I’ve just spent a day processing, reading, and generally fondling this week’s new release comic books, GNs, and art books. Though there’s a ton of great stuff hitting our shelves here’s my highest recommendation for the 10th of November, 2010.
Superman vs. Muhammad Ali Deluxe HC– Oh, happy day. One of my most coveted comics of all time is finally reprinted! No hyperbole there- I’ve literally yearned for a copy of this since it first landed on my comic-loving radar nearly 25 years ago. Scarcity, lack of timely funds, and other circumstances have led me to a frustrating wait for this lovely day when DC Comics finally reprints this historic work by Dennis O’Neil (writer) and Neal Adams (artist).
In 1978, an alien race called the Scrubb demands that Earth’s greatest champion battle their world’s own greatest fighter. Both Superman and Muhammad Ali step forward – and to determine who is truly Earth’s greatest fighter, Superman temporarily loses his powers and faces Ali in the ring. Ultimately, the duo must work together to defeat the Scrubb, with Ali taking on their champion while Superman battles their space-armada.
As an added bonus, DC is republishing the comic in two hardcovers. Retailing at twenty bucks, the deluxe edition has a trim size of 7.0625″ x 10.875″ and features a new cover by Neal Adams, previously unpublished artwork and various other extras. At forty bucks, the facsimile edition features the original, iconic cover, and is reprinted in the classic’s 10″ wide by 13.25″ high trim.
Decisions, decisions. I may just have to go with both.
On a very tangential note, by the time I was old enough to grasp the cultural significance of Ali he was hawking roach motels all over television. Around about the same time (maybe a few years later) Billy Dee Williams was schilling for Colt 45 malt liquor in commercials as well.
Do you solely associate Ali with roach motels to this day? Not at all. He was one of the most charismatic and inspirational figures of the 20th Century. Billy Dee Williams played Lando Calrissian for the love of Pete!!! Yes, he was smooth, but why the hell are we still lumping the man with the booze he pushed? Surely we can respectfully retire the “Works Every Time” refrain in deference to Mr. Williams’ acting geek-cred as surely as Mr. Ali will be remembered for his achievements outside of bustin’ up household pests.
Right? Please?
