DC Comics Presents #84
Published and © by DC, August 1985
Title: “Give Me Power … Give Me Your World!”
Synopsis: A nefarious Kryptonian criminal shows up on Earth, taking control of Superman and the Challengers of the Unknown.
Writer: Bob Rozakis
Penciler: Jack Kirby and Alex Toth
Inker: Greg Theakston
Review: This issue prompts seriously mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s awesome seeing post-post-prime Jack Kirby still getting work and being treated with proper respect (’80s era DC didn’t even feel the need to have Superman’s face redrawn). But the work itself is … rather sad. The King’s epic sense of power – long his trademark – has dimmed almost beyond recognition. Pages by fellow legend Alex Toth are better, but also long of tooth. Add in a stitched-together story and clunky characterization and this one is a late-Bronze curiosity best left in the back-issue bins.
Grade: C-
Cool factor: Long live the King …
Not-so-cool factor: … even when his reign was clearly over.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 95¢ Canadian variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “It’s a shame, Lara, that there are people who disagree with the way Krypton is being run and try to take over. But I suppose every civilization gives rise to its own malcontents.” – Jor-El, all in on Krypton’s incarceration policies
Editor’s note: This review was written Jan. 31, 2024.
