Superman #660

barking_frog · 03-17-2007, 02:33 PM

"The Art of the Prank." Kurt Busiek, writer. Mike Manley and Brad Blevins, guest artists. Since last issue (my first Superman in a while) was a self-contained story in an industry where the multi-part story arc seems to've become standard, I thought Busiek would turn out to be a fill-in writer. Very happy to see he appears to be the regular writer on the book!

Observations after reading:

An average issue for Busiek -- meaning it's very unlikely that I'll read anything better this month. We get a fully-realized Prankster who ends up being almost a sympathetic figure, not because we're provided with a sympathy-inducing backstory (we are not) -- but because he's a true professional who takes incredible care and pride in his work, but has to function in a world of fly-by-night amateurs.

I loved the ending, and given the pattern Prankster dictates to us throughout the story -- set-up, expectation, twist -- the closing line becomes just a parting example of same. But I can't help but feel that the 'expectation' he dismisses with his 'twist' was closer to being the full (fictional) truth than he lets on -- "an artisan likes to measure himself against the best". It's not hard to imagine a character with the Prankster's dedication to his 'work' being secretly ecstatic to have a Superman around to keep him at the top of his game down through the years.

Thank you, Mr. Busiek.

Matt_Face · 03-20-2007, 10:55 AM

Agreed. Great issue. It was nice looking at the bad guy through his own eyes. It's easy for the villains to not have enough depth and being reminded now and then that they have purposes beyond world domination is a good.

03-17-2007, 02:33 PM	#1
barking_frog Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6	Superman #660 "The Art of the Prank." Kurt Busiek, writer. Mike Manley and Brad Blevins, guest artists. Since last issue (my first Superman in a while) was a self-contained story in an industry where the multi-part story arc seems to've become standard, I thought Busiek would turn out to be a fill-in writer. Very happy to see he appears to be the regular writer on the book! Observations after reading: An average issue for Busiek -- meaning it's very unlikely that I'll read anything better this month. We get a fully-realized Prankster who ends up being almost a sympathetic figure, not because we're provided with a sympathy-inducing backstory (we are not) -- but because he's a true professional who takes incredible care and pride in his work, but has to function in a world of fly-by-night amateurs. I loved the ending, and given the pattern Prankster dictates to us throughout the story -- set-up, expectation, twist -- the closing line becomes just a parting example of same. But I can't help but feel that the 'expectation' he dismisses with his 'twist' was closer to being the full (fictional) truth than he lets on -- "an artisan likes to measure himself against the best". It's not hard to imagine a character with the Prankster's dedication to his 'work' being secretly ecstatic to have a Superman around to keep him at the top of his game down through the years. Thank you, Mr. Busiek.

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03-20-2007, 10:55 AM	#2
Matt_Face Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9	Agreed. Great issue. It was nice looking at the bad guy through his own eyes. It's easy for the villains to not have enough depth and being reminded now and then that they have purposes beyond world domination is a good.