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Superman: One-Shots
Superman vs. Muhammad Ali
Two legendary figures meet for the first time in this spectacular adventure, as an alien race called the Scrubb demand that Earth's greatest champion battle their world's own greatest fighter. Both Superman and Muhammad Ali step forward -- and to determine who is truly Earth's greatest fighter, Superman temporarily loses his powers and faces Ali in the ring. Ultimately, the duo must work together to defeat the Scrubb, with Ali taking on their champion while Superman battles their space-armada. Features previously unpublished developmental artwork and other bonus features, at DC's Deluxe Edition trim size.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
11 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Dennis O'Neil
1,752 books276 followers
Dennis "Denny" O'Neil
was a comic book writer and editor best known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics from the 1960s through the 1990s, and Group Editor for the Batman family of titles until his retirement.
His best-known works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman with Neal Adams, The Shadow with Michael Kaluta and The Question with Denys Cowan. As an editor, he is principally known for editing the various Batman titles. From 2013 unti his death, he sat on the board of directors of the charity The Hero Initiative and served on its Disbursement Committee.
His best-known works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Batman with Neal Adams, The Shadow with Michael Kaluta and The Question with Denys Cowan. As an editor, he is principally known for editing the various Batman titles. From 2013 unti his death, he sat on the board of directors of the charity The Hero Initiative and served on its Disbursement Committee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 19, 2019
When aliens are threatening to annihilate Earth and demand Earth's champion face theirs, Superman and Muhammad Ali duke it out to see who really is the greatest and earns the right to face the alien champion!
I've been aware of the existence of this crossover almost as long as I've been reading comics. When 2019 was staring me in the face, I resolved that this would be the year I finally read it.
The very concept of this is kind of absurd. The greatest boxer of all time vs. the greatest super hero of all time? Shouldn't Superman be able to punch Muhammad Ali's head off? Fortunately, Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams made chicken salad out of chicken shit on this occasion.
The story starts simply enough. Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are in a bad part of Metropolis, chasing a rumor that Muhammad Ali is in town. The Champ is and he and Superman quickly get pulled into the schemes of a mad alien dictator bent on destroying Earth. Yeah, it cheesier than a box of Cheez-Its but it could have been so much worse.
Neal Adams' art was fantastic. Superman looked iconic and Muhammad Ali looked great, like the man himself. I always forget how ahead of his time Neal Adams was. His art still looks contemporary 40 years later. His illustrative style forever changed comics and you can still see his influence today. Also, it's mindboggling how many real life faces he worked into crowd on the wraparound cover. There are 124 and most of them are real people.
Highlights of the issue include Ali teaching Superman to box, Ali beating the shit out of Superman, and the big boxing match with Hun'Ya, the alien champ. Was this ever referenced in the main DC books? "You know, that Doomsday is tough but did you see the Ali-Superman fight in 1978?"
Scratch Superman vs. Muhammad Ali off of my reading goals list for the year. Superman vs. Muhammad Ali was way better than it had any right to be. Four out of five stars.
I've been aware of the existence of this crossover almost as long as I've been reading comics. When 2019 was staring me in the face, I resolved that this would be the year I finally read it.
The very concept of this is kind of absurd. The greatest boxer of all time vs. the greatest super hero of all time? Shouldn't Superman be able to punch Muhammad Ali's head off? Fortunately, Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams made chicken salad out of chicken shit on this occasion.
The story starts simply enough. Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are in a bad part of Metropolis, chasing a rumor that Muhammad Ali is in town. The Champ is and he and Superman quickly get pulled into the schemes of a mad alien dictator bent on destroying Earth. Yeah, it cheesier than a box of Cheez-Its but it could have been so much worse.
Neal Adams' art was fantastic. Superman looked iconic and Muhammad Ali looked great, like the man himself. I always forget how ahead of his time Neal Adams was. His art still looks contemporary 40 years later. His illustrative style forever changed comics and you can still see his influence today. Also, it's mindboggling how many real life faces he worked into crowd on the wraparound cover. There are 124 and most of them are real people.
Highlights of the issue include Ali teaching Superman to box, Ali beating the shit out of Superman, and the big boxing match with Hun'Ya, the alien champ. Was this ever referenced in the main DC books? "You know, that Doomsday is tough but did you see the Ali-Superman fight in 1978?"
Scratch Superman vs. Muhammad Ali off of my reading goals list for the year. Superman vs. Muhammad Ali was way better than it had any right to be. Four out of five stars.
April 14, 2025
A true 'time and place' book that really resonated! It is hard for me to convey how excited my friends and I were when this book came out: endless conversations and conjectures (all Ali would have to do is cover his gloves with kryptonite dust was my idea) that went on for days. The cover is filled with stars/celebrities galore - we spent so much time trying to find them all! Can't tell you how this one ends - lets just say Superman and Muhammad Ali end up in the same corner. Fantastic art by Neal Adams and pretty good story by Denny O'Neil. What a trip down memory lane!
January 10, 2025
A great read that surprisingly works.
Earth is threatened by an alien race and unless their champion can be beaten by either Superman or Ali, they will move forward and annihilate earth.
But only Ali OR the Man of Steel can face off against their champion (not both), so that leads Ali to fight Supes under a red sun (the red sun takes any superpowers away, making it a fair fight). Whoever survives that battle will be the one in the ring against the alien champion.
All in all, it's a really fun story with some wicked cool artwork by Neal Adams, one of the best artists on the comics' scene.
Highly recommended.
Earth is threatened by an alien race and unless their champion can be beaten by either Superman or Ali, they will move forward and annihilate earth.
But only Ali OR the Man of Steel can face off against their champion (not both), so that leads Ali to fight Supes under a red sun (the red sun takes any superpowers away, making it a fair fight). Whoever survives that battle will be the one in the ring against the alien champion.
All in all, it's a really fun story with some wicked cool artwork by Neal Adams, one of the best artists on the comics' scene.
Highly recommended.
August 1, 2020
Aliens threaten Earth forcing Superman and Muhammad Ali to fight one another without powers to determine who will fight the alien champion for the fate of the Earth. Yes, the premise sounds hokey, but it works surprisingly well. If you're looking for a fun throwback to another time, this is worth a read.
Neal Adams was the showcase artist of the 70's and this book shows why. He was way ahead of his time. He brings such a sense of realism to his art. Adams packed in almost 200 hundred celebrities and DC employees into that iconic cover.
Neal Adams was the showcase artist of the 70's and this book shows why. He was way ahead of his time. He brings such a sense of realism to his art. Adams packed in almost 200 hundred celebrities and DC employees into that iconic cover.
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August 4, 2015I'm reading Superman Vs Mohammad Ali and it's my new favorite comic of all time you guys and I'm only on, like, the second page.
April 9, 2024
Rob Liefeld has championed this comic as the greatest art in comics ever! I'm not sure about that claim, but Neal Adams is certainly one of the greats and it's nice to have a high quality one-and-done story by him.
Lots of great photo realistic artwork combined with creative space scenes and aliens. It's cool to see how well Ali fits in the DC universe. Neal captures Ali's look perfectly but also makes sure the rendering of the fictional characters is the exact same as if Clark Kent were a real person too. Using Ali's trash-talking bravado he really does fit in with Superman as a hero.
Also Dennis O'Neil needs to sue the guys who wrote Space Jam. This 1978 comic is nearly identical to the plot of Space Jam. Earth is invaded by aliens who challenge Earth to a boxing match. Their champ vs ours (Superman and Ali fight to decide who's the better boxer - the catch being Superman can't use his powers). After the winner fights the alien's champion. Maybe it's just a familiar story trope, but especially with the way it wraps up it just feels a bit too close to plagiarism terrority to give Space Jam a pass.
Lots of great photo realistic artwork combined with creative space scenes and aliens. It's cool to see how well Ali fits in the DC universe. Neal captures Ali's look perfectly but also makes sure the rendering of the fictional characters is the exact same as if Clark Kent were a real person too. Using Ali's trash-talking bravado he really does fit in with Superman as a hero.
Also Dennis O'Neil needs to sue the guys who wrote Space Jam. This 1978 comic is nearly identical to the plot of Space Jam. Earth is invaded by aliens who challenge Earth to a boxing match. Their champ vs ours (Superman and Ali fight to decide who's the better boxer - the catch being Superman can't use his powers). After the winner fights the alien's champion. Maybe it's just a familiar story trope, but especially with the way it wraps up it just feels a bit too close to plagiarism terrority to give Space Jam a pass.
July 9, 2009
Oh come on! It's a boxing match between Superman and Muhammad Ali. It takes place in outer space! It is attended by scores of icons from the 70s.
This is fun, goofy stuff!
This is fun, goofy stuff!
April 7, 2025
Sólo por lo delirante del planteamiento ya valdría la pena, pero O'Neil construye una buena historia a partir de esa idea y Adams tiene alguno de los mejores dibujos de su carrera.
September 23, 2011
[After Action Letter Written by Batman]
Superman-
After reviewing the after-action report collected in this volume, I have to make some critical points about how to handle these situations better in the future. But before I go on, I do want to express how extremely disappointed I am in you and your lack of forethought. You are better than this.
The proposition set forth by invading aliens, one that involves an Earth champion fighting their champion to decide the fate of the Earth, is not within your control. Also, Muhammad Ali being in the area when this proposition was made was also not within your control. I understand this. However, the moment the challenge was made, the ball was in your court, and you threw up a brick that could have kept a hundred little piggies safe from just about any wolf, with the possible exception of the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose rebounding is incredible this season. Those guys are playing out of their heads!
According to what I saw, the alien gave you 24 hours to prepare for battle. However, Ali claimed that he should be the one to represent Earth, the reason being that the alien homeworld, where the fight would take place, is lit by a red sun, the exact thing that takes away your superpowers and makes you a mortal man and nothing more.
Okay, for starters, you have about three weaknesses, and you need to stop broadcasting them. Muhammed Ali does not need to know that you are easily killed when exposed to red sun. Not that he would have much chance to get ahold of some…except when YOU TOOK HIM TO YOUR SECRET FORTRESS AND SPARRED WITH HIM UNDER A LIGHT BULB THAT MIMICS RED SUN.
This is a completely unnecessary risk.
Also, stop keeping things around that can kill you. If there are three things that can kill you, focus on eliminating those three things, not stashing them away in a glass candy dish like an old bitch who lost her love on the Titanic.
So, using some time-slowing device, you and Ali had a couple of weeks to prepare for the fight. He trained you to the best of his ability, and then the two of you fought under the red sun before the main event, Earth’s champion versus the alien champion.
Clark, I don’t need to tell you more than once that fighting two people back to back is not done in boxing. It is just not done. Even though Ali bested you, the energy he spent knocking your ass around the ring a few rounds would have been better spent on the real enemy. Not a wise move.
Secondly, if the alien race wanted to create an honorable boxing match, as they claimed, how does it work that their champion weighs 8,000 lbs. while ours is floating around 200? I know you probably don’t take in much boxing, but this is completely unorthodox, and you allowing Ali to enter such a mismatched fight is putting him at a high level of risk that is completely unacceptable. Next time, why not just have Jimmy Olsen fight, I don’t know, Anti-Monitor. A guy who takes pictures against a guy who absorbs universes? Hey, sounds like a good match.
Now, I understand you’re the feelgood guy, and learning about races and creeds coming together to defeat a common foe was really nice. But for the love of god, you let Ali figure out your secret identity!?
Unfortunately, this is not a situation that can be allowed to stand. I will be forced to pay a little visit Ali and slip him a memory-erasing drug, which will hopefully wipe this entire alien adventure from his mind. It is my sincerest hope that there are no lasting, debilitating effects. But if there are, know they are on your head. The secret of your alter-ego is too important to be known to any man, regardless of his ability to punch other men without being punched by them as much.
You need to start taking more responsibility for your actions and the actions of those you should be protecting.
Yours in Christ,
-B
Superman-
After reviewing the after-action report collected in this volume, I have to make some critical points about how to handle these situations better in the future. But before I go on, I do want to express how extremely disappointed I am in you and your lack of forethought. You are better than this.
The proposition set forth by invading aliens, one that involves an Earth champion fighting their champion to decide the fate of the Earth, is not within your control. Also, Muhammad Ali being in the area when this proposition was made was also not within your control. I understand this. However, the moment the challenge was made, the ball was in your court, and you threw up a brick that could have kept a hundred little piggies safe from just about any wolf, with the possible exception of the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose rebounding is incredible this season. Those guys are playing out of their heads!
According to what I saw, the alien gave you 24 hours to prepare for battle. However, Ali claimed that he should be the one to represent Earth, the reason being that the alien homeworld, where the fight would take place, is lit by a red sun, the exact thing that takes away your superpowers and makes you a mortal man and nothing more.
Okay, for starters, you have about three weaknesses, and you need to stop broadcasting them. Muhammed Ali does not need to know that you are easily killed when exposed to red sun. Not that he would have much chance to get ahold of some…except when YOU TOOK HIM TO YOUR SECRET FORTRESS AND SPARRED WITH HIM UNDER A LIGHT BULB THAT MIMICS RED SUN.
This is a completely unnecessary risk.
Also, stop keeping things around that can kill you. If there are three things that can kill you, focus on eliminating those three things, not stashing them away in a glass candy dish like an old bitch who lost her love on the Titanic.
So, using some time-slowing device, you and Ali had a couple of weeks to prepare for the fight. He trained you to the best of his ability, and then the two of you fought under the red sun before the main event, Earth’s champion versus the alien champion.
Clark, I don’t need to tell you more than once that fighting two people back to back is not done in boxing. It is just not done. Even though Ali bested you, the energy he spent knocking your ass around the ring a few rounds would have been better spent on the real enemy. Not a wise move.
Secondly, if the alien race wanted to create an honorable boxing match, as they claimed, how does it work that their champion weighs 8,000 lbs. while ours is floating around 200? I know you probably don’t take in much boxing, but this is completely unorthodox, and you allowing Ali to enter such a mismatched fight is putting him at a high level of risk that is completely unacceptable. Next time, why not just have Jimmy Olsen fight, I don’t know, Anti-Monitor. A guy who takes pictures against a guy who absorbs universes? Hey, sounds like a good match.
Now, I understand you’re the feelgood guy, and learning about races and creeds coming together to defeat a common foe was really nice. But for the love of god, you let Ali figure out your secret identity!?
Unfortunately, this is not a situation that can be allowed to stand. I will be forced to pay a little visit Ali and slip him a memory-erasing drug, which will hopefully wipe this entire alien adventure from his mind. It is my sincerest hope that there are no lasting, debilitating effects. But if there are, know they are on your head. The secret of your alter-ego is too important to be known to any man, regardless of his ability to punch other men without being punched by them as much.
You need to start taking more responsibility for your actions and the actions of those you should be protecting.
Yours in Christ,
-B
January 26, 2025
Superman vs Muhammad Ali is an over-sized DC Comics treasury edition comicbook written by Dennis O’Neal and Neal Adams with art by Neal Adams. It was originally released in April 1978 with a facsimile reprint released in 2024.
A powerful alien race challenges Earth’s greatest champion for the fate of the planet. In an effort to decide who will flight for Earth, Muhammad Ali and Superman do battle first, with Superman’s power negated by a red son to even out the odds. The winner will then fight for the honor to save Earth from destruction.
The story sounds incredibly hokey but it actually works pretty well. And it thankfully it does not suffer from being overly wordy like manny comics from its time. Having one of the country’s most famous athletes co-star in a DC Comic with one of its top superheroes was genius level marketing. And then to have a black athlete beat Superman in a fight on an even playing field, that was an incredibly risky decision at that time, but proved to be the right one. I can only imagine the impact this title had on black youth at that time, showing that anything is possible.
Neal Adam’s art is gorgeous with this oversized presentation and the facsimile edition does an amazing job of showcasing the art with today’s modern printing technology. The splash pages are stunning pieces of science fiction and superhero art from a bygone era. And one of the best comic covers of all time somehow looks even better with the thick cardstock that was used.
A powerful alien race challenges Earth’s greatest champion for the fate of the planet. In an effort to decide who will flight for Earth, Muhammad Ali and Superman do battle first, with Superman’s power negated by a red son to even out the odds. The winner will then fight for the honor to save Earth from destruction.
The story sounds incredibly hokey but it actually works pretty well. And it thankfully it does not suffer from being overly wordy like manny comics from its time. Having one of the country’s most famous athletes co-star in a DC Comic with one of its top superheroes was genius level marketing. And then to have a black athlete beat Superman in a fight on an even playing field, that was an incredibly risky decision at that time, but proved to be the right one. I can only imagine the impact this title had on black youth at that time, showing that anything is possible.
Neal Adam’s art is gorgeous with this oversized presentation and the facsimile edition does an amazing job of showcasing the art with today’s modern printing technology. The splash pages are stunning pieces of science fiction and superhero art from a bygone era. And one of the best comic covers of all time somehow looks even better with the thick cardstock that was used.
April 30, 2022
Nisam znao pitanje vezano za ovo smeće na pab kvizu pa rekoh da pročitam
February 10, 2018
This was surprisingly good. I have avoided reading this book for years because the premise just seemed too silly, but really this was very well done.
The art is superb. Neal Adams (along with Berni Wrightson) is probably my favorite comic artist of all time, and he's at his best here. It's also written by Denny O'Neil, and the team of Adams and O'Neil have produced some of the greatest comic runs ever (Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Batman, etc.) The story isn't exactly what you'd think. Aliens are threatening Earth, and they will destroy the entire planet unless our champion bests their champion. So in order to determine who should represent Earth, a depowered Superman faces Ali with the winner moving on to face the alien champion. While at first glance it seems a typical comic story, it's really deeper and deals with race relations, equality, etc.
If you're a fan of Ali, Superman, Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams or really comics in general this is really worth a read.
The art is superb. Neal Adams (along with Berni Wrightson) is probably my favorite comic artist of all time, and he's at his best here. It's also written by Denny O'Neil, and the team of Adams and O'Neil have produced some of the greatest comic runs ever (Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Batman, etc.) The story isn't exactly what you'd think. Aliens are threatening Earth, and they will destroy the entire planet unless our champion bests their champion. So in order to determine who should represent Earth, a depowered Superman faces Ali with the winner moving on to face the alien champion. While at first glance it seems a typical comic story, it's really deeper and deals with race relations, equality, etc.
If you're a fan of Ali, Superman, Denny O'Neil, Neal Adams or really comics in general this is really worth a read.
January 26, 2021
A whimsical idea, executed superbly.
December 29, 2022
This book is so epic. Like, I have no interest in boxing AT ALL and I’m so unbelievably entertained.
February 20, 2016
Ridiculous and fun, with a greater emphasis on fun. The key to the book's success is keeping the story simple so that the characters can shine. I tend to dislike when comic books take earth-bound characters into space because it feels both cheesy and overkill on suspension of disbelief, but it doesn't bother me in this book because, despite the ridiculous premise, the rest of it doesn't get tangled in details related to outer space or aliens. It is fairly transparent that the only reason the story goes to space at all is to support the founding idea of having Muhammad Ali and Superman compete in a boxing match.
Aliens come to earth to have earth's greatest fighter go up against the best fighter of their alien race. Superman and Muhammad Ali have a spat about who is better, concluding they must compete against one other, to be fair, in an environment where Superman's superpowers do not work. Ali teaches Superman the art of boxing; the often overly goody-goody Superman even echoes Ali's cocky trash talk he deals out to the aliens. Ali's voice feels genuine at times, dated jive-talking (written by white people trying to "write black") at others.
Aliens come to earth to have earth's greatest fighter go up against the best fighter of their alien race. Superman and Muhammad Ali have a spat about who is better, concluding they must compete against one other, to be fair, in an environment where Superman's superpowers do not work. Ali teaches Superman the art of boxing; the often overly goody-goody Superman even echoes Ali's cocky trash talk he deals out to the aliens. Ali's voice feels genuine at times, dated jive-talking (written by white people trying to "write black") at others.
April 4, 2018
Just take a look at this book, and you'll know what a classic book should look like!
Format and escpecially the cover of this book is awesome!! Muhammad Ali and Superman in a boxing ring with nearly 100 known faces enjoying the match! Really one of the best covers ever drawn!
The inner pages are no different. You'll have a royal feel while reading. The frequent splash pages are beautiful and enhances the effect.
Well, story is not too good, but is engrossing and author Neal Adams had made good use of Muhammad Ali's and Superman's strengths and weaknesses in the story.
Worth reading if you're a fan of Superman or Muhammad Ali or multi-star comics or boxing!
Format and escpecially the cover of this book is awesome!! Muhammad Ali and Superman in a boxing ring with nearly 100 known faces enjoying the match! Really one of the best covers ever drawn!
The inner pages are no different. You'll have a royal feel while reading. The frequent splash pages are beautiful and enhances the effect.
Well, story is not too good, but is engrossing and author Neal Adams had made good use of Muhammad Ali's and Superman's strengths and weaknesses in the story.
Worth reading if you're a fan of Superman or Muhammad Ali or multi-star comics or boxing!
October 28, 2015
Das Cover ist der Hammer und die Idee einfach spaßig. Leider ist die Story unglaublich schlecht und auch der Erzählrythmus und die Dialoge taugen leider nichts. Schade. Die beiden Ikonen hätten mehr verdient.
Aber jetzt weiß ich immerhin wer "The greatest of all times and worlds" ist... Und ihr nicht :-)
Aber jetzt weiß ich immerhin wer "The greatest of all times and worlds" ist... Und ihr nicht :-)
February 25, 2011
No kidding, one of the best Superman stories ever written and illustrated.
June 30, 2011
It's such and earnest, straightforward and un-cynical product of a more innocent era of popular culture that it's hard to dislike the corny glory.
September 10, 2022
Such a fun, silly, and heartwarming story that with the recent passing of its great artist, is a great read to reflect on all 3 legends connected to this one-shot.
In 1978, the classic duo of Denny O’neil and Neal Adams teamed up to give us a once in a lifetime event that no one else could’ve/would’ve thought of. In this epic tale, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, and Clark Kent are in downtown Metropolis as they heard that legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, would be in town. After getting acquainted they are interrupted by an alien creature who threatens to take over the Earth unless someone can best their champion. Clark makes a swift exit and that is where Superman shows up to the scene. HIm and Ali both jump at the opportunity to save Earth and fight the aliens champion. Of course only one of them can fight and there’s a lot of pride between the two so it must be decided by their own boxing match. Now before you say that Superman could simply burp and Ali would explode- the fight is done around a red sun, stripping Superman of all his powers. After they fight the winner faces the alien champion, while the other does some digging and makes sure the alien race won’t cheat or attack earth while the main event occurs.
O’neil was the one who came up with the script and Adams helped with the plotting and of course did the artwork. The story is so silly, but it doesn’t take itself so seriously and that’s what makes it such a fun classic. The overall plot reminds me a lot of ‘Space Jam’ and say what you want, whether you like that kinda stuff or not, it's all good fun. There were quite a bit of funny moments as well and in general it is just a feel good read.
The artwork by Adams is some of his best and the main reason this story is such a classic. Well, that and the fact that Ali is attached to it. It’s just such a random idea that it probably only works because of the team responsible for its creation. Adams artwork is passion to page and you can tell by each one. He took no shortcuts and gave us beautiful work that you can’t help but stare at. The level of detail is nothing new for Adams, but the fact that he was working with drawing an actual person, he smashes the job of capturing Ali’s likeness. As Well as the other real life people he drew in this book. I mean the cover alone had 172 different likenesses, in which most were based on real people. The emotion he emitted on faces felt real and his grand action scenes were epic!
With the recent passing of Adams, that now means that the 3 real life legends attached to this book are all no longer physically with us, but the read shows and reminds us that they will live on forever through they’re work. Ali was the ahead of his time athlete/activist and O’neil and Adams were comic legends that also brought importance to civil rights matters and all around equality for every living being. It’s a bittersweet moment to read, however really great to reflect on.
May they all REST IN POWER and thank you to all 3.
In 1978, the classic duo of Denny O’neil and Neal Adams teamed up to give us a once in a lifetime event that no one else could’ve/would’ve thought of. In this epic tale, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, and Clark Kent are in downtown Metropolis as they heard that legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali, would be in town. After getting acquainted they are interrupted by an alien creature who threatens to take over the Earth unless someone can best their champion. Clark makes a swift exit and that is where Superman shows up to the scene. HIm and Ali both jump at the opportunity to save Earth and fight the aliens champion. Of course only one of them can fight and there’s a lot of pride between the two so it must be decided by their own boxing match. Now before you say that Superman could simply burp and Ali would explode- the fight is done around a red sun, stripping Superman of all his powers. After they fight the winner faces the alien champion, while the other does some digging and makes sure the alien race won’t cheat or attack earth while the main event occurs.
O’neil was the one who came up with the script and Adams helped with the plotting and of course did the artwork. The story is so silly, but it doesn’t take itself so seriously and that’s what makes it such a fun classic. The overall plot reminds me a lot of ‘Space Jam’ and say what you want, whether you like that kinda stuff or not, it's all good fun. There were quite a bit of funny moments as well and in general it is just a feel good read.
The artwork by Adams is some of his best and the main reason this story is such a classic. Well, that and the fact that Ali is attached to it. It’s just such a random idea that it probably only works because of the team responsible for its creation. Adams artwork is passion to page and you can tell by each one. He took no shortcuts and gave us beautiful work that you can’t help but stare at. The level of detail is nothing new for Adams, but the fact that he was working with drawing an actual person, he smashes the job of capturing Ali’s likeness. As Well as the other real life people he drew in this book. I mean the cover alone had 172 different likenesses, in which most were based on real people. The emotion he emitted on faces felt real and his grand action scenes were epic!
With the recent passing of Adams, that now means that the 3 real life legends attached to this book are all no longer physically with us, but the read shows and reminds us that they will live on forever through they’re work. Ali was the ahead of his time athlete/activist and O’neil and Adams were comic legends that also brought importance to civil rights matters and all around equality for every living being. It’s a bittersweet moment to read, however really great to reflect on.
May they all REST IN POWER and thank you to all 3.
March 16, 2019
In the 70s Muhammad Ali was incredibly popular, and the Superman - Spiderman giant sized crossover had sold well, so DC thought a Superman - Muhammad Ali giant size issue was a no-brainer. And they were right. It has been reprinted several times.
However, the story (idea by Denny O'Neil, developed by Neal Adams) is really pretty silly. Obviously, it can't be set in standard DC continuity, as these magazines reached a different demographic than the monthly Superman titles. Hence, there is no help available from the quarters that would be expected - no Supergirl, no Justice League, no Green Lantern Corps etc. The story comes across as quite contrived in order to maintain in degree of conflict.
That said, while Adams may not have done a great job with developing the script, his artwork (with inks by Terry Austin and Dick Giordano) shows him at the height of his powers - it is glorious - and the only reason I rate this as high as 3. The tabloid size format allows the art to be more expansive, and there are many double page spreads throughout the issue.
Don't expect much from the story, but worth it for the art.
However, the story (idea by Denny O'Neil, developed by Neal Adams) is really pretty silly. Obviously, it can't be set in standard DC continuity, as these magazines reached a different demographic than the monthly Superman titles. Hence, there is no help available from the quarters that would be expected - no Supergirl, no Justice League, no Green Lantern Corps etc. The story comes across as quite contrived in order to maintain in degree of conflict.
That said, while Adams may not have done a great job with developing the script, his artwork (with inks by Terry Austin and Dick Giordano) shows him at the height of his powers - it is glorious - and the only reason I rate this as high as 3. The tabloid size format allows the art to be more expansive, and there are many double page spreads throughout the issue.
Don't expect much from the story, but worth it for the art.
August 13, 2019
سخيف وممتع في نفس الوقت، ودون أن تتناقض الصفتان.
May 3, 2022
Un divertido pasatiempo donde nos encontramos a Superman y Muhammad Ali endrentandose a una invasión alienigena. El argumento es alucinogeno y ver a estos dos frente a frente es divertido y curioso de ver.
March 9, 2014
As a comic book aficionado of some years I've seen many 'event' comics come and go, and most of them were of middling quality. The plots seemed forced and the stakes artificial. Despite that and my ridiculously low expectations, this particular one managed to be amazing. It's obvious that a lot of care was taken with this one, and it's by two DC Comics heavyweights (ha!), Neal Adams and Denny O'Neil. Adams' art is phenomenal and this is one of those rare comics where they manage to capture both the likeness and the personality of a celebrity convincingly and he doesn't feel dropped into the book like a Poochie. (http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Poochie if you are culturally illiterate.) It doesn't hurt that Ali is a larger than life personality to begin with, so he fits into the surroundings seemingly effortlessly. It's a delight to see him striding these pages and you're left wanting a sequel that will never happen. The plot is contrived, as all such events are, but there are dramatic twists which are convincing and even exciting.
In regards to this package in particular, it's well done, as well as you can manage shirking down the original oversized comic book into an affordable graphic novel. There is supplemental material, but - and I say this as someone who usually ignores the extra features - I was left wanting more as the backstory to this book is so fascinating I felt it deserved more than a couple of pages of rushed recollections. It cries out for Criterion-style long interviews and pages of scripts and things like that.
In regards to this package in particular, it's well done, as well as you can manage shirking down the original oversized comic book into an affordable graphic novel. There is supplemental material, but - and I say this as someone who usually ignores the extra features - I was left wanting more as the backstory to this book is so fascinating I felt it deserved more than a couple of pages of rushed recollections. It cries out for Criterion-style long interviews and pages of scripts and things like that.
May 4, 2016
For a book that I picked up specifically because of how freaking weird it looked, one of the weirder things about it is how not-weird it is. It's mostly a pretty standard oldish-school Superman story, the kind that was published a lot in the 1970s. There's some kind of threat that seems really bad, and Superman, through a combination of intelligence, friendship, decency, and superpowers, defeats it. This one just happened to feature The Greatest. Probably the most remarkable three things about this book are that Ali beats Superman, Superman sorta does blackface, and Ali gets an awesome, very brief moment of racial social commentary, where he fairly explicitly calls attention to systemic racism.
Anyway, for the goofy concept, super-fun artwork, and typical breeziness, I'd say read it. It's pretty fun, and not long enough to regret.
Anyway, for the goofy concept, super-fun artwork, and typical breeziness, I'd say read it. It's pretty fun, and not long enough to regret.
May 6, 2011
This was a nice blast to the past, to sink in a comic book world where the values are basically monochrome. All apple pie americana philosophy, only coming from Ali's boisterous mouth.
An insane alien has challenged Ali and Superman to a match with their champion, but first the two have to fight to determine the best fighter. What ensues is an action of bravery, fraud, and finally, redemption.
I loved the moments where Ali was shooting his mouth off. Intimidate the enemy away from the ring, and in the ring. This hardback also has a treat: a wraparound poster with faces of dozens of celebrated people of the time including Kurt Vonnegut, Howard Chaykin, Lex Luthor, and even Alred Neumann!
An insane alien has challenged Ali and Superman to a match with their champion, but first the two have to fight to determine the best fighter. What ensues is an action of bravery, fraud, and finally, redemption.
I loved the moments where Ali was shooting his mouth off. Intimidate the enemy away from the ring, and in the ring. This hardback also has a treat: a wraparound poster with faces of dozens of celebrated people of the time including Kurt Vonnegut, Howard Chaykin, Lex Luthor, and even Alred Neumann!
August 10, 2011
Dice Neal Adams, en el prólogo de esta obra dibujada por él mismo, que Superman vs. Ali es una de las mejores novelas gráficas jamás escritas. Creo que se pasó tres pueblos. Su arte es tan bueno como siempre, y por una vez justifica el formato Absolute de la edición de Planeta. Sin embargo, el guión de O'Neil (otro de los grandes del 9º arte) dista mucho de ser de lo mejor. La premisa es demasiado absurda, incluso asumiendo que se trata de un cómic de superhéroes y marcianos. Requiere de altas dosis de espíritu camp para leerlo.
November 20, 2015
I'm not quite sure how I came across this, but when I saw it I thought, "what?" Pitting Superman vs. Muhammad Ali in a comic feels so dangerous, ripe for all sorts of ethnocentric, horrific scenes. What brave or foolish souls would take this on? So, I had to read it. Originally released in the late 70s, this work is, though sometimes a little painfully forced, overwhelmingly the representation of the best of what comics can strive to be. A good action story with a heart expressing response to social realities of its time.
January 18, 2011
Super fun read. Reprint of an old mini-series. I know this may seem crazy but Ali was pretty toned down. He wasn't as brash and cocky as he could have been. Superman, on the other hand, took more than boxing lessons from Ali, he also took smack-talk lessons. Since this was obviously written as a fan-favorite style, most of the normal critiques can be tossed. Read it for what it is and it will not disappoint.
February 19, 2011
The title really says it all. Superman? Check. Muhammad Ali? Check. Awesomeness? CHECK!
I've got both the title character's on my wall in poster form, so you know I had to buy the book.
Not exactly the most plausible story, but hey, there's a flying guy from another planet in it, so that complaint is really moot.
Just sit back and enjoy the old-school, campy, comic booky goodness. Also, check out the alien imperial commander's bell bottoms. Oh, such great escapism.
I've got both the title character's on my wall in poster form, so you know I had to buy the book.
Not exactly the most plausible story, but hey, there's a flying guy from another planet in it, so that complaint is really moot.
Just sit back and enjoy the old-school, campy, comic booky goodness. Also, check out the alien imperial commander's bell bottoms. Oh, such great escapism.
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