Superman Archives : Volume 1

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Summary: Superman, super book
Review: Archives, Volume 1, showcases the first few issues of Superman (original series). The art has been recolored and lightly touched over; otherwise this is the closest you'll ever come to actually owning the original issues of Superman save for actually paying the money for them... Considering it would cost well over $100000 to get the original comics found in this book, it's a pretty darn good deal. Recommended reading for ANY Superman collector. Hardback, with color book cover. Siegel and Shuster's greatest gift to the world.

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Summary: Gorgeous Reprinting of Classic Comic Books from the 1930s
Review: 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.

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Summary: A Vital Historical Document!
Review: It's not just a history of the man of steel, it's a powerful reflection of the turbulent era into which he was born. When he encounters a giant robot and mutters, "What the...", you feel the angst and confusion inherent in the 1930's American male.

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Summary: Classic stories of Superman's early years!!!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: A Vital Historical Document!
Review: Superman first appeared in Action Comics. Many of those were reprinted in Superman Magazine. This collects those and other adventures. Action is a very appropriate word for Superman jumps in at any conflict. There is very little sitting around doing nothing. This Superman also thinks. He finds the best solution, then jumps in and does it. What I liked the most is how he helped ordinary people with ordinary problems such as a woman falsely accused of murder, a wife beater, a crooked employer, an arms dealer who starts wars to make money, crooked polititions, children in orphanages, etc. The drawings are simple but full of power and energy.

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Summary: If you like action, this is the place.
Review: Superman first appeared in Action Comics. Many of those were reprinted in Superman Magazine. This collects those and other adventures. Action is a very appropriate word for Superman jumps in at any conflict. There is very little sitting around doing nothing. This Superman also thinks. He finds the best solution, then jumps in and does it. What I liked the most is how he helped ordinary people with ordinary problems such as a woman falsely accused of murder, a wife beater, a crooked employer, an arms dealer who starts wars to make money, crooked polititions, children in orphanages, etc. The drawings are simple but full of power and energy.

Rating:
Summary: Too much money
Review: 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.

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Summary: These are the best Superman Comics ever!
Review: These are some of the best comics ever written or drawn. It is obvious why Superman is so great with a start like this. Superman fights actual problems in society--he is a social reformer. He tries to help the good at any cost. The drawings are just fun. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys good stories and mighty heroes that fight real menaces.

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Summary: Great stuff, but buy used
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Is a must for Suerman fans to read this book.
Review: Those who really like Superman must read this book but those who only like the actual Superman must not buy it. Why? Because if you compare Superman's actual art to his art 60 years ago, there's a change!