A nefarious Kryptonian criminal shows up on Earth, taking control of Superman and the Challengers of the Unknown. Featuring subpar, late-career art from Jack “King” Kirby (with a few pages from fellow legend Alex Toth).
READThe fingerprints of Charles Dickens are all over this DC reprint digest, as the Victorian author’s classic tale serves as inspiration for more than one story. (Except for Jack Kirby’s Bronze Age Sandman adventure, of course, a story widely distributed for the first time in this issue.)
READA certain bright star in the sky helps several DC universe characters successfully navigate Christmas Eve adventures. This collection of short tales is pretty solid throughout, with a young Frank Miller’s first-ever outing on Batman being the best present in the pile.
READAttempting to cheer up a classmate who has the seasonal blues, Superboy takes him to a parallel Earth without Christmas. This Christmas tale from Paul Kupperberg and Kurt Schaffenberger leads off a pair of so-so tales.
READJim Starlin brings a watered down version of his cosmic storytelling to the Distinguished Competition, but the real draw to DC Comics Presents #26 is the debut appearance of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez's new Teen Titans.
READIn the lead story, Batman and Ragman team to stop a criminal organization that preys on the poor. Writer David V. Reed delivers a nice, tight tale, but Michael Golden’s artwork steals the show.
READAfter breaking up a criminal conspiracy on a Gotham subway, Batman recounts the caper for a mystery breakfast guest. The lead story by Bob Rozakis and John Calnan isn’t bad, but it’s not nearly as pretty as the backup feature drawn by the legendary Detective art team of Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin.
READA hitman named Wormwood is hired to acquire Batman’s cowl – but who is really setting the trap? The lead story is a done-in-one treat from Elliot S. Maggin and Walter Simonson, while the backup tale features some nice art from Al Milgrom and Terry Austin.
READContrary to its striking cover, this issue actually features three unconnected – and largely uninspired – tales featuring Batman, Aquaman and the Legion of Super-Heroes. From creative talent including Gerry Conway, Paul Levitz, Don Newton and others.
READAfter an extended hiatus, the Teen Titans come back together thanks to a trap by Doctor Light. Following a nearly four-year break from publication, the Titans’ regular series resumes with this sub-par outing from the creative team of Paul Levitz, Bob Rozakis, Pablo Marcos and Bob Smith.
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