New Year, New Comics — Remembering ‘Superman: Panic In The Sky’
by Benjamin Hall
Welcome back to New Year, New Comics, as Benjamin talks about a DC Comics classic event that he’s taking a look at in the new year.
The creative team of Superman: Panic In The Sky (1993) consists of writers Dan Jurgens, Jerry Ordway, Louise Simonson, and Roger Stern; artists Jon Bogdanove, Tom Grummett, Bob McLeod, Brett Breeding, Doug Hazlewood, Dennis Janke, Denis Rodier, and Jurgens; letterers John Costanza, Albert DeGuzman, Bill Oakley, and Todd Klein; colorist Glenn Whitmore.
To start off one should know that there are four ways to read Superman: Panic in The Sky. Obviously, the original single issue format is one way to go (Action Comics #674 [1992]). Another way is by reading it in omnibus format, but this is rather costly, and could lead to some readers just viewing it as yet another fight involving Brainiac (Superman: The Triangle Era Omnibus Vol 02 [2025]). The final way is two-fold in that the trade paperback exists in differing editions (Superman: Panic In The Sky [1993] [2016]). While reading the trade is arguably the best way to go this writer only owns the version from 1993. Thus, the differences between the editions that see mention on the website Grand Comics Database will not see analysis here.
This storyline is one of the first encounters I remember having with any iteration of the character Brainiac. However, my first memory of this story involves seeing my twin brother, Zachary Hall, looking at one of the single issues of this story (Action Comics #675 [1992]). In other words, my then lower reading comprehension and prior memories are affecting my latest read-through decades later. For example I now have appreciation for the supplemental text pieces by various creators that exist throughout the trade. These text pieces add historical perspective to a story that happens in a time we can never reach again. When it comes to definitions this point in history has many, but let’s call it what it is “pre-Doomsday.” In other words, it is at the point before death becomes arguably pointless and common place in comic storytelling (Superman #75 (1993)].
Personally “Panic in the Sky” still works as a storyline though its flaws are more obvious to my adult self after quite a number of years not reading it. Like most stories the events of this Superman event are set firmly in the time of publishing. Unfortunately, this aspect is one of the weaknesses since certain readers, particularly those who overly obsess over canon, might have a field day with select characters. For instance the shapeshifter version of Supergirl who goes by the name Matrix is present in this story. Therefore, some readers might wonder if the Kara Zor-El version of Supergirl takes Matrix’s place in this adventure in current canon. A less subjective weakness is how there are obvious breaks in communication when it comes to the coordination between the various titles. This occurs with how certain moments and entire scenes see re-imagining after happening in an issue prior to the one a reader is starting.
In conclusion, this latest reading leaves this writer with feelings of nostalgic enjoyment plus despair over the flaws. Despite the criticisms “Panic in the Sky” evokes in me I still recommend it for at least one read through, especially for those new to comic books or reading.
