The first two volumes of this series are some of my favorite Superman stories of all time and this volume continues that trend. You can find this book that features stories from John Byrne, Marv Wolfman, Jerry Ordway, and Dan Jurgens on Amazon for around $45.00 right now. But let’s start talking about it!
First off, I want to say that I often do not like annuals in comics. They often do nothing for the character and act as just a fun story to read, in my opinion. However, the annuals at the beginning of this story are really good and shows a definitive Superman. This is by far my favorite iteration of Superman over these stories and it is why I will be ranking this book pretty high today…
But what other reasons is it good to pick up? I mean, forty-five bucks?
It is definitely worth the price because you are getting some really good stories. This third volume collects Superman #12-15, Superman Annual #1, Action Comics #594-597, Action Comics Annual #1, Adventures of Superman #436-438, Adventures of Superman Annual #1, Booster Gold #23, and Superman: The Earth Stealers #1—plus character profiles from Who’s Who Update ’87 and Who’s Who Update ’88.
The stories that stood out the most were the Booster Gold crossover and the story in which Lois Lane finally starts piecing together the puzzle of Superman’s identity. I really enjoyed the Booster Gold crossover even though I disagree with the character’s position against Superman. I mean, Superman is literally the greatest hero of all time! But I also really like what he does to the story. He asks if it is right for Superman to act in other countries in a time in which Superman stood for the American way. I like the questions that are offered. Even though the two end up teaming up at the end.
As for the other story, I just love seeing Clark and Lois before their relationship. It is really fun to read because modern readers know them as unstoppable couple and there is never a moment when you wonder what it was like before. We just don’t get stories like this today. I loved seeing her piecing things together and going to Smallville in search of Clark after he is declared missing due to the previous story (More on that in the next paragraph). I love her piecing it together and asking Clark if he is Superman. Although, I think that the excuse that he has an adopted brother, Superman, who landed in the Kent’s farm kind of weak. I feel like Lois could see through this, but I like that they use her disbelief and feeling of betrayal to blind her from it. Overall, there are some amazing classics in this collection.
And then there is the Millennium event. I am glad that it doesn’t take over the whole book, but it is an event that I didn’t really care for and you can basically read around it without it making a difference in the story. But, that is just a little problem I have.
I usually talk about the art, but all I have to say is that it is all just incredible. The art by John Byrne stands out the most as some of my favorite Superman artwork ever. And everyone else does an equally incredible job!
This is just an amazing book in a amazing series of classics that every Superman fan should read!
~~Score~~
Storytelling: 4.9
(How good is the story? Does it stand up to others?)
Art: 5
(Does it tell the story? Does it work well with the character?)
Importance: 4.9
(Does this story need to be told? Is it helping the Character?)
Character: 5
(Is the character represented well? Does the writer understand the character?)
Total: 19.8 / 20
~Seppin
SeppinRek 
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