Well folks this is quite a milestone, 900 issues of Action Comics. If you don’t know way back in June of 1938 Siegel and Shuster introduced the world to an icon with Superman in the very first issue of Action Comics. Now after countless movies, tv series, cartoons and other comic books, the book that started it all is at issue 900.
This issue features an incredible roster of guest talent help DC Comics celebrate this landmark issue including: the screenwriter of The Dark Knight, David Goyer; famed Superman: The Movie director Richard Donner; the co-creator of Lost, Damon Lindelof; and the creative team behind the hit DC Universe Online game.
Action Comics 900 features the return of Superman to the book that got this whole crazy superhero mess started. The Man of Steel has a lot to deal with in this milestone issue. First, there is a supercharged Lex Luthor to contend with. Then, there is Cyborg Superman and he is always trouble. Oh, and all of Superman’s super friends are being held captive by Doomsday. I think we can all agree that this a bad day.
As the main story ends, the Black Ring story arc is over and now it is on to “The Reign of the Doomsdays”. You read that right Doomsdays, as in more than one, and it looks like they have all the same powers at Superman, Steel, Superboy, Supergirl and the rest. Make sure to pick up Action Comics #901 next month to see where this story goes.
When it comes to the extra stuff in this book, there were three extras that stood out to me. The first, is the story “Friday Night in the 21st Century” written by Geoff Johns. Lois Lane thinks Clark Kent needs to have a normal night, and there is nothing more normal than a dinner with some of your old childhood friends. Of course, Clark’s childhood friends are all in the 31st century saving the universe on a regular basis; you might know them better as the Legion of Superheroes.
My next favorite thing, the script “Only Human” written by Richard Donner and Derek Hoffman. It’s the story of Cliff Carter, a former starting professional athlete now wielding the EX9000 super suit from S.T.A.R. Labs. He reminded me of Booster Gold a bit… but just a tiny bit. Carter is a bit of a creep and long story short, the power goes to his head the thinks he’s on par with Superman and the super suit doesn’t last until the end of the story.
Finally, the thing I liked best in the whole issue… Brian Stelfreeze’s awesome drawing “The Evolution of the Man of Tomorrow”, a picture of superman through the years as his look has changed and progressed with the times. I would love to have this as a poster on my wall, not just because it’s a cool Superman picture, but because it show how comic book art has changed over the years.
Don’t miss out on Action Comics #900, it’s a milestone issue from the granddaddy of all superheroes.
