Written by J.M. DeMatteis
Art by Pablo Raimondi; Jose Marzan, Jr; Bill Oakley; Glenn Whitmore; & Wildstorm FX
Cover Art by Terry Dodson; Mark Farmer; & Ian Hannin
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Getting Away From It All,” DC Comics released this issue for May 2000. A brooding Man of Steel advises his closest Super-associates to watch the proverbial fort (especially Metropolis) until he returns from a personal mission. In a desperate effort to reconnect with Lois and possibly save their marriage, Superman arranges a cosmic road trip to privately vacation together on planet Sanctus Twelve. Despite his best efforts (i.e. saving her life) on this strangely idyllic paradise, Superman is baffled why Lois remains aloof towards him.
Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Lex Luthor coolly flips a power play by the city’s irate coalition of business and political power brokers against him. The city doesn’t belong to them; it belongs to him! Cameos include Supergirl; Steel (John Henry Irons); Superboy; & the Martian Manhunter.
REVIEW:
Consistent with its cover image, this issue deserves a single read before moving on to something else … preferably entertaining. While exploring tension in DC’s super-marriage has intriguing potential, Issue # 578 limps along to the Man of Steel’s best intentions to impress/placate his shrugging wife. As for the highlights, there is the Martian Manhunter’s mildly amusing scene giving the ‘keys’ to the Kents’ psionic starship, along with a twist re: Sanctus Twelve come the end.
Visually, the artwork is sufficient, but it doesn’t surpass the blah plotting. Adventures of Superman # 578 is more for die-hards, but the material is at least appropriate for pre-teens.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The last page is a “Kryptograms” letters-and-answers column, which includes a thumbnail cover reveal for Man of Steel # 100.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
