Action Comics No. 1,000
Various writers and artists Review by Krystal Moore, The Great Escape Louisville
As big events in the world of comics go, this one is big. Action Comics No. 1 debuted in June of 1938, and now, 80 years later, we finally get to issue No. 1,000.
This issue arrived a couple weeks ago and sold out quickly. Since we were able to get in more, we decided to give it a salute.
This 80-page special begins with a story of a busy Superman battling Khund warriors to keep them from attacking Earth. At the same time, Metropolis is celebrating Superman Day in order to show its gratitude to the Man of Steel. When he does show up, as Clark Kent, of course, hes reluctant to accept the showering of appreciation, feeling that he is just doing his duty, and that hes far too busy. But as various people begin to tell their stories, he finally is moved and realizes how important hes really been in the lives of so many.
The second story finds our hero trapped by a villain named Vandal Savage, who has imprisoned him in a fabric of yesterdays, which lets Superman see real and imagined past memories from the 1930s and on toward the present day. He finds his way through, remembering some very Superman-ish things that abiding by the morals and ethics ingrained in you by your Mom and Dad… along with the lessons youll learn in your own life… can pull you through the darkest moments.
Action No. 1,000 is full of stories like these and is a fitting celebration of our oldest comic book hero. DC also released a hardcover book called 80 Years of Superman for all the super fans of the Man of Steel.
Batman: White Knight No. 8
Art and story by Sean Murphy Review by Connor Spratt, The Great Escape Louisville
Sean Murphys eight-part miniseries Batman: White Knight has been a treat from the beginning, bringing together the best parts of every version of the Dark Knight to create a fresh, entertaining and, ultimately, tragic story.
The miniseries sees the Joker reverted back to his old, normal self, Jack Napier (a name pulled straight from Tim Burtons 1989 Batman). The reformed Jack begins a career in Gotham City politics, hoping to finally best Batman the legal way. What follows is a complex, dramatic tale that critically examines both characters and pushes them beyond labels such as hero and villain.
Murphy somehow also manages to work in new, fascinating takes on old Batman standbys such as Mr. Freeze and Commissioner Gordon, as well as Batmans expanded cadre of allies such as Nightwing and Batgirl. Perhaps more important, Batman: White Knight does right by Harley Quinn, transforming her from a sidekick into a main character in her own right, as well as providing the most refreshing take on her relationship with Mr. J Ive read so far.
Batman: White Knight is best enjoyed as one, complete story, more than the sum of its parts, and now that Issue No. 8 is out, you can do just that. The issue itself can occasionally feel rushed or over-stuffed, but taken as the concluding chapter of Murphys narrative, its a standout hit.
This article appears in May 16, 2018.