That’s not how facepalming works!
Superman Adventures #24
DC Comics (October, 1998)
“Power Corrupts, Super Power Corrupts Absolutely!”
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILER: Aluir Amancio
INKER: Terry Austin
COLORIST: Marie Severin
LETTERER: Lois Buhalis
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Frank Berrios
EDITOR: Mike McAvennie
Parasite manages to steal Superman’s powers again, but this time the crime spree has an ulterior motive. He wants to prove to the girl he loved back in school–third grade–that he’s not a loser and he’s planning to retire with her, and maybe finally find a cure…or at least regain his human form. However, she’s just not that interested and when Superman comes to rescue her Parasite appears to sacrifice himself to save her from his collapsing headquarters.
What they got right: Parasite’s trick to get Superman’s powers is surprisingly clever…for him anyway. The fight at the end was good and I applaud the attempt to give Parasite some backstory and a positive side. He wasn’t evil until he turned into the Parasite.
What they got wrong: However, I don’t think the story worked for me. Impressing a girl he was into in third grade just feels forced. This is not something in any version of the show, including the TV show from what I remember. I give Millar credit for trying to do something new with Parasite, but I don’t think this worked as well as he hoped.
Recommendation: Not a bad story but not really one you need to track down unless you want the full collection.
