Favourite comics: Superman #247 - Must there be a Superman?

The early 1970's was the period that Superman shed his silver age trappings of silly hoaxes and imaginary stories in an effort to making him more relevant to the readers of the 1970's (and perhaps to also compete with Marvel). One of the central tales in the revamping of the character was the above #247 (January 1972) where the question was asked " Must there be a Superman?".

The first time I saw the above cover (by Curt Swant/Murphy Anderson) featuring the Guardians of the Universe I thought (hoped?) that this would involve a meeting between the Green Lantern and Superman. Instead the tale which was Elliot S Maggins very first comic book story, revolved around the much deeper (comic book) concept of whether or not Superman's very presence on Earth was hindering the development and evolution of Humanity. At the time (1972) this was a pretty mindblowing concept and a cracking issue.

Afer being knocked unconscious while trying to avert a tragedy in space Superman is rescued by the Guardians of the Universe who tell him that his actions may be impeding the progress of humans.

While Superman considers what they said, he gets involved in the problems in a migrant camp where some striking workers are being verbally and physically abused by their boss. A teen (Manuel) who was being assaulted tells Superman of his story of moving from Mexico to the US to find better opportunities. While visiting Manuels village the locals plead with Superman to sort out their labour problems for them, Just then an earthquake strikes which Superman stops. He then tells the crowd that while he can solve problems like natural disasters, they must be responsible for the things that they can control.

As he flies away, he hears a news story about a ship being battered by the waves at sea and jets off to save them. Back on Oa, the Guardians watch his actions on a large screen and are convinced that they have succeeded in making him reassess his role in humanity's development.

In additon to the above main story, this issue also included an excellent back-up tale of "The Private Life of Clark Kent" by Denny O'Neil with some stunning art by the SwanAnderson team.

In this sotry Clark Kent learns that a receptioanist at WGBS' brother is running with a teenage gang. Clark decides to help and confronts the youths without the aid of his Superman alter ego. This 8 page tale has some fun touches like the above page where Clark trys smoking a pipe.

This issue rounds up with a nice reprint from "Action Comics" #338 (1966) - back in 1972 we got a lot of quality comics for our 25 cents (or in my case 7 1/2p).

Favourite Comics: Detective Comics # 450 - Walt Simonson & Elliot S Maggin

I had all but forgotten about the above issue of Detective Comics # 450 (cover by Dick Giordano) until very recently when I came across a sale copy in Glasgow last week. As soon as I opened the book and saw that powerful splash page (below) by Walt Simonson, I was instantly transported back to late November 1975 when I picked up my original copy in John Menzies (newsagents) on a shopping trip to Glasgow with my brother.

Elliot S. Maggin offers up an enjoyable story with a powerful twist conclusion. However, the real star of this issue comes from the early art of Walt Simonson who had only recently ended his classic Manhunter storyline with a Batman /Manhunter finale in issue 443. With this issue Simonson’s art had progressed even further and his storytelling and his interpretation of Batman are both striking. Batman crouching with a menacing look on his face and his cape blowing in the wind! Just the way Batman should always look.

One possible criticism of Simonson’s (wonderful) art could be levelled at his interpretation of Bruce Wayne, who doesn’t really look like himself here.

In the story itself Batman searches for the person who assassinated Senator Locksley. He suspects Harcourt a criminal mastermind, who he thinks knows the assassin is Jeremy Wormwood, but not the person who hired the assassin.

Wormwood is invited to Bruce Wayne ‘s office where he finds Harcourt who hires him to steal Batman’s cape and cowl. Wormwood asks why Harcourt wants the cape and cowl and Harcourt offers him a deal, he will tell him his reasons if Wormwood tells him who hired him to kill the Senator. Wormwood reveals that is was Mike Carley (the Senators party boss), then asks Harcourt what he's going to do with the cape and cowl. Harcourt replies "I'm going to wear them."

Wormwood turns to find Batman attacking. After a short struggle, Batman defeats Wormwood and ushers in the awaiting police. Batman had been impersonating Harcourt all along

The final panel with Batman's cowl and cape hanging over a chair was a fantastic visual ending by Walt Simonson from a time comics could be dark and fun.