FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: DC’S SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER

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Robert Greenberger

by Robert Greenberger

Superman: Emperor Joker

Superman seldom faced the Joker in comics other than the occasional story in World’s Finest Comics however always in the business of the Caped Crusader. It wasn’t up until John Byrne revamped the character in 1986 that the two satisfied one on one. since then, they have had regular meetings, most notably in the multi-part legendary that kicked off the new millennium. In Superman: Emperor Joker we see the Clown prince of criminal offense gain sufficient power to really present a threat to the Metropolis Marvel.

The new edition collects Superman #160-161, Adventures of Superman #582-583, Superman: guy of Steel #104-105, action Comics #769-770 as well as Superman: Emperor Joker #1. This was during a stretch when there were four titles, one a week, each sporting a numbered triangle to signify the reading order. The innovative teams usually satisfied for Superman Summits where a number of months or years’ worth of arcs were hammered out, total with sub-plots as well as crossovers so there was road map that enabled the stories to checked out relatively seamlessly as well as feel like an organic experience.

Superman #160

The very first four parts were at first dubbed “Superman: Arkham” as well as it appeared that the Last son of Krypton was a criminal who escaped confinement on a everyday basis, only to be apprehended by Bizarro as well as returned to prison. It’s a topsy turvy world, as denoted by clever playing card cover styles that shows two sides to the characters.

At the science Miscreants Reconstruction Center, Superman allies himself with John Henry Irons, who is likewise the armored hero Steel. The duo attempt to circumnavigate this twisted truth to stop the Joker, however have many a difficulty thrown in their path including the JLA — Joker league of Anarchy featuring amped versions of Skizm; Scorch; gorgeous Gilly; Bounty; Ignition; Poison Ivy; Bizarro; and, Enigma.

They discover from a dejected Mr. Mxyzptlk, the fifth dimension’s wonderful imp, that he had been duped. By the end of the very first four problems it is discovered that Mxyzptlk let himself be talked into providing a fraction of his capabilities to the Joker. as well as you just understand that won’t go well. If the diabolically brilliant physician Doom wielded the Power Cosmic, picture what an insane being would do with wonderful might. For starters, as well as with a nod to Steve Englehart’s handle the character, “two plus two equals fish!”

Superman: guy of Steel #105

With one arc down, visitors were treated to Emperor Joker #1, from Loeb as well as Kelly, drawn by Duncan Rouleau, Todd Nauck, Carlo Barberi, as well as Scott McDaniel. After a recap, Superman as well as Steel charm to their genuine JLA comrades to assist however the pleas autumn on deaf ears. Fortunately, Superboy as well as Supergirl agree to help them as well as not a moment as well soon.

The Joker has utilized the power to remake truth in his own twisted image, catching Batman as well as killing him on a everyday basis, only to resurrect him for one more helping. This of program stretched the Dark Knight’s mental mettle, pushing to him the breaking point.

Things do not go well at very first as Superboy as well as Supergirl are killed as well as Mrs. Clark Kent, Lois Lane, betrays them. Superman discovers Batman’s corpse at Gotham’s authorities headquarters. as well as if Superboy as well as Supergirl are dead in this reality, rather than heaven they discover themselves in Hell, dealing with Lord Satanus. The remainder of the heroes are transformed into animals.

Action Comics #770

In the final confrontation, Superman handles to utilize the Joker’s own foibles against him which forces him to return the power to Mr. Mxyzptlk, resetting truth back to the method things should be. With one exception.

Batman’s mind has been shattered as well as needs to be restored. It really will take a guy of science, Superman, as well as a guy of faith, the Spectre, to save the hero.

Jeph Loeb was the chief designer of this event, aided by Ed McGuinness as well as Cam Smith on the eponymous series, with J.M. DeMetteis (no complete stranger to the Joker or Batman) working with Mike Miller on Adventures; mark Schultz, Doug Mahnke, as well as Tom Nguyen handled guy of Steel as well as Joe Kelly as well as Kano batted clean-up with Action.

The composing is taut as well as right here we discover some new things about the world’s finest heroes, their allies, as well as their enemies. It’s a heralded story arc for great reason as well as well worth a look at the series when heroism was front as well as center.

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Superman: Emperor Joker

Classic covers from the Grand Comics Database.