Collecting comics can be a really engaging hobby, particularly if you’ve followed them for a long time. What’s fascinating about comics is how much they’ve evolved, and that became clear to me while reading a classic DC comic from the ’80s. DC Comics Presents Annual #1 was a typical DC crossover, bringing together the Supermen from Earth-One and Earth-Two with Lex Luthor from Earth-Three to battle the Luthors of Earth-One and Earth-Two, and Ultraman of Earth-Three. This kind of story happened frequently throughout pre-Crisis DC comics for years, creating neat, self-contained adventures.
Reading this comic really highlighted the problems with current comic books. It was a large-sized issue, divided into several parts, and told an exciting, expansive story that took readers through the multiverse – a true epic. And it delivered all of that in a single issue! Unlike today’s comics that stretch stories over many issues – six, seven, or even eight – this comic told a complete story in just one. This is a skill that modern comics really need to rediscover.
Comics Used To Be Packed With Story
DC Comics Presents Annual #1 wasn’t a typical comic book; at 42 pages, it was longer than most. The issue was divided into six parts and concluded with an article exploring the history of alternate Earths, specifically as it related to the Earth-Two Superman. This annual was full of action, cost more than standard comics, and felt like a special event. If released today, this story would likely be stretched into a six-part series, with each chapter expanded and drawn out. It would cover the same key events, but in a much more extended format that wouldn’t necessarily improve the narrative.
DC Comics Presents Annual #1 feels like a classic, old-fashioned comic book. It’s designed to be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and while it’s not overly complex, that’s perfectly okay. The story is genuinely thrilling, constantly delivering unexpected twists that enhance the experience. It expertly builds suspense, and it’s impressive how the narrative introduces elements you wouldn’t anticipate. This issue offers a substantial amount of reading material, and by the conclusion, it feels like you’ve completed a truly memorable adventure – a sensation that’s rare in modern comics.
DC Comics have evolved considerably since this comic book was first published in 1982, as has the world of comics in general. Visionary writers such as Chris Claremont and Alan Moore redefined how superhero comics were created, leading to a shift from standalone monthly issues to sprawling, multi-part stories. However, DC Comics Presents Annual #1 reminded me that both approaches can coexist. Comics would benefit from a return to self-contained single-issue stories. With more superhero fans than ever before, titles like DC Comics Presents Annual #1 offer a fantastic way to introduce new readers to the joys of comic books.
I’m a huge fan of long, sprawling stories, but I’ve always appreciated how some comics from the ’80s managed to do something really clever. They’d tell a complete story in just *one issue*, but simultaneously lay the groundwork for something much bigger. I could really get lost in that single adventure, but I was always left wanting more because of the intriguing details they’d hint at. For example, DC Comics Presents Annual #1 completely captivated me and made me desperate to read more about Earth-Two Superman or the Earth-Three Lex Luthor. It sparked my curiosity about these alternate worlds – and, for me, that meant diving into more pre-Crisis comics! I was completely hooked by that one-and-done epic. And I truly believe that’s the secret to making comics great again – crafting single-issue stories that really grab readers and don’t let go.
New Reader Friendliness Needs to Be the Name of the Game
I’m a big fan of books that really take their time and tell a long, involved story. And honestly, one of the most compelling DC stories I’ve read recently is “Gotham Nocturne”-it stretched out over 20 issues, which was amazing! While I love those longer narratives, it’s also great when you get a self-contained story like DC Comics Presents Annual #1. That single issue really delivered everything I wanted in just 42 pages, and it did some things that *only* comics can pull off. If someone new to comics is looking for a place to start, I think they’d have a much better experience picking up DC Comics Presents Annual #1 than starting with just about any other modern comic book out there.
Today’s comics often focus too much on pleasing existing fans and not enough on attracting new readers. Most issues now feel like parts of a larger story, eventually collected and sold as graphic novels. But many people, after enjoying something like Superman or Peacemaker, are hoping to find a single comic book that really grabs their attention. While not every issue needs to be an instant hit, the comic industry would benefit from publishing more titles similar to DC Comics Presents Annual #1 – comics that offer a complete, satisfying experience – rather than what’s currently available.
https://comicbook.com/comics/news/10-most-underrated-dc-stories/embed/#
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2025-09-30 02:10