Reviews (36)

Something I thought not possible...
The Death of Superman sure surprised a lot of people, comic fans and the average joe. Who would have thought that the Man of Steel could even be beaten let alot die. The media storm that these issues built up were something unaccounted for in the comic world for a long time. People started thinking how could DC, the comics' publisher, kill off the first superhero icon, an American icon similar to McDonald's and Coca Cola, but the did and they sure did it with good storytelling and incredible art. First people should understand that this a tradepaperback collecting the comics in which Superman valiantly fought to fend off Doomsday from Metroplois. The book is not a graphic novel, thus does not read like one. Through that, the editors performed a solid effort to bring in the storyline, which is written by a group of people and the artists, thus at times, the story would be faster and then slow down. This is only due to the different creative teams responsible for bringing out the book and should not be held against them. If the comics were read individually, it would have meant a whole lot better, but since those issues have become a rarity, collecting them was the right choice all in all.

The story introduces Doomsday, a character so bestial and primal he'll make any horror monster run for his money and teh cruelty he portrays is somewhat disturbing. Not much is said about the monster's origin and that could be held as a downpoint to the story, but as mentioned since this was part of an ongoing series, his origins are mentioned and delved in deeper later on. The intrigue on why he wanted Metropolois and why Superman had to stop him are all set in motion here, but are tackled later in future issues not collected here.

All in all, this collection is a must have in the Superman mythos and those interested in Big Blue. It portrays his heart and determination to beat the odds in which he does, even though it meant his life. It is recommended that you check out part 2 and 3 of the trilogy, World without a Superman and The Return of Superman to truly comprehend the big picture of things. This book alone holds true when it comes to standing alone, but do you really want to stop there?

DC embarked on a great risk with this direction, but truly put out an actionpacked, hold on to your hats effort. They're commended for taking the big step and bringing us a good, highly acclaimed form of entertainemt.

It delivers what it promises
The death of superman is exactly what it sounds like...the death of superman. In this story, Superman fights an unknown creature called Doomsday (who is for one reason or other hell-bent on destruction) and falls in battle. The story is fast paced and has pages filled with superman and Doomsday swapping hits and all-in-all racking up a huge amount of collateral damage. In the end, Big Blue dies. This story came out when I was in junior high and at that time I felt it was the best book I had ever read but now, it is hard not to look at the numerous plot holes and loose threads in the story. But comics has matured and has come a long way but this story is still worth picking up for the buzz it generated. It's fun to read but don't expect anything Alan Moore-esque or Jeph Loeb type writing.

It's was like watching Muhammed Ali VS Mike Tyson.....
The absolute best fight in Sperman's existance!!!!!
Picture this; A creature of pure strength, power, rage. (No, not the Incredible Hulk, but at a very close proximity). On a path for an unknown reason to Metropolis. A team of powerful (even though uncoordinated) superheroes literally ripped apart by this creature (Named Doomsday by Booster Gold before he also got the ultimate beatdown). Everything and everyone in his path is destroyed and killed at a blink of an eye. One man, the ultimate boy scout, Big Blue himself is left to fend off thhis creature.
First he underestimated Doomsday's power and that changed Real Quick!!..The battle crossed all across America and the focal point is in his hometown Metropolis..When it come down to it, Superman knows that this is the fight of his life. And as the title goes, it will be his life. Once you get past the side story in the beginning you'll be in for a wild (and painful) ride of your life.

One of the best grapic novels ever
Like I siad before, I hadn't read the entire book intill the other day and still I loved it. I bought this at a book fiar for a decint price, I might have found it at a comic shop signed, by the guy behind the counter! The story is rich in creativety, art and charcter useage. The best part in the story is when the JLA got the crap bbeatin out of them by a Super-Super-Super Villian named Doomsday, Then Superman comes in and kills Doomsday and himself, at Metorpolis. This is the only D.C. comic I have but its great.

What Does It Take To Kill The Man Of Steel?
"The Death of Superman" was one of those times when a comicbook storyline became a media event. In the uncertain and cynical early 1990s, it really looked like the poster-boy for idealistic, traditional morals and the voice of paternal authority may really be headed towards oblivion. Image Comics was booming with their anti-heroes and kids were really digging the songs of Kurt Cobain. Does Superman still have any relevance in the 1990s? In fact, that was one of the underlying (yet often ignored) subtle themes in this storyline. Teenagers in school were supposed to tune in to a Superman interview on TV but many of them were uninterested in listening to a "washed-out has-been", preferring instead the obnoxious and cynical Guy Gardner. In fact, Superman's only "fan" in the story seems to be this little black orphan called Keith.

Then, Doomsday happened! A monster fights Superman for dozens of pages and Superman dies defending his beloved city, Metropolis, against said monster. That's all there really was to the plot.

But suddenly we sat up and took notice. Suddenly we realized just what we have lost. A symbol. A hero. An icon. And we see it most starkly through the teary eyes of "Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane" and "Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen".

DC Comics returned to iconic heroism in comics in the mid-1990s. But in the early 1990s, they had to shock the readers into realizing their folly for ignoring the "originals" - thus, Superman got killed, Batman got crippled, Wonder Woman was replaced, Aquaman lost a hand, Green Arrow died and Green Lantern went nuts. But don't blame DC. It was what the disloyal, Image-buying fans deserved... and it was what they ultimately got. This story, "The Death of Superman" is the clearest example of DC's "shock-treatment" event. It is a product of its times. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Cape & Cowl
Don't you just love it when two great athletes team up?

Batman and Superman have been around for decades. Two of the main reasons people still read comics today, these two icons have appeared in -- literally -- thousands of stories ... facing threats to themselves ... challenging threats to world peace ... and making the world safe for the rest of us at the risk to their own personal safety.

However, PUBLIC ENEMIES -- under the guidance of Jeph Loeb -- takes the old and makes it new, bringing a remarkable freshness to characters who have seen some great days and, undoubtedly, have greater ones to come.

A huge meteor is hurtling across space, taunting the destruction of the planet Earth. No big deal, you say? Just send Superman into space to knock the rock off its trajectory? While it sounds like a good idea, you have to remember that the author of this work is Jeph Loeb, arguably one of the best minds working in comics today (and, for those of you in the know, he's also a consultant for the WB's hit SMALLVILLE): this meteor is a hunk from the planet Krypton ... making it Kryptonite ... and meaning that Superman is absolutely powerless against it! Its radiation threatens the survival of the entire planet, and only these two superminds and supertalents combined can find a way to save the day and put right all that has been thrown into chaos since Lex Luther was elected President of the United States.

What? Lex Luthor? President?

Clearly, PUBLIC ENEMIES is not necessarily a great 'jumping on' point for new readers. There may be some resulting confusion due to storylines hinted at that occured before this tome (Lex Luthor's election as President of the United States, Luthor's attempt to wrest control of Gotham City from billionaire Bruce Wayne, Commissioner James Gordon's retirement from the police force, etc.), but these hints serve moreso as nods to other great Batman and Superman stories for the newcomer to go and explore. Also, ENEMIES is replete -- one may argue too much so -- with guest appearances (Captain Atom, Major Force, Solomon Grundy, **drool** the lovely Power Girl, etc.) from the whole pantheon of DC villains and superheroes ... so many that that the final showdown between Luthor and Superman does feel a bit rushed to get this entire story told in what was originally six issues of the new Batman/Superman comic book, but that's a minor critique easily dismissed thanks to the strength of Loeb's work. The real magic of PUBLIC ENEMIES is that it should be considered on its own and of its own merits ... of which there are (thankfully) plenty.

Also, Ed McGuinness deserves a nod for delivering some stunning artwork to back up Loeb's epic storyline. The drawings are crisp and fluid, the coloring is dynamite and eye-popping, and the layout is exceptional.

ENEMIES is a friend worth finding.

Excellent Story, Beautiful Art
Jeph Lopeb has outdone himself on tackling arguably two of the most popular heroes in pop culture, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight. Now, many attempts at the team-ups between the two titans have been done, some with mediocre success and some with no success. Jeph Loeb's story is a far cry from any of the older World's Finest type stories that have featured the two heroes. It is very well plotted and is executed to near perfection.

The story starts off with a large chunk of kryptonite on a collision course with Earth. Luthor uses this to his advantage and puts a $1 billion bounty of Superman's spit-curl and even hires a meta-human team boasting the inclusion of Green Lanter, Powergirl, Captain Comet etc. And add to that the JSA also sends Hawkman and Captain Marvel after them and they get into a showdown. And if that wasn't bad enough, an older Superman (the Kingdom Come version) drops into the bat cave and beats the tar out of Superman and Batman. This is done in order to ensure that no one dies from the mistakes made here and now.

There are also sub-plots that include possible information as to the identity of the murderer of Bruce Wayne's parent (yeah I know...I thought Batman knew the killer, but this was apparently all debunked in the pre- and post-crisis stuff) brought forth by Superman.

Now, the amount of stuff touched on by Loeb in these first few issues just goes to show you that the man got a million ideas in his head. Hopefully they will come to fruition in the future issues.

And finally the art....I have not been a big-fan of Ed McGuinesses' work (dating back to his earlier work on various Superman series). They always looked too cartoony, in a bad catoony way. But this time his art was perfect. It was still cartoony but it was good cartoony (make whatever you want out of that).

If you like tight story-telling with a lot of action with a lot of substance (and who wouldn't want that?) this book is for you.

Almost Perfect--I Can't wait for the next one.
Another lame team-up between the Man of Steel and the Caped Crusader, you say?

Not so! Public Enemies presents an original story of, you guessed it, saving the world from, you guessed it again, Lex Luthor. As unlikely as an original story on that material may seem, Jeph Loeb delivers here, giving interesting insights into the history and development of the relationship between these two brightest stars in the DC universe, while rolling in other characters, many seldom seen in recent years.

Ed McGuinness' art is wonderful, though don't expect the edgier look of Loeb and Jim Lee's "Hush." The two-page action spreads acattered throughout are great, and don't make you feel like the story is suffering so the artist can have more room to draw.

I especially liked how Loeb showed Batman's and Superman's thoughts about their situations and each other parallel on the page. I like how the ending was left open for another confrontation down the road, but my one complaint is a rather important gap in how Batman and Superman get from fighting Hawkman and Captain Marvel in Japan to busting into the White House. Superman explains it, but I would rather have seen it, personally (although I guess that would take away some of the surprise).

Another great book from Jeph Loeb, and cheers for Ed McGuiness.
BUY THIS BOOK. It will not disappoint.

Brilliant
Jeph Loeb is the best writer to tackle Superman OR Batman in many a year, and putting them together in one series has been a magnificent success. Buoyed by wonderful artwork by Ed McGuiness, in this volume President Lex Luthor cons the Earth into believing that Superman is responsible for a planet-killer sized asteroid of pure Kryptonite that is falling towards the planet. Superman and Batman, with their few loyal allies, have to avoid the heroes trying to capture them, bring down the corrupt Luthor, and save the world from the meteor.

The key to this book is contrast. Superman is bright and hopeful. Batman is dark and cynical. Somehow, together, they WORK. And they work BEAUTIFULLY. Read this book and find out why this crimefighting duo will always be the World's Finest. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Busiek offers another brilliant work
This is quite possibly the best Superman story since Alan Moore's "Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?" Busiek's skill for dialogue, characterization, and a presentation of superpowers that is both realistic and fantastic. It is at times evocative of the Lee/Ditko Spider-Man, but that speaks only to both the universality of Lee's work and the Silver Age mentality that fuels "Superman: Secret Identity." It's touching, it's entertaining, it's powerful and fun, and I'm hard-pressed to think of a better Superman story in the last fifteen years. Every Superman fan, every comic book fan, should own a copy. It's *that* good.

this should become a classic
Let me start by saying that I have never and will probably never read Superman comics. I don't really like Superman as a character that much. Why did I pick this up? I read Busiek's Astro City and enjoyed the human drama approach to his writing in "the tarnished Angel". I see this as somewhat similar in story telling approach. There is a definite melancholy to his writing in Superman SI, but it's not depressing. He talks about mortality, identity, our inherent weaknesses and how this conflicts with our desire to do good. If one needed a movie equivalent I guess you could say it's in the same vein as the Shawshank redemption in tone. The story's greatest strength I believe is it's ability to convey something that we comic book readers have always wanted/day dreamed about/wished for: super powers. What would it be like if suddenly we had super powers like that of Superman? How would we use them? What would happen to us? Unlike many superhero stories, this is grounded in our real world. Not Gotham or Metropolis. And as such we get to see what might happen in the case of powers suddenly thrusted upon us. It's detailed story telling with an emphasis on minutiae that ultimately do make a difference. there isn't a lot of action, so beware if you are expecting a rock 'em, sock 'em Superman. But, I found myself unable to put the book down. And although (as i said before) there is a certain elegy to the story, it's beautifully written and quite uplifting. One of the best "in the life and times of" stories I have ever read.And the artwork is excellent and well suited to the tone of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

This IS the Siegel and Shuster Superman
John Byrne does not reinvent Superman in this collection. He returns the character to what he originally was. He strips away much of the mythos which only came into Superman's life after Siegel and Shuster left DC (Superboy, Supergirl, Krypto, multi-colored Kryptonite, god-like power levels, and Kryptonian heritage), and leaves us with the character as he was meant to be when he was created.

The greatest version of Superman's Origin.
John Byrne has done to Superman what he needed to have done. All of the anoying, cheesy parts of the Superman Legend have been removed, while essential new parts (such as leaving his parents alive and a millionaire Lex Luthor) are so good, I don't see how they had been left out. John Byrne has given everyone a personality, and a likable one at that. He draws Superman the way he is meant to be drawn. Finally, a believable Superman.

The Iron Age.
There was the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Broze Age, and then there was the Iron Age, possibly the most ill-concieved era in Superman's history. What Byrne essentially did with mos was strip all the awe, wonder, and grandeur of the character away and replace it with the mundane, ordinary, dull, and just plain repugnant.

First of all, the idea that Superman rose from hell rather than fell from heaven. Preposterous. Byrne intentionally created a Krypton that "deserved to blow up," creating a cold and sterile planet that has about as much charm as a pair of rubber gloves.

Secondly, there was the thing about making Clark a jock, which completely took away the audiences ability to relate to the character. Plus, the whole point when Siegel & Shuster created his dual identity was to show that within every meek and mild-mannered individual, there was, indeed, a Superman. Now, there was absolutely no difference between his personalities at all, making the character as bland as can be.

Thirdly, his depiction of Lois Lane doesn't exactly paint her in the best of lights. She comes off as a small and petty uber-witch who's only really attracted to men with a significant amount of power, either financial or physical.

Then there's Lex, who's reduced to a second-rate Kingpin wannabe, possessing not an ounce of the charm that the pre-Crisis Lex had and is a mere fraction of the threat.

As for Lana Lang, Clark's childhood sweetheart, Byrne writes her as a somewhat pathetic stalker, unable to move on with her life after Clark reveals his secret to her as teenagers.

And finally, possibly the worst line in comic book history appears at the end of this TPB. Contemplating his place in the world after discovering his Ktyptonian heritage, "Superman" utters something to the effect that while it's Krypton that makes him Superman, it's Earth that makes him human, completely disregarding his planet of origin. A true slap in the face to the Superman mythos.

My suggestion is this: if you want a tale about Superman's early years and origins on how he truly became the DCU's greatest super hero, pick up either the upcoming BIRTHRIGHT hardcover by Mark Waid or even Alan Moore's SUPREME. Don't let the title fool ya, despite it's SUPREME moniker, Alan Moore tells what has to be the best Superman tale of the '90s.

A more modern Superman origin, but Byrne's not at his best.
When Superman was first introduced, the primary electronic entertainment medium was radio. A lot's changed, and Superman has remained the same. Based on the introduction by Dick Giordano and John Byrne, the objective of this title is to polish the Superman mythology a bit - not rewriting anything, just making it more comparable to modern comic book story telling.

I bought this book with very little knowledge of the subject matter, and almost solely because I'm a big fan of Byrne's artwork. My hope was that I'd be able to provide my sons with a decent introduction to Superman when they're old enough to be interested. I was pleasantly surprised that the book starts at the very beginning, on Krypton and progresses through Superman's first meeting with Batman. It was like starting from scratch.

The stories are very basic, but they do convey who the key players in the Superman story are, and a deeper sense of what their relationships are. That said, I was underwhelmed by Byrne's work on this title. It really didn't compare to his work on X-men or the Fantastic Four. I suspect that the gritty, raw quality of the art is intentional, given the history of the character and the subject matter. And really, I know it's a small thing, but did Lois Lane absolutely have to wear that dress with the plunging neckline?!? It seemed pretty out-of-place in a set of tales that are otherwise completely innocent by today's standards.

he's just so..superman, it's great
the past few years superman has been written so poorly, the art has tried to make him more manga or just trying weird styles, people have written superman as everything but superman.

but in this book from 1986 we see superman, simple yet oh so effective, we believe he is superman, you see the man in the superman, the man who loves his parents, they love ihim, a lois who is strong but not the annoying lois we so a lot today.

superman was bogged down by being overpowerful, too alien and not very human, then Byrne come along and give us the human superman, the man who was clark kent first and superman second.

sadly dc comics is changing it back with a superman who is more wrapped up in being an alien, his father is not helping his son create a costume but becoming upset over it.

so if you want the great superman, get this and leave the newest books alone, and i assume the birthright story will become a trade soon, if you see it leave it be and let this be the only origin of supermans you read. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Silly
This book is just plain silly. It's a parody that just doesn't work for me. As the President of the USSR, Superman creates a Utopia where it doesn't even rain unless Brainiac is sure everyone has an umbrella! He's waiting for America to collapse, but Lex becomes President (even though he hates the people) just to defeat Superman!

A Pinnacle of Superman writing
Red Son, for those not in the know, is the Elseworlds tale showcasing how the world would have been different should Kal El have landed in Russia during the beginning of the Cold War. What occurs during the three issues is the rise of the Superman, and the fall of the world under his boot. Oh, it's not a tyrannical rule; Superman has made the world a Socialist community, with only a dilapidated America under President Luthor standing up against the alien's involvement.

It's a heady case that Mark Millar brings, but the work stands as one of the best and definite works for Superman. You may ask, 'definitive for Superman? How? It's not a real story!" (...)! Millar defines his world using the very paradigm of who and what the Superman character stands for. Oh, our guy is most certainly there. It's just that we get to see how Superman would react given a different lot in life. He is still the highly noble, self-sacrificing hero that we all know and love. There isn't a person on this planet that doesn't know that familiar 'S'-shield, and each one can pick up on the familiarity with the character as he and his cast are presented here. After all, it's the classic story of invulnerable alien versus his greatest nemesis-a brilliant mortal flesh and blood human. Ah....but Lex gets it done. In a brilliant way, Lex gets it done.

Art wise, Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett share the art chores throughout the telling. Johnson begins the story for the first part, and is joined and later finished by Plunkett. Johnson's work heralds the Superman Fleischer cartoons from the 1940's, where our hero is a broad shouldered man of action, simple in wants and benign in deeds. His work directly expresses the innocence of the years, and it's slow decay as time marches on. Plunkett finishes the tale up, and his style shows a harsher, aged time for the world and Superman. The decay of freedom is complete, and our hero bears that weight in full force. You can clearly perceive the gloom that hangs over all, which is...until....

You read it for yourself. What, you think I was going to tell you? Ha! And ruin it? You're out of your gourd!

Superman: Red Son more than stands out this year as the story that none should miss. It succeeds on all levels as a defining work that grabs your attention and leaves you overwhelmed come story's end. There is nothing more that I can say that the book doesn't say for itself.

Not a cause & effect, but a complete overhaul
I am a big fan of Marvel's long-lost WHAT IF series, in which one small change in a familiar storyline would result in radically different outcomes for heroes or villains. When DC began their Elseworlds imprint, I took notice, hoping that this would satisfy my craving for more variants on the old standards. I've noticed more and more, however, that Elseworlds is not so much a continuation of the WHAT IF premise, but complete reimaginings of the DC Universe. What's more, they really don't make much sense, and that is no more apparent than with Mark Millar's SUPERMAN: RED SON.

From reading the cover and introduction, the premise of this book appears to be "If Kal-El's rocket was off by a few minutes and landed in the USSR instead of the USA, how would that affect the DCU?". Reading on, however, I realize that the premise instead is "How would the DCU look in a world dominated by the USSR?" That's a whole different ballgame, and not nearly as interesting to me. The reason I say this is that Millar does not make it clear how the effects presented in RED SON are caused by Superman's existence as a communist figurehead. For example, why would Superman's not being in the USA make Jimmy Olsen decide to become a government agent instead of working for the Daily Planet? Why would a Russian boy with murdered dissident parents become Batman instead of Bruce Wayne? Why would Oliver Queen work for the Daily Planet instead of becoming Green Arrow? It seems to me that Superman's existence in the "regular" timeline had no effect on Olsen's desire to work at the Planet, the murder of Bruce Wayne's Parents, or Oliver Queen being stranded on an island; therefore, these characters should remain pretty much the same in this alternate timeline. All I can assume is that Millar wanted to give us more bang for the buck, giving us a quick thrill upon spotting familiar characters in different circumstances, but his cause-and-effect gets sloppy in the process. There are a few well-done moments, such as the creation of Bizarro and the release of the super-villains, but these were overshadowed for me by the little inconsistencies I mentioned before (and others) that just didn't add up. This is not a simple "alternate timeline" caused by a different destination for Kal-El's rocket... this is an complete reinterpretation of the DCU, and not much fun for me.

"Red" hot
Probably one of the best "what if" stories i have ever read. It has all the elements of a great grophic novel. Good story telling, good art, and exelent dialogue.

Superman Behind The Iron Curtain
I have enjoyed many of the Elseworlds books ever since the precursor, Gotham By Gaslight. This is probably the best Superman title and one of the best overall.

A few hours difference in the arrival of superman's space capsule could mean landing half a world away from Kansas and that is the premise. Superman has landed in the Soviet Union and has been raised by loyal Socialists. Superman's presence in the Soviet Union drastically alters the future.

Superman rises to power despite the conflict of political ideals and the Warsaw Pact signs on new members. We see the world change and see the lives of many familiar figures form the DC universe; Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, etc.

This is more than just a remake of the Nazi Superman (Ubermensch) as seen on Saturday Night Live. The story is fairly believable and Superman is as true to his upbringing as in the regular DC universe. The story progresses nicely until we see the final surprise plot twist.

A wonderful story for Superman and Elseworlds fans. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

A Truimph of the Human spirit! A magnificent read!
Printed in an oversized format, Peace on Earth is an awe-inspiring look at how Superman attempts to thwart world hunger. Alex Ross' breathtaking art is unbelievable. His paintings escpecially those of the U.S. Congress are exalting. The writing is an illustrious and creative account of how Superman expericenes opposition to his attempts in stopping starvation. Overall the book is a compliment to the human spirit, and an agonizing glance at world hunger. This graphic novel is a 1000 times better than any "comic book" I have ever read and I highly encourage you to pick this book up. Also if you enjoy this book, try Batman: War on Crime, another great read by the same creative team.

A coffee table Superman book...
...and I mean that in the best way possible. ;-)

Nice timeless story by Paul Dini wherein Superman confronts the fact that he can't save the world by himself, but let's face it: the reason to buy this book are the amazing full-page painted illustrations from Alex Ross. Beyond his trademark realism, Ross really conveys the essense of Superman's power and dignity here.

This oversized format is a terrific forum for his talents and fans of his work will be thrilled to own it.

Fosters a spirit of hope and faith in humanity
Good comic books give us escapist fantasy. The *best* comic books hold a mirror on humanity and force us to confront certain truths about ourselves.

In the current Modern Age of comics, it's easy to buy into the myth that these characters are god-like and the paramount force for good (The Dark Knight Strikes Again, Kingdom Come, JLA, Miracleman).

And so it's with a certain cynicism that certain comic-book writers and fans have asked, "Well, if Superman really existed, if he were really that mighty, couldn't he control just about everything happening on Earth and turn it into paradise?"

Dini and Ross remind us why even the Man of Steel can't solve all of Earth's problems (and gently hint that it's wish fulfillment on the part of fans to pray for deliverance from a Superman in the real world). They even suggest why Superman *shouldn't* solve all the issues affecting humanity. You'll need to read it to find out why.

It's graphic novels like these that make me proud to be a fan and not ashamed of this great hobby of ours.

Good, easy read for people who have either never picked up a comic book before or haven't picked one up in years as the story doesn't rely on continuity (although it would spoil them for better stuff rather than the pap the big publishers churn out weekly).

Highest possible recommendation.

great artwork!!!!!!
i thought superman peace on earth is a great story and the artwork is even better!

Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day...
Teach a man to fish and he'll spend all day in a boat with a funny hat on. Okay, so that's not how it's supposed to be.

Superman: Peace on Earth is a great story, the tale is heartwarming, the artwork of Alex Ross is fantastic and I think makes a great effort to be much more then a comic book. I think that Paul Dini and Alex Ross are trying to help elevate the characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel) of these oversized books from just being characters and helping them deal with actual situations in real life. What if Superman was real? Would people just accept handouts from him even if he was working toward a selfless goal. Or would people see him as a symbol of imperialism or think that he has some hidden agenda?

I think that the overall moral of the story is great, even if you can do great things for other people, sometimes the best thing you can do is help other people do great things. In this case, Clark Kent, farmboy from Kansas helping teach some kids to grow things. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Truth,Justice, and the American Way
This is the origin and first adventures of the Man of Steel, even though he would not become super powerful until the stories of the late 50's and early 60's.But Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster certainly put the goodness, honor, and true ideals that Ka-El would live by for the next 60 years.It's amazing that while later writers added their own take to Superman, the Siegel/Shuster ideas lasted well into the mid-80's (when John Byrne then destroyed the character in his over-rated run).The Superman of today is regretfully only a shallow image of his once true noble self.A product of the sad time we live in, however the original Superman storiesstill live on in these reprints and were brought to the big screen in 1978.

Great stuff, but buy used
This is actually some great stuff. I think the early Superman stories are good examples of exciting storytelling with interesting social commentary.

For example, the first Superman story contains a none-too subtle anticaptial punishment message, as our man saves a lady from an execution and a man form a lynching (remember, this is 1938). The second shows Supe stopping a war that is concocted by munitions manufactureres (an early anti-WW2 message).

Along with that, reading these early adventures gives you the feeling that you're a little kid in pre-television 1938-39, sitting with awe and wonder with these exciting tales either being read to you by a skilled adult storyteller, or by yourself with a flashlight at night. Once you get in that mood of an inner child, you can really get into this stuff and it's lots of fun.

However, I would agree that the cost is a bit much for a new edition. Buy a good used copy. Gather the kids (over age 10, that is) around, turn the lights down low, read it with vigor, and have a ball!

Too much money
The reprints are gorgeous and in a wonderful hardcover that shouldn't fall apart too quickly. The text prefacing the book is boring and unneccessary, mostly, this book just costs waaayyyy too much. I would've preferred to get it in comic book format for about 10 dollars, but they no longer reprint this stuff. The stories aren't very good, but it's interesting to read in it's amateurishness and see how things originally were intended.

Gorgeous Reprinting of Classic Comic Books from the 1930s
DC's Archive editions are the pinnacle of classic comic book reprints. Lovingly restored and printed on high quality, glossy paper, they give the material the classy feel it deserves. In this, one of their earliest Archive editions, they reprint in their entirety (advertisements and all) the first four 1939 and 1940 issues of SUPERMAN, four issues that would easily fetch upwards of a quarter million dollars. SUPERMAN ARCHIVES VOL. 1 is not just a bargain. It's a glimpse into pop culture and comic book history.

Most of these four issues are reprints of stories published in ACTION COMICS, other adventures from which appear in SUPERMAN: THE ACTION COMICS ARCHIVES, although several others were taken from the newspaper strips, which are reprinted in their original black and white form in Kitchen Sink Press' SUPERMAN: THE DAILIES.

These early adventures are, compared to modern comic books, crude and childish, but they reveal a sense of wonder and awe absent from many of today's comics. In 1939, the readers and creators were still enthralled by the idea that a man could do whatever he wanted and dispense justice without rules. Just as Superman is different in these reprints -- a swashbuckling, two-fisted pulp hero, not the "big blue boy scout" of today, most of his earliest menaces are a far cry from the criminal masterminds and alien invaders he later fights. They are enemies of the Depression-era everyman: war profiteers, abusive husbands, incompetent mine owners, con artists, fascist spies, corrupt orphanage directors. Anyone who preys on everyday folks receives swift justice from the Man of Steel's fists.

Comics creator and historian Jim Steranko provides a thorough analysis of the adventures in his Introduction and Afterword, so comics historians will want this book, as will Superman fans, nostalgists and collectors of all ages.

Classic stories of Superman's early years!!!
Superman Archives Volume 1 reprints Superman (first series) issues #1 thru #4 from 1939. These are truly great stories of Superman's early years. In the 1940s, Superman wasn't the all powerful hero that he is today. He was a person who truly believed in the fight for justice and helped anyone who needed it. Back then, he only had certain powers, and he became a vigilante, wanted by the Police!

These stories give back the feel of the Depression Era. You really feel that time period through these stories. I bought this book back when it first came out in 1989. I loved it!!! As a die hard Superman fan, I wanted to read Superman's early years, and DC Comics made that possible through this book. The DC Archive Editions have proven to be great revisits of comics' early days. To any fan of early comic book history, or Superman, get this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Why are so many of the superhero myths tied up with loss, often violent, of parents or parental figures? What is the significance of the dual identity? What makes some superhuman figures "good" and others "evil"? Why are so many of the prime superheroes white and male? How has the superhero evolved over the course of the 20th and early 21st centuries? And how might the myths be changing?

Why is it that the key superhero archetypes - Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, the X-Men - touch primal needs and experiences in everyone? Why has the superhero moved beyond the pages of comics into other media?

All these topics, and more, are covered in this lively and original exploration of the reasons why the superhero - in comic books, films, and TV - is such a potent myth for our times and culture. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

interesting light reading
I am a fan of comic book superheroes; I try to see all the major Hollywood movies on superheroes like X-Men, Batman, Superman, etc... I am also a fan of the Sunday comics. But I have never read a comic book. So I picked this book up last month thinking it would be a good way to learn about comic book lore and history. This book accomplishes that. It covers the origins (and conclusions) of all the major comic book heroes. It also goes a little into the history of the authors / creators / publishers of these comic books.

The pace is quick, the book is short, and most teenagers should be able to read the whole book in a weekend. But as a piece of literary criticism, it is okay. This book to the comic book genre is like having one Cliff Notes book for all of Shakespeare; you sacrifice depth for breadth. Overarching themes are emphasized over storylines of the individual comic book heroes. There are a lot of interesting facts though; such as Harry Potter being an orphan, just like Batman, Superman, and the Hulk. In all, this book is worth reading if you have the time to spare. I definitely would recommend it as reading material for a college class on say 20th century American culture, or Mass Media / Entertainment. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the doomed planet Krypton to Smallville, Kansas, to the great (butoften troubled) city of Metropolis, a powerful superhero has fought for truth,justice, and the American way for over 70 years. In this breathtaking tribute tothe man of steel himself, all the nitty-gritty, fascinating details ofSuperman's life and career are investigated, analyzed, and celebrated. Discoverjust what happened back on Krypton to propel infant "Kal-El" to Earth as the oneKryptonian hope for rebirth of their civilization. Learn how a loving farmfamily named Kent adopted the baby, renamed him Clark, and instilled him withsolid American values. And meet the many, many friends and enemies of our hero,including, fiercely independent but lovable Lois Lane, the nasty Joker, andDoomsday, the unstoppable creature that killed Superman.

Allowed unlimited access to the archives of DC Comics, author Scott Beattydelved deep, coming up with the kind of details fans will fall all overthemselves to peruse, including each featured character's vital statistics andyear of appearance on the Superman scene. The large book format, compelling,readable text, and many crystal-clear illustrations in The Ultimate Guideare in keeping with Dorling Kindersley's signature style. A true treasure forsuperhero buffs! (All ages) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Best Suited for Younger Readers
I'd like to start off by saying this book deserves a 3 1/2 star rating.
The Ultimate Guide hardly lives up to its title. I am a serious Superman fan and was rather disapointed. Although richly illustrated and explained, this book was really full of information I already knew. It's very evident that Scott Beatty went to great lengths to research this, but I was rather underwhelmed.
However, this book is PERFECT for younger fans. Children will love the rich illustrations and, although some explanations for storylines will go over their heads, it will stil be a home run for any littler ones.
One thing I did like about this book is the timeline of Superman's career, located in the back of the book. Year by year, it gives a synopsis of key storylines in events, all the way from 1938 until now. That's useful for any Superfan.
So, if you're a parents looking for a wonderful book for your young Superfan, this is the one for you. But if you're already a serious collector, this book doesn't offer much. Try "Superman: The Complete History" by Les Daniels instead.

Concerned about bias
... If you want a guide to Superman's current activities, then this is the book for you. It is very detailed, well written, and brightly illustrated with what I feel to be a very refreshing take on Superman, the stylings of Superman artist Ed McGuiness, who is featured prominently.

Granted, this book can hardly be considered the Ultimate guide in a literal sense, considering the fact that Superman began his career in the early 20th century, but nonetheless it does an excellant job in giving you a real feel for the breadth and width of the legendary Man of Steel.

As a veteran and current reader of the Superman titles I can wholeheartedly recommend this book as a great starting point for any novice or an enjoyable read for an established fan. It is very up to date, right up to this months current story line (August 2002), and compliments the other titles in this series very well. In comparison to the other "Ultimate Guide To" books; Spider-man, Batman, X-men, the Superman title stands out to me as the most fun and the best written.

If you are looking for something dealing with Superman's famed and storied past, and are not interested in his current activities, then I encourage you to pick up the archives that DC offers, as well as the Trade Paperbacks: "Superman in the Fifties", "Superman in the sixties", and so on.

The value of this book should not be based on an unsound bias toward anything new and unconventional, but rather on the quality and quantity that is most assuredly captured within the pages of this publication.

A must for any Superman fan...
I have been a lifelong fan of Superman. However, I never had the time or money that would allow me to get into the comic book aspect of the franchise. Curiousity finally got the better of me, and I set out to learn more based on how Superman has been perceived through comics. When I received this book, I was blown away at how great it was. Through beautiful illustrations and a detailed account of comic book history, I was able to learn everything I never knew about the Man of Steel. Every aspect of the character is shown in this book, and then some. I loved the way that the book went through Superman's history in chronological order. This made it very easy to learn about Superman's history. I especially enjoyed the detailed section of all the super villans that Superman has encountered. That was one area that I was seriously lacking in. Of course I had heard the names before - Doomsday, Brainiac, Metallo, etc. However, I never knew about their abilities, or what happened when they faced off with Superman. Every major villan is described in detail, which gives you a full understanding of each one. Now maybe I think more of this book than others, because I am a comic book novice. However, ths book was very satisfying to me, and I recommend it to anyone who has always liked Superman, but still has alot to learn.

awsome book!
This book tells you everything you will need to know about Superman. The pages are filled with color and tell you about all the heroes and villains! You should really consider buying this book if you are a Superman fan.

Not just for kids.
I thought this book was just for kids- it is not. It was an invaluable tool for catching up with a lot of the stories and plotlines that I had missed. I hope to one day see one done for all the major DCU characters. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I bought this book for Byrne's art, not Ordway's...
I'd heard a lot about this new interpretation of Superman from John Byrne. As a Byrne fan, it seemed a logical choice to add to my little mini-collection of trade paperbacks, many of which feature his art. I'd read through Volume 1 of Superman: Man of Steel and found it to be a refreshing take on the old Superman character. Byrne's art in Volume 1, however, was not what I was used to from his previous work.

That appears to have changed in Volume 2, as Byrne cleans up Superman nicely. The stories are simple, reflective of Superman's early days. I love what Byrne does with Lex Luthor, making him an untouchable evil industrialist with an aura similar to that of Frank Miller's Kingpin. An interesting spin.

The thing that wasn't great about Volume 2, though, was that Byrne stops doing the art for a few issues here and there during the story of Darkseid and the New Gods. The idea of Byrne penciling a Darkseid story was very compelling, but Jerry Ordway does most of the art on this story. Ordway is no John Byrne, and the difference is huge. As Byrne was a major reason that I purchased this volume in the first place, I was disappointed and am now uncertain about whether or not to buy Volume 3 (when it comes out). If you're a fan of John Byrne's work, be warned.

Great Start For The Post-Crisis Superman Titles!
What you need to know before reading this book:
1) Superman stories published from 1938 to 1986 (commonly called "Pre-Crisis Superman") were wiped out of continuity and is no longer part of the Superman Canon.
2) An event called "Crisis on Infinite Earths" cleaned up DC Comics continuity and recreated the DC Universe in 1985/6. All comics from that point to the present are referred to as the "Post-Crisis" stories.
3) The "Post-Crisis" Superman began with 1986's "The Man of Steel" miniseries by John Byrne (collected as Volume One)
4) This volume (Vol. 2) collects the first three issues of the normal Superman comics immediately following "The Man of Steel" miniseries - therefore giving us a good representation of the "New" Superman and how it all began (again).

The majority of the stories collected in this volume are written and drawn by John Byrne, who was also responsible for the revamp in the first place. The rest of the stories are written by Marv Wolfman (who also provided the "Intro" to this volume) and beautifully drawn by Jerry Ordway. The stories read like a continuation of "The Man of Steel". While the previous volume gave us the new Krypton, the new Pa/Ma Kent, Brainiac, Luthor, etc., this volume gives us Cat Grant, the new Metallo, Prof. Emil Hamilton and further fleshes out the malicious character of Lex Luthor. In addition to that, we have three issues of Superman in Apokolips (actually part of the "Legends" crossover but it can very well stand alone by itself) with a superb rendition of Darkseid, Orion, Lightray and the rest of the classic Kirby creations by John Byrne.

This volume is highly recommended to all Superman historians (like me!) and all fans of John Byrne (the man was at his very best here). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

RSVP
I usually am a bit skeptical when the creative talent behind a major comic book hero announces a big event (i.e. the death of a character) for the ongoing storyline. To me, the turning point only signals one thing, sagging sales. It is that firm opinion that makes me look past the hype, and stay clear of the "event". I must admit though, in the case of Superman's Wedding, curiousity got the better of me, and I just couldn't resist checking it out. While out shopping, I was able to buy the trade paperback for The Wedding And Beyond, at a steep discount. Since it was so inexpensive, I figured, why not. After all, I own and enjoyed, the entire Death Of Superman trilogy, in trade paperback edition. Even with reservations, I forged ahead...

THE STORY-I have to say that it was better than I thought. The writers came up the great idea of making the story center on Clark and Lois. It is about a couple getting married. As opposed to a "mere mortal" marrying a "God". The Caped Wonder has a limited role here. With that his alter ego is given a chance to shine. The story has all of the trappings, one associates with getting hitched, without much daring do. In the end, I think that was the best way to go, with this 5-part story. Lest that I should give you the idea that it's all a bunch of gushy prose, fear not, the action is there as well...just that it's not what you might expect. Besides I HATE too much of that anyway. Written by the same team of folks responsible for Superman comics in the 90s, it is a well crafted tale, with a few surprises along the way.

THE ART-Bringing together the current art team, with many others who have worked on the chacters before, was a great idea. Having John Byrrne, Gil Kane, Kane, Dick Giordano, and my pesonal favorite, Curt Swan, contribute to the wedding part of the book makes it all worth it. "The Wedding Album" is the best part of the book for that reason

The trade paperback includes an introduction by DC Comics, President and Editor in-Chief, Jennette Kahn, and a cover gallery that has all 5 covers from the saga as they appeared when originally published. The book has 192 pages and comes recommended

The long awaited momment
In 1996, comics were changed forever as two of its most important characters were married: Clark Kent and Lois Lane. The particular wedding issue was not about Superman. In fact, it Superman only makes a limited appearance. It was about Lois and Clark. Two opposites that knew they could not live without each other. The wedding issue took me 90 minutes to read and it was worth the time. Even the ceremony is played out to the entire length. Another special touch was that the priest was actually the image of Jerry Siegel. Other images of real life people are drawn into the final scene such as Dan Jurgens, Jeanette Kahn, John Byrne, and a whole lot more. That was another special touch since it made it look like the past and present creators could watch these two tie the knot. The other issues in this trade paperback are just basically filler for the 'main event'. This is a landmark event in comic book history and it is a must for every reader's collection.

The Wedding
Forget about Superman for awhile. This is a story about two people, Lois and Clark. Ever since they met each other they were at each other's throat. In this case, it was Lois more than the mild mannered Clark that did all the throat grabbing shenanigans. The lady was tough as nails on Clark and took him on a spin with her sharp tongue and strong personality. Clark, on the other hand, was the quiet, more stable of the two. His time as Superman made his alter ego more reasonable and clear minded than Lois. Underneath it all, however, one can realize that both of these characters were in love with one another in a young-hearted kind of way. Lois fell in love with Superman at first, but it was more of an infatuation. She grew to understand Clark and slowly felt true feelings towards him. It was only until Clark decided to tell her he was the Man of Steel did true showing of her love and emotions surface.

Some people blame the TV series, Lois and Clark, for the marriage that soon came to be. This, of course, is not entirely true. Though the series brought the two character closer to one another, they have always been in love ever since their early days together. The series simply made the transition easier for a classic iconic figure like Superman. It was more publicity for the comic rather than anything else and it did help bringing them together easier and more acceptable to the readers, young and old. Spider-Man was married before Superman ever did, but readers will always remember him as the single guy who can't find a date. They would not let that concept go. This made the creators rethink about his marital status and put an end to it earlier this year. People could not imagine him as a married guy. Superman had a series that made Lois's and Clark's coming together smoother. You ask anyone out there, they would know that Superman is married. He has always been married to Lois they would say.

This TPB was brought together by the comic industry's top talents. Great writers, including David Michelinie who helped Spidey tie the knot long time ago, were on the helm with some great artwork to boot. Superman's marriage brings on the coming together of two popular characters of modern American culture. Has the marriage worked through out all these years? One can only say that it has grown stronger each day. Readers love the concept and the antics that the two happy couple go through in their marriage. Their relationship is that of love, respect and being there for your partner at times of need. Apart from the super-powers, those things are exactly the right ingredients for any happy marriage out there to truly work.

It's a great story, but short.
I have a few TPBs in my collection of comic books, and when I compared THE WEDDING AND BEYOND to them , it was actually pretty short. The storyline was great, the plot masterfully told, but I felt it could have gone on for a few more comics.

Amazing!
The long awaited marriage of Lois and Clark is depicted masterfully in this collection. A superb way to fill in all the details you may have missed from the individual comic books. I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Wow...the heart and soul of the Man of Steel.
I've never been much of a Superman fan. I've always thought he was too good to be true. He seemed to have no failings at all, and that made him a hard character to relate to. I gave this book a try based on what this incredible creative team had done with Batman (Long Halloween and Dark Victory). It also didn't hurt that it had some truly amazing coloring. I wasn't expecting to be thrilled, but that's exactly what happened. Superman for all Seasons gets right to the heart and soul of this hero and shows his humanity. Loeb focuses on Superman's early years in Smallville, his adoptive parents, and his journey to Metropolis. We get a rare treat in seeing Clark grow up, learn about his abilities, and struggle to find his place in the world. Superman is still the same uncompromising champion of truth and justice, that much never changes, but now we have a greater understanding of why he is that champion. We can now see the man in Superman. It's hard to put into words just how wonderful this book is. I heartily recommend it for any and all fans of Superman, comic books, or just a good story.

Centering on the man who is Superman
It's very refreshing to read a Superman story where he is humanized and the other cast members in the book; Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, Lana Lang,Ma and Pa Kent, and Perry White are all written as people that we like to know better. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale did this book in a more detailed way. Closer to a novel then a regular comic with better detailed writing and a complex story. I have not liked the recent stories as told in the Superman comics, but this book was a good read. Makes me wonder how Superman would do as a regular written series of novels. It has possibilities.

Retro Superman Tale by the King of Retro
First reading: Jeph Loeb does what he does best with this story. Retro, introspective meditation on an iconic character. And teamed with Tim Sale, the duo delivers one of the most heartfelt reexamination of the Superman mythos ever. I do not dislike this work but I dislike everything that came as a result of this work:

1) Loeb is made the chief writer of the Superman books and there his weakness is glaring. The man is all retro and introspection all the time but very, very weak on plots. He's great for a work like this one as well as his Marvel "color" books. But not for regular monthly work where plot is chief. Superman is turned into a softie, country-bumpkin under his care.

2) "Smallville". 'Nuff said!

Upon rereading, I'll say that "Superman For All Seasons" serve as a nice momento from the early days of Superman's story but does little more than that. It doesn't really progress the Superman mythos nor challenge our views of Superman. It simply rephrases (in a rather melodramatic way) what we already know and commonly agree to be true. It's pretty but in a rather empty way in that it really offers so little.

Superman for All Seasons
This is a great comic book that shows the line between superhero (Superman) and human (Clark Kent) is quite thin. It's a must read for any fan of comic books, even if you have been dissapointed with other Superman comic books. Superman for All Seasons is one of the best comics I have read, and it is very likely you will read it in one sitting. It is divided into seasons like chapters, and each season shows the viewpoint of a different character.

Loeb and Sale, two of the best
I received this book as a Christmas present, and let me say that it's one of the best I've ever gotten. It tells the story of Clark Kent, a young boy just starting to understand his powers. The first part takes place in Smallville, and the books ends in Metropolis. A classic Superman tale if there ever was one.

Loeb and Sale compliment each other completely. These two are responsible for many great titles, such as Daredevil: Yellow, and Spider-man: Blue. Another one of my favorite is Batman: The Long Halloween.

I love how the beginning of the book is told from the perspecitve of Clark's father. It really brings a down to earth side of the character out, and that's great because as a superhero, Superman can be hard to relate to. There's not much else I can say, besides this book should be in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Wild, Crazy and Fun!
In the 1960s, the greatest entertainment in the world can be gotten for a mere 10 cents between the pages of the various Superman comics published. You get everything from grand space-opera, soapy romance, mythical adventures, sci-fi, fantasy, tragedy, etc. in these stories. This volume is a great sample of some of those great tales.

Mort Weisinger was the man behind the Superman titles at DC comics in the 1950s and 1960s. He hired writers like Jerry Siegel (yes, the original creator himself) and Otto Binder (the greatest "Shazam" writer ever) to recreate Superman's world. Firstly, Supes' origin story is more fully fleshed out, Krypton is described in detail and then came the creation of the "Superman Family" (Supergirl, Krypto, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bizarro, Superboy, Legion of Superheroes, etc. etc.) - all of it giving us the richesh fantasy dreamworld in serialized fiction.

Get this volume to relive the magic of Superman and rediscover the reason why he is still the foremost heroic-icon of our times.

This is the Superman I grew up with!
As far as I'm concerned, this one graphic novel sums it all up when it comes to the excitment and singular superiority that is Superman. It would've been great as a book with no artwork, in my opinion. But, of course, the artwork really made it that much greater. However, being a true lover of sci-fi books, by the Old Masters and the Newcombers (especially cyberpunk), I really think lovers of graphic novels should also check out such greats as "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Childhood's End", "I,Robot", "Ringworld", "Redezvous with Rama", "Neuromancer", "Mona Lisa Overdrive", "Cryptonomicon", "Prey", "Snow Crash", "Cyber Hunter", and so forth. These would all make great graphic novels as well, but are great as just what they are in my opinion. Check some out.

Nice for nostalgia's sake, but stories a little bland
Having grown up in the 70s, this book features Superman stories which were new to me. These are the stories prior to Clark Kent's move to television and the creation of Morgan Edge. As the preface to the book says, many of the stories were told time and time again. It's interesting to see a time when comic books weren't always trying to be some dark statement. After all, Metropolis isn't Gotham City. This book helps you get a grasp of the changes the Superman franchise went through in the 60s, with dozens of new survivors of Krytpon, endless robots, an incredibly naive Jimmy Olsen, and a not-yet-liberated Lois Lane. Each story is "safe." Nice to look at, but if you're expecting anything of substance that you could, perhaps, ponder, hopefully a "Superman in the Seventies" volume will be coming out soon. Here you will see Clark, Lois, Jimmy, Morgan, Steve Lombard, and a less-important Perry White take on more human characteristics. Until then, this book will give you lots of super-simplistic stories that may or may not help you relive your youth.

Rick Phillips
This was a great book with only a sample of how great the 60's were to the Man of Steel. It showed how comics should be adventuresome, fun and innocent. Many famous stories like the Superman-Batman Revenge Squads and works by the greats like Jerry Siegal, Wayne Boring, Curt Swan and Neal Adams. All future comic writers & artist should have this book. Don't just sit there. Buy this book!

Great Stories
Being a comic book fan who has lost interest in the "new" post-Crisis Superman, I found these older stories to be lots of fun. A more honest and innocent hero, and a great flashback to my impression of the character when I was younger. A great peice of pop-history. ... Read more