Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Dan Jurgens; Brett Breeding; John Costanza; & Glenn Whitmore
Cover Art by Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Resurrections,” DC Comics released this pivotal twist in the Reign of the Supermen saga for September 1993. In Metropolis, having emerged from a Kryptonian transport vehicle stands a fifth claimant to Superman’s legacy. Only yet partially-powered, the enigmatic, black-mullet stranger, wearing a black-and-silver bodysuit, is confronted by a skeptical quintet: Lois Lane; the shape-shifting Supergirl; Steel (John Henry Irons); the brash Superboy clone; and the deceptive Alexander Luthor II (aka the original Lex Luthor). Can this supposed Man of Steel convince a bewildered Lois that he is indeed the real Clark Kent?
Elsewhere, the Cyborg Superman and Mongul gloat over their monstrous scheme to transform Earth into their mobile galactic weapon. Hank Henshaw’s origin as the Cyborg Superman is revealed, along with his personal vendetta against the true Superman. This backstory includes how he and Mongul met setting up their mutual revenge against Superman.
At the Fortress of Solitude, the Man of Steel’s drones continue healing this saga’s wildcard. An imminent showdown draws closer pitting the remaining Supermen against Hank Henshaw, with Earth’s fate at stake.
Note: This issue is also # 26 among DC’s interlocking Superman title crossovers for 1993.
REVIEW:
Handling triple creative duties, writer-artist Dan Jurgens does solid work progressing this epic storyline. Including the scene depicting Lois & Superman’s initial reunion, Jurgens establishes sufficient emotional resonance to keep readers tuned in. With even the ink still looking fresh nearly thirty years later, the other members of this issue’s art squad provide Jurgens with reliable support. The cover image, in particular, is terrific.
Overall, Superman # 81 is a welcome read for fans, as far setting up the final phase of “Reign of the Supermen.”
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A two-page “Metropolis Mailbag” letters-and-answers-column is followed by DC Universe # 12 news-and-notes.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
