It’s always a treat to see
Neal Adams back in action in the DC Universe. This time, he and Harley revisit
one of his classic projects – though why Harley is still a bit of a
head-scratcher. What follow may be spoilers for those not familiar with the
original story. But that’s your problem – it’s only been out for 38 years.
Fans of the Superman vs
Muhammad Ali tabloid (1978) will enjoy a retelling of the classic story, with
Harley standing in for Ali as the Scrubb encircles its armada around Earth. He
intends to pit his champion against Earth’s. Naturally Superman steps up, but
Harley insists she’s better suited. This leads to a preliminary bout between
Supes and Harley, followed by the main event between Harley and Hunk’ya.
What Neal Adams and Denny
O‘Neil originally took 72 pages to tell, Connor & Co. are able to relate in
39 pages, condensing the story without losing anything too significant, while
at the same time adding a few elements that help make it the off-beat Harley tale
one might expect. The story is more of a remake, the noticeable difference bing
Harley for Ali, altering the story enough to freshen it up.
Of course, Neal Adams art is stellar, thought he
seems to lift some portions directly from the original. In this era of
Photoshop, I can’t help but wonder how much of the work was done by his staff
of assistants, and how much was him giving it the distinctive Neal Adams
polish. Still, it’s Neal-friggin’-Adams!