Superman #417
An Imaginary Tale by Elliot S! Maggin, Curt Swan, and Dave Hunt.
The rocket (you know which one) lands on Mars. By an amazing coincidence, the militaristic local intelligent species uses the "S" logo as their symbol. Green-skinned Commander Norr adopts the boy and names him Skaggerak. By yet another coincidence, Skaggerak dons the familiar costume and becomes Norr's greatest warrior. Eventually father and son rule all of Mars. Kal, I mean, Skaggerak's benevolence shows through while his father craves for violence - but what is left for him to conquer? Oh, Earth, of course.
Skaggerak disguises himself as an Earthling, and ends up in line at a soup kitchen, where he is puzzled by human generosity. He then gets a job as a Santa Claus, thinking, "This must be how they collect their TAXES." But eventually he figures out what being human is all about, declares Earth to be his new home, and turns against his own Martian people. Lois proposes that this new alien champion should be called "Superman," but Perry White isn't impressed. And frankly, neither was I. I can't see this one getting the thumbs-up from Weisinger.
I love this story. "Santa" uses his super-breath to surreptitiously stop a purse-snatcher. Once the woman gets her purse back, she donates some money to "Santa." Even though it's part of her rent money, she knows that you're rich as long as you have charity in your heart.
"Santa" thinks that he finally understands these people, and soars off to deal with the Martian invasion. When his adopted Martian father asks if he's come to help with the invasion, he tells them, "No... and what's more, that little blue planet is my home!"
As he defends the planet against the Martian ships, writer Elliot S. Maggin delivers some wonderful lines about the people of Earth who live their lives on a tiny planet, yet dare to believe in God.
It's a Christmas story, one which I hope to find a copy of, for a more in-depth review.
One of my favorites. I miss Maggin's Superman.
Review by Marc Miyake, commentary by Steve Chung