Written by John Byrne
Art by John Byrne; Karl Kesel; Tom Ziuko; & John Costanza
Cover Art by John Byrne
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 1987, it’s entitled “The Name Game.” At The Daily Planet, a smitten Lois accepts new suitor Ben DeRoy’s invitation to lunch. Blowing off a suspicious Clark’s reminder about their own lunch date, Lois leaves with DeRoy. Trading a bewildered Lois for a mannequin he magically grants life to, DeRoy’s chaotic mischief continues.
Superman confronts DeRoy, who reveals himself as Mr. Mxyzptlk. It becomes a battle of wits between the Man of Steel and the magical imp. Lois’ discreet effort to make amends with Clark goes awry, courtesy of rival Cat Grant.
Note: Byrne makes a continuity goof on page 21 when Lois refers to having known Clark “after all these years.” Byrne’s recent reboot, otherwise, implies that Lois & Clark have only known each other for weeks, maybe a few months.
REVIEW:
Suspiciously resembling Marvel Comics’ omniscient Beyonder from the Secret Wars II mini-series, the ‘Ben DeRoy’ ploy is a savvy in-joke for writer John Byrne re-integrating Mxyzptlk into the post-Crisis DC Universe.
Better yet, Byrne’s distinctive visuals (as seen in the spot-on cover image) captures bringing his Silver Age homage to the 80’s. The plot’s adept blend of the imp’s quirky magic and character-driven poignancy (i.e. Lois’ hospital scene with Clark) makes for an appealing read. Perhaps this issue’s best element is a hint of the Lois-Clark-Cat Grant love triangle. Simply put, Superman # 11 is a minor gem in Byrne’s mid-eighties reboot.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page letters-and-answers column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
