The writer of Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, Mark Waid, has revealed that his favorite Superman moment isn’t from comics. Instead, the iconic DC writer prefers a scene in the novel Superman: Miracle Monday, in which the Man of Steel meets an otherworldly being.
The novelized Superman adventure Miracle Monday was written by Elliot Maggin and published in 1981. Although it might be considered a somewhat obscure DC story, passionate Superman fans are well-aware of the book. In 2017, it even received a new printing, with an audiobook through Maggin’s podcast the following year. The premise involves Superman meeting a time traveler, Kristin Wells, who becomes Superwoman in the comics. During a holiday called “Miracle Monday,” taking place on the third week of May, chaos breaks out when an extra dimensional entity called “Samael” who rules over Hell comes to Earth. While he tries to lure Superman to the dark side, Kristin does what she can to stop him. Eventually, Samael even makes Clark Kent’s secret identity public knowledge, in an attempt to turn him into a supervillain. Along the way, Lex Luthor joins Superman in a rare partnership to try and banish Samael, as he had played a part in summoning him.
During a Reddit AMA on r/dccomics commemorating the release of Mark Waid’s World’s Finest #1, the writer answered questions from fans. In response to a question regarding his favorite Superman moment, Waid said, “…my favorite Superman moment of all time comes at the end of Elliot Maggin's prose novel, Miracle Monday, when Superman asks a time traveler a very important question. Chokes me up every time.” It speaks to the novel’s resonance that as a comic book writer, Waid chose a moment from outside the medium.
"Tell me something seriously, Kris.”
“Can’t promise. It’s against the rules, even for you.”
"Just one thing. Do I ever make friends with Luthor again?”
She thought about how to tell him and how much to tell him. He was Superman, after all, she had to tell him something. Finally, she just whispered, “Someday.”
Throughout Superman and Lex Luthor’s comic book history, they have primarily been depicted as enemies. However, their brief truce in Miracle Monday speaks to Superman’s personal hopes for his arch-nemesis. For a story exploring Superman’s potential temptation to give into his aggression and become a villain, the exchange of dialogue cited by Waid embodies Clark’s selfless spirit. Although it isn’t clear in many of his interactions with Luthor, Superman hopes for him to be redeemed someday— the opposite desire of Samael, who had wanted to twist Clark’s morality.
During the AMA, Waid elaborated on the core components of Superman’s character, noting his immense compassion. Out of all the questions that Clark could have asked a time traveler, his decision to consider his future with Lex highlights his empathy. He could have asked whether the corrupt businessman will be apprehended for good, or he could have asked a question regarding his personal life. Instead, Miracle Monday showcases Superman’s humanity, amidst an unlikely friendship.