One Obscure Superman Panel Was a Not-So-Subtle Nod to Marvel’s First Family

by

Easter eggs, with their deep and fascinating backgrounds, are abundant in the DC and Marvel comic worlds – and it’s no surprise why. Comic books, being one of the most versatile storytelling platforms, naturally lend themselves to including intricate visual or narrative hints for creators to insert, and for readers who enjoy the hunt to discover and interpret them. Furthermore, both DC and Marvel comic universes are rich with decades of interwoven tales and mythology, offering a vast source of references that creators can incorporate into their comics. Additionally, these publishers have dedicated fan bases who relish in uncovering cleverly hidden nods to the lore.

Easter eggs in comics can be used to honor or make fun of popular tropes within the superhero genre. For instance, DC Comics once subtly poked fun at their long-time rival Marvel by using an Easter egg, a playful jibe at Marvel’s “First Family” that some enthusiasts might have missed.

DC vs. Marvel and the Rivalry’s Funniest Moment

In these issues of Superman (1987) #49-50, it might seem like there’s no connection to Marvel Comics at first glance. However, they hold great importance within the DC Universe. These comics delve deep into Krimson Kryptonite, a unique and potentially dangerous form of this mineral, especially when misused. The danger of Krimson Kryptonite is closely tied to Superman’s long-time adversary, Mr. Mxyzptlk, an ancient interdimensional trickster who often causes trouble for the Man of Steel. In issue #49, it is revealed that Mxyzptlk gives a chunk of this Kryptonite to Lex Luthor, but he’s too preoccupied enjoying himself in another dimension to fully explain its consequences. As a result, he fails to keep his regular appointment for causing havoc on Earth.

In Issue #50, we delve deeper into Mxyzptlk’s amusing adventures in another dimension. This diversion seems to prevent him from fulfilling one of his significant and long-standing duties. Interestingly enough, the dimension where Mxyzptlk resides is Earth-616 within the Marvel Universe, and the amusement that has him hooked involves secretly observing Marvel’s Fantastic Four being thrashed by a villain, hidden from the audience’s view. As Mxyzptlk admits, “This is the best vacation I’ve ever had.” DC went to great lengths to poke fun at Marvel in this scene, but, as is customary with Easter eggs, the joke can only be discovered by dedicated Fantastic Four fans who happened to be reading a Superman comic.

As a devoted Marvel fan, I couldn’t help but notice some familiar faces in that scene – it was like running into old friends! The guy with the elongated body and wearing a distinctive blue suit? That’s Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. And don’t get me started on the fiery trails left behind – that’s none other than Johnny Storm, AKA the Human Torch. Now, spotting Ben Grimm was a bit trickier due to the pink, gooey substance he was covered in, but I’d recognize my old Thing anywhere!

His way of talking is a dead giveaway because it sounds just like Ben Grimm’s unique dialect. Although Invisible Woman (Sue Storm) isn’t in the picture, the backdrop – specifically the two destroyed buildings – has a distinct Jack Kirby feel, reminiscent of the early days of Fantastic Four comics. To top it off, Mxyzptlk’s comment about enjoying himself with his “fantastic new friends” really seals the deal.

The Legacy of Mr. Mxyzptlk’s Visit to the Marvel-verse

It’s tricky to identify who threw the initial punch, either in terms of time or character, but what’s certain is that DC and Marvel have been engaging in witty banter for many years. The Mxyzptlk scene is simply one instance where these competing publishers subtly poke fun at each other, employing smart, amusing tactics while staying clear of legal issues like copyright infringement. In truth, the longstanding rivalry between DC and Marvel is a distinctive and captivating element in the history of American superhero comic books.

As a movie reviewer, I’d say that scenes like the Mxyzptlk parody serve as affectionate nods – they show respect and appreciation for other creators’ work by playfully imitating it within our own storyline. This creative give-and-take not only makes the comic book world more vibrant but also pushes artists to be bold and think beyond conventional boundaries. The clever use of an interdimensional character such as Mr. Mxyzptlk to deliver the joke is a brilliant stroke of comedy, demonstrating the writer’s wit. Additionally, these types of humorous references may pave the way for exciting crossovers between universes, like those we can expect this year.

Even though this comic strip was brief, it cleverly referenced the Fantastic Four, demonstrating the playful and sneaky essence of comic book storytelling. In an era marked by cinematic universes and multiverse crossovers, Superman #50 serves as a reminder that the most impactful moments are often found in the subtleties: hidden within dialogue, on the sidelines, or through a sly wink from a trickster residing in the fifth dimension who enjoys causing mischief.

https://comicbook.com/comics/news/7-funniest-superman-moments-ever-in-dc-comics/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-09 20:11