Worst. Cover. Ever. (part 8)

During the fever-dream that was editor Eddie Berganza's reign on the Superman titles (1999-2006), there were a number of clueless moves on Eddie's part that are now the stuff of legend among long-suffering Superman fans.  From accepting low-wattage, sub-par writing to the introduction of wonky Manga-esque art styles, it seemed to be a never-ending parade of disappointment under Eddie's not-so-watchful eye.

One of Eddie's crowning achievements in disappointment was the cover of Adventures of Superman #600 (2002):

On the occasion of his 600-issue milestone,
Superman ponders, "Did I leave the iron on?"

What would possess someone to approve that hideous trade dress at the top of the cover? An indistinguishable blob of a Superman logo (with the "S" symbol at the end making it read as "Supermans") coupled with the decision to run a dreary poop-brown background behind it is "Classic Eddie". Of course, the worst part of this hideous cover is the dreadful image of Superman himself. 

What better way to celebrate a milestone anniversary issue than to completely mock the character you're celebrating?  Well, that seemed to be what Eddie had in mind when he hired caricature artist Dan Adel to paint this steroid-soaked doofus of a Superman.   If I'm looking for a guy to do a wacky shot of Drew Carrey holding a pen, I'll hire Dan Adel....but for Superman #600?  Not a chance!  Oh, I'm sure the sophisticated Cool Cats of the Rolling Stone Magazine set enjoyed the cover's air of delicious irony, since the patriotic sentiment looks as flat-out foolish as Superman himself.  But as for Superman fans at the time, it's fair to say most of us were pretty disappointed.  The story inside was predictably underwhelming as well, which makes Adventures of Superman #600 the poster child for Eddie Berganza's titanically disappointing stewardship of DC's flagship character.

Comments

[Loren]

LOL! It's so funny how the tagline reads, "Now, More Than Ever -- For Truth, Justice, and the American Way" yet the look on Superman's face is, "Yeah, whatever..."

[Mark Engblom]

Superman's bored look on his face is one of the major irritants of this cover. It almost seems incidental that he's holding an American flag, as if he's about to say "Duhhh...so where do want me ta put dis here flag?"

[John Phelan]

But we'll always have Birthright...

(oh, wait - that stunk too. I am so glad Eddie is gone.)

[Mark Engblom]

I certainly didn't shed any tears when Eddie left the books. It still astounds me how long DC kept him on the Superman books....probably the longest sustained slump in the character's history.