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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
WELCOME IN THIS YEAR OF 1978 ON THE PLANET OF STELLAR RING FOR SHOCK BODACE supermen!
TODAY, IN THE CATEGORY HEAVY:
IN THE CORNER BLUE,
1m91, ACKNOWLEDGING A WEIGHT OF 100 KILOS TO WEIGH
FIGHTS WITH 57 TO 56 WINS *
Nicknamed LIP OF LOUISVILLE, AKA Cassius Clay, ALIAS THE HUNTER HEAD, ALIAS THE CHAMPION, ALIAS THE GREATEST!
WHOEVER FLIES AS THE BUTTERFLY AND PIQUE AS THE BEE ...
MOHAMED ALI ...!
IN FRONT OF HIM, standing RED IN THE CORNER,
1m92, ACKNOWLEDGING A WEIGHT OF 112 KILOS TO WEIGH
FOUGHT WITH MOST SUCCESSFUL FLEAUX threatening EARTH.
Nicknamed MAN OF STEEL, THE MAN OF TOMORROW OR THE FANTASY OF HOUSEHOLD IN RED SLIP!
ONE THAT IS FASTER THAN A BALL REVOLVER, MORE POWERFUL THAN A LOCOMOTIVE, MORE RESISTANT THAN A TEACHER SCHOOLS ... HERE IS THE SON OF KRYPTON ...
SUPER ... MAN!
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The pitch:
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While Clark Kent and Lois Lane interview Mohamed Ali in a disadvantaged neighborhood, an alien aggressor arrives gorged usual vile intentions ... After being quickly extinguished, he announces part of a warlike people that will not leave this tranquil planet Only if the largest landowner fighting between Superman and Ali managed to overcome their terrible champion. Setbacks with the alien fleet will force thereafter the Man of Steel to play the game.
Superman and Muhammad Ali in the ring thus end that will separate them on a distant planet orbiting a red sun (the passage canceling the powers of kyptonien).
Thus, before a crowd abuzz Galactic, the match of the century begins!
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Two years after the passage room upsetting Rocky (the second-class boxer to face a champion whose character was based on Ali) surged on newsstands this comic even more unlikely, where two popular icons - the fictitious, the other real well - found themselves forced to confront themselves to defend the fate of humanity.
Of course, this was a commercial product intended to enjoy the powerful notoriety when Mohamed Ali, yet the result will go well beyond the simple product control ...
The success of the Blaxploitation (those movies where African Americans were highly emphasized in the issues they at heart) and Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong films filled with kung fu) have strongly pushed the comic industry develop community-superheroes such as the Black Panther, Shang-Chi, Luke Cage, or the Falcon. Yet none of them really reached the boot of indéboulonnable Superman ... So outside of the boxes and bubbles that the people and found another role model, perhaps closer to them; a symbol of determination and success in an ever unjust society. And the one who stole the hearts as well as boxing matches with verve and grip, it was of course Cassius Clay!
His refusal to participate in the Vietnam War, its origins, its political commitments, his sound bites and of course his exploits in the ring quickly made the new champion of the people. Therefore, when this man non-standard and adored was described as Black Superman, a simple but crazy idea arose: why not organize a paper match between Superman and Black (white) Superman, but united for the good common? A lucrative idea but also a bold attempt to definitively file the residues of segregationist in the popular mind. This desire for equality and unification overrated so wisely on the idealistic development advocated under the presidency of Democrat Jimmy Carter and Controversial.
Again, the comic book was trying to prove that he was the right medium for changing attitudes of his time; and during playback, the BD will actually dotted elements preaching brotherhood and multiculturalism.
We note for example that sublime very first double page "United colors of Benetton"; the scenes with this galactico-diverse audience in unison; like that famous handshake between the two heroes. Because yes, Muhammad Ali is not only presented as a great champion but also as a real fighter, a selfless, philosopher and above all the equal of Superman. The ring champion becomes the champion of good. Some might also see a parable about the superpower United States, self-appointed defenders of great humanity.
Such an undertaking could not therefore be entrusted to a squad of top names. If the original script belongs to Dennis O'Neil, it is ultimately Neal Adams (Deadman, Green Lantern / Green Arrow and breathtaking episodes of Batman) that will complete the company after two years of work. Indeed, who better then that this artist, one of the most influential designers of the 70's with his line-boiling hot and swarming with realistic details, to succeed the unthinkable?
With this style that places the player in the heart of the action where the depth of amazed narrowly field work and emphatic body language developed as a catalyst of emotions, Adams was definitely the man for the job. And for the fine tuning, he could naturally count on the talent of recognized Dick Giordano and Terry Austin masters.
In the end, the drawings are of great readability with silhouettes that seem alive, always gracious and devilishly expressive. The scenes of space effects on the wave Star Wars cartonnent the warm moments envelop you like a mohair blanket and boxes of matches vibrate under your eyes excited. This is great art!
In addition, the fast pace of the narrative pretext filter will leave no respite and even reserve you some surprises ...
Regarding characterization, it is fully successful and we find happiness with all the nobility of Superman, and the devastating banter Ali (to the point that the champion rumored to have participated in some of his dialogue) . The link Adams-the-magician with an unequaled sharpness pressing each facial expression.
All this is fun concentrate on each page and you find yourself going back to these inexhaustible redévorer boxes générérosité!
Moreover, it would be criminal to ignore this wonderful coverage reproduced in bonuses! The last game to amuse you-But-that is-present-in-the-public ?, although a good knowledge of celebrities (again real / fictional ...) the 70 is required (the list of names being nevertheless given). In short, the kind of work that surely traumatized crazy wonderful filling what George Perez ...
For this beautiful edition "Deluxe", the original size was reduced (28,5x19cm) and the present coloring on glossy paper, without distorting the work orginale. It's simple, even this new jacket decorated with retro charm, it was like seeing a recent comic straight out of the oven. Add to that some preparatory drawings and bonus script lines, and standeth quality editing.
And for those who prefer to laugh at bonii and get maximum details on the drawings: snap up the facsimile edition with its large-format boards!
So by his side event, the meeting strongly marked minds and fact entérina the iconic consecration of the greatest boxer of all time. Although, paradoxically, it is at about the time of the first publication that Ali began his sport and physical decline.
Ultimately, Superman vs. Muhammad Ali is the comic book pop that a central monolith is the Stonehenge: a founder and essential element. And more than three decades later, we still feel the waves.
If it is malignant, this is what Santa Claus will slide to the foot of your tree.
NB: once the title has received a French publication in Sagédition, under the title of "Superman against Cassius Clay". A rarity today overpriced.
* Awards in early 1978; if 61 fights for 56 wins at retirement.
