This will be much shorter than the Batman one, because it has fewer stories and I’ve already the cover story.
Superman #43 (1979)
Published by: Cenisio
A few notes on the Italian edition:
- In the original cover, Lana says “Of course not! What kind of idiot do you take me for? This is what Clark looks like!”. It’s translated as “Did you take me for an idiot? This is Clark Kent, not you!”. The word used to translate “idiot” is perhaps harsher than what I’d expect to see published in 1979.
- Spellbinder’s name would’ve been quite difficult to translate, so they don’t even try: he’s “L’Ipnotizzatore” (literally “The Hypnotizer).
Superman #330 (1978)
by Martin Pasko & Curt Swan
I’ve already reviewed this one and the Italian edition is very faithful, so no additional notes.
Although now that I notice the price: this was 0.4 dollars in 1978, or 1.72 dollars in 2024.
The Italian edition, was 400 lire in 1979. That would be 1.08 dollars in 2024!
Not only it was cheaper than the original, but doubly so because this one includes TWO full stories in the Italian version, while the US version only has one story.
The fact that 7 out of 26 pages of the first story were in black and white probably has something to do with it.
Historical significance: 0/10
Silver Age-ness: 10/10
Does it stand the test of time? 4/10
I stand by the original review.
Personal significance: 7/10
I remember this one very well. Probably because, for all its faults, it’s by far the best Superman story that you’ll see in this retrospective… which does not bode well for the others.
I knew so little about Superman’s history that the absurd retcon of his use of glasses didn’t bother me in the slightest. Things made sense at the time!
But as mentioned, that wasn’t the ONLY story published here.
As discussed at length in the backstory, the publishing dates are all over the place: the cover story was just one year old, but the second one is from four years earlier.
Superman #291 (1975)
by Cary Bates & Curt Swan
While that one was the better Superman story and it had a eye-catching cover, this one has a much superior cover.
Sadly that cover is NOT used in the Italian version, not even in the interior. They went with the teaser page.
We begin with Clark Kent selling out.
Just kidding, of course it’s for charity.
It is a little jarring how many Superman stories involve him doing publicity for a charity drive, though. It’s perfectly in-character sure, but we’ve seen time and time again that can gather MASSIVE amounts of wealth when he has to.
The stunt requires Clark and Superman to be at the same event together.
Ah, now I see where my “Guess The Stupid Ending” gag comes from.
I assure you it wasn’t on purpose!
The real answer is none of them. You’d think Superman was only using his super-speed…
…but it’s much, much, MUCH dumber than that.
THAT’S NOT HOW 3-D WORKS!!! Those glasses don’t make everything two-dimensional look like it’s three-dimensional!!!
I’m guessing this only works because Steve Lombard is the dumbest man in the history of mankind.
And yes, THAT INCLUDES JIMMY OLSEN.
The publicity stunt consists of Superman proving that the watch is basically indestructible.
What the heck is that thing made of, Inertron!?!?
The Italian version is very faithful, but for absolutely no reason they skipped the second thought balloon. What did they have against poor Josh?
All things considered, a harmless little vignette.
Unfortunately the story continues.
However someone stole the watch the moment Superman brought it back to its manufacturers.
Another case of weirdly missing balloons. Only the first one is translated in the Italian version.
The guy who stole the watch then just happens to witness Superman dealing with someone trying to rob a bank.
He unsuccessfully tries to sneak away with some loot…
…and now, ladies and gentlemen, is where the story turns absolutely bonkers.
Yes.
NOW.
SOMEHOW the guys trapped underwater survive even when it FLIES INTO SPACE.
Turns out the watch has made Superman’s powers go haywire AND it gives its wearer powers!
Not Superman’s proudest moment.
The Italian version COMPLETELY changes the whole meaning of the following panel!!!
In the translation, the guy only says “If that’s how Superman protects the city…”, which is the opposite of the original intent when the joke was that the old guy didn’t even notice Superman had been knocked out.
Now you know how Spider-Man feels, Superman.
The explanation for how the watch is able to do all this is that “SOMEHOW” it absorbed Superman’s energy.
This isn’t even something Lex Luthor came up with, it’s just a regular watchmaking company!!!
Sounds legit.
Inspector Henderson makes a brief appearance. He was reintroduced to the comics in this period, but little did I know he’s a VERY important character in Superman’s history… just not in the comics!
He was a recurring character in the 40s Superman radio show. And I mean REALLY recurrent, almost a co-protagonist for several episodes. For some reason, all attempts at giving him a spotlight in the comics over the decades always fall flat.
The thief is on a power trip, so he decides to take revenge on a fellow gang member that crossed him.
He’s even eager for a rematch with Superman.
Once again THAT’S NOT HOW 3-D WORKS!!!
However, the second Superman takes back the watch, the guy has a heart attack.
And so we end with a revelation that comes from nowhere: the guy had become dependent on the watch, so to save his life they transplanted it directly into his heart.
Now I’m no doctor, but that doesn’t sound healthy.
Historical significance: 0/10
You’d think Lex would want a look at that watch, or that Parasite would leech its energy. Instead it’s forgotten to time.
Personal significance: 2/10
The image of the watch wrapped around the heart stayed with me over the decades. As the fact that this is a rather stupid story.
Silver Age-ness: 10/10
One last time 3-D DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY!!!
Does it stand the test of time? 0/10
The artwork is the only saving grace. I see that I was very unlucky with the selection of DC stories that I first read… no wonder it took me several years to start appreciate DC as much as Marvel.
Hold on. Instead of getting a special lenticular cardboard cutout that appears 3D when people are wearing special glasses and putting said glasses on everyone with superspeed and hoping no one sees the cardboard Clark through a camera or from the side …
why not just use a dummy or a sculpture? It’s already 3D.
WHY DOESN’T SUPERMAN USE HIS ROBOTS TO FOOL PEOPLE?!?!?
It must be true that even working in TV will rot your brain!
Using Superman robots would require the writer to remember continuity. This is Cary Bates we’re talking about. 🙂
That second story is ripe with potential for modern writer to mine. Good old Syl Wyatt there is bound to die sooner or later, and that watch will be back in action after he’s cremated or some coroner takes a closer look at his body.
If you were wondering, “Pernel” is not a common (or even rare) man’s name in the US, not even back then. Neither is “Syl” really, but it’s probably short for Sylvester or something similar and at least sounds like a person’s nickname and not a product brand.