In light of “The Crisis on Infinite Earths” that rest asunder the parallel dimensions of the DC Comics multiverse, the 1980’s were a time of innovation and reinterpretation for the Man of Steel.
“Superman In The Eighties” is an anthology giving readers a taste of this costumed hero’s adventures on both sides of the Infinite Earths saga.
Rather than a comprehensive chronology, the compilation consists of a series of vignettes providing considerable insight into this beloved icon of contemporary American folklore.
A number of the tales included tug at the heart as much as they regale with action and adventure.
In one story published before the John Byrne “Man of Steel” miniseries where aspects of the Superman mythos were updated or tweaked, aliens transport Jonathan Kent through time to see what becomes of Clark in the future after his adopted father has already passed on.
In another, Superman confronts his own pride when the Specter reminds Superman that they are realms reserved for God Himself.
And in a third, Superman comes face to face with childhood versions of his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster on an earth where alien invaders have manipulated the timestream to eradicate the concepts of heroism and imagination from human culture in order to make the earth easier to conquer.
“Superman In The Eighties” will make a valuable reference for any graphic novel library or comic collection.
Frederick Meekins is an independent theologian and social critic. Frederick holds a BS in Political Science/History, a MA in Apologetics/Christian Philosophy from Trinity Theological Seminary, and a PhD. in Christian Apologetics from Newburgh Theological Seminary.