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Superman Novels #2
Miracle Monday
The man of steel meets a demon of fire! — — From another world, another dimension, a hellish fiend escapes to test the earth's greatest hero. — Possessing the body of a visitor from the future,and using the schemes and dreams of a master criminal, C.W. Saturn strikes at the heart of civiliazation--and the forces of chaos threaten to destroy the very order of the universe.
But the devastation of the world is not the evil one's goal, only his means to the corruption for the last Kryptonian--the superhero mow stripped of his Clark Kent alias and fighting an enemy whose dark powers are as limitless as those of the Devil himself.
The second of Warner's series of Superman novels.
But the devastation of the world is not the evil one's goal, only his means to the corruption for the last Kryptonian--the superhero mow stripped of his Clark Kent alias and fighting an enemy whose dark powers are as limitless as those of the Devil himself.
The second of Warner's series of Superman novels.
205 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1981
56 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Elliot S. Maggin
240 books33 followersElliot S. Maggin, also spelled Elliot S! Maggin, is an American writer of comic books, film, television and novels. He was a main writer for DC Comics during the Bronze and early Modern ages of comics in the 1970s and 1980s. He is particularly associated with the character of Superman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 17, 2012
This was the second and, sadly, last of Maggin's original Superman novels. The first was in many ways a retelling of the origin story while balancing that out with a new story and adventure. This one is, well, different.
One of the things that makes the old superheroes seem less relatable to modern audiences is their code. Superman does not kill. Period. That's who he is. Now, of course, this code wasn't in place in the very early comics, but pretty soon, the writers decided to make all their superheroes have a similar code. So Superman is the big Boy Scout. He doesn't steal, he doesn't lie (with the exception of protecting his secret identity), drink, smoke or any of those things, because that's the whole point. It's not his powers that make him Superman, it's his code and his ideals and his reasons for doing what he does.
In 'Miracle Monday', a demon from Hell comes to test the Man of Steel. Not to beat him up or kill him; merely to make his life unbearable until he violates the very code he stands for. That's the whole point to this story. As such, it becomes very harrowing, indeed. For instance, the demon sets off EVERY nuclear weapon on the plant simultaneously - even the secret ones, even the hidden ones, ALL OF THEM. And of course, this is a job for Superman. As before, Maggin doesn't downplay the hero's great powers. Rather, he writes stories that challenge those powers to their breaking point. This book is very different than 'Last Son of Krypton': the first is sci-fi more than anything, while this is more about magic and myth. But the characters at the heart of the story stand out and make it seem immediate. Not to give anything away, but major events happen in this story to the accepted Superman dynamic, and it is fascinating to see how the different characters response when secrets are brought out. Again, one of t hose books that defined a character for me and made me a lifetime Superfan.
One of the things that makes the old superheroes seem less relatable to modern audiences is their code. Superman does not kill. Period. That's who he is. Now, of course, this code wasn't in place in the very early comics, but pretty soon, the writers decided to make all their superheroes have a similar code. So Superman is the big Boy Scout. He doesn't steal, he doesn't lie (with the exception of protecting his secret identity), drink, smoke or any of those things, because that's the whole point. It's not his powers that make him Superman, it's his code and his ideals and his reasons for doing what he does.
In 'Miracle Monday', a demon from Hell comes to test the Man of Steel. Not to beat him up or kill him; merely to make his life unbearable until he violates the very code he stands for. That's the whole point to this story. As such, it becomes very harrowing, indeed. For instance, the demon sets off EVERY nuclear weapon on the plant simultaneously - even the secret ones, even the hidden ones, ALL OF THEM. And of course, this is a job for Superman. As before, Maggin doesn't downplay the hero's great powers. Rather, he writes stories that challenge those powers to their breaking point. This book is very different than 'Last Son of Krypton': the first is sci-fi more than anything, while this is more about magic and myth. But the characters at the heart of the story stand out and make it seem immediate. Not to give anything away, but major events happen in this story to the accepted Superman dynamic, and it is fascinating to see how the different characters response when secrets are brought out. Again, one of t hose books that defined a character for me and made me a lifetime Superfan.
June 12, 2013
Superman does not kill. Ever. That is the Miracle Monday Rule.
Miracle Monday was the second of two Superman novels, a follow-up to 1978's also-awesome Superman: Last Son of Krypton -- that were released to capitalize on the popularity of the Superman movies. Though, despite the presence of 8 pages of black and white photos of Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Terence Stamp, Miracle Monday had nothing to do with the movies.
Instead, it's a prose version of Superman at his Bronze Age best, and stands as one of the all-time best Superman stories ever printed in any medium.
The plot focuses on a character named Kristen Wells, a historian from the 29th Century -- the year 2857, to be exact -- who travels back in time and goes undercover at the Daily Planet in order to discover the origins of Miracle Monday.
Of course, in true comic book time travel fashion, Wells ends up becoming a critical part of the holiday herself. A demon named C.W. Saturn -- released by Lex Luthor when he dabbles in magic and acting on the orders of the Ruler of Hell -- possesses Wells and unleashes hellish power all across the world, pushing Superman to the limit with threats that are both outlandish and genuinely sinister...culminating in forcing Superman to physically stop a nuclear war, and then exposing his identity as Clark Kent to the world.
His goal is to force Superman to stop him by killing Wells, taking an innocent life and destroying everything he stands for. But Superman is never for a second conflicted about whether or not he should take this action. The idea of Superman killing someone is, as the man himself says, nonsense. Superman does not take a life, even if it means he would have to spend the rest of his life battling Saturn. Superman explaining that he'll always be there to stop evil to a living embodiment of evil, and doing it like he's trying to break down the simplest fact for a child, is an amazing bit of writing. And of course, in the story, when faced with someone who is truly unshakable in his convictions and willing to to sacrifice his life to do nothing but wage that never-ending battle, Saturn's hold on Wells is broken, and Superman is granted a wish.
He asks that everything that happened since Saturn's arrival be undone, and it is granted, with Saturn then being banished back to Hell. However, a lingering memory of the events remained within the souls of humanity, causing them to begin celebrating the day every year, on the third Monday of May, starting the Miracle Monday tradition. Everyone just remembers how relieved and happy they are on the third Monday in May, and they commemorate it every year. Kristin then returns to the future to reveal this fact to the public.
It's an amazing character study of how Superman works, and it also introduces some great ideas into the larger mythos of the character -- like time traveling historians crowding into the woods, shushing each other and trying not to be seen when the Kents find the rocket from Krypton, which is hilarious and wonderful. The holiday itself was very rarely mentioned in the actual comics, it does show up as a celebration in the future in Superman #400.
Miracle Monday was the second of two Superman novels, a follow-up to 1978's also-awesome Superman: Last Son of Krypton -- that were released to capitalize on the popularity of the Superman movies. Though, despite the presence of 8 pages of black and white photos of Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Terence Stamp, Miracle Monday had nothing to do with the movies.
Instead, it's a prose version of Superman at his Bronze Age best, and stands as one of the all-time best Superman stories ever printed in any medium.
The plot focuses on a character named Kristen Wells, a historian from the 29th Century -- the year 2857, to be exact -- who travels back in time and goes undercover at the Daily Planet in order to discover the origins of Miracle Monday.
Of course, in true comic book time travel fashion, Wells ends up becoming a critical part of the holiday herself. A demon named C.W. Saturn -- released by Lex Luthor when he dabbles in magic and acting on the orders of the Ruler of Hell -- possesses Wells and unleashes hellish power all across the world, pushing Superman to the limit with threats that are both outlandish and genuinely sinister...culminating in forcing Superman to physically stop a nuclear war, and then exposing his identity as Clark Kent to the world.
His goal is to force Superman to stop him by killing Wells, taking an innocent life and destroying everything he stands for. But Superman is never for a second conflicted about whether or not he should take this action. The idea of Superman killing someone is, as the man himself says, nonsense. Superman does not take a life, even if it means he would have to spend the rest of his life battling Saturn. Superman explaining that he'll always be there to stop evil to a living embodiment of evil, and doing it like he's trying to break down the simplest fact for a child, is an amazing bit of writing. And of course, in the story, when faced with someone who is truly unshakable in his convictions and willing to to sacrifice his life to do nothing but wage that never-ending battle, Saturn's hold on Wells is broken, and Superman is granted a wish.
He asks that everything that happened since Saturn's arrival be undone, and it is granted, with Saturn then being banished back to Hell. However, a lingering memory of the events remained within the souls of humanity, causing them to begin celebrating the day every year, on the third Monday of May, starting the Miracle Monday tradition. Everyone just remembers how relieved and happy they are on the third Monday in May, and they commemorate it every year. Kristin then returns to the future to reveal this fact to the public.
It's an amazing character study of how Superman works, and it also introduces some great ideas into the larger mythos of the character -- like time traveling historians crowding into the woods, shushing each other and trying not to be seen when the Kents find the rocket from Krypton, which is hilarious and wonderful. The holiday itself was very rarely mentioned in the actual comics, it does show up as a celebration in the future in Superman #400.
August 1, 2020
This is the second of two Superman prose novels that Elliot S! Maggin wrote that were published in conjunction with the Reeve films. Despite the covers and photograph inserts, they were not connected to the movies, though they do fit in continuity with Maggin's run on the comic. I didn't like this one quite as well as the first one, because while the first one was science fiction driven, this one is more centered on magic and mysticism. On the other hand, we do have an entertaining time-travel element, and we're spared the origin recap. It's a nice, entertaining story, and sees Superman facing someone even more evil than Lex Luthor. It's a good bet for all fans of truth, justice, and the American Way.
May 10, 2021
I'd not read this book in years. At the time, Superman was the hero who people lined up at the movie theatre to see. Times have changed.
But those who think Superman is too old-fashioned, who don't understand his appeal, should read this book. You'll shake your head and wonder why you don't like this charming, noble man more than you do. Especially now, when so many find it so easy to compromise their principals and dignity.
But those who think Superman is too old-fashioned, who don't understand his appeal, should read this book. You'll shake your head and wonder why you don't like this charming, noble man more than you do. Especially now, when so many find it so easy to compromise their principals and dignity.
April 10, 2013
It's Superman fighting the devil, y'all. Five stars for describing how Lex Luthor broke out of jail to hear Noam Chomsky speak. It's a fun read that came across to me like what a late 70s/early 80s Superman TV show would be like.
March 27, 2009
The degree to which these two little novels (Last Son of Krypton, Miracle Monday) have shaped my idea of how a novel works is a long-standing, embarrassing little secret of mine. Personally, despite the pop-culture nature of the very idea of a Superman novel, I have always felt Maggin accomplished some powerful and noteworthy storytelling here. This is Superman at his most godlike, but it’s also a deeper, more thoroughgoing examination of his lifetime and psyche than I’ve ever seen attempted anywhere else. Lex Luthor, too, becomes a character with his own past and preoccupations, and dozens of projects underway at all times few of which have anything to do with Superman. The ensemble cast around them is drawn on familiar characters from the comics, each done in similarly loving closeup, plus a pile of others from the author’s own head. Maggin is a deft writer of dialogue, with a light comedic tone most of the time.
But structurally, these books are pretty intricate, with the main action often deliberately buried in a flurry of unrelated or tangentially related incidents (Maggin is also a great maker of lists, which may be a stylistic tic or may just be the inevitable result of larding on so much byplay while the plot goes sneaking along underneath). It’s not hard to read them a couple times before you’re strictly clear on which characters were actually Luthor in disguise all along, for example, because Maggin is quite content to let disguises of that sort go unmasked for many chapters in a row. When a new character or scene is introduced, its importance to the story can take quite a while to emerge, but you do need to pay attention if you want to catch it when the reveal comes.
Well worth your time whether you’re particularly interested in the comics or not.
But structurally, these books are pretty intricate, with the main action often deliberately buried in a flurry of unrelated or tangentially related incidents (Maggin is also a great maker of lists, which may be a stylistic tic or may just be the inevitable result of larding on so much byplay while the plot goes sneaking along underneath). It’s not hard to read them a couple times before you’re strictly clear on which characters were actually Luthor in disguise all along, for example, because Maggin is quite content to let disguises of that sort go unmasked for many chapters in a row. When a new character or scene is introduced, its importance to the story can take quite a while to emerge, but you do need to pay attention if you want to catch it when the reveal comes.
Well worth your time whether you’re particularly interested in the comics or not.
September 2, 2023
Okay, if you're the guy that wrote 'Last son of Krypton' how do you top Superman and Luthor teaming up to tangle with an alien menace?
You have Superman fight the devil, of course.
Lex Luthor cuts a deal with the devil and it involves a virus from space, a history student from the future, a lock of Superman's hair and it is brilliant.
Maggin takes his story ideas straight out of the Silver age comics, makes you believe in the world he's created and fills it up with the best characterization of Superman and his supporting cast to show up in a Superman story in years.
and the way Superman beats the devil ( does that need a spoiler warning? Course not! he's Superman! we all knew he would win.) just makes you realize that Superman is just the coolest damn character in the world. He's the hero. The guy we wish was keeping an eye on things.
You have Superman fight the devil, of course.
Lex Luthor cuts a deal with the devil and it involves a virus from space, a history student from the future, a lock of Superman's hair and it is brilliant.
Maggin takes his story ideas straight out of the Silver age comics, makes you believe in the world he's created and fills it up with the best characterization of Superman and his supporting cast to show up in a Superman story in years.
and the way Superman beats the devil ( does that need a spoiler warning? Course not! he's Superman! we all knew he would win.) just makes you realize that Superman is just the coolest damn character in the world. He's the hero. The guy we wish was keeping an eye on things.
April 25, 2023
I’ve used the same profile picture since the day I joined Goodreads. I chose it merely because it is beautifully drawn and colored, and features one of my favorite characters in a bold, optimistic pose (I believe the artist is Adam Hughes). I never tire of it. But after reading the first two chapters of Miracle Monday, it now has a deeper meaning for me. It reminds me that the legend of Superman isn’t special just because a rocket from a doomed planet landed on Earth; it is special because of where it landed and the people who found it.
This book explores that legend, more specifically the character and his supporting cast (for comic fans: these are the waning years of the Bronze Age, just before the revamping of the saga in 1987). They all get a moment on the stage, and are the recipients of character studies they weren’t often afforded in the comics of the day: Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Lena Thorul and her brother Lex Luthor (although a bit too much time is spent on Lex; this is the evil genius version and I much prefer John Byrne’s ruthless tycoon).
The story is told in a series of short chapters. The middle does drag a bit, as the main plot – an agent of the devil plans to destroy the fabric of time and space – takes a tad too long to build. When it gets there, the stakes become clear and things become suspenseful and dramatic because the villain makes it all very personal. The reader wonders: how will Superman stop this insurmountable foe without sacrificing everything he holds dear? The answer requires a bit of guesswork on the part of the reader, but makes sense in the world of fantasy.
There is a sequel of sorts. A character introduced in this book soon moved into the DC Universe proper…so I’m off to dig out two certain Annuals from my collection of DC Comics Presents.
This book explores that legend, more specifically the character and his supporting cast (for comic fans: these are the waning years of the Bronze Age, just before the revamping of the saga in 1987). They all get a moment on the stage, and are the recipients of character studies they weren’t often afforded in the comics of the day: Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Lena Thorul and her brother Lex Luthor (although a bit too much time is spent on Lex; this is the evil genius version and I much prefer John Byrne’s ruthless tycoon).
The story is told in a series of short chapters. The middle does drag a bit, as the main plot – an agent of the devil plans to destroy the fabric of time and space – takes a tad too long to build. When it gets there, the stakes become clear and things become suspenseful and dramatic because the villain makes it all very personal. The reader wonders: how will Superman stop this insurmountable foe without sacrificing everything he holds dear? The answer requires a bit of guesswork on the part of the reader, but makes sense in the world of fantasy.
There is a sequel of sorts. A character introduced in this book soon moved into the DC Universe proper…so I’m off to dig out two certain Annuals from my collection of DC Comics Presents.
February 21, 2014
This is probably my favorite Superman story. As others have said he does get a little long-winded in the second half of the book, but the Lex Luther/Superman relationship is probably the best version of the story. Even when he gets long-winded it's still compelling. There is some of his very left-leaning politics from the 70s sprinkled throughout, but it's all relevant.
This is the mischievous, mad scientist Lex Luther from the silver age. I really don't have a problem with it though. As always Superman takes him down with a wink out to us. He's clever, and he knows how ridiculous Lex's schemes are. Just like us. False beards? Wigs? On the most well-known villain of all time? Come on.
The real villain, in the main plot, isn't nearly as compelling as the flashbacks to Smallville with Clark and Lex and their youth. It does help support some of the themes Maggin's working with though.
It's been several years since I've read this and I was kind of surprised with some of the more PG-13 material. Lois drops an s-bomb. Their encounter at the Hot Springs is pretty sexy. I didn't mind it. I just forgot about it.
I'm a lifelong Superman fan (I even have a tattoo) and this is the purest representation of the character that I know of. If you like the character, or if you're looking for reasons to like the character, you'd probably like this book
This is the mischievous, mad scientist Lex Luther from the silver age. I really don't have a problem with it though. As always Superman takes him down with a wink out to us. He's clever, and he knows how ridiculous Lex's schemes are. Just like us. False beards? Wigs? On the most well-known villain of all time? Come on.
The real villain, in the main plot, isn't nearly as compelling as the flashbacks to Smallville with Clark and Lex and their youth. It does help support some of the themes Maggin's working with though.
It's been several years since I've read this and I was kind of surprised with some of the more PG-13 material. Lois drops an s-bomb. Their encounter at the Hot Springs is pretty sexy. I didn't mind it. I just forgot about it.
I'm a lifelong Superman fan (I even have a tattoo) and this is the purest representation of the character that I know of. If you like the character, or if you're looking for reasons to like the character, you'd probably like this book
October 4, 2018
Elliott did something fun with his Superman novels in putting them into the continuity of the comic book stories he wrote before the novels and then building on them in comic book and prose short stories he wrote afterwards. His portrayal of Superman is the logical maturation of Jerry Siegel's and is generally much kinder and smarter than the character is usually written. As a stand alone novel, I prefer Last Son of Krypton, but this is a fun read and gets bonus points for the added value it garnered in the comic book stories which built on its concepts and characters.
March 27, 2025
One of my favorite books I've read in recent memory. Touted by a lot of people as the perfect superman story. And they're right. It's an uplifting reminder of everything I love about the character. New and interesting looks at how he lives, uses for his powers, evaluations of his amazing supporting cast that show them in a new light. I loved every second of it. The writing is solid too. In a lot of ways it reminds me of al Ewing's Gods of Manhattan.
Long love Superman.
Long love Superman.
February 8, 2019
If you can find this book out there, snap it up.
One of the best written comic book stories I've ever seen.
I haven't seen it on a shelf in over 20 years so if you see it, it's worth whatever you have to pay for it.
Too bad Mr. Maggin didn't write any more of these Superman books. I'd read them all.
Update: You'll have to find it used, of course. Amazon has some sellers with it for under $20. Also, pick up the first book, "Superman: Last Son of Krypton," for another great read. Again, good read.
Note: I got it from Glenn. His e-mail: madhatterspalace@yahoo.com.
Further Update: Reading through it again real quick and thoroughly enjoying it again!
Final Update: Upon re-reading it, it doesn't strike me as being as wonderful as the first one. The first one had much more of what you like to see in a comic book hero whereas this one tames it down quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great read, just doesn't have the impact that the first one had.
--Wag--
One of the best written comic book stories I've ever seen.
I haven't seen it on a shelf in over 20 years so if you see it, it's worth whatever you have to pay for it.
Too bad Mr. Maggin didn't write any more of these Superman books. I'd read them all.
Update: You'll have to find it used, of course. Amazon has some sellers with it for under $20. Also, pick up the first book, "Superman: Last Son of Krypton," for another great read. Again, good read.
Note: I got it from Glenn. His e-mail: madhatterspalace@yahoo.com.
Further Update: Reading through it again real quick and thoroughly enjoying it again!
Final Update: Upon re-reading it, it doesn't strike me as being as wonderful as the first one. The first one had much more of what you like to see in a comic book hero whereas this one tames it down quite a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great read, just doesn't have the impact that the first one had.
--Wag--
July 16, 2011
Very disappointed in this volume after reading "The Last Son of Krypton." Instead of science fiction, this novel focuses in on magic. The good scenes are not quite good enough to make up for the not-funny insult-comic characterization of Lex Luthor, the goofy way Maggin continually uses sentences and sometimes paragraphs to form lists instead of good prose, or several poor word choices (Lois Lane tells Superman he made her feel "shitty"; there is a chapter titled, "The Raped Lock"; etc.).
After reading the first in "Warner's Series of Superman Novels," I can see why they commissioned another, but after reading the second one, I can see why they stopped at two.
After reading the first in "Warner's Series of Superman Novels," I can see why they commissioned another, but after reading the second one, I can see why they stopped at two.
March 3, 2011
Even better than Maggin's Superman, Last Son of Krypton. No origin story to worry about here, Luthor is significant but not the primary villain.
Superman's character is seriously tested in ethical and physical battle with the demon prince of the netherworld. Also, time travelling historians! The unholy marriage of sf and fantasy works beautifully. It's a high compliment for me that this reminds me of Douglas Adams stuff; off the rails impossible and internally logical is a sweet thing to behold.
Absolutely more fun than Downbelow Station, which won the Hugo Award that year.
Superman's character is seriously tested in ethical and physical battle with the demon prince of the netherworld. Also, time travelling historians! The unholy marriage of sf and fantasy works beautifully. It's a high compliment for me that this reminds me of Douglas Adams stuff; off the rails impossible and internally logical is a sweet thing to behold.
Absolutely more fun than Downbelow Station, which won the Hugo Award that year.
July 28, 2015
Elliot S. Maggin did a great job with this novel. I wish the next stand alone Superman movie would tell this story from the 80's. Superman does not kill, not even the devil, period. If you're a Superman fan from the 80's then I think you will enjoy this time capsule inspired by the first Christopher Reeve film. Superman vs C. W. Saturn would be a great film, especially for Legion of Superhero fans.
July 9, 2015
This is an incredible story that is deceptively simple on the surface. Maggin makes interesting use of Superman's cast of characters, his power set, and the world he lives in unlike any other writer in any medium.
September 16, 2017
I read it in the eighties.
I thought this was a lot more serious in the eighties. The line about Morgan edge looking like a grown up version of Bruce Jenner is now comical as hell. Actually a good plot from a long term writer of the superman comics.
I thought this was a lot more serious in the eighties. The line about Morgan edge looking like a grown up version of Bruce Jenner is now comical as hell. Actually a good plot from a long term writer of the superman comics.
January 28, 2024
I ended up loving this - even with some of the weird bits. I read Maggin's Last Son of Krypton last year and ended up giving it 3 stars - though that will probably go up when I inevitably reread it, because it's lived rent-free in my head ever since and I already know I'm never letting it go from my collection. But I do think Miracle Monday is even better.
I love that Lex Luthor has a big part in this. Lex is my favorite and nobody else writes him quite like Maggin.
Lex accidentally lets the Devil out of Hell. He does this because he learns how to teleport by sending his body through the underworld. Obviously, he uses this to break out of prison for the billionth time, but something follows him . . .
This is fun. Lex has multiple secret identities, such as an eccentric artist and a globe-trotting doctor. His sister, Lena, is also in this. She has psychic powers now (and it's Superboy's fault.)
And even though this is all very fun, Maggin does genuinely tug on the heartstrings at a few points throughout the story.
There is a weird bit where Ray Bradbury appears as a fictional character - and Superboy's old friend. In fact, they spend an afternoon at Disneyland and meet Walt Disney(?!) This whole segment is so bizarre and surreal - and has nothing to do with the story. And then Noam Chomsky shows up as a professor at Metropolis University during the time that Clark and Lex are students there!
In their uni days, Lex is in disguise because he's already started his supervillain "career" by this point. But I absolutely loved Clark and Lex's friendship here! Clark recognizes Lex, but promises not to "out" his identity. Clark even almost tells Lex his secret?!
Anyway, I had a lot of fun with this one and it got pretty gripping in the lead-up to the climax. It provided an interesting, different dilemma for the superhero.
I would really like to see DC release a nice collection of Maggin's work on the comics. I've read a handful of issues he penned, that have been reprinted in different anthology collections, and always enjoy them.
I love that Lex Luthor has a big part in this. Lex is my favorite and nobody else writes him quite like Maggin.
Lex accidentally lets the Devil out of Hell. He does this because he learns how to teleport by sending his body through the underworld. Obviously, he uses this to break out of prison for the billionth time, but something follows him . . .
This is fun. Lex has multiple secret identities, such as an eccentric artist and a globe-trotting doctor. His sister, Lena, is also in this. She has psychic powers now (and it's Superboy's fault.)
And even though this is all very fun, Maggin does genuinely tug on the heartstrings at a few points throughout the story.
There is a weird bit where Ray Bradbury appears as a fictional character - and Superboy's old friend. In fact, they spend an afternoon at Disneyland and meet Walt Disney(?!) This whole segment is so bizarre and surreal - and has nothing to do with the story. And then Noam Chomsky shows up as a professor at Metropolis University during the time that Clark and Lex are students there!
In their uni days, Lex is in disguise because he's already started his supervillain "career" by this point. But I absolutely loved Clark and Lex's friendship here! Clark recognizes Lex, but promises not to "out" his identity. Clark even almost tells Lex his secret?!
Anyway, I had a lot of fun with this one and it got pretty gripping in the lead-up to the climax. It provided an interesting, different dilemma for the superhero.
I would really like to see DC release a nice collection of Maggin's work on the comics. I've read a handful of issues he penned, that have been reprinted in different anthology collections, and always enjoy them.
May 5, 2018
I first read this book when it was published in 1981, and I've re-read it every year in May since then. I love Mr. Maggin's comic book writing, and I think he has an excellent sense of who Superman is, at his core, as well as an understanding of Superman's supporting characters, but one of the things I most enjoy is the way he writes Lex Luthor, as someone who knew Clark Kent in Smallville when they were boys (and friends) together. Even when Lex becomes Earth's foremost criminal, he still has some sense of honor and integrity.
The overall story involves Superman's battle against evil in the form of a demon from Hell, and how he fights that battle without losing himself in the process. It all comes down to an idea: There is a right and a wrong in the universe, and that distinction is not hard to make. Superman will always make that distinction, because that is who he is.
One other note I'd like to make. One of the main characters, Kristin Wells, is a great favorite of mine, and she appears in a few Bronze Age comic book stories which take place after this story, as a superhero in her own right, inspired, as many of us are, by the Man of Steel.
The overall story involves Superman's battle against evil in the form of a demon from Hell, and how he fights that battle without losing himself in the process. It all comes down to an idea: There is a right and a wrong in the universe, and that distinction is not hard to make. Superman will always make that distinction, because that is who he is.
One other note I'd like to make. One of the main characters, Kristin Wells, is a great favorite of mine, and she appears in a few Bronze Age comic book stories which take place after this story, as a superhero in her own right, inspired, as many of us are, by the Man of Steel.
March 13, 2021
As a kid, was discouraged after purchase that this novel is not set in movie continuity and never finished.
Many years later, giving it another go. The book tells entertaining story, but has an issue with lists. Long tangents about what Superman does, what Lex does, what the devil does, what other personas of Lex does, what real politicians did in this DC universe, people having premonitions about future events, people from future studying what happened in past, etc. Is distracting and takes away from story.
Plus I am old and I did not catch all of the 70's pop culture references, I imagine a younger reader being turned off by all of the "real world" referenced in book. There are lots of good story beats hidden in amongst the lists.
Many years later, giving it another go. The book tells entertaining story, but has an issue with lists. Long tangents about what Superman does, what Lex does, what the devil does, what other personas of Lex does, what real politicians did in this DC universe, people having premonitions about future events, people from future studying what happened in past, etc. Is distracting and takes away from story.
Plus I am old and I did not catch all of the 70's pop culture references, I imagine a younger reader being turned off by all of the "real world" referenced in book. There are lots of good story beats hidden in amongst the lists.
September 1, 2017
A time traveling student from the far future, who is studying Superman, journeys to the present day (actually the early 1980s, when this book first came out) and gets caught up in a conflict between Superman, Lex Luthor and someone called C.W. Saturn who, as it turns out, is the devil himself. This is a very entertaining and fast-paced novel, one that would have been a better movie than most of the Superman movies that have been made.
April 3, 2019
I came across this book by reading a footnote in the DC Comics Presents Annual featuring the character Kristin Wells. While I love that character this book creeped me out as a kid. I got the chance to discuss Kristin Wells/Superwoman with the author, Elliot S! Maggin in this episode of the All the Books Show podcast: I take a deep dive into Shazam on this episode of the All the Books Show podcast. https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
October 27, 2019
I recently reread the other Superman book by this author, and having been given this one as a gift I followed it up with the sequel. Like the former book, though, this one didn't work for me. Perhaps I am not sufficiently immersed in the sorts of stories that get told in comic books, but a story about how Superman is tempted by the devil doesn't really work for me.
May 2, 2025
This one is a little better than 'Last Son...' It gets a bump by introducing Kristin Wells who shows up later in the comics. Not to mention a guest cameo by none other than Ray Bradbury! I have to say, you can tell Maggin had a ton of fun writing Lex Luthor. The ending hurts it a bit. The 'final battle' seemed over too quickly.
March 15, 2019
This book isn't bad, but it's slow, and parts of it don't even make sense/are just ridiculous. I don't even understand the climax, it makes no sense. It still does a good job of building out Superman's world though.
June 28, 2020
Like, the best shit ever written? A time traveler from 2800 comes back to 1980 to find out how the still celebrated holiday Miracle Monday started. And then Superman fights the devil. Simply a testament to Hollywood's incompetence that no Superman movie is good.
April 23, 2023
I really liked the first Superman novel by this author, so I decided to read this one too. I was expecting a good story. But I wasn’t expecting it to become one of my favorite books! There’s plot twists, poetry, humor, philosophy and lots of emotion. This is a great book.
August 5, 2025
In lieu of DC Movie flops, read this
Excellent story. Excellent literary style. Mr. Maggin gives us what the modern reader and movie-goer craves. . .great drama and fantastic structure. A must read, for sure.
Excellent story. Excellent literary style. Mr. Maggin gives us what the modern reader and movie-goer craves. . .great drama and fantastic structure. A must read, for sure.
January 2, 2018
The best version of Superman.
May 19, 2021
Superman vs the devil, in a battle of wills. Silver age insanity and a portrayal of Superman at his most iconic and inspiring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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