Federal Comics' A Salute to Superman: FCO

Federal Comics' A Salute to Superman was published c.November 1984:

The cover and contents originally appeared in DC comics' Superman #400:

Superman #400 is fondly regarded by fans. If you Google it you'll find a number of blog posts and reviews extolling its virtues. Even Brian Michael Bendis ("This is literally one of the greatest comic books that has ever been made...") and Dan Jurgens vouch for it. And if all that doesn't convince you I'd suggest a cursory glance at the credits on the cover will likely reassure you of the attractions in this issue.

I find the muted tones on the Federal Comics cover more appealing than the original edition - the yellows are deep and rich rather than popping luridly. That's just me. Unfortunately that's the only case I can make for the Australian edition.

Superman #400 contains a 7-part Superman saga titled The Living Legends of Superman, written by Elliott S! Maggin, with each chapter illustrated by a different artist, and each chapter is separated by single-page pinup illustrations by various artists. The issue also contains a 10-page story titled The Exile at the End of Eternity, written and illustrated by Jim Steranko in a series of five two-page spreads. The issue also begins with an introduction by Ray Bradbury titled A Salute to Superman.

The title of the Federal Comics edition is lifted from this essay, but there's nothing else in terms of added value. Indeed, the 32-page issue is entirely comprised of the main feature The Living Legends of Superman, which omits the Mike Kaluta chapter, and also omits some of the opening chapter by Joe Orlando. Needless to say none of the pinups are included, nor is the Steranko piece.

I wasn't aware of the background to this issue when I first read it back in the mid-1980's. I picked it up on a whim from a secondhand bookshop in the city to read on the bus on my way to La Trobe University. I enjoyed it on its merits, especially the bit in which Frank Miller draws the George Reeves Superman. But now that I know better...

Some of the other features from Superman #400 were published elsewhere by Federal Comics. If you're looking for The Exile at the End of Eternity it's lurking as the backup feature in Vigilante #4, and it is thankfully reprinted not only complete but the two-page spreads are intact and in colour (a black and white edition might have been nice but it would be churlish to complain all things considered). I'm also sure I've seen some of the pinups in other Federal editions. In my mind's eye I can see a black and white print of the Moebius pinup for one, but I will need to go excavating to find this and any others.

So I reckon this Federal Comics edition is only worth chasing if you like the cover, otherwise I'd file under For Completists Only.