were dangerous gangsters led by some gang leader, mastermind, or scientist. Although somewhat repetitive, the stories were continuously circulated due to their popularity.
Our sense of comic books as a medium has matured, so reading these will feel simple, but they have merit and as Superman approaches his 100 years, we should feel awe to behold him.
Author: Jerry Siegel
Genre: Superheroes
Publication year: 2016 (containing material from the 1940s)
Review: Once he was created by Siegel and Shuster, it didn't take very long for Superman to capture the imagination of the American zeitgeist. As far back as Action Comics #1 in 1938, an issue with Superman right there on the cover, he was a hit. He looked a little different, but that was part of the appeal. After all, he is an alien from another planet.
In this second anthology of early Superman stories there are: Action Comics #20 - 31, Superman #4 - 7, and New York World's Fair Comic #2. The stories are pretty common following a pattern of Clark and Lois investigate a story; Lois gets in trouble and Superman bails her out. The villains were dangerous gangsters led by some gang leader, mastermind, or scientist. Although somewhat repetitive, the stories were continuously circulated due to their popularity.
Our sense of comic books as a medium has matured, so reading these will feel simple, but they have merit and as Superman approaches his 100 years, we should feel awe to behold him.
March 18, 2020
Incredible how the story telling of this series became so stale and trite after two years of writing while another Jerry Siegel creation, the Spectre, managed to keep things interesting with out-of-the-world sceneries and Horror elements thrown in it that spiced things up in a year and an half and with less pages for issue. Here, the only fantasy things are the Ultra-Humanite transferring his coscience into an Hollywood starlet, the apparition of what I suppose to be the blueprint for Kandor and an incense that brainwashes rich people to do Lex Luthor's bidding. Other than that, the enemies are 99% composed of gangsters, racketeers and fifth column agents while the locations are usually the same ones, which becomes boring pretty quickly. Not the best Golden Age stuff if you ask me. Kudos to Joe Shuster for improving his drawing skills and for the socially conscious nature at the heart of the original interpretation of the character, but I will not continue this series.
April 1, 2023
Superman is overpowered for the foes he faces here, but the stories are fun.
As a look into the history of comic books, these are wonderful little artifacts, but the formula does get a bit old after reading two volumes of them in a row. They were, of course, never meant to be read like that.
As a look into the history of comic books, these are wonderful little artifacts, but the formula does get a bit old after reading two volumes of them in a row. They were, of course, never meant to be read like that.
December 22, 2018
This second volume of classic Superman comics covers all of the issues that ran in 1940. The stories still deal with some real life issues—union busting, corrupt politicians, and unemployment—but the focus of many seems to have shifted to evil scientists bent on taking over the world for some nebulous reason as well as run-of-the-mill racketeers. When the stories do stick with realistic problems, they are more noticeably didactic than previous stories were. In one issue when crooks are encouraging children to gamble all of their money away, Superman wraps things up by saying, "I urge all my readers not to throw their money away wastefully into slot-machines." It makes me wonder if parents and religious groups were already accusing comics of corrupting the youth with violent and bizarre stories, and this was the writers' way of saying, "See, look, we're actually promoting positive messages here."
And it is actually the more bizarre story lines that manage to keep things interesting as well: dinosaurs, secret islands, incense that controls people's minds. In one issue, The Ultra-Humanite has his brain transplanted into the body of a glitzy Hollywood star and uses her fame to continue his quest to take over the world. In another titled "The Exploding Citizens," the residents of a town called "Gay City" (a name I just can't take seriously) begin turning into glass and shattering at the slightest touch.
These strange touches help hide what are otherwise pretty formulaic stories. There is only occasionally a genuinely well-planned out plot twist or serious complication thrown in Superman's way. One story does a good job framing a circus strong man as the culprit behind a series of violent robberies while another involves a criminal finding out Superman's real identity. Now, of course, that criminal dies within a few pages of finding this information out, but it does provide a glimmer of hope as to how these stories could break out of their formula. Ultimately, I'm probably too affected by modern day storytelling, though, with its non-linear narratives and self-references. I have to keep in mind these stories were being churned out mostly for kids. And, at that, they're still pretty fun.
And it is actually the more bizarre story lines that manage to keep things interesting as well: dinosaurs, secret islands, incense that controls people's minds. In one issue, The Ultra-Humanite has his brain transplanted into the body of a glitzy Hollywood star and uses her fame to continue his quest to take over the world. In another titled "The Exploding Citizens," the residents of a town called "Gay City" (a name I just can't take seriously) begin turning into glass and shattering at the slightest touch.
These strange touches help hide what are otherwise pretty formulaic stories. There is only occasionally a genuinely well-planned out plot twist or serious complication thrown in Superman's way. One story does a good job framing a circus strong man as the culprit behind a series of violent robberies while another involves a criminal finding out Superman's real identity. Now, of course, that criminal dies within a few pages of finding this information out, but it does provide a glimmer of hope as to how these stories could break out of their formula. Ultimately, I'm probably too affected by modern day storytelling, though, with its non-linear narratives and self-references. I have to keep in mind these stories were being churned out mostly for kids. And, at that, they're still pretty fun.
May 24, 2018
The crusading Man Of Steel continues throughout, with very little in the way of super-villainy to counteract him at this point. The stories soften a little as they go, Perry White shows up (looking just like George Taylor), and Wayne Boring and other artists join Joe Shuster for the art duties. It's good old fashioned socially conscious Golden Age hijinx with some really spiffy writing of women...wait, did I say spiffy? I meant REALLY HORRIBLE. Lois is strong-willed and determined to get the story, but she's also a loud, obnoxious idiot. Clark's wimp act is ridiculous, mind you.
February 18, 2018
Actually I have read All DC Comics from 1938 to 1961 (when I was 10). Read this very quickly and chalked it up on my yearly Good Reads book quota so that I can get at least partial credit for what I have spent 3 years so far on.
November 19, 2024
Superman versus political corruption, systemic failures, and capitalist greed? Yes, please!
Superman versus ray guns, mad scientists, and rocket ships? Eh-- I could do without 'em.
This is the point in Superman's development where Siegel and Shuster had to start throwing the Man of Steel against more and more fantastical threats and adversaries, presumably because the real-life threats of the earlier books were starting to seem an inadequate challenge. And while the resulting stories ARE still fairly charming (and they still managed to fit in the occasional systemic critique), this is where Golden Age Supes started to lose his luster for me a bit.
Still, watching Supes crumple up a pair of tommy guns while growling, "I'd like to do this to every weapon in the world!" was like a balm for my very soul.
Superman versus ray guns, mad scientists, and rocket ships? Eh-- I could do without 'em.
This is the point in Superman's development where Siegel and Shuster had to start throwing the Man of Steel against more and more fantastical threats and adversaries, presumably because the real-life threats of the earlier books were starting to seem an inadequate challenge. And while the resulting stories ARE still fairly charming (and they still managed to fit in the occasional systemic critique), this is where Golden Age Supes started to lose his luster for me a bit.
Still, watching Supes crumple up a pair of tommy guns while growling, "I'd like to do this to every weapon in the world!" was like a balm for my very soul.
July 19, 2020
Clark Kent certainly gave Lois Lane a knock-out nerve-pinch more than a few times in order to conceal his Superman identity. Funny stuff. I love these old Superman comix even though Jerry Siegel wasn't always brilliant when he'd churn out these stories and they do become tiresome at times. Still this is 'ur' comic book stuff here, Superman & his pals (mostly just Lois Lane, but Lex Luthor as a redhead does make his first entry in this volume) on many an incongruous adventure just before WW2 began and Superman was relegated to fighting Nazis pretty much all the time. I plan on reading Vol. 3 someday but not right away, although I love these early Superman stories & think I'm a little sated for the time being on the Golden Age version.
May 14, 2022
In my review of Superman: The Golden Age, Vol. 1 I pointed out how the Man of Steel was actually a villain, breaking the law (and buildings) left and right. In volume 2 Superman continues to terrorize the Earth and flaunt the truth, justice and American way he claims to uphold. Our "hero" unleashes wanton destruction while putting innocent people in danger, evading arrest, tampering with evidence, breaking and entering (with emphasis on breaking), grand larceny, and threatening bodily harm ("I'll bash your brains in. I'll snap your neck. I'll force you to drink poison.") Somebody needs to stop this guy!
February 1, 2019
It's weird now to see how remarkably ordinary most of Superman's foes were: mobsters, crooked politicians, killers, with only the occasional mad scientist (no costumed criminals yet). We do get the intro of Luthor (red-headed at first) which pushes things to a higher level, though. And Lois is pleasantly competent (more so than when I started reading in the Silver Age).
The end result is fun, but not as compelling as I find some of the other Golden Age work. And it is annoying that Superman's legend grows and shrinks according to the story's needs: after two years it's hard to believe so many people have never heard of him.
The end result is fun, but not as compelling as I find some of the other Golden Age work. And it is annoying that Superman's legend grows and shrinks according to the story's needs: after two years it's hard to believe so many people have never heard of him.
September 25, 2017
I really enjoy reading some of these old stories from the Golden age of comics. Just to see what the start of the genre I love is interesting to me. These are very different from the comics of today in their tone and outlook. Recommended
September 17, 2021
Awesome reprints, really like the style.
The only problem is the story. They are not that good and they become repetitive/boring or just bad at some point. Do not worry about this very much because most are actually not that repetitive and not that boring, still some of them are simply bad.
The only problem is the story. They are not that good and they become repetitive/boring or just bad at some point. Do not worry about this very much because most are actually not that repetitive and not that boring, still some of them are simply bad.
July 18, 2019
Honestly just so boring. You'd think Superman would be full of science and global threats not bookies and mobsters.
January 23, 2024
3.5
remember when superman villains were greedy businessmen and corrupt politicians? good times
remember when superman villains were greedy businessmen and corrupt politicians? good times
March 2, 2025
This volume builds upon the world of Superman in terms of his ability and his connections.
September 25, 2025
superman continues to kind of be boring in these , very spineless & lois is superrrr evil
April 19, 2024
The Superman created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joel Schuster bears very little resemblance to the modern version of the Man of Steel. The costume was different and even though he was always an alien come to earth, he was steadfastly an American hero sharing American values. He had yet to encounter any supervillain remotely capable of taking him on physically or even mentally, for that matter.
Superman: The Golden Age, Vol. 2 anthologizes Action Comics #20 - 31; Superman #4 - 7, and New York World's Fair Comic #2. The issues introduce: The Daily Planet (up until now Lois and Clark have been working at the Daily Star), Perry White is their boss (as if he has always been their boss), and red-haired Lex Luthor, who behaves like a silly mad scientist.
The stories are generally considered redundant, because they follow specific tropes that hamper the creative process that otherwise might flow from having such freedom. For instance, Lois Lane is used as a pest who is constantly in danger due to her curiosity. She gets captured and Superman must rescue her in almost every issue. In fact, there is one issue in this series, where Lois gets captured, is freed by Superman, only to return to the situation, get captured a second time, and have to get rescued again by Superman.
The villains are generally gangsters, although occasionally there's a mad scientist thrown in for minimal variety, but even when a mad scientist is the leader, his henchmen are generally. . . you guessed it - - gangsters. The stories are mostly trite, although there's an aspect of social consciousness involved.
Overall, I consider reading the trade paperback a net positive although there are a number of complaints. The reading of Superman stories is a slice of classic Americana almost 100 years in the making, and I feel fortunate enough to be able to read them. Four stars for The Golden Age Superman.
Superman: The Golden Age, Vol. 2 anthologizes Action Comics #20 - 31; Superman #4 - 7, and New York World's Fair Comic #2. The issues introduce: The Daily Planet (up until now Lois and Clark have been working at the Daily Star), Perry White is their boss (as if he has always been their boss), and red-haired Lex Luthor, who behaves like a silly mad scientist.
The stories are generally considered redundant, because they follow specific tropes that hamper the creative process that otherwise might flow from having such freedom. For instance, Lois Lane is used as a pest who is constantly in danger due to her curiosity. She gets captured and Superman must rescue her in almost every issue. In fact, there is one issue in this series, where Lois gets captured, is freed by Superman, only to return to the situation, get captured a second time, and have to get rescued again by Superman.
The villains are generally gangsters, although occasionally there's a mad scientist thrown in for minimal variety, but even when a mad scientist is the leader, his henchmen are generally. . . you guessed it - - gangsters. The stories are mostly trite, although there's an aspect of social consciousness involved.
Overall, I consider reading the trade paperback a net positive although there are a number of complaints. The reading of Superman stories is a slice of classic Americana almost 100 years in the making, and I feel fortunate enough to be able to read them. Four stars for The Golden Age Superman.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews