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Superman Post-Crisis #62
Superman: Strange Attractors
Legendary comics creator John Byrne returns to pencil the adventures of the Man of Steel in action-filled tales written by Gail Simone. This volume features Superman squaring off against an assortment of vile villains including Dr. Polaris, Dr. Psycho, Black Adam, Satanus and Livewire.
Collects ACTION COMICS #827-828 and #830-835.
Collects ACTION COMICS #827-828 and #830-835.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2006
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About the author
Gail Simone
1,078 books1,237 followersGail Simone is a comic book writer well-known for her work on Birds of Prey (DC), Wonder Woman (DC), and Deadpool (Marvel), among others, and has also written humorous and critical commentary on comics and the comics industry such as the original "Women in Refrigerators" website and a regular column called "You'll All Be Sorry".
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 15, 2019
3.5 stars
"The people in this world who do kindnesses, or search for the truth despite their lives being at risk . . . people who risk everything for the sake of others, and those who simply try to help those whose need might be greater than their own. Those people inspire me . . . they're my magnetic north, if you will." -- Superman
After an uneven opening story - magnetized villain Dr. Polaris is so psychologically damaged from his childhood abuse (horrifically depicted in just a few panels, which were actually sort of effective) that he manifests an imaginary evil female counterpart . . . or something like that (?!) - Ms. Simone settles into a nice groove, with better stories rounding out the volume. Our 'Man of Steel' variously battles the cold-bloodedly evil Dr. Psycho (he mind-controls dozens of innocent airline passengers on a flight arriving in Metropolis), the smitten Queen of Fables (she places Superman in a dark fairy tale-like situation, in an odd attempt to prove he is 'worthy' of her love), and the electrifying Live-Wire (a disgraced, superhero-hating female 'shock jock' strikes out in the city with devastating lightning strikes). Plus, Lois Lane is written as sharply as ever, no doubt due to Ms. Simone's exceptional talent in penning female characters. Maybe not a 'must-read,' but still a pretty solid Superman collection.
"The people in this world who do kindnesses, or search for the truth despite their lives being at risk . . . people who risk everything for the sake of others, and those who simply try to help those whose need might be greater than their own. Those people inspire me . . . they're my magnetic north, if you will." -- Superman
After an uneven opening story - magnetized villain Dr. Polaris is so psychologically damaged from his childhood abuse (horrifically depicted in just a few panels, which were actually sort of effective) that he manifests an imaginary evil female counterpart . . . or something like that (?!) - Ms. Simone settles into a nice groove, with better stories rounding out the volume. Our 'Man of Steel' variously battles the cold-bloodedly evil Dr. Psycho (he mind-controls dozens of innocent airline passengers on a flight arriving in Metropolis), the smitten Queen of Fables (she places Superman in a dark fairy tale-like situation, in an odd attempt to prove he is 'worthy' of her love), and the electrifying Live-Wire (a disgraced, superhero-hating female 'shock jock' strikes out in the city with devastating lightning strikes). Plus, Lois Lane is written as sharply as ever, no doubt due to Ms. Simone's exceptional talent in penning female characters. Maybe not a 'must-read,' but still a pretty solid Superman collection.
January 8, 2014
For me, John Byrne is still the definitive Superman artist. In 1986, when the highly regarded Man of Steel limited series was published, I was eight years old, so that figures. (refer: Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 1)
Reading Strange Attractors just felt right. Not too easy to qualify that, I know. The art is just really great. Unsurprisingly, Byrne seems extremely well qualified to draw Black Adam too. There is no particular overarching story here, although the events early in the collection are tied in to the Villains United storyline (Lex Luthor creating a league of Super Villains, which includes the likes of Dr Polaris, Dr Psycho, Bizarro and the Reverse Flash (Zoom). Black Adam is involved too, but I’m not quite sure where this went, because this arc is obviously completed elsewhere). There is also a story involving The Spectre, who seeks vengeance against Satanus (on Halloween). Anything involving The Spectre is bound to be epic, by his very nature, so that didn’t disappoint either.
Something interesting: Dan Abnett is listed as co-writer in Strange Attractors (yes – he of Warhammer royalty).
The final three issues collected here deal with The Queen of Fables and Livewire. The Queen of Fables story, especially, is rather notable (it’s quite unique).
As you may have surmised, Strange Attractors is a collection of rather loosely connected stories that were originally printed in Action Comics 827 through 835 (but excluding issue 829). It’s not all about city leveling boss-fights either: a number of things take place in between, like Lois being kidnapped by a stalker and targeted for assassination. All in all it reads more like “a day in the life of Superman” than anything else, and it likely won’t go down in history as one of the definitive Superman graphic novels (mostly because it isn’t (1) an Origin Story, or (2) a “what if?” Alternate Universe scenario) but I enjoyed it immensely.
Recommended for folk who just want to read some Superman stories, and who don’t particularly want to read yet another origin story.
Recommended for folk who want to see a bit of a fisticuff between The Man of Steel and Black Adam, even if it doesn’t last nearly long enough.
Recommended for Superman fans in general, and especially those who remember the early John Byrne days with fondness.
Reading Strange Attractors just felt right. Not too easy to qualify that, I know. The art is just really great. Unsurprisingly, Byrne seems extremely well qualified to draw Black Adam too. There is no particular overarching story here, although the events early in the collection are tied in to the Villains United storyline (Lex Luthor creating a league of Super Villains, which includes the likes of Dr Polaris, Dr Psycho, Bizarro and the Reverse Flash (Zoom). Black Adam is involved too, but I’m not quite sure where this went, because this arc is obviously completed elsewhere). There is also a story involving The Spectre, who seeks vengeance against Satanus (on Halloween). Anything involving The Spectre is bound to be epic, by his very nature, so that didn’t disappoint either.
Something interesting: Dan Abnett is listed as co-writer in Strange Attractors (yes – he of Warhammer royalty).
The final three issues collected here deal with The Queen of Fables and Livewire. The Queen of Fables story, especially, is rather notable (it’s quite unique).
As you may have surmised, Strange Attractors is a collection of rather loosely connected stories that were originally printed in Action Comics 827 through 835 (but excluding issue 829). It’s not all about city leveling boss-fights either: a number of things take place in between, like Lois being kidnapped by a stalker and targeted for assassination. All in all it reads more like “a day in the life of Superman” than anything else, and it likely won’t go down in history as one of the definitive Superman graphic novels (mostly because it isn’t (1) an Origin Story, or (2) a “what if?” Alternate Universe scenario) but I enjoyed it immensely.
Recommended for folk who just want to read some Superman stories, and who don’t particularly want to read yet another origin story.
Recommended for folk who want to see a bit of a fisticuff between The Man of Steel and Black Adam, even if it doesn’t last nearly long enough.
Recommended for Superman fans in general, and especially those who remember the early John Byrne days with fondness.
June 27, 2023
As a fan of Gail Simone's more recent comic writings I fear these older Action Comic stories were pedestrian - average even. I mean these stories are from Action Comics and kind of just bunched together to make a Gail and John Byrne trade. So Lois suffers some sexist kidnapping attention and physicals abuse while helpless. Then the Queen of Fables has a crush on Superman trying to make him her loyal servant. At least I know Gail's writing gets better. John Byrne's art is great as always but feels kind of wasted as a gimmick to grow sales.
Oh well, another trade from the comic book shop discount bin.
Oh well, another trade from the comic book shop discount bin.
January 6, 2015
I like Gail Simone. She gives all of the characters little moments that just lift them into reality.
June 13, 2025
A little bit confusing at times and dragged a bit but some great stories lifted up even higher courtesy of John Byrne's terrific pencil work.
December 3, 2017
This was a pretty solid Superman read. Not my favorite--mostly because, with Black Adam on the cover, I was hoping Captain Marvel might make an appearance, and when he didn't, I was disappointed--but this was still a good comic. It had a wide variety of villains, some good Lois and Clark moments, and a very positive end theme about the good in humanity--which is one of the reasons Superman is a personal favorite superhero. Superman stories tend to show the dark sides of humanity while still championing the good. And, for me personally, those are the best kinds of stories, period. Because, that's life. There's good and bad, but if we don't celebrate the good, then what's the point? I didn't love all the villains featured here--namely the Queen of Fables. I thought the concept of a being who lives on fairy tales and uses magic to bring them to life was pretty cool. But sometimes, that story stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. But it was also kind of cool to see Kryptonian fairy tales. Still, magic-based stories aren't my favorites. I just like the sci-fi side of comics more. The best part of the comic, however, was definitely how all the different elements eventually tied together. Some minor points ended up playing a role, so that was more intricate storytelling than I was expecting. This wan't the most interconnected story ever, of course, but it was still pretty well done. In short, this is another good read to if you're on a Superman kick... like I currently am.
February 25, 2013
I actually really enjoyed this! Not many can draw a better Superman than John Byrne, and I enjoyed his art throughout. Clean, bright, classic art and colours gave this book almost a cosy retro feel. Gail Simone is one of the best writers around at the moment and I thought overall she did some decent stuff here. As a collection it is a little disjointed, just one or two minor subplots connecting up some unrelated stories, but you won't feel shot changed at ll.
The book itself is good, with a ' what came before' which is often lacking, and a cover gallery, and the reproduction quality is very good.
Not a world changer, but a solid, fun traditional superhero read.
The book itself is good, with a ' what came before' which is often lacking, and a cover gallery, and the reproduction quality is very good.
Not a world changer, but a solid, fun traditional superhero read.
September 11, 2017
As individual issues they might have been okay, stand alone stories but collected together this felt like an incoherent mess and a major step back from the work of one of my favorite writers in comics.
July 27, 2011
Fantastic! Gail Simone hit it out of the park with this one!
April 29, 2012
Whereas this will not go down as one of the greatest Superman book ever written, it was one of my favorites for it's nostalgia and overall fun.
August 27, 2011
Superman is awesome... so how come your average Superman story usually sucks?
March 24, 2019
Kolejny zbiór komiksów z Supermanem, gdzie widzimy, jak jego złoczyńcy na niego reagują. Jest tu piękny moment z Black Adamem, którego podejście do Supesa czyta się tak, jakby był w nim zakochany
April 8, 2020
While this was no Birds of Prey or Villains United, Gail Simone writes a very good Superman. The worst part about her run was that it was so short. Simone came on to Action Comics immediately after the magnificent train wreck that was Chuck Austen's run was cut short and she shepherded the title for a few months until Geoff Johns and Richard Donner took over post Infinite Crisis.
Most of the stories were done in one or two issues, with a few overarching plots, most of those circling around Lois and the Daily Planet. Villains seen in this collection include Dr. Polaris, Black Adam (sort of), Dr. Psycho, The Queen of Fables, and Live Wire. Black Adam aside, these are not my favorites, but Simone writes the hell out of them anyway. She has a particular talent for Dr. Psycho, who she also used to great effect in Villains United.
Something else notable in this series was that DC had gotten John Byrne out of mothballs around this time and was throwing him a surprising amount of work. He did a serviceable job on Superman but he was, in my opinion, a long way from his Man of Steel days.
Anyway, this is a fun Superman collection, and I wish there was more of it. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Superman or of Gail Simone.
Most of the stories were done in one or two issues, with a few overarching plots, most of those circling around Lois and the Daily Planet. Villains seen in this collection include Dr. Polaris, Black Adam (sort of), Dr. Psycho, The Queen of Fables, and Live Wire. Black Adam aside, these are not my favorites, but Simone writes the hell out of them anyway. She has a particular talent for Dr. Psycho, who she also used to great effect in Villains United.
Something else notable in this series was that DC had gotten John Byrne out of mothballs around this time and was throwing him a surprising amount of work. He did a serviceable job on Superman but he was, in my opinion, a long way from his Man of Steel days.
Anyway, this is a fun Superman collection, and I wish there was more of it. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Superman or of Gail Simone.
September 4, 2025
Une collection d'issues un peu disparates, sans réelles liens entre elles, les premières issues sont liés a l'evenement pre crisis, avec un Tie in de Villains united.
C'est sympa, mais on sent la commande obligatoire.
Par contre, les issues autour de la Queen of Fables et de Livewire sont particulièrement interessant. Gail Simone est une autrice de talent et sait manier correctement les personnages et leur donnée une vrai caractérisation et pas de simple rôle de faire valoir.
Sa Loïs est très pertinente et c'est très dommage qu'on ne puisse pas la voir écrire un peu plus de superman.
Je n'aurai pas mis la quatrième étoile à ce recueil sans le travail absolument exceptionnel de
John Byrne. C'est magnifique, il a toujours été parfait dans l'illustration de superman, et cela n'a pas changé pour autant, c'est même peut être encore plus beau qu'avant. On ne s'en lasse pas.
Pour résumé, le duo Simone Byrne nous livre quelques issues très intéressantes qui arrivent malgré un besoin éditorial étouffant à nous faire passer un très bon moment.
C'est sympa, mais on sent la commande obligatoire.
Par contre, les issues autour de la Queen of Fables et de Livewire sont particulièrement interessant. Gail Simone est une autrice de talent et sait manier correctement les personnages et leur donnée une vrai caractérisation et pas de simple rôle de faire valoir.
Sa Loïs est très pertinente et c'est très dommage qu'on ne puisse pas la voir écrire un peu plus de superman.
Je n'aurai pas mis la quatrième étoile à ce recueil sans le travail absolument exceptionnel de
John Byrne. C'est magnifique, il a toujours été parfait dans l'illustration de superman, et cela n'a pas changé pour autant, c'est même peut être encore plus beau qu'avant. On ne s'en lasse pas.
Pour résumé, le duo Simone Byrne nous livre quelques issues très intéressantes qui arrivent malgré un besoin éditorial étouffant à nous faire passer un très bon moment.
April 21, 2024
This collection is a great demonstration of what was wrong with Superman books in this era. This was just filled with random stories with barely any interconnectivity. On top of that, those stories aren't very good. This did not feel like Gail Simone at all as it definitely felt super dated. There just wasn't enough to matter or care about here. John Byrne's art, while classic, doesn't help this book not seem out of place. Overall, this is probably only for Superman completists.
July 6, 2024
When coupled with strong inkers like we see here, John Byrne still rules. Solid writing, good artwork, and tasteful coloring made this a joy to read.
July 27, 2024
Enjoyed this.
Good Abnett and Lanning story also. Lois Lane gets some good play.
Good Abnett and Lanning story also. Lois Lane gets some good play.
February 13, 2016
Superman: Strange Attractors is a compilation graphic novel, showcasing Action Comics issues from artist John Byrne and writer Gail Simone. In the opening two-parter, a new magnetic villain calling herself Repulse is out to eliminate her competition. A brawl with Doctor Polaris in downtown Metropolis naturally captures Superman's attention - as does the fact that no one but Polaris can even see this Repulse. Discerning that Repulse is a new addition to Polaris's multiple personalities helps end the situation. The next arc sees Doctor Psycho, the mind-manipulating Wonder woman villain, head to Metropolis to get his licks in on the Big Blue Boy Scout. Using a jewel heist from Shrapnel as a cover, Psycho brainwashes innocent civilians into leaping from tall buildings and attacking Superman for autographs. Black Adam is sent to retrieve the Doctor, only to become embroiled in the conflict himself; an escalating battle between the two powerhouses is finally concluded with Psycho standing down on orders from the Secret Society. A one-shot issue brings the Spectre to town, hunting for the mystical demon Satanus. Selflessly giving himself over to free the enthralled people, the Man of Steel is able to weaken Satanu's protection spell enough for the Spectre to claim vengeance. The final issues bring back the Queen of Fables, who desires Superman as her mate, and introduces the animated series villain Livewire to the comic book universe in a convoluted alteration of her origin. Simone and Byrne provide some entertaining looks at Superman's interactions with the DCU as a whole, offering some unique foils that could not be simply punched into submission. The supporting cast plots - including Jimmy's dangerous actions, Lois's multiple kidnappings, and new Planet staffers - leave much to be desired. Overall, the writing from Simone and the art from Byrne hearken back to the classic Superman - which is strangely appealing in the wake of the New 52.
December 31, 2019
Man, I wish Gail and Byrne had stayed on Superman longer and been given a chance to do their own stories. This was a pretty fun book. Nothing revolutionary, but Byrne has re-affirmed his status as one of the great Superman artists, and Simone turned in (mostly) entertaining stories. She handled the Lois/Clark relationship well, and the stories were pretty fun, even if most of them tied into Villains United or Day of Vengeance and, thus, didn't conclude in any satisfactory way.
+++++++++++
Years removed from any osmosis inkling of the crossover stories involved (none of which I ever read or will read), I enjoyed this even less, but I still appreciate Gail's handle on Lois and Clark as well as John's artwork. A very fringe Superman collection - looking back, I can't say I'm too disappointed that the creative pairing didn't get another crack.
+++++++++++
Years removed from any osmosis inkling of the crossover stories involved (none of which I ever read or will read), I enjoyed this even less, but I still appreciate Gail's handle on Lois and Clark as well as John's artwork. A very fringe Superman collection - looking back, I can't say I'm too disappointed that the creative pairing didn't get another crack.
February 2, 2017
Yikes! You know there's a chance it's gonna be bad when you open it up and Superman is running around in Ecuador using his cape as a toga! Wtf?
It's actually not a terrible book, it's just not great either.
The Polaris/Repulse thing was actually sort of cool, but they dropped the ball by revealing it way too early.
It's actually not a terrible book but the timing is kind of weird. When Black Adam and Reverse Flash showed up it was just awkward.
Each one one of the characters-Lois, Jimmy, Perry, all get their moment in this book which is kind of nice to see. It's just sort of amazing to see how stupid they all can be after all these years...I mean, really Jimmy...you forgot to take pictures of the battle...again?!?!?
It's actually not a terrible book, it's just not great either.
The Polaris/Repulse thing was actually sort of cool, but they dropped the ball by revealing it way too early.
It's actually not a terrible book but the timing is kind of weird. When Black Adam and Reverse Flash showed up it was just awkward.
Each one one of the characters-Lois, Jimmy, Perry, all get their moment in this book which is kind of nice to see. It's just sort of amazing to see how stupid they all can be after all these years...I mean, really Jimmy...you forgot to take pictures of the battle...again?!?!?
August 30, 2014
Well at least this was competently written, I just really really didn't like it. Confused mish-mash of stories. And oh so very dull.
The quest for good Superman comics continues.
The quest for good Superman comics continues.
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August 21, 2016Anything Gail Simone, any time!
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