RETRO REVIEW: Action Comics #1000

In the pages of Action Comics, Superman has fought countless battles over the years against some of the most formidable villains in comics. For 85 years readers have been entertained by his feats of strength, inspired by his kindness, and emboldened by his bravery. In April 2018, DC Comics published a supersized installment of Action Comics, celebrating one thousand issues of the title that began in 1938.

Action Comics #1000 opens with a story commemorating some of Superman’s acts of heroism around Metropolis – which he begrudgingly attends, uncomfortable with the praise. The story is 100% homage to the Man of Steel and each time someone thanks Superman for being brave and heroic, it’s obvious that writer Dan Jurgens is speaking for the comic community, professionals and fans alike, thanking Superman for his impact on our lives as well.

Next, Superman takes a trip through the past, presenting readers with greatest hits snapshots from his many adventures in an homage to the past by Peter J. Tomasi.

Collectively, ten stories by industry leading writers and artists are told. They echo Superman’s optimism and expectation of finding the good in people, there’s a nice little interlude for reporter Clark Kent that belongs above the fold, and appearances by significant people within Superman’s life – both the good and the notorious. The issue ends with a Brian Michael Bendis story that led into his Man of Steel limited series that began in May 2018.

With such a major achievement, DC provided multiple covers featuring artistic styles from decades of Action Comics by the likes of Jim Lee, Steve Rude, Michael Cho, and Jim Steranko, among others. The interior art by a host of talented folks utilizes vintage and modern styles, presenting Superman and others with realism, occasionally gritty, comically vivacious, one even has similarities to a certain actor. The action and emotion are great on nearly every page partnering well with their given stories.

The writers and artists also gave plenty of subtle and overt nods to Superman’s past, commentary on how he has evolved, throwbacks to early taglines, comments on the style of his costume, and artistic references to earlier iterations.

It’s somewhat hokey, warm and fuzzy, even a little cathartic, but with 85 years and over 1,000 issues under his belt, it’s also well deserved. Way to go Supes.

–Amanda Sheriff