In 1984 DC Comics introduced one of the best toys lines, the Super Powers Collection. It had the "Big Seven" Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Aquaman and Batman plus Robin of course. There were only 4 villains Lex Luthor, Joker, Penguin and Brainiac.
Each figure had a "super power" when you squeezed their arms or legs. Some came with accessories like Wonder Woman's lasso of truth, Joker's sledge hammer or Penguin's umbrella. Of course being a kid at the time I had all these and played with them religiously. They interacted with my GI Joe's too. That's a crossover we'll never see.
At the same time the toy line was being launched DC also released a comic of the same name.
The 5 issue Super Powers series was written by comics legend Jack Kirby. He also drew the covers along with interior art on issue 5.
The story started out strong enough with evil Darkseid plotting to take over Earth. Providing portions of his power to four generals, who in turn passed those powers along to the four super villains.
Of course Lex, Joker and Penguin all fail leaving Brainac as the last villain standing. Brainiac chooses Wonder Woman and her Amazon sisters as his targets and plans to use them to create war and destruction across Earth.
He abandons this plan after seeing his most hated foe Superman. Brainiac decides Superman would be a better weapon as a de-evolved caveman.
The other heroes must now battle Superman along with trying to find a way to help him.
This is when the story takes a turn for the worse. The heroes, plus villains, are all transported to Apokolips while Darkseid's troops are sent to Earth.
Metron arrives, gathers the heroes and villains into some sort of "brain booster" and defeats Darkseid. blah blah blah.
Seemed like the ending was rushed or not all that thought out.
The artist on the book, Adrian Gonzales, did a good job of emulating Jack Kirby's unique art style. One page in particle also stuck out at me, more for the ubsurdity than anything else. Joker has been talking to a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum. Delving into his past to determine what might be the cause of Joker's madness.
Seeing him as a baby Joker and both parents with Joker features is just silly and totally over the top.
In my opinion you should skip over this mini series and go right to playing with the toys.
Maybe the second series which came out with the second wave of toys is better. I won't hold my breath.
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