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Superman: The Man Of Steel Volume 6 by John Byrne, Ron Frenz, Jim Starlin, Dan Jurgens and Art Adams
01/05/2008 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 
pub: Titan Books. 208 page graphic novel softcover. Price: £11.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-84576-440-1. Buy Superman: The Man Of Steel Volume 6 in the USA - or Buy Superman: The Man Of Steel Volume 6 in the UK  check out website: www.titanbooks.com and www.dccomics.com
This is the sixth volume of reprints following the initial re-imagining of Superman by John Byrne after the 'Crisis Of Infinite Earths' in the mid-80s. At the time, it was not only a means to switch the clock back a bit and make him contemporary again but make the Kryptonian a little less powerful. It also ensued both of Clark Kent's foster parents were still alive and having no Superboy adventures. If anything, Byrne also used this as a means to re-introduce other characters and villains known in Superman's earlier carnations as well as blending in new ones. He also made Superman less buddy-buddy with Batman.
With volume six of these reprints we have Action Comics Annual # 1, Adventures Of Superman Annual # 1, Superman Annual # 1, Action Comics # 594-595 crossing over to Booster Gold # 23 and Superman # 12. Other than the cross-over story, it was still possible to read these in any order without worrying too much about continuity. It's of interest to note that on several occasions here that the artists were also the writers.
The first story, 'Skeeter', plays towards sympathy for a character before the truth is discovered. It also has Batman clearly in over his head and having to ask Superman for some assistance.
The second story, 'Tears For Titano!', brings back with an origin of one of DC's early giant apes showing that scientist morals on this Earth are clearly not in black and white. Quite why Superman doesn't consider a little old lady jaywalking as a criminal case or at least give her a good talking to about the dangers she faces is never covered.
'The Union' is another small town story where an alien presence leaves it empty. Superman is asked by the President to go and investigate.
'All That Glistens' brings forth another outing with Batman being called upon by Superman to investigate a book before the Man of Steel goes off to Metropolis for a day in his honour. Unfortunately, Booster Gold isn't too happy, takes on Superman and wins. Things aren't quite what they seem, especially when another Booster Gold arrives.
With 'Lost Love', we are re-introduced to the mermaid Lori Lemaris. I remember reading the original tale in a Superman Giant reprint in the 60s and this one mirrors much of the relationship with an interesting twist of the tail at the end.
'The Ghost Of Superman' introduces the Silver Banshee, a monotone demon who nearly kills Superman.
I should point out that the book cover conveys none of the antagonism displayed in the content. All of these stories hold up as much as when I read them originally. The prolific John Byrne was having a ball with with re-imagining and was given pretty much free rein to do what he pleased with the visuals and stories. Oddly enough, little is shown, other than the flashback, of Superman in his Clark Kent guise. More was made of this version of Superman's vulnerabilities which did make a lot of sense. Up until this point, the last version of Superman really had become just a tad too powerful that you would have questioned anyone's sanity of going against him. If you've lost your original comics or want to look back twenty-one years (Yikes! So long!) then you should enjoy this book.
GF Willmetts
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