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Silver Surfer/Superman
Marvel Comics/DC Comics (1996)
“Pop” WRITER: George Pérez PENCILER: Ron Lim INKER: Terry Austin COLORIST: Tom Smith LETTERER: John Costanza SEPARATIONS: Digital Chameleon
Superman is having a quiet day in Metropolis when he is suddenly transported to Krypton and forced to defend it from Super Skrull. In his own universe, the Silver Surfer comes across a planet on fire and suddenly transported to Metropolis, with his powers out of control. This turns out to be a game between the Impossible Man and Mister Mxyzptlk…but when Mxyzptlk goes too far (as usual), the Impossible Man and the two superheroes defeat him, restore a shrunken Metropolis, and rescue the planet from Super Skrull, earning the Silver Surfer something he seldom hears–praise and thank you.
What they got right: Despite the tricksters appearing on the back cover it’s a good mystery set-up. Sure, you know they’re involved but not really how. Surfer doesn’t do the “woe is me” thing that annoys me so much. And not only do we get to see Superman versus Super Skrull (he who has all of the Fantastic Four’s powers) but when Impossible Man and Mr. Mxyzptlk fight they do so by changing into heroes and villains from their respective universes. It’s like DC Vs. Marvel round 2. (Which reminds me, Access gets namedropped so this is in the wrong spot in my longbox.)
What they got wrong: Silver Surfer doesn’t get to fight any of Superman’s foes. He fought the Cyborg Krenshaw back in the Green Lantern crossover, so why not a rematch here? Or let the misconception lead to fighting the Spectre or someone else at the Surfer’s level. Wait, I have one better. Since the Impossible Man became Super Skrull, have Mxyzptlk become Darkseid.
Recommendation: While not a ‘must have” crossover story, it’s still a fun team-up, and for once no hero-versus-hero moment. And this one was published by Marvel, which makes it extra different. I say get it if you see it.
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