Action Comics #425
Published and © by DC, July 1973
Title: “The Last Moa on Earth!”
Synopsis: Superman races to save a wealthy hunter whose life force is being drained by a rare flightless bird.
Writer: Cary Bates
Penciler: Curt Swan
Inker: Frank Giacoia
Review: This forgettable lead story is quite silly and features typically serviceable Curt Swan art. Enough said. Instead, let’s celebrate that delightful cover by the great Nick Cardy. Few images capture the magic Little Me felt growing up reading comics in the 1970s quite like this one. Magical!
•••
Title: “13 Old Men Who Run the World!”
Synopsis: With his powers malfunctioning, the Atom must find away to save himself and fiancée Jean Loring from the mob.
Writer: Elliot S. Maggin
Penciler: Dick Dillin
Inker: Phil Zupa
Review: An inconsequential backup story with more serviceable art, this time by Dick Dillin. This issue needs a “wow” infusion, stat.
•••
Title: “The Short-Walk-to-Disaster Contract!”
Synopsis: The Human Target takes on a contract to save the life of a stubbornly proud circus owner.
Writer: Len Wein
Penciler: Neal Adams
Inker: Dick Giordano
Review: Now, that’s more like it: This story could use more room to breathe but the art, unsurprisingly, is excellent.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Again, that Cardy cover is a delight.
Not-so-cool factor: The Superman story … is not.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “UNNN. Being buffeted by a feather-barrage!” – Superman, bird wrangler
Editor’s note: This review was written Nov. 15, 2022.
