Writer: Robert Venditti
Art: Gavin Guidry and Jordie Bellaire (colorist)
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 5th, 2023

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 #5 Review.

THE DISPATCH

As we saw at the end of last issue, Superman reluctantly agree to join forces with Lex Luthor in order to defeat Metallo. In Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #5, Superman and Lex attempt to stage a plan with the help of Lois and her father, General Lane. Lex is certainly depicted as egotistical and braggadocious, definitely indicative of Gene Hackman’s portrayal, and his voice and mannerisms came through the dialogue well.

We also see animosity between the Russians as well, as Captain Nikolaev growing more power-hungry, having become even more corrupted from the Kryptonite energy in the Metallo suit. Additionally, we see how the Russians react to Superman when he flies to Moscow, which is reflective of how the Russian media portrays Superman and the values he stands for.

ART

The artwork in Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #5 continues to be reflective of the Christopher Reeve Superman movie universe, and the time period of the late 1970’s-early 1980’s of which it is set. Guidry continues to nail the likenesses and facial expressions of Reeve, Kidder, and Hackman. Also, Bellaire’s colors really stand out. The scene where the Soviets are strategizing is illuminated by a red tint, doing well to represent the regime of the Russians and the association of the color red to communism. It juxtaposes well to the green kryptonite energy emanating from Nikolaev’s eyes as he grows more and more power-mad. There is a great panel of him preparing to get into his armor as his eyes glow green, as well as blasting Superman and preparing for a final showdown in the Motherland.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Superman ’78: The Metal Curtain #5 continues the story well and escalates the conflict. While there isn’t too much action in this issue, it shows how the kryptonite radiation has caused Captain Nikolaev aka Metallo to descend into madness as well as how the Russian citizens respond to Superman based on the propaganda they read about him. Next issue we will see the final confrontation between the Man of Steel and the Steel-suited man!

7.9/10