It’s a big year for Spider-Man and Superman fans, as Marvel and DC are doing two crossovers, and they’re celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Supes and Spidey fighting! That’s not all, the new paperback 50th Anniversary Treasury Edition – Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man Facsimile Edition #1 comes in an extra-sized treasury edition, maximizing the dynamite fight scenes and in-your-face action. Does this special one-shot hold up after 50 years, or is it a dud you should skip? Let’s dive in.
It’s worth noting that there is nothing new in this edition beyond the extra-large format. I suppose Marvel and DC are saving up the ode to the heroes for their upcoming specials, but it’s noteworthy since many folks have already read this. That said, these larger, near-newspaper-sized pages really let you soak up the art. Given that artists Ross Andru, Neal Adams, and John Romita Sr. drew this book, it’s no surprise that this art is dynamic, practically punching you in the face with wow factor.
On the flip side of purchasing this, this book costs $19.99, and while it’s extra large and extra long, that’s a fairly steep price given the old-school paper quality. While that paper feel is a throwback to when this book was originally published, it also means it won’t hold up multiple read-throughs or the test of time. It makes this book less of a keepsake and more of a novelty purchase.
Opening the book is an introduction from the big two bosses, Stan Lee and Carmine Infantino, giving it an old-school feel. Told over two prologues and three chapters, the book clearly served as a means to introduce readers to Superman and Spider-Man and their two big villains, Lex Luthor and Doc Ock.
Big, in-your-face action!
Credit: DC Comics/Marvel Comics
The first prologue features Superman fighting Lex Luthor, with Lex powering a giant robot that’s stomping through Metropolis. It’s a nifty tale, with Superman using deductive reasoning to stop the robot, only to be thwarted at every turn. We get a quick scene with Superman in the Daily Planet, and the story wraps up with a nifty one-page introduction to the hero’s origins.
Next is the second chapter, where Spider-Man fights Doc Ock, in a tale that’s a bit shorter, though just as high-stakes. Once wrapped up, a third prologue sets up Lex and Doc Ock meeting, setting up a showdown for the ages.
The main story has our heroes duking it out in your customary fight over misunderstandings. Spider-Man goes after Superman after he assumes Superman zapped MJ and Lois away. Smartly, writer Gerry Conway has Spider-Man’s powers sped up, making the battle more eventful. It doesn’t last super long, but it’s made very clear that once Spider-Man is back to normal power, he’s far weaker than Superman. They make the point so much that one has to wonder if DC Comics insisted that it was made clear that Superman is much stronger than Spider-Man.
Once the misunderstanding trope is over, the story shifts to the two heroes pursuing Lex and Doc Ock. The adventure sends them to a warehouse of traps, Africa, and eventually, space. It’s about as wacky as stories could get from the late ’70s. Adding to the old-school feel is customary over explaining from heroes, though for the most part, it’s not as verbose as classic Stan Lee comics.
Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man Facsimile Edition #1 is a nostalgic celebration that succeeds on spectacle and legacy more than substance. While it doesn’t offer anything new beyond its impressive size, the larger pages spotlight legendary artwork and remind readers why this crossover became historic in the first place—making it best suited for fans craving a hit of old-school magic.
You must be logged in to post a comment.