The Man of Steel #1 : Page 23

John Byrne and Dick Giordano The Man of Steel #1 Story Page 23 Original Art (DC, 1986). This is a particularly fascinating page from Issue #1 of John Byrne's landmark Superman miniseries, the post-Crisis reboot that redefined the Man of Steel's modern world. Here, a solemn Clark Kent explains to Pa Kent how saving the experimental space plane Constitution left him with no way to remain hidden from the public. The page also preserves a remarkable bit of editorial archaeology: a photostat covers all of Panel 2, attached only at the top so it can be lifted to reveal Byrne's original version underneath. Instead of the more futuristic-looking Constitution, Byrne had originally drawn a NASA space shuttle of the period, part of which still peeks through at the end of the final panel. In light of the Challenger tragedy earlier that same year, the change may well have been made out of editorial sensitivity. This page appears as Story Page 5 of "Chapter Two: The Exposure" and was created in ink over graphite on DC Bristol board, with an image area of 10" x 15.25". Slight toning, with smudging, blue pencil editorial notes/marks, whiteout touch-ups, production-trimmed top edge, light pulled-tape abrasions on top/bottom edges, and light handling wear. Signed by Byrne in the lower left margin and in Very Good condition.


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