Action Comics #810

The first review of 2022!

In what is now perhaps my all-time favorite Superman story, the Man of Steel attempts to celebrate 24 New Year's celebrations in 24-hours. Along for the adventure is Lois Lane; whom has been sworn to not publish this adventure in the pages of the Daily Planet.

It seems that every December 31st, Superman plays Santa. Collecting letters over the year written to him, Clark Kent does whatever he can to make the promise of a new year better for 24 lucky folks. This year will see the Man of Tomorrow assisting with a marriage proposal, alleviating tensions in the Middle East and having a cup of holiday cheer with Pa Kent. 

Let's start with the cover. It's a classic Superman cover in the style of Darwyn Cooke. Dave Bullock (Batman '66) brings a festive 1930s kinda look to this scene of Superman flying high over Metropolis. Only, I don't really understand the super high highways that seem to cavern inside of the city skyscrapers. Is that a thing anywhere in the world?

Now let's look at the writing. Joe Kelly (Deadpool) brings heart, happiness and a touch of sadness to this story. I feel like I could have read it over and over! (And I probably will over the years.) Kelly's scene where Superman answers the letter of a soldier in the Middle East who has lost his way in the work against terror. That was why Superman is my all-time favorite character. It felt so much like something Christopher Reeve might have done in the movies. I loved it so much!

Finally is the artwork. DC made the right decision to have a different artist for each time zone Superman visits. Quantum and Woody's Kano, Duncan Rouleau and several other artists put their distinctive fingerprints on this stories look. It was a thing of beauty- especially the scene with Superman in Japan!

Like with all stories, it had to come to an end. I long to have seen Superman in more time zones. But I think the final 4-5 pages that take place on New Years Day after Clark's mission is done was the definitive way to end the story. 

If you are looking for 1 New Year's Eve themed issue to add to your collection between now and December 31st, Action Comics #810 is the one you must grab!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.