From the Folio Society, there is another DC Comic Celebration that brings together some of Superman’s biggest story: DC: Superman. DC:Batman is taking part in a premier collection with a well-thought-out curation of stories, allowing orders to be made through the Folio Society website. The $100 collection, running 312 pages long, feels worth the price.
Like DC: BATMAN, DC: Superman offers things you won’t get anywhere else. Most obvious is a reenactment of Superman #1 from 1939. It comes in its own pocket folder, replicated in similar paper stock as the original and scanned from the original copy held in the DC archive. It’s an explosion from the past to crack this opening and imagine experiencing Superman for the first time nearly 100 years ago.
It is also a well-made hardcover with its own slip case. In this format convention, each reprinted cartoon has a black border, protecting the cartoon itself from its fingers.
Kicking off this book is a great introduction by Marjorie Liu. She tells how she was born in 1979, when Superman: The film was released in the same year, but Superman’s inspiration has lived with her since she was very young. Liu combines the hopes of Superman with the importance of the Cold War and the effects of wars like Vietnam, making everyday life seem hopeless and unsettling. She clearly connects the dots and comes to understand how influential the symbol of hope can be during dark times.
When Liu talks about being incredibly alone after going down the stairs when he was young, it’s never the case. In a moving bit from the intro, Liu makes him realize that it was Superman who helped her realize she might feel lonely, but that’s not the case. She had hope.
The selected stories are curated by Janet Kahn, who presents each in a lengthy introduction. Khan provides readers with sufficient context and backstory for each choice, so he knows not only why it was chosen, but also his importance in Superman’s history. Whether you read her problem setup and then read the comics or the entire introduction, there are plenty of insights worth reading for Super Superman fans and casual readers.
Superman fans have read many, if not all, of the story. What distinguishes the reprint of Folio Society from past collections is that curation is a message focused on revisiting these stories. By lifting up the story of your choice, they lift Superman’s grand purpose and his importance.
Symbolic!
Credit: Folio Association
All said, the hardcover includes:
Jerry Seigel to Russell Keaton (June 12, 1934)
Action Comics #36 (May 1941) – “Fifth Columnist” by authors Jerry Siegel, Artists Wayne Boring and Joe Shuster and Cover Artist Fred Ray.
Superman #30 (October 1944) – “Mystical Mxyztplk!” author Jerry Siegel, artists Ira Yarbra and Stan Kay, and cover artist Jack Burnley.
Superman #96 (March 1955) – “The Girl Who Didn’t Believe in Superman!” Author Bill Finger, artists Wayne Boring and Stan Kay, and cover artist Alplastino.
Superman #149 (November 1961) – “The Death of Superman” by author Jerry Siegel, artists Kurt Swan and George Klein, and covers by artists Kurt Swan and George Klein
Superman #400 (October 1984) – “The Living Legend of Superman – Chapter 4” author Elliot S. McGinn, artists Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin, cover artists Howard Chaikin and Frank mirror.
Action Comic #583 (September 1986) – “What happened to the man of tomorrow?” Author Alan Moore, artists Kurt Swan and Murphy Anderson, and artists Kurt Swan and Murphy Anderson, Covered Anthony Thorin.
Superman Vol. 2 #2 (February 1987) – “The Secrets Revealed” by writer John Byrne, artists John Byrne, Terry Austin, Keith Williams and cover artist John Byrne.
Superman Annual #2 (August 1988) – “Love’s Labors…” by author Roger Stern, artists Ron Frenz and Brett Breeding, and cover artist Ron Frenz.
The Adventures of Superman #462 (January 1990) – “Homelessness for the Homeless” by author Roger Stern, artist Dan Jurgens and Art Tibert, and artist Dan Jurgens, Breeding, Tom Jiuko.
Superman #75 (January 1993) – Covers “Doomsday!” author Dan Jurgens, artists Dan Jurgens and Breeding, and artists Dan Jurgens and Breeding.
Peace by author Paul Dini and artist Alex Ross (January 1999).
Once again, I am impressed by the curation of the Folio Association and make this work feel completely as it relates to the importance of modern myths like Superman. A simple recommendation for Super Superman fans. Also, thanks to the great introduction of Khan and the solid smattering of the story from 1949 to 1999, it’s a great place to start for new readers. Replica comics top this as one of the most unique Superman collections available today.
The Folio Association’s DC: Superman is a valuable historical snapshot
Folio Society DC: Superman
A simple recommendation for Super Superman fans. Also, thanks to the great introduction of Khan and the solid smattering of the story from 1949 to 1999, it’s a great place to start for new readers. Replica comics top this as one of the most unique Superman collections available today.
This collection is a beautifully crafted hardcover with a slipcase and includes replicas of Superman #1 scanned from the original held in the DC archives.
Marjorie Liu’s inspiring and friendly introduction connects Superman’s message of hope for personal moments of real-world events and struggles.
Janet Kahn’s introduction offers insightful context and backstory, adding depth to each story you choose.
Superman fans may have already read many of the stories that are included.
