By various (DC Comics)
ISBN: 978-1-84576-440-1
At long last the latest volume in this excellent series chronologically reprinting the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths Superman has been released, and reaches the landmark first anniversary of that brave renovation.
Featuring the creative efforts of John Byrne, Ron Frenz, Jim Starlin, Dan Jurgens, Art Adams, Dick Giordano, Brett Breeding, Steve Montano, Keith Williams, Roy Richardson and Karl Kesel, the book includes all three of the Annuals for 1987, Action Comics #595-595, Superman #12 and as a necessary bonus issue #23 of Booster Gold volume 1 – the concluding part of a cross over between the rival champions of Metropolis.
The magic kicks off with ‘Skeeter’, a vampire shocker guest-starring Batman written by Byrne and illustrated by Art Adams and Dick Giordano originally published in Action Comics Annual #1. Next is a poignant updating of a Silver Age classic. ‘Tears for Titano’ by Byrne, Frenz and Breeding first saw print in Superman Annual #1 and puts a modern spin on the tale of the giant chimp that menaced Metropolis.
The Adventures of Superman Annual #1 was the original home of ‘The Union’ by Jim Starlin, Jurgens and Steve Montano, wherein Superman is asked by Ronald Reagan and super-Fed Sarge Steel to find out what happened in the instant ghost-town of Trudeau, South Dakota. This edgy sci-fi shocker showed audiences that the new Man of Steel wasn’t the guaranteed winner he used to be, and set the scene for a momentous future confrontation with the monstrous Hfuhruhurr the Word-bringer.
‘All that Glisters’ (Byrne and Keith Williams) comes from Action Comics #594, a big battle team-up with Booster Gold that concluded in issue #23 of that hero’s own title. ‘Blind Obsession’, with art and story by Jurgens and Roy Richardson, is followed by the magical retelling of another classic Wayne Boring Superman tale.
‘Lost Love’ from Superman #12, by Byrne and Karl Kesel, recounts the tragic tale of Clark Kent’s brief affair with the mysterious Lori Lemaris, a unique girl he twice – that’s right – loved and lost, and the volume concludes with Action Comics #595. ‘The Ghost of Superman’ introduced the eerie Silver Banshee in a mystery team-up that I’m not going to spoil for you.
Against all current expectation the refitted Man of Tomorrow was a critical and commercial success. As one of the penitent curmudgeons who was proved wrong at the time, I can earnestly urge you not to make the same mistake. These are magically gripping and memorable comic gems that can be enjoyed over and over again. So the sooner you get these books the sooner you can start the thrill ride…
© 1987 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.