Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Gavin Guidry and Jordie Bellaire (colorist)
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: February 6th, 2024
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #4 Review.
THE DISPATCH
In the latest installment, Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #4 gives us a rematch between Superman and Metallo. Superman also gets some help from his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. It seems that Superman is able to evade the kryptonite radiation too easily in this issue though. They should’ve showed a greater struggle or given the Man of Steel some kind of anti-kryptonite protection. If Superman can simply avoid the radiation, it kind of downplays Metallo as a threat. At the very least, they should show Superman with diminished strength. This issue does show him getting tossed around a bit, but at the same time, shows him exhibiting quite a powerful display of strength despite being exposed to intense kryptonite radiation with no protective gear. That being said, Luthor is very in-character with how Gene Hackman portrayed him in the films. His dialogue aligns perfectly with Hackman’s version of the character.
ART
The art in Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #4 really packs a punch! There are some great panels during the fight scene that show Superman lifting a tank and then smashing it on top of Metallo. The panels showing Metallo emitting high-level kryptonite radiation really show how much power he has in his suit, which makes it all the more confusing as to why Superman didn’t seem to be phased by it. The artist really nailed Lex Luthor, rendered in the likeness of Gene Hackman. They really got Hackman’s facial expressions down and even included a cigar (albeit unlit) as an added bonus. The scene in which Clark changes into Superman while freefalling out the window is excellent at depicting Reeve’s iconic Superman transformation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #4 is a good edition to this series that leaves you wanting more. Although it seems strange how Superman doesn’t seem as effected by kryptonite as in previous issues, this comic does a good job of reestablishing the rivalry between Lex and Superman in the Reeve universe. It may also involve the two begrudgingly teaming up next issue, or will they be mortal enemies once more? This issue also leaves it open-ended about Metallo’s fate, but since there’s 2 more issues left in this miniseries, it’s doubtful we’ve seen the last of him.