Great Issues: Superman: Man of Steel #22

Steel's in-action intro (following a splash page featuring the traditional new
costume splash page) from Superman: Man of Steel #22. 

One of Superman's greatest assets is a rich collection of supporting characters beyond the Daily Planet and rogues gallery. Something the books of the late-Eighties and early-Nineties did well was to tap into this and organically add to this collection of relatable characters. It is this diverse cast that makes selection of a "great" Superman issue without Superman not nearly as difficult as one would think.

It was the Nineties, so naturally
there were two covers: this one by
series artists Jon Bogdanove
and Dennis Janke. 

Lost in the ether that was the "old" DC comic book universe, as is everything in continuity that happened prior to the advent of the "New 52" initiative, Superman: Man of Steel #22 is a great issue that came during one of the most significant storylines in modern Superman continuity: the Death of Superman. The storyline was the genesis for a number of characters including Doomsday, Cyborg Superman and Steel, each of whom would become important members of the Super-family of characters for years (decades?) to come and would also be candidates for an eventual return in one form or another in the New 52. Created by Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove, Superman: Man of Steel heralded the formal introduction of John Henry Irons, and his heroic alias, into the DC Universe.


Also by Bogdanove and Janke,
this is the special die-cut cover.
Ever the fanboy, I have both.

Though clearly an urban take on Marvel's Iron Man (and therefore a spin on DC's own Batman), Steel differentiated himself from both the other "reigning" supermen (Superboy, Cyborg and Eradicator) during Superman's "death", by embracing a street level purpose. In this issue, written by Louise Simonson, John Henry Irons dons his Steel persona for the first time (Irons appeared in a previous issue that included the events that inspired his creation of the costume, also recounted here) with the intent of cleaning the streets of weapons--weapons he had designed. Unlike the other Super-books being published at the time, the scale of the  world in which Steel operates, as established in this issue, is small, local and personal.

The art of Bogdanove (pencils) and Janke (colors) gave Steel a unique look; exaggerated and "gritty". The presence of slightly distorted physical features (a staple of Nineties comic book "art"), suggested power rather than deformity, while the overall style appeared purposeful in reflecting the urban tone. Thankfully absent from the character design were the multiple pouches prominent in comic books at the time, though the villainous gang weapons, Irons' "Toastmaster" guns (visible in the left-most panel below), do bear a striking resemblance to the Cable-esque Rob Liefeld guns also popular at the time.

Though it seems so common now, in 1993 Simonson's plot was not so standard.

Having enjoyed the adventures of John Henry Irons in Superman: Man of Steel so much, I followed him from that title into his own (Steel ran for 53 issues from 1994-1998) once Kal-El made his inevitable return. Simonson and Bogdanove continued the adventures of John Henry Irons into the solo series, and I always had the sense that their affinity for (and dedication to) Irons' cause contributed greatly to the character's presentation.

It's difficult to talk "Steel" without mentioning the movie adaptation , which for many is there only knowledge of the character. All it takes is one bad (well, really bad) movie adaptation to derail the potential film life of a character that shows great promise. Just ask Shaquille O'Neal and John Henry Irons. The real shame about the failure of Steel (1997), was that there was really some solid source material to draw from, as evidenced from the characters first appearance in Superman Man of Steel #22. (To be fair, some character elements were retained for the movie so maybe just plain bad execution was the culprit!)

But, don't let your lingering memories of this mediocre film effort dissuade you from catching up with the real Man of Steel via trade paperback or, as is my preference in single issues which are surely available in most back issue long boxes at your local comic shop.

Great Issues: Superman/Madman Hullabaloo #1-3 (1997)

From The Superman/Madman Hullabaloo! (1997), Issue #1 by Mike Allred.

When digging through long boxes looking for titles to re-read, I was reminded that back issues we as collector's imbue with "greatness" are often emblematic of transition in our fanboy lives. Great issues are not just those that entertain, or represent a momentous occasion in the characters' "lives," but also those which reflect a change in our own lives (collecting or otherwise).

Take this great issue for example. Written and drawn by Mike Allred, The Superman/Madman Hullabaloo!, is much more than a throwback to a more joyful style of comic book storytelling. Truth is, to label it as such would be to suggest that this type of story is not the norm for Allred. Hullabaloo demonstrates the staying power of solid writing and artistry that continues to be successful as is evident by Allred's current success on Marvel Comics' FF title. Those who have read and enjoyed Allred's other work, both independent such as The Atomics, or "mainstream" like Marvel's X-Factor, can attest to his ability to make the traditional (and, really, what continues to be more traditional than Superman?), both new and exciting. Even more unusual, especially for Superman in the last fifteen years or so, entertaining. (In some ways this foreshadows the more recent willingness of publishers using talent from smaller publishers to reinvigorate their characters.)


This really couldn't end any other way than with a Mxyzptlk
and Madman Twister showdown with the fate of two worlds
hanging in the balance.

When this fantastic miniseries was initially released in 1997, I was nearing the end of what had been a decade long love affair (translation: straight uninterrupted run of collecting) with all things Superman. In terms of my collecting and reading of comic books, it was also the beginning of my transition away from mainstream (Big Two, DC Comics and Marvel) and toward smaller publishers such as Dark Horse. In many ways, this crossover was my introduction to small press comic books.

Much like the amalgamation process that the two protagonists experience in the miniseries, Hullabaloo demonstrated for me, as a longtime Marvel/DC fanboy, that those titles, which had been relegated to the lower shelves of the new comic book rack, were accessible. More importantly, it also communicated an energy that I had not experienced in the "regular" books with which I had long term relationships, like Fantastic Four and the Superman titles.

After re-reading the series in anticipation of this post, I was pleased to realize that, at its heart, Hullabaloo is built around the theme of superficiality. When Superman (Clark Kent) and Madman (Frank Einstein) have their physical attributes mixed up, the previously "traditionally" unattractive Frank and handsome Clark initially deal with how this change will positively or negatively effect their relationships with others. Will Frank's girl love him even more? Will Lois (who at this time knows his secret identity) be less inclined to dig Clark? It is this anxiety that Mister Mxyzptlk uses to draw the two into conflict, and the small interactions with the supporting characters around this theme make fro some some sharp (and authentic) dialogue.

If the value of comic books was based solely on what I think they should be worth (value being a relative thin really), I would suggest purchasing the trade paperback collection of the three issues miniseries as it is very reasonably priced at outlets such as Barnes and Noble. But because value is relative, if your choice of vehicle is individual issues (as mine is) you can still purchase The Superman/Madman Hullabaloo! in individual issues online (or in your local comic stores back issue long boxes) at the original cover price of $2.95.



In addition to action, the small moments between both sets of supporting characters make for great reading.

Great Issues: The Adventures of Superman #546 (1997)

From The Adventures of Superman #546 (1997) written by Karl Kesel and art by Stuart Immonen.

"Great" is an often overused superlative, and as used in the post title above, requires a quick definition. A "Great Issue" to me is one that captures the spirit of the character in a manner that is entertaining. That's it.

Cover pencils by Stuart Immonen,
with inks by Jose Marzan.

With that in mind, another incredibly solid comic book featuring Superman, is The Adventures of Superman #546 (1997). This issue is a case of the "something old, something new" dynamic. As is evident from the cover, this issue is from the late Nineties when "Electric Blue Superman" was the short-term norm for our hero. Though eventually developed into an homage of sorts to the Golden Age Superman Red/Superman Blue story, at the time this power/costume change was quite a big deal.

While temporarily deprived of the solar energy needed to provide the energy his body required to give him powers, Superman had developed electricity-based abilities, which eventually forced him to adopt a blue and white containment suit to prevent the energy dispersing. While retaining most of his abilities, he could now also generate electric attacks rather than his original heat-vision. He also gained the ability to turn his powers "off," though this left him as vulnerable as a normal human, a plot point which plays an importnat part in hwo this partcular story resolves itself.

Ceritak updating
his look.

As the first super villain Superman faced in Superman #1 (2nd Series, 1987), the John Byrne led series that spun out of the legendary Man of Steel (1986) reboot, it only makes sense that this new iteration of Superman is sought out by Metallo who wishes to see what all this "new" business is about. In addition to the battle between the two super powered figures, this issue also features a staple of the Nineties Superman comic books: excellent character development, especially  among a growing supporting cast.

One of the benefits of the weekly issue strategy employed by DC during those years (each week another title starring Superman was released with numbered diamonds on the cover so they could be read in order as a single extensive storyline) was the ability of each of the books to develop many characters fully. While the traditional Daily Planet staff (Lois, Jimmy, Perry) still had many moments in the spotlight, new and interesting characters (such as Jerry Ordway-created Superman's #1 fan, Bibbo) were developed, too.

One such character featured in this issue (and one of my favorite of the new-er supporting cast) is Certitak, a prince of the bottle city of Kandor who became stranded in Metropolis. Inspired by his one-time nemesis Superman, and the symbolic value of the red and gold "S", in this issue Certitak continues his transition from heel to hero and, ultimately, a friend of Superman. In some ways, Certitak plays as an amalgam between Marvel Comics Hulk and Thing as he struggles with being accepted in a world i which he is physically a monster, yet finds the hero within himself through the (eventual) affection of a young blind woman, Ashby Armstrong. This is not to suggest that this trope doesn't still have some life in it.

Though sporting the dubious story title "Blood and Thunder," The Adventures of Superman #546 is an old-school sci-fi, action Superman tale, that works both as an individual issue and as part of the larger Electric Blue Superman story. The individual issue is available in many back issue bins for below cover price or as part of the larger story in the trade paperback Superman: Transformed!

Sources:
Superman Red/Superman Blue Wikipedia Entry

Great Issues: Superman (Vol 2) #50 (1987)

Superman versus Mr. Mxyzptlk with an assist from Lex Luthor's fat cells!

With the past weekend's release of the Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, the Internet is abuzz with Superman related stories and reminiscences. One solid retrospective is the article The Greatest Superman Stories, According to Our Readers by Russ Burlingame on Comicbook.com. Always looking for opportunities to offer my two cents, I thought I'd troll through my own long boxes (composed primarily of 80's and 90's Superman, Action Comics, Adventures of Superman, and Superman: Man of Steel) for a favorite story (or two).

Cover by Jerry Ordway.

My first choice was an easy one as it is an anniversary issue that features pencils from some of the definitive Superman artists of the past while telling a story with significant ramifications for the future, Superman (Second Series) #50 from 1987. Issue 50 is the final installment of a four-part story arc entitled "Krisis of the Krimnson Kyrptonite," during which Superman has been rendered powerless due to Lex Luthor's use of the dreaded red kryptonite. Art is provided by a who's-who of Superman artists including the legendary Curt Swan, John Byrne, and one of my all-time favorite creators, Jerry Ordway, who also serves as the story's writer.

During his lengthy run with the character, Ordway always seemed to balance the heroics and humanity necessary to tell a compelling Super-story, and this issue, "The Human Factor" shows him firing on all cylinders. This is an historic issue in Superman-lore as it concludes with Clark Kent's proposal of marriage to Lois Lane, who (of course) accepts.



Seriously, how could she resist?

This issue provides the perfect comic book palette cleanser for a fanboy such as myself after having seen the new Superman movie, Man of Steel (2013). Superman (Vol. 2) #50 demonstrates all the great qualities of a Superman story excluded from the film: a balance of humor, heart, action, and character development. More than anything, given Superman's diminished super powers, this is a Clark Kent story, depicting how the most powerful person in the world struggles with the fear of being rejected by the woman he loves.

Don't be fooled though, this is after all a superhero comic book, and Clark Kent/Superman ultimately goes toe-to-toe with not one, but two super-villains: egomaniac Lex Luthor and interdimensional imp, Mister Mxyzptlk. Additionally, this issue all features an uncredited special cameo by Marvel's First Family who also battle Mr. Mxyzplk, who it is suggested interacts in the Marvel Universe as a Man whose identify is not Impossible to guess.

An excellent example of comic book storytelling, heroics and characterization, Superman (Vol.2 ) #50 is available as a single (back) issue online for a very small mark up from the original cover price of $1.50 or, better yet, as part of the Superman: Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite trade paperback.