Photo of the Week: "Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali"

 

In 1978, DC Comics released a one-shot 72-page issue of the Superman comic, "Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali"; where the Heavy Weight Boxing Champion took on The Man of Steel in an epic boxing match. The duo was forced to battle on the ring to defeat an alien invasion of Earth.

 However, considering Superman can put a human in a coma with one punch, the battle had to be carried out without using his superpowers. 

Sorry... not telling you who won! 

"Superman Vs. Muhammed Ali" was the brainchild of Dennis O'Neil and  Neal Adams, who made sure to get the Champ's mannerisms and speech correct by observing him while he was at his training camp.  The comic was released to great acclaim that year and re-issued in hardback in 2010. 

“Here was our opportunity to say something about the world without actually getting involved in the political arena, but getting involved in the area of humanity and high adventure and fun and enjoyment. Once you realize that you’re going to have Superman and Muhammad Ali fight for the right to save the Earth, the story kind of writes itself.”

 - Neal Adams