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| Images copyright DC COMICS |
Hell's bells! Has it really been 40 years since I first read these DC comics as a mere callow teenager? Someone tell me I'm wrong - even if it's an obvious lie. I obtained replacements of the first two issues a good number of years ago now, but I received the second two mags only this morning. You may be wondering why it took me so long to get around to it, and the answer is that all four stories are reprinted in The GREAT SUPERMAN COMIC BOOK COLLECTION, a book which was published back in 1981, and which I own.
However, it's great to read through the original comics and see not only the story-pages, but also ads for other mags and various items which reflect the heady days of the '70s. The story itself is an intriguing if slightly convoluted one (with an obvious plot-hole), and the fourth episode seems to have shoe-horned in a number of classic Superman foes under the guise of being intrinsic to the story's resolution (but is clearly nothing more than an blatant sales ploy). Would aliens out to destroy Earth really be prepared to wait 30 years to do it, and wouldn't the bad guy have a better plan to ensure his escape? It all seems rather unnecessary on reflection.
But, as I said, it is intriguing - and, more importantly, thoroughly entertaining. Written by CARY BATES & ELLIOT S! MAGGIN, and drawn by CURT SWAN & BOB OKSNER, it's an instant classic that every true Superman fan should have in their comics collection. See CLARK KENT punch STEVE LOMBARD in the mouth! See Clark snatch MORGAN EDGE's stogie from his gob and extinguish it in his drink while telling him where to get off! And, what we've all been waiting for, see Clarkie-boy have LOIS LANE swoon with desire for him in a way that she never did for the mighty Superman.
Take it from me - if you don't have these four-issues, you need to get onto eBay right away and track them down! You shouldn't have to live the rest of your life without them!
