Superman vs. Darkseid: Apokolips Now!

    (DC, 2003)
™ and © DC Comics

Though it could use a glossary containing definitions of such DC-centric terms as “Mother Box” and “Entropy Aegis,” this one-shot tells a fairly enjoyable tale of a fiercely loyal Superman who, with square-jawed determination, attempts at all costs to retrieve John Henry Irons (aka Steel) from the clutches of Darkseid. The issue does a nice job illustrating (via art and storyline) the raw power of Superman’s fists and the single-mindedness of his mission. It is also convincing in its portrayal of a Darkseid who is utterly baffled at Superman’s disinterest in obtaining untold power.

What the issue doesn’t do is answer (or even ask) a variety of philosophical questions concerning the conflict of Superman vs. Darkseid: Should Superman kill (or at least dethrone) Darkseid? If not, why not? Should a number of Earth’s most powerful super-heroes occupy Apokolips until a benevolent government is in place? Superman’s pummeling of Darkseid and his temporary containment (with help from his friends) of Apokolips raises such questions.

— Brett Weiss
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#1

March, 2003
Cover Price: $2.95
6 copies available from $3.00 		Mark SchultzMike McKone