SUPERMAN #666
© DC Comics
Mania Grade: A-
Issue: 666
Authors: Kurt Busiek, Walter Simonson
Publisher: DC
Price: $3.99
Issue: 666
Authors: Kurt Busiek, Walter Simonson
Publisher: DC
Price: $3.99
SUPERMAN #666
By: Kurt AmackerReview Date: Saturday, September 01, 2007
This 666th issue of Superman stands as a demonic interlude between the last couple of issues of writer Kurt Busiek’s current arc, Camelot Falls. In it, Superman experiences an extended, self-aware dream in which he grows tired of serving Earth, destroys all his enemies, and crowns himself king. As Zatanna’s astral form intrudes on his dream, he explains that the violent simulations allow him to release frustration. As such, he feels little guilt about spitting straight through Lex Luthor’s forehead and even blowing up Jimmy Olsen’s head for overusing the Signalwatch – the device that allows the reporter to summon his pal in times of trouble. As Superman systematically conquers the planet, the armies of Hell itself marshal against him. At their head, stands a Kryptonian force that may have left the dying planet with the infant Kal-El. As Superman’s dream intensifies, he wonders if the reality in his dream may have crossed into the one waiting for him in the morning.
Busiek and artist Walter Simonson present a clever, insightful “done-in-one” with room for a follow-up. While it offers a bevy of black-humor thrills via Superman’s quick dispatch of both his enemies and friends, it also asks a reasonable question: what would happen if Superman decided to rule the world? Busiek and Simonson explore the precarious relationship between a man-god and a planet dependent on his benevolence. Granted they play much of the issue for dark laughs, but they still explore the implications. The issue entertains and fascinates in equal measure. Unfortunately, the story’s brevity enables its greatest weakness: the explanation provided by Superman’s Kryptonian nemesis feels shoehorned. Busiek concisely reveals an arguably important facet of Kal-El’s experience leaving Krypton, but dispatches the problem just as quickly. The issue works well enough for a single story, but it explores issues that easily merit their own arc. Regardless, the issue proves entertaining and worth your time. Simonson provides some nice art reminiscent of Frank Miller’s work in The Dark Knight Returns, making this issue as much a pleasure to look at as it is to read.
Kurt Busiek’s doing some fine work with Superman these days. This is a good a time to jump on.
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