Action Comics 1000, Story 3: "An Enemy Within"

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An Enemy Within

Script - Marv Wolfman, Pencils - Curt Swan, Inks - Bruce Guice (p1-4) & Kurt Schaffenberger (p5), Colors - Hi-Fi, Letters - Rob Leigh, Original Story by Cindy Goff, Curt Swan, and Butch Guice, with page 5 courtesy of "Superman: The Secret Years #2" by Bob Rozakis, Curt Swan, and Kurt Schaffenberger

Initial Reactions

This may very well be the least amount of time that we see our birthday boy, but it is one of the most poignant message about who Superman really is.  Of course, when you see the name Curt Swan you can't help but think of the Man of Steel.  Add in the legendary Marv Wolfman? Forget about it, sign me up!

The Story

This brief story centers around the heroic actions of Maggie Sawyer and the officers in her unit.  There is a hostage-taker who we discover is under Brainiac's control.  Superman is in awe as Maggie and the people involved in the situation as they resist the mind control long enough for him to block the signal, releasing the man from his control.  During the stand-off, the officers showed compassion to the man, using rubber bullets to disarm him.  The situation is under control, all thanks to the awesome team led by Maggie Sawyer!  After Brainiac is neutralized, Superman remarks, 
"And while human passions can be infuriating, their unstoppable will to ultimately do right, even under the threat of danger, is indomitable.  And I'm the one they call Superman."

 Final Thoughts

I liked this story in just about every aspect.  With Curt Swan art, it has the classic feel to go along with the message of the triumph of the human spirit.  Marv Wolfman hits on an essential distinction between Superman and most other heroes, and that is his fundamental belief in humanity.  There is definitely evil in the world, but good will eventually overcome.  

When God created mankind, he called us "very good".  However, when sin entered the world, evil took a hold of our hearts.  There is both good and evil inside of us, but because we were saved by Jesus, good ultimately triumphs.  We are called to care for others we encounter every day, and treat them with love and compassion.  It is not always easy, but it is our duty.  Will we mess up?  Sure.  Praise be to God that we have forgiveness in Christ!

What did you think of this story?  I would love to talk about it with you.  You can comment below, or find me @behindthecapes on Twitter, or by liking the Behind the Capes Facebook page.  Also, something new, Behind the Capes has a group called Behind the Capes' Nerd Out Round Table, where we talk about a bunch of geeky stuff.  It is technically a closed group, but anyone can join if they agree to the simple rules laid out in the group.  I would love for this group to grow!    

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