Review: Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #6

Superman '78 The Metal Curtain #6 came out this week, ending this second series of the '78 books. I hope we get a third. This was a hopeful and inspiring ending to the Metallo story, leaning into the Donner universe feel of Superman. But there were definitely some things which felt like they were missing, things I want more of. Therefore, please DC, green light a third installment here.

Writer Robert Venditti has always had a great feel for these characters in this reality. The overly nerdy Clark, the feisty Lois, the fiery Perry. They all work. Superman as a beacon of hope and not necessarily a brawler also worked given where we are. The ending of Metallo played out in a different way than I thought it would but closes the door here. I found it just a bit too quick but we only have 6 issues to get to a finale. But the sheer hope that oozes from every page made this an overall winner. 

What I felt was missing here was Lex. Luthor is such a charismatic bomb in this book. The complete lack of him in this issue was a bit glaring for me. Therefore, please DC, greenlight a third installment! Plus, it is time for us to see some Kara '84 in this universe.

Gavin Guidry continues his great work here. His characters are similar to the actors of the Donner movies but not so uncanny valley to make it weird. His expressive work is just superb, heaping on the emotional punch of Superman's actions. 

I really liked this mini-series and hope we get more. DC, please green light a third installment. On to the book!

Last issue, we saw Superman bring the Metallo interaction to Moscow. We also saw the general populace run from him like he was a super-villain.

It is clear who the aggressor is in this face-off. Metallo punches and blasts Superman around the square, causing property damage.

Rather than engage, Superman spends his time protecting the threatened innocents caught in the fray.

Love this one in particular where Superman saves a small kid from being flattened, smiling like a friend. There's that Guidry magic.

But between this rescue, and keeping a building upright, and saving others, it is clear who the 'hero' is.

Especially when Superman continues to refuse to fight.

Such a fantastic splash with Superman standing and saying he believes in Metallo, that they can decide not to fight and to come together. 

I just love it. There's a simple elegance to the page and the message.

That message is hammered home when the people of the Soviet Union, those Superman just saved, rally around him, telling Metallo to stop.

Superman has inspired the people to look past the propaganda.

I love that Superman continues to try and convince Metallo that they don't have to be tools of their countries. They don't have to be perfect. They just need to see the good in each other.

Again, this just really leans into the Donner Superman. He is there to help. He is a friend. 

I love that last panel, a sort of sudden realization coming across Metallo's face. Looks like hope has won out. Another big win for Guidry.

And I can't help but wonder if there is another Superman movie homage in this comic.

Or is this just a common comic book pose and my mind is playing tricks on me.

This is a book set in the Cold War.

When Metallo won't fight, the Soviet military shows up and threatens to kill him to get the Kryptonite into the hands of a more obedient soldier.

This turnaround for Metallo, suddenly realizing that maybe he is on the wrong side of things here, that he can be his own man, seems a bit sudden. We haven't seen him question things at all earlier. Again, I get the constraints of a six issue mini-series. And I love that Superman has convinced him to do good. 

But there is little else for Metallo to do but fly into space and kill himself, blowing himself up.

Now that does seem out of nowhere. 

And suicide as a way to wrap up the book seems off, even if Metallo did it heroically to keep the Green K out of evil hands.

Fun sound effect though. And while Guidry's expressive work has been exemplar, the silhouette here gives this an appropriate funereal feel.

What a great ending though.

The power of hope. That little girl who was afraid of Superman is now a fan. She's seen he's a friend out to help.

Yes, I wouldn't have minded a little action from the Man of Tomorrow. I don't need a pacifist Superman. But in this instance, given the weight of the Cold War, to keep himself focused on truth and justice and not fisticuffs worked.

And yes, I needed a little more of this world's Lex. Even a panel showing his response to the fight or to Metallo's suicide would have gone a long way.

But this is still a great read. So do the right thing DC ...

Overall grade: B+