Written by William Kotzwinkle (adapting the 1983 film script)
SUMMARY:
Adapting the 1983 Christopher Reeve film, this official 221-page Warner Books novelization features Clark Kent/Superman on a much-needed break from his hectic Metropolis life. Returning home to Smallville for his fifteen-year high school reunion, Clark reconnects with Lana Lang, as well as meeting her young son, Ricky. Elsewhere, opportunistic tech-geek Gus Gorman is recruited by greedy corporate tycoons, Ross and Vera Webster, to design an ‘Ultimate Computer’ to manipulate the Earth’s weather for illicit purposes. Utilizing this computer’s awesome capabilities, the Webster siblings and Gus infect Superman with artificial kryptonite. With a corrupted Man of Steel and a super-computer both wreaking worldwide havoc, it’s time for at least one unlikely hero.
REVIEW:
The good news is that it’s a faithful adaptation. Of course, there also lies the bad news, too, as there’s more superficiality at stake than actual Superman. Most telling, Kotzwinkle’s pessimism upstages the script’s ineptitude at devising campy humor. By overplaying the cynicism angle, he doesn’t mitigate Superman III’s creative laziness by much. Also, be advised that scattered profanities are included, so don’t mistake Kotzwinkle’s take on Superman III as a kid-friendly junior novelization.
With occasional gusto, scenes are duly expanded, and a few superfluous ones (i.e. Lois Lane’s tropical vacation) are briefly mentioned. Of significance, Kotzwinkle spells out cynical insights that the characters only vaguely convey in the movie. Depicting a burnt-out Clark’s weariness re: faking constant humility, one gains a relatable sense of the daily toll his super-responsibilities have inflicted. Bumbling career loser Gus Gorman’s thoughts can be amusing (i.e. his dreaded memories of prison life), but Kotzwinkle’s Gus is a 1970’s sitcom caricature vs. an actual character. The novel’s credibility further erodes by not explaining how Gus even gained the scientific expertise to design this supposed ‘Ultimate Computer.’ For that matter, Kotzwinkle doesn’t bother disguising that the Websters and blond eye candy Lorelai Ambrosia are mere knock-offs of Lex Luthor’s entourage from the previous Superman films.
It comes down to whether or not readers will appreciate the author’s acerbic humor. From the Man of Steel’s ungrateful customers to Vera Webster’s toxic breath, Kotzwinkle puts acidic zip into his putdowns of everyday life. His witty jibes are often spot-on, but it’s still a depressing vibe for any Superman adventure. Suffice to say, Kotzwinkle’s visit to Metropolis is a far cry from the magic of Superman: The Movie.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There are eight double-sided pages of black-and-white film stills.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
