4 months and 75 years ago, Action Comics #1 was published. While it wasn't the issue that started the comic-book industry, it is commonly accepted as the first appearance of what we now consider to be a super-hero, and the issue that served as the cornerstone for the industry we know today. In Action Comics #1, Superman made his first appearance.
Superman - 'Superman, Champion of the Oppressed' by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Superman breaks into the governor's mansion to secure a pardon for an innocent woman, gives a wife beater a taste of his own medicine, saves Lois Lane from a kidnapping, and dangles a lobbyist from some power cables to find out which crooked senator with whom he is dealing. This first chapter moves at a break-neck speed. Most of the classic trappings are in place: Clark Kent reporter, Lois Lane, and the basics of his origin. Superman is instantly likeable, Siegel basically writes Superman as Slam Bradley with super powers. Rating: 4.5
Chuck Dawson - 'The A-G Gang' by Homer Fleming
A western strip about a cowboy who rides into town looking to get revenge on the gang that killed his father. Chuck ends up the wrong side of the law when he escapes from prison after coming out on the losing end of the fight. A bland strip that doesn't make a lot of sense. The main character has such a large chip on his shoulder he rides into town believing everyone must be part of the gang. He goes out of his way to pick fights with every one he meets. Rating: 2.5
Zatara - 'The Mystery of the Freight Train Robberies' by Fred Guardineer
Zatara and Tong investigate and break of the Tigress' train robbery ring. Even if Superman hadn't of been introduced, Action Comics would have been worth noting because of the Zatara strip. It's quick paced and fun. There's good chemistry with Zatara and Tong, and it was fun to see the backwards spell his daughter Zatana would be known for being used. Rating: 4
Pep Morgan - 'The Light Heavyweight Championship' by Fred Guardineer
Pep is a sports strip about an extremely athletic college student that has bounced around the DC titles. In this strip, he fends off a crooked promoter who has his champion try to drug Pep during the fight. Not a bad strip, but in the early days anything was fodder for a strip, so all genres were acceptable. While they can make for an interesting diversion, the limited story potential prevents real character development. Still it has serviceable art for the period. Rating: 3
Scoop Scanlon, Five-Star Reporter - 'The International Jewel Thief'' by John William Ely
A crusading reporter follows a scoop about an international jewel thief coming to town and aids the police in his capture. The highlight of the strip is the chemistry between Scoop and Rusty, his photographer. I also like that it shows some down time as they wait for thief's ship to come in. Unfortunately its let down by some pretty crude art. Rating: 3
Tex Thompson - 'Murder in England' by Bernard Bailey
Traveling wealthy Texas oil man, finds a body in the English countryside and is framed for the murder. A decent enough adventure/crime strip with decent art. Rating: 3
Overall rating: 4
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