Todd & Joe Have Issues 01/19/17 Superman vs. Muhammad Ali
As our new feature rolls on, we are covering a book with a cover that has been emulated very much to an almost iconic level, Superman vs. Muhammad Ali by Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams!
Now, I have never read this book and I feel was can get a separate episode out of just analysing the cover (its’s gatefold deal). Back in the 70’s and 80’s it was common place for ‘real life’ celebrities to crossover with super heroes.
This one is a personal favorite of mine. This was a perfect encapsulation of of where late night TV and comics were at the moment this was published.
For a while, nary did a celebrity make official apperances in comic books. You can claim all of Bryan Hitch’s designs in the Ultimates were unofficial and they did allegedly inspire some casting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but it wasn’t until President Obama appeared on the cover Amazing Spider-Man did celebs appearing in comics become a thing again. Any bets on what book will be the first to feature an official appearance of our president elect? I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Any discussion, thoughts, feelings, criticisms of this week’s selection can be placed below in the comments section. As well as suggestions about future choices for one shot issues to add to our list.
In the 50s, you also had celebrities with their “own comics”, like bob hope and jerry lewis. Jack Kirby had Don Rickles and “goody rickles” appear in the 4th world era jimmy olsen book in the 1970s.
Supes vs Ali is a fun book. It also reminds me, in a way, of a book disccused on LBH not too long ago, the marvel 2 in 1 annual where Ben fights The Champion.
Once again, you picked something I’ve always been meaning to read. I know I’ve mentioned this in the past, but I was able to check it out through my local library using the Hoopla Digital service. It’s great for comic fans on a budget. Lately they’ve been able to be day & date for Archie single issues and just made a deal to have the Rebirth trades available for check out the day they come out in stores.
Neal Adams has to be one of my favorite old school artists! He drew a great Ali. Interesting way to set up the actual boxing and have them on a level playing field. I wonder if Supes’ training center is where Dragon Ball Z got the idea for the spots Goku trains in to level up before a battle?