This issue centers around its villain. This Bloodsport looks more like a Batman foe, but Superman is the perfect hero to tackle him as Superman has been an enemy of intolerance for many years. Bloodsport is probably still the most vile excuse for a bigoted supervillain I've ever seen. His hate is an issue that would make quite an origin story perhaps, but his behavior is inexcusable. He seems to even think people who associate with African Americans must die. His hate seems to have no limit, nor does his thirst for innocent blood. He even tries to kill a child, but luckily Superman saves her.
I'll never forget the cliffhanger ending. Only a sick mind like his could fire 2 missiles at 2 of Superman's friends, both of different race just to make him choose.
There were several realistic racial matters in Superman in those days, like when Perry and Alice White took in and adopted Superman's orphaned friend Keith. That was a very emotional story. But this issue was a story showing intolerance at its worst. It was brilliantly written and drawn. It became an instant classic at the time, and now still holds a great deal of sentimental value. more