Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #5
Scheduled to arrive in stores: March 5, 2024
Cover date: May 2024
Writer: Robert Venditti
Artist: Gavin Guidry
Cover: Gavin Guidry and Jordie Bellaire
Variant Covers: Michael Walsh, Jahnoy Lindsay
Reviewed by: Marc Lax
In the California Desert Sam Lane waits impatiently for his daughter and Superman to arrive. After a little chit chat Lex Luthor arrives with a girl on each arm emerging from a limo. They have a rather tense discussion about Lex selling his armor to the Soviets. He says the armor is virtually indestructible and with the Russians using it as a Superman killer they all better start learning how to speak Russian! Meanwhile back in the U.S.S.R. Captain Nikolaev and Morosov argue. Nikolaev feels a fool after nearly being beaten by Superman. After some tense words (and a slap across Nikolaev’s face) Morosov sets down the rules. They must face the enemy with truth and honor. Superman decides the only thing for him to do is take his chances and fly directly to Moscow. Nikolaev, against orders, puts on the armor. It’s now Metallo vs Superman. The fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Story – 4: A tense issue to say the least but with just the right amount of levity. I enjoyed Sam Lane’s appearance in this issue. His take on the Superman/Lois relationship was very funny. I also think Luthor’s characterization is spot on. His thoughts on his armor killing Superman – not being the one in the armor so not knowing which way he wants the fight to end – was hilarious. Superman landing in Moscow didn’t quite go the way he thought. The fear on that woman’s face when she sees Superman is terrifying. Superman you’re not in Metropolis anymore!
Well we’ve come to the final confrontation. This has been an enjoyable book so far with some flaws, but it won’t be until this final battle is fought that I can give my honest opinion on this book. Looking forward to the conclusion.Art – 4: Guidry’s visuals have been a highlight of this series. His facial expressions are top notch and his Superman, while it does invoke Christopher Reeve, is truly his own. He’s taken this character and put his own stamp on him. I feel his art style was what was needed. You can still sense the actors but he hasn’t drawn them to look identical. This is the perfect hybrid.
Cover Art – 3: Boring cover but it gives us a glimpse of what’s to come in the issue. Does convey Lois and Superman’s true feelings.
Variant Cover Art – 5: Jahnoy Lindsay, not a name I’m familiar with but after this beautiful nostalgic cover, is definitely an artist I’d like to know. Clark outrunning the train has become an iconic moment and this image just hammers that home.Variant Cover Art – 4: A very nice shirt rip. You can never go wrong with a shirt rip.
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