Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

Back in 2003, DC Comics celebrated the 65th anniversary of its first and most popular superhero, Superman. In the same year, the 800th issue of the comic book series from which he was introduced was slated to be released. Thus, we have Action Comics Vol. 1 #800 which was not only double the pages of a normal issue but saw at the early life of Clark Kent before becoming Superman and having multiple artists work on it. While the first few pages looked at the typical origin story of Superman, as the baby Kat-El landing on Earth, the book then sees another aspect of his life that's rarely or ever covered. It looks at his adopted parents contemplating over whether or not to adopt him, young Clark being bullied and witnessing his father perform a heroic act despite the danger, and as he's moving out of Smallville asks Lana Lang to go with him but she declines. Now focusing on his young adult life, Clark tries to find his place in Metropolis before moving around throughout Europe wherein he fails to stop a man from being murdered and then reuniting with Lana in Italy. He soon meets up with a reporter who takes him to Africa wherein he learns about Clark's powers and inspires him that he has them to help others as he uses his job to do the same. Going back to Metropolis, he witnesses an air show mishap and tries to stealthily save everyone but is witnessed by Lois Lane. Unsure of what to do with his life and powers, he goes back to Smallville wherein after being inspired by his parents' enthusiasm and a letter from Lana, finally makes the decision to become Superman. In the middle of this story are short snippets of either previous Superman adventures or of real life people inspired by him with quotes about his legacy shaping their lives. This is a truly wonderful love letter towards the Man of Steel, with amazing and fresh writing from Joe Kelly. Seeing how many people looked up towards Superman and were inspired by him, such a father and son who bonded through the shows to a kid going through chemotherapy finding strength from his love of the character, is exactly why the character has lasted and will continue to last since 1938. Although the artwork changes every few pages due to different artists and colorists covering them, like Dan Jurgens, Tim Sale, Scott Hanna, and Guy Major, much of their work still has some similarities so as not to feel too different. The artwork is fantastic, colorful, and vibrant, while the snippets in between are all done in unique styles ranging from watercolor to animation resembling the 1940s Fleischer cartoons. If there are any aspects of this comic to be complained over it is the art when it comes to Superman himself. While for the most part he and everyone else are drawn good, there are a few times when they make Clark way larger than everyone else or have him in a pose that's a little awkward. I get what the artists were attempting to do by making him more noticeable in large crowds or bigger than life, but it wasn't always well executed. For a comic meant to celebrate 65 years of Superman, Action Comics Vol. 1 #800 does a phenomenal job with great writing and artwork that for the most part is really good. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Superman: Secret Identity #1 (of 4)

2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

3. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

4. Savage Avengers (2019-) #1

5. Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

6. Aliens: Defiance #1

7. Iron Man (2020-) #1

8. Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

9. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

10. DC Universe: Legacies #1

11. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

12. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

13. Champions (2020-) #1

14. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

15. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

16. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

17. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
18. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
19. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

20. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
21. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
22. Marvel Comics (1939) #1