Action Comics #583
1986
DC
Classic art team of Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger. Oh yeah, and this new writer guy… Alan Moore. Yup, THAT Alan Moore. Writing for Action Comics. No deceptions here; this is presented as a flat-out “Imaginary Story” (what we’d call AU and DC would call Elseworlds these days). Ten years after Superman’s death, Lois Lane is interviewed by a reporter about the last days of the Man of Steel. Told in flashback form, we see Superman under siege by his most deadly foes, taking refuge along with those he loves most in his Fortress of Solitude. What follows is a clever and complex story that is grim, solemn, and satisfying. But even more impressive is Moore’s ability to weave some of the silliest ideas from the Silver Age into a serious piece of writing. We get everything from Krypto to gold kryptonite to Jimmy Olsen as Elastic Lad to (a deadly serious take on) Mr. Mxyzptlk. Ending lightens the mood a bit, but also brings things to a nice logical conclusion. A must-read for any Superman fan.
8.5/10
DC
Classic art team of Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger. Oh yeah, and this new writer guy… Alan Moore. Yup, THAT Alan Moore. Writing for Action Comics. No deceptions here; this is presented as a flat-out “Imaginary Story” (what we’d call AU and DC would call Elseworlds these days). Ten years after Superman’s death, Lois Lane is interviewed by a reporter about the last days of the Man of Steel. Told in flashback form, we see Superman under siege by his most deadly foes, taking refuge along with those he loves most in his Fortress of Solitude. What follows is a clever and complex story that is grim, solemn, and satisfying. But even more impressive is Moore’s ability to weave some of the silliest ideas from the Silver Age into a serious piece of writing. We get everything from Krypto to gold kryptonite to Jimmy Olsen as Elastic Lad to (a deadly serious take on) Mr. Mxyzptlk. Ending lightens the mood a bit, but also brings things to a nice logical conclusion. A must-read for any Superman fan.
8.5/10