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The Kryptonian Cybernet Issue 01
AN ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE FAMILY OF SUPERMAN CHARACTERS
THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET - ISSUE #1 - MAY 1994
All characters and locales are copyright and/or trademark DC Comics.
Section 1: Introduction, The SCU Files, A Matter of FAQ, Reviews
Section 2: Reviews (cont.)
Section 3: Looking Back, Coming Attractions
Section 4: Other-Media, The Fleischer Cartoons, Contest #1, Resources
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OFF AND RUNNING
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Well, folks, we did it! You are now reading the Òhot-off-the-pressÓ first
edition of THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET! (Credit to Ken McKee for the magazineÕs
title!) Rather than tell you what articles are contained herein, IÕll let
you surf the magazine on your own to discover all of the little gems hidden
within. I thought IÕd give you a taste of what kinds of features we will be
adding in future issues. We have several regular columns in the works in
addition to the ones you will find in this premiere issue. Below, you will
find the first article is The SCU Files, a monthly column spotlighting a
villain in the Superman Universe. In later issues we hope to also introduce
regular columns spotlighting supporting characters and the effects of current
and past stories on the city of Metropolis.
We want to have at least one monthly column which looks back at a pre-Byrne
issue. See Looking Back for more detail on this. The Other-Media section
will soon have reviews of books, the movies, cartoons, and of course,
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman! Also, we tentatively plan on
including fan fiction in the future, though this is dependent on whether or
not we receive permission from DC. Similarly, we also plan on making fan
art and public domain gifs available from one collected ftp site.
Our big coup: Dan Jurgens has responded to an inquiry about his giving
an interview for the magazine in the near future! So in the months ahead,
keep an eye out for that! Who knows, maybe this will be a gateway to chats
with several more members of the creative staff!
Finally, we want to hear from you! Give us your opinions and ideas. Send
us articles! I promise that ANYTHING which we receive will be considered
seriously! I have set up an America Online account solely for the purpose
of receiving reader mail and submissions. You may contact the magazine at
KryptonCN@aol.com
I only ask that your subject line read KC: Submission or KC: Letter to
make it easier for us to distinguish between the two. If you received
this magazine via a newsgroup, you might like to know that it is also
available via e-mail. To subscribe, send a message to sykes@ms.uky.edu
with a subject line of KC:Subscribe. In the BODY of the message, include
the e-mail address to which you want the issues sent. ThatÕs all!
I hope you enjoy the magazine, and hereÕs to many more issues!
Jeffery D. Sykes (sykes@ms.uky.edu)
=========================================================
THE SCU FILES
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by Chris Jarocha-Ernst (cje@gandalf.rutgers.edu)
File #0638-001: Lex Luthor
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Pre-History:
Prior to the reworking of DC history as a result of the Crisis on
Infinite Earths, Lex Luthor was arguably the smartest man in the
world. A genius even as a youth, he delighted in outlandish
scientific experiments until, having created artificial life, he
accidentally started a lab fire. Superboy - LuthorÕs friend up to
this time - blew out the fire, inadvertently causing chemicals to
spill on Luthor, resulting in LuthorÕs loss of his hair. Blaming
the entire incident on Superboy, rather than on his own carelessness,
he swiftly slid into a life of crime. At first, his criminal
activities served as a means by which to gain revenge on Superboy.
Later their purpose became his own aggrandizement. He grew into
adulthood with a reputation as a criminal genius and was the
pre-Crisis SupermanÕs greatest foe.
Post-Crisis, Lex Luthor became a wealthy businessman. Though known
to most of Metropolis as a philanthropist and civic reformer,
Luthor was constantly the target of persistent rumors connecting him
to criminal activities. However, he made certain that no one was
able to find sufficient proof of these activities. Luthor reveled
in his role as the most powerful man in Metropolis... until Superman
arrived. In an attempt to turn the spotlight back onto himself, he
staged a terrorist attack, supposedly as a publicity stunt. But the
stunt backfired. Luthor was charged with criminal endangerment and
was for the first time imprisoned, albeit for a short length of time.
Humiliated, Luthor privately vowed revenge on Superman.
Biography:
The names of Lex LuthorÕs parents have not survived. Among what
little is known about them is that they were poor and antisocial.
In his own words, ÒThey were obnoxiously mediocre. They were
pathetic.Ó Both were overweight, alcoholic, and inhabitants of
Suicide Slum in Metropolis, which is presumably where Lex was born.
But young Lex was a brilliant child, and at age 13 he brought his
lifelong hatred of them to a culmination. He had his parents
insured without their knowledge and arranged for an automobile
accident. With $300,000 to his name, he left Suicide Slum.
Seeking startup capital for a business, he introduced the concept
of designer drugs, drugs designed to get around the existing
illegality of specific formulas, to Metropolis. With this money,
he founded LexCorp. His first public success, at age 21, was the
defense contract for a new type of sub-orbital craft heÕd developed,
the LexWing. From there, LexCorp grew into an engineering giant.
Through LexCorp, Luthor owned the DAILY PLANET for a while. He had
grown up with Perry White in Suicide Slum and, in the guise of
friendship, delighted in flaunting his achievements over WhiteÕs.
He had even dated Alice Spencer, WhiteÕs fiancee, while White was
in the Army. Years later, when his son Jerry was killed, Perry
found out about the affair and that Jerry was actually LuthorÕs
child.
Luthor has written an autobiography, SIMPLY BRILLIANT, which glosses
over the more unsavory aspects of his life.
Abilities:
Lex Luthor has no super-powers of his own. He does have a brilliant
mind, an enormous personal fortune, complete control over the
resources of his multinational corporation, LexCorp, and utter
ruthlessness in both his business life and his personal life. He
has also been known to wear armored battle-suits, though this
Òhands-onÓ approach is not common. He enjoys humiliating women and
has hired many extraordinarily talented women for the pleasure of
having them work for (and around) him.
Luthor is also something of a catalyst, though this is not to be
construed as an actual paranormal ability. He has been responsible,
either directly or indirectly, for the creation, modification, or
presence of both opponents (Bizarro, Bloodsport, Brainiac, Doctor
Amanda McCoy, Hellgrammite, Klaash, Kryptonoid Man, Metallo, Mr.
Mxyzptlk, Myriad, red kryptonite, Synapse/Combattor, Toyman) and
allies (Gangbuster, Professor Emil Hamilton, Sinbad, Supergirl/
Matrix) of Superman.
Luthor has not been known to carry weapons (except in the rare
instances of wearing the battle-suits), save one Ñ for a while, he
wore a ring with a piece of kryptonite in its setting. He used this
ring to taunt Superman, until he discovered that the radiation from
kryptonite, while instantly affecting Superman, also had long-term
effects on humans. The radiation poisoning caused him to lose his
right hand, which he then had replaced with a robotic prosthetic hand
having greater-than-normal strength. The ring was then kept in a
vault, until it was stolen by Dr. McCoy, a former LexCorp employee.
(Superman eventually obtained the ring and gave it to Batman in case
Superman should ever need to be stopped.)
However, the radiation poisoning continued to spread. Faced with
impending death, Luthor decided to fake his demise in a plane crash.
In actuality, he had his brain transplanted into a younger, cloned
body. In this body, he pretended to be his own son, a son who had
been living with foster parents under an assumed name. When the
ÒnewsÓ broke that Lex Luthor had a Òson,Ó LuthorÕs usual conceit
sprang forth. Rather than use ÒLex Luthor, Jr.,Ó Luthor took the
name ÒLex Luthor II,Ó flaunting his true identity before an
unknowing public.
Selected Post-Crisis Appearances:
LEX LUTHOR: THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY. Information on LexÕs past.
WORLD OF METROPOLIS #1, ÒA ReporterÕs StoryÓ. Luthor greets the
returning Perry White.
MAN OF STEEL #4, ÒEnemy Mine...Ó. Luthor meets Superman.
MAN OF STEEL #5, ÒThe Mirror, CrackÕd...Ó. Lex creates Bizarro.
SUPERMAN #2, ÒThe Secret Revealed!Ó Dr. McCoy reveals Superman
is Clark Kent, but Luthor refuses to believe someone so
powerful would choose a mortal guise. He also obtains
Kryptonite from Metallo.
SUPERMAN #9. Lex offers a waitress an INDECENT PROPOSAL-type
offer.
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #437, ÒPoint of ViewÓ. Lex tries to get New
Guardian Celia Windward to understand his perspective.
ACTION #600, ÒGames People PlayÓ. Lex learns heÕs been poisoned by
his ring.
SUPERMAN #30-31, and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #453-454, ÒHostile
TakeoverÓ. With Superman in a self-imposed exile in space,
Luthor looks for challenges in the stock market.
SUPERMAN #31, ÒAs Good as His Word!Ó. Lex teaches Mr. Mxyzptlk
the concept of lying.
ACTION #647-649, ÒThe Brainiac TrilogyÓ. Brainiac, long a prisoner
of LexÕs, breaks free and gets a new body.
WORLDÕS FINEST Limited Series #1-3. Luthor and the Joker swap foes.
SUPERMAN #49-50, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #472, and ACTION #659,
ÒKrisis of the Krimson KryptoniteÓ. Mr. Mxyzptlk creates
red kryptonite and gives Lex a piece.
ACTION #660, ÒCertain DeathÓ. Luthor fakes his death.
ACTION #668, ÒThe Ghost of LuthorÓ. Superman lays rumors of Lex
sightings to rest.
ACTION #672, ÒAll This... and Lex Luthor II!Ó Lex Luthor II is
presented to the world.
ACTION #677. Supergirl falls in love with Lex Luthor II.
ACTION #678, ÒTalking Heads!Ó The fact that Lex Luthor II is
actually a clone of Lex Luthor is revealed to the readers.
ACTION #685. After SupermanÕs death, Lex Luthor (II) beats on
Doomsday for cheating him of his revenge.
SUPERGIRL AND TEAM LUTHOR #1. Various stories involving Lex (II)
and Supergirl trying to fill SupermanÕs shoes.
SUPERMAN #87-88, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #510, ACTION #697, and
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #32, ÒBizarroÕs WorldÓ. Stricken
by a plague that affects only clones, Luthor (II) recreates
Bizarro in an attempt to develop a cure.
SUPERGIRL #1-4. Supergirl learns the truth about Lex (II)Õs schemes
and manipulations.
ACTION #699-700, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #34, SUPERMAN #90, and
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #512, ÒThe Fall of MetropolisÓ. Dying,
Lex decides to take his enemies with him. Lois exposes to
the world the truth about both Lex (II) and his Òfather.Ó
Threat Level: 10 (out of 10).
=========================================================
A MATTER OF FAQ
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by Jeffery D. Sykes and David Thomas Chappell
Actually, the work and the column belong to David, but I am supplying the
introduction. Those of you who frequent alt.comics.superman in the Usenet
groups are no doubt familiar with DavidÕs Superman FAQ and Superman Stories
List, each of which was updated and posted to the newsgroups this past
weekend. David is also the author of the new Zero Hour FAQ, which explores
some of the background information relevant to DCÕs upcoming event. And
David might not mention this himself, but he has been awarded an honorary
Baldy by the Superman editorial staff for his work on the FAQ and Stories
List!
In this column, David will be highlighting portions of his Superman FAQ,
expanding on some of the questions and offering his own opinions on past
and present events. For this first issue, David was busy working on his
new Zero Hour FAQ, but took the time to submit an opinion on the best
post-Byrne Superman stories.
Q: I would like to start collecting Superman comics, but I donÕt know
where to start. Can anyone help me ? Which stories are considered
to be the classics ?
A: Note that a lot of what IÕm saying below is already in the FAQ, but no
question says ÒWhat are the classics?Ó
First, you ought to get THE MAN OF STEEL mini-series by John Byrne (not
to be confused with the current SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL regular
series). It contains the redefined origin of Superman and re-introduces
all of the main cast. The comics are reproduced in a trade paperback
(now in its fourth printing).
Three other mini-series continued in the fashion of THE MAN OF STEEL to
redefine SupermanÕs past. Though THE WORLD OF KRYPTON, THE WORLD OF
SMALLVILLE, and THE WORLD OF METROPOLIS arenÕt as classic as THE MAN OF
STEEL, I suggest them for a collector anyway.
Below is a list of what I consider to be ÒclassicÓ Superman stories from
the current continuity. See my file ÒSuperman StoriesÓ for details on
issues. The stories marked with an asterisk (*) are Òmust-haves.Ó
The Legion of Super-Heroes & Superboy Crossover
The Supergirl Saga*
The Day of the Krypton Man
Dark Knight over Metropolis
Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite
Time and Time Again
Doomsday*
The Death of Superman*
Funeral for a Friend
Reign of the Supermen
In addition, I suggest the following comic because it had the first
appearance of the Eradicator: ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #2 (1989)
For more information on the specific issues which relate these stories,
see the Superman FAQ and Superman Stories List. Details on how to
access these files via ftp and e-mail are given in the Resources
section at the end of the magazine.
=========================================================
REVIEWS
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Everyone has an opinion. At least thatÕs what I seem to have discovered
in assembling the team which makes up the list of regular contributors for
this magazine. At times, I thought that distributing the review assignments
would result in bloodshed! But seriously, I believe youÕll find that our
contributors to this section of reviews are quite good at what they do.
For each issue, we plan on providing reviews of issues which shipped during
the prior month. For example, since this is May, we review issues which
shipped in April. Yeah, I know that THE RAY #1 actually shipped at the end
of March, but we figured it should be included for completeness. Also, at
the end of each review we will assign a rating of 1 to 5 shields, to give
a numerical assessment of the book. As the magazine progresses, we hope to
have panels which would review each issue and submit a rating, so that you
can have several numerical opinions as well as the written review.
Now I expect that some of you (hopefully not most of you!) will disagree
with our reviewers. If you have a dissenting opinion, send it along to us.
I mentioned the upcoming letters column in the introduction. Selected
responses will be printed in that column. Again, you should direct those
letters to KryptonCN@aol.com with a subject line of KC: Letters.
On to the reviews then....
THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES:
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20. ACTION COMICS #699, ÒEye of the HurricaneÓ
Written by Roger Stern
Guest Pencils by Norman Felchle
Guest Inks by James Pascoe
$1.50 cover
Under the menace of the escalating war in Metropolis between Luthor and the
Cadmus project, people begin to evacuate the city. Superman, back to normal
after the leeching of his excess energy by the Parasite, flies to LoisÕs
place upon his discovery that sheÕs been fired from the Planet. Lois tells
Clark everything she discovered about Luthor: old crimes (the murder of his
karate instructor) and new looks. Although his television broadcasts con-
cerning the Cadmus attacks portray him in perfect health, he was bald and
aged the last time she saw him. Superman arrives at Lexcorp Tower just in
time to prevent Supergirl from striking Luthor (see also Supergirl #4).
HeÕs ill, and the doctors take care of him. In the streets, Team Luthor
and the police are involved in a territorial dispute when Guardian and his
squad burst up through the street, running away from the Underworlders,
mutant clones seeking revenge on Cadmus because of the clone disease.
Superman enters the scene and tries to speak to them. But Luthor, safe in
his hyperbaric chamber, controls the situation...the Underworlders are armed
with Lexcorp weapons! Luthor presses a button, causing a gun to fire by
itself. And in the streets this means war.
The excitement is at a high level, though the story is mainly the set-up
of things to come. Nothing really important happens, but you need to read
as quickly as possible, because you want to know more. If you want more,
itÕs probably better if you go for the Supergirl mini-series. There you
will learn about the real nature of the attacks over Lexcorp and about her
strange behavior in this issue. The dialogues are dense and significative,
as usual, flowing smoothly through the story. However, some useless scenes
break the tempo, as page-holes, giving senseless time-outs to the action.
Take Superman looking for the Parasite. He seems very worried about it for
three panels, and suddenly he forgets it. Norman Felchle provides the guest
pencils, and James Pascoe guest inks. The result is not bad, though some
anatomy lessons and expression studies would help a lot. And I still wonder
why almost everybody in Metropolis has their eyes closedÑespecially
Superman when flying, or jumping or fighting. Anyway, I can feel the climax
approaching, and it makes me forget about things. Right now, IÕm just
thinking of the next issue!
Rating: 3 Shields
Jose R. Galan
======================================================
21. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #34, ÒWarÓ
Written by Louise Simonson
Pencils by Jon Bogdanove
Inks by Dennis Janke
$1.50 cover
ItÕs difficult to comment coherently on a middle issue in a storyline that
spans four titles over several months. I mean, how can you comment on a
plotline that extends way before the issue, and that will end issues later
in another title? This is, after all, a filler issue that tries to inject
just enough carnage and plot development into the story to maintain the
excitement up until the climax in Action #700. If I looked at this issue as
an individual story instead of a continuation of several plot threads, IÕd
be pretty disappointed in it, especially since Superman is almost a minor
character here. IÕd also be missing the point.
So letÕs consider the plot threads. The carnage in Metropolis continues as
Team Luthor battles Cadmus battles the Underworlders battles the Special
Crimes Unit. Lois continues to search for evidence against the ailing Lex
Luthor. An ailing Superboy is rushed back to Cadmus. And the Guardian gets
as many fight pages as Superman.
I have to admitÑIÕm really interested in all these plot threads. For the
first time since John Byrne re-created Luthor in the KingpinÕs image, IÕm
actually eager to find out what will happen with him, whether or not he
blows up Metropolis. Lois actually has something to do that doesnÕt involve
calling Superman for help. IÕve never been too thrilled by the Guardian,
but at least he really gets to strut his stuff this issue. ItÕs good to see
the supporting characters really being used as something other than props.
The stories move along at an appropriate place, and the issue stays
entertaining all the way through.
I couldnÕt help feeling, however, that something was missing. You remember
the big guy in the blue outfit with the red cape? HeÕs in the first five
pages (fighting aimlessly), one panel in the middle of the story, and then
arrives too late at the end to be much good to anybody.
Again, looking at the story in the context of a continuing series of plot
threads in which Superman is just one thread, this makes sense. But I still
couldnÕt help thinking, ÒHeyÑthis is Superman! The Main Man of all super-
heroes! He canÕt do ANYTHING to stop the fighting?Ó
Now, the Pre-Crisis Superman would have smashed his fists together, causing
a sonic boom to knock everybody down. Or he might have taken their weapons
away at super-speed. But that would be too easy. I wasnÕt looking for that.
What I was looking for, though, was that Superman would retain SOME of the
power he recently had, and would be able to contribute something more to the
fight than a relatively ineffective judo throw. IÕm tired of the ineffective
Man of Steel that can only react to situations, and who, more often than not,
only peripherally affects the final outcome.
IÕve gotten used to BogdanoveÕs artÑin fact, I even enjoy the exaggerated
barrel chests and muscles. He has a real flair for action, and it shows in
all the fight scenes. But the powerful, dynamic Superman Bogdanove draws
doesnÕt match the ineffective Superman who lamely battles in this issue just
to figure out whatÕs going on.
To sum up, I liked the story as a continuing story, and like BogdanoveÕs art.
But as a Superman story, I can only say ÒwhereÕs the steel?Ó
Rating: 3 shields
Anatole Wilson
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22. SUPERMAN #90, ÒBattleground MetropolisÓ
Written by Dan Jurgens
Guest Pencils by Brent Anderson
Inks by Joe Rubinstein & Co.
$1.50 cover
After Guardian goes down, more explosions rock the city. Superman rescues
the survivors, then escorts the injured Guardian back to Cadmus. Meanwhile,
Westfield launches missiles at Underworlder depots, hoping to destroy more
of the failed clones. Lois announces to Lex that she has evidence to send
him up the river for good, and Supes lets her go and get him. And, of
course, angered at the destruction of specimens from which he may generate
people to withstand the coming Apocalypse, Donovan (!) returns to Cadmus,
apparently killing Westfield to close the book.
The art hurt the book a bit, and I hope that after Hunter/Prey, Jurgens and
Breeding come back. The title NEEDS it. This book sets up some interesting
plotlines to be developed, such as the fall of Cadmus and the Return of
Donovan to the spotlight. As a build up in the Battle storyline, this book
adds much more to the battle than the previous books, leaving the reader
curious as to what will happen next issueÑmuch more so than the first two
books did.
Rating: 3 Shields
Brian Petro
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23. THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #513, ÒTarget: CadmusÓ
Plot and Pencils by Barry Kitson
Plot and Dialog by Karl Kesel
Inks by Ray McCarthy
$1.50 cover
Faster than the speed of sound this issue takes our hero to Project Cadmus.
He arrives at Dr. WestfieldÕs office to find a murder investigation underway.
We, but not our hero, soon find that Dabney Donovan was responsible for
Director Paul WestfieldÕs death, and has stolen the corpseÕs ear.
One of the guards stationed at Cadmus soon finds Carl Packard, Lex LuthorÕs
Cadmus mole and brings him to the Cadmus science team. When accused of
WestfieldÕs murder, Packard pleads his innocence. At this time, the Cadmus
scientists are focusing on the GuardianÕs immunity to the Clone Plague in
search of a cure. Packard tells them that the fallout from Engine City is
responsible for the plague. They let Packard continue his analysis of the
fallout on one of the Cadmus computers. From the computer Packard contacts
Lex Luthor, informing him that a cure may be soon be on its way.
At this news, Lex summons the best of Team Luthor to steal the cure from
Cadmus. Team Luthor arrives, but Superman is able to keep them away from
the Cadmus scientists. Superman does his best not to harm Team Luthor as the
fight migrates to CadmusÕ reactor core. Meanwhile, the scientists have been
able to isolate a possible cure from The Guardian. Superboy volunteers to be
a test subject, even though they are not certain if the serum will cure him...
or send him to his death. The serum works, and Superboy joins the fight with
a great line: ÒLearned this from that Nancy Kerrigan commercial. You know Ñ
Never underestimate the power of...Ó
Team Luthor purposely damages the reactor, and it will soon explode. Superman
orders Superboy to get Team Luthor out of the building, and Superman tries to
contain the explosion. Superboy gets Team Luthor out, but is surprised to see
that none of Project Cadmus have made it to the surface. There is a huge
explosion, and Superman is the only one who makes it out alive, proclaiming
that Òthis time IÕm going to bring him (Luthor) down hard.Ó
I liked this months AOS. I loved the colors, but I did not care for the
drawing of Superman and some of the other characters. This is a minor point.
The art is not poor, but I think SupermanÕs muscles are puffy and bloated.
I like the smaller Superman of Jurgens and Breeding. Also in this issue, we
really see how desperate Lex Luthor is. He sent his team into Cadmus and
destroyed it even though he new Superman was present. There was an
interesting exchange between our hero and Luthor. Luthor asks Superman if
he would allow ÒEinsteinÓ to die. Superman responds that it was not Einstein
that had a personal army Ñ it was Hitler. I really hope that some of Cadmus
survives. I have always liked The Guardian, and being a Genetic Engineer,
I have always loved the Cadmus stories. A lot of what Cadmus does could not
be accomplished now or in the future, but then again, Superman flies through
space and survived an explosion of a nuclear reactor. So, I find it easy to
cut Cadmus a lot of science fiction slack. I enjoyed the issue, but it is
really a filler before ACTION #700.
Rating: 3 Shields
Arthur LaMarche
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End of Part 1
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REVIEWS (CONTINUED)
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OTHER SUPER-TITLES AND MINISERIES:
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STEEL #5, ÒRetaliationÓ
Written by Jon Bogdanove & Louise Simonson
Pencils by Chris Batista
Inks by Rich Faber
$1.50 cover
STEEL Hmmm. More internal conflict, more family tragedy, more gang violence,
and more redundancy than is necessary for any storyline. The writers of
STEEL are moving too fast, giving the reader too much in trying to build a
narrative historyÑletting us know the backgrounds, motivations, etc., of
the characters rather than letting such information gradually unravel. They
are trying to simulate SupermanÕs well-developed, well-historicized internal
conflict in STEEL in another realm, but too much too fast is not necessarily
a good thing. Steel, as a character, needs more development. Superman can
make the most of rugged individualism, and the internal monologues that have
evolved out of his conflicts and interactions with the world around him.
Steel needs to be more explored within a social sphere before we can
appreciate his individual angst. The STEEL saga thus far, which often has
real potential, particularly in the characters of Natasha and Jemahl, hits
us with hard rather than thoughtful drama, and the story more often feels as
if it is making shock talk because it canÕt think of anything else to say.
In #5, SteelÕs family is still under attack from the Sinaves, who are
working for Amertek and Colonel Weston. Tyke has been shot in a drive-by
attack and possibly will never walk again, Natasha is the victim of a
hit-and-run which leaves her with a broken leg, Blondell is attacked in an
alley by a tarred-up Cowboy, and, as we find out with Jemahl as we overhear
a conversation between Amalgam and Cowboy, Grandma is next!
We get a glimpse of Steel as he attempts to split his duties to his family
and to the public at large (sound familiar?), all being victimized by gang
warfare. Jemahl finds out that Amalgam, Cowboy, and the rest of the Sinaves
are behind the attacks on his familyÑbacked by Colonel Weston and
AmertekÑand plots revenge. Jem steals some S-Tar and goes after Cowboy,
only to have his revenge interrupted by Steel. As Jem comes off of the
S-Tar, we discover why he is angry at Steel. Jem feels abandoned by
Steel, and has tried to do the best he could to protect his family in his
UncleÕs absence. While the two fight, Jem informs Steel about why Amertek
is launching attacks on their family, and that he holds his Uncle accountable
for causing trouble that he (Jem) previously had under control, regardless of
his methods. This is a revelation for Steel, who still takes the superior
moral position to Jem, rationalizing all of his actions by his drive to rid
the streets of the weapons that he created. Jem passes out from the effects
of the Tar, forestalling any further conversation.
In this confrontation is more of what we need to see: a more interesting,
and more believable enactment of what is supposed to be SteelÕs motivation,
ethics, and internal conflict more fully mirrored and developed with and in
Jem. Personally, I think Steel has something to learn from the boy, and the
writers, who are doing everything right with JemÕs development as a character,
need to focus some of the same treatment on Steel.
Steel is only a peripheral presence in this issue, only appearing as his
super alter ego. This is unfortunate since John was so enjoyable and with
more ÒrealÓ presence in #4, ÒBad Times.Ó Both Jem and Steel have, then,
used questionable means to well-intended ends, but the crux seems to be who
had family interests more at heart. SteelÕs actions, regardless of his
driving need to get Toastmasters off the street, have endangered his family
more blatantly and with less thought than JemÕs gang involvement ever did.
This conflict is more interesting than any offered up in the issues so far,
and the credit largely goes to Jem. Hopefully this relationship will be
further developed and eventually include Natasha, who is a bright, sharp
character of whom we donÕt see enough.
Some things that really bugged me:
Lines like: ÒLots of gun shot wounds in the last week or so...kinda
refreshing to see an ordinary broken leg.Ó I think it would be more
refreshing to see more inventive, sincere text. And, to seriously use a
line like ÒThis time itÕs personal.Ó? When hasnÕt it been personal with
Steel?
Also, a personal pet peeve: in a scene where a little girl wants Wonder
Woman on her birthday cake (her mother implicitly wants the little girl to
like Steel better), Steel saves them from an explosion and delivers them to
safety, effectively changing the little girlÕs mind about which figure she
would like on her cake. So much for strong female role models for little
girlsÑtheir mothers and comic authors are convincing them otherwise (Wonder
Woman mustÕve been off having her brass polished). Having an African-American
mother talking her child out of Superman-worship might have been more obvious,
but less offensive.
People on the letters page really seem to like this character and this
storyline; I do too. But if STEELÕs gonna survive, and I hope it does,
there needs to be less reliance on melodrama carrying the plot all by itself,
and more careful, thoughtful character development. The running theme of
this review? We need *more*Ñbut not more of the same.
Rating: 2 Shields, barely.
Mauri Casano
======================================================
SUPERBOY #5, ÒLive by the Sword...Die by the SwordÓ
Written by Karl Kesel
Pencils by Tom Grummett
Inks by Doug Hazlewood
$1.50 cover
Having uncovered a canister upon the beach, Doctor Kaua discovers that it
belongs to the US Navy. ThatÕs not all he finds. After the canister
explodes upon his touch, a strange ÔanimetalÕ bonds to his skin, giving him
the power of flight. Meanwhile, Superboy is still ill. Tana, Rex, and Roxy
accompany Dubbilex and Superboy to a military compound. Dubbilex reveals
that Superboy may be infected with the clone-plague that has been sweeping
Metropolis Ñ a plague for which there is no cure. After some fond
farewells, only Dubbilex is allowed to escort Superboy beyond the entrance
of the compound.
In the meantime, Dr. Kaua is experimenting with the animetal and discovers
that it responds to his thoughts, shaping itself to whatever he wills and
covering any region of his body that he desires. Alerted to a naval exercise
by a radio broadcast, he quickly goes out to attempt to damage the destroyers
involved. Superboy, still weak, suits up to do battle with the silver figure
that is unbeknownst to him, Dr. Kaua. As their fight reaches a deserted
island nearby, an automatic military defense system, alerted to their
presence begins to fire upon them. Superboy, however, manages to render Dr.
Kaua unconscious before succumbing himself.
Still armoured by the animetal, Dr. Kaua is imprisoned by the military for
observation. The initial theory made is that the animetal is not human but
has somehow gained a humanoid shape. Dubbilex and Superboy arrive at
Metropolis in a military transport but discover Underworlders attacking
Cadmus troops. Dubbilex orders the pilots to fly directly to Cadmus....
This Superman-related title is one of the recent best that IÕve seen DC
Comics publish. Kesel delivers a good storyline with interesting sub-plots.
So far, the plots have been hopping as if on hot coals. This, and Tom
GrummettÕs art have definitely hooked me onto the title. In my opinion, it
seems that GrummettÕs work here is better than it appears in Robin. If you
were to tell me that heÕs putting more effort into Superboy, I wouldnÕt be
surprised.
There only a few minor things that seem to bog the title down. IÕm sure
this might be alleviated as the routine of Superboy every month settles in.
The characters seem a bit too one-dimensional. Dubbilex is the ÔAlfredÕ of
the title and most of the characters seem to have a too-set personality. The
thing that allows this to pass off unnoticed is the character interaction.
Having many secondary characters together allows a variety in the dialogue
that occurs. If we only had Rex and Roxy, I wonder how long readers could
stand it. But throw in TanaÕs sharp manner and DubbilexÕs tactful staidness
and we could be in for the long haul.
Rating: 4 shields
Victor Chan
======================================================
SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY Book 1 (of 3)
Story & Layouts by Dan Jurgens
Finished Art by Brett Breeding
$4.95 cover
One year after the Cyborg Superman hurled DoomsdayÕs body into space, the
real Superman is haunted by the memories of his own death in battle with
the creature. Consumed by the knowledge that Doomsday is still out there,
and obsessed with penetrating the mystery of DoomsdayÕs origin, Superman
sets out to find the monster and put an end to him, once and for all.
When I saw the promos for this book, I had the rather un-charitable thought
that DC was going to try to cash in on the speculators and fan-boys once
again. What I was expecting was a three-book-long fight scene (boring).
What I got was one of the best examples of strong visual story telling that
I have had the pleasure of reading in the last year.
The story opens with what I have to consider the best dream sequence that
I have ever seen in a comic. Clark is dreaming of himself as a child,
terrified of the monster in the basement. With his mothers help he confronts
the fear and goes into the basement. As he turns on the light, he hears a
noise. He turns his head (in a three panel sequence), quickly aging to his
current age, and comes face to face with Doomsday. They are fighting again
in Metropolis. In his dream Clark is too afraid to fight back Ñ he fears
the pain and the death he knows is coming. He reverts back to a child state
as Doomsday strikes to kill him and... he wakes up. As Clark, he thinks back
on the dream. ÒDoomsday. Am I really afraid of him? Me..! I shouldnÕt be
afraid of anything! But those dreams..Ó
Some of the nicest characterizations IÕve seen in any of the Superman books
of late. The bouncing back and forth between himself as a child and as an
adult in the dream fight carried some powerful messages. They show a
different, more vulnerable side of Clark. ItÕs one IÕve never seen before.
The scene then skips to a space ship on its way to Apokolips. They find an
asteroid with some strange sensor readings. They bring it on board and, sure
enough, it is the same one that the Cyborg bound Doomsday to. Doomsday
breaks free of his bonds and ...
The scenes continue to shift back and forth between Superman and Doomsday.
Hank Henshaw (the Cyborg) eventually shows up Ñ it appears that he had
hitched a ride on Doomsday. Doomsday fights and even defeats Darkseid, in
only a few pages. This scene alone was worth the price of the book.
Superman finally arrives on Apokolips, and has a very short, and indecisive
battle with the Cyborg. While they are fighting, Desaad (one of DarkseidÕs
lackeys) opens a Boom Tube behind Doomsday, transporting him away from
Apokolips, but we donÕt know to where. End of book One.
The contrast between the doubts that Superman is experiencing balanced with
the mindless destruction of Doomsday, and the Cyborg is carried out very
well. Short powerful scenes of characterization, balance out with scenes of
DoomsdayÕs mindless brutality. Both serve to keep the story interesting and
moving at a good pace.
Overall an exceptional book, far better than I expected. Strong clean art
work, tied together with a well paced story left me wanting more. IÕm
looking forward to the next book in the story.
Rating: 5 Shields (I really liked this one!)
ReneÕgade
________________________________________________________________
***********************************************************
SPECIALS AND GUEST APPEARANCES:
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SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL ANNUAL #3, ÒUnforgivenÓ
Written by Priest
Pencils by M.D. Bright
Inks by Curt A. Shoultz
Cover by Mike Mignola
$2.95 cover
One look at the cover, and I thought my favorite fantasy had come true:
Superman and Batman back together again as the WorldÕs Finest team. But
waitÑSupermanÕs wearing a mask, BatmanÕs got techno-thingies on his wrists,
and are those Kryptonians flying around behind them? ThatÕs rightÑitÕs
another of the ElseWorlds stories, where Òfamiliar faces are no longer
familiar.Ó
I like the premise and the freedom of the ElseWorlds concept. ItÕs fun to
see what my favorite heroes and heroines would be like in different worlds
and different times. What I prefer, though, are stories where only a few
key elements are changed. Then weÕre finding new ways to look at established
characters and gaining new insights into them. ÒUnforgivenÓ came close to
stepping over the line by changing too many elements, but still was a very
entertaining story.
So whatÕs changed? Well, the Kryptonians didnÕt die on Krypton. Instead,
they believed Jor-El, built enough rocket ships to carry 100,000 Kryptonians
to Earth and then proceeded to take over the planet, save a few Krypton-free
zones like Gotham City. Batman is in his fifties, a bruised and battered
resistance fighter, continually hauled in by Security Chief Lex Luthor.
Lois Lane is a resistance leader, and our boy Kal-El is the only teenage
Kryptonian on Earth.
Raised by the Kents (since Kryptonians traditionally have little to do with
raising their own children), Kal-El is having an identity crisis. The
Kryptonians ended war and disease on the planet. On the other hand, they
treat the Terrans like slaves. But the Kryptonians (also known as
ÒcueballsÓ because theyÕre all bald) are all as powerful as he is and could
easily destroy the planet if they wanted to. On the other hand, heÕs got
hair. Which heritage does he follow?
The most jarring change was the age difference between Batman and Superman.
I didnÕt like it at first, but it did work in this story; young Kal-El
needed a mentor here.
Though the ending to this story is somewhat cliched, there were several plot
twists that kept it interesting (keep your eyes on the bouncing Lex.) Even
in their new roles, the characters were still recognizable; the character
traits they have in the ÒrealityÓ we normally follow are consistent.
I was a little surprised that this youthful Superman decides that the best
way to free Earth is to kill all the Kryptonians. I think even the most
rebellious teenagers would stop short of this, and I wasnÕt quite convinced
by his final decision. I couldnÕt help feeling that this should have been
covered in more depth. Still, the story and all its elements worked for me.
I tend to leave my comments on the art until last, probably because IÕm a
writer by trade and not an artist. But in a comic, the art is just as
important as the story, and Mark Bright didnÕt let the story down. He is
an excellent visual storyteller and carries the action scenes through as
well as the ÒstaticÓ dialogue scenes.
Rating: 5 shields
Anatole Wilson
======================================================
THE RAY #1, ÒRebirthÓ
Written by Christopher Priest (Jim Owsley)
Pencils by Howard Porter
Inks by Robert Jones
Cover by Joe Quesada & Art Nichols
$1.75 cover - regular edition
$2.95 cover - collectorÕs edition
I normally wouldnÕt say a comic book has a foot securely rooted in reality,
but the premier issue of The Ray achieves this along with good fun and
plenty oÕ fight scenes. The idea of a teenager, Ray, having powers suddenly
forced upon him is interesting and, coupled with mundane problems such as
the fact that he works at a fast food restaurant and has trouble getting an
apartment, makes this a $1.75 gamble IÕll take every month.
(EditorÕs Note: The cover price for THE RAY increases to $1.95 as of #4.)
Having been coerced by his cousin Hank, Ray jets the two of them off to
lovely Hawaii for an evening of fun. Soon into the nightÕs pleasures,
Ray is interrupted by a tremor caused by the resurrection of Brimstone.
Ignoring common sense, the uniform is donned and Ray attacks; but he proves
to be little more than a nuisance to the gargantuan creature.
Shortly into the skirmish our favorite self-styled protector of Hawaii
enters: Superboy! Arrogant as ever, Superboy charges in, taking control of
the fight. Competing against each other, the two young heroes manage to
take Brimstone out and then transport him to a recluse part of the island.
After listening to Ray preach about attitude for all of two seconds, Superboy
delivers a punch which proves heÕs man (boy) enough for the name. Pissed as
any humiliated teenager gets, Ray attacks with a blast of energy, frying
Superboy in the process. Realizing that heÕs depleted all of his power and
thinking heÕs killed Superboy, Ray freaks out as Brimstone wakes...
The overall content of this book is excellent and SuperboyÕs
characterization remains true to KeselÕs writing. The storytelling was
flawless in execution, and each page flowed smoothly along with pretty
decent art. Superboy will also be appearing in issue two for the conclusion
of ÒRebirth.Ó
In regards to the Superboy continuity, I place this somewhere between issue
one and two; after the fight with Sidearm but before the date with Knockout.
Reasons include SuperboyÕs presence on Hawaii and his showing of no apparent
signs of the clone plague.
Rating: 4 Shields! Not bad for a simple appearance.
erin
======================================================
THE RAY #2, ÒJuiceÓ
Written by Christopher Priest (Jim Owsley)
Pencils by Howard Porter
Inks by Robert Jones
Cover by Joe Quesada & Jimmy Palmiotti
$1.75 cover
On a secluded island with precious little power, staring down a real big nÕ
nasty named Brimstone. Days for Ray Terrill have been better. In a
desperate effort, Ray uses the last of his stored power to trip Brimstone
into the Pacific. The resulting steam and muck gush out of the ocean,
totally blocking what precious little light Ray was absorbing and causing
even his light constructed costume to disappear, not to mention that flying
is also out of the question...
Terrified and now totally powerless, Ray gazes as the enormous form of
Brimstone rises from the ocean which should have been his grave.
Dramatically pausing before rending Ray limb from limb, Brimstone shows
slight confusion only to ultimately leave in search of beer. Go figure.
The absence of Brimstone leaves little solace for Ray as he must now claim
responsibility for his previous action, the death of Superboy. After
constructing a grave for him, Ray is shocked as his dead adversary/partner
rises. Scared, shocked, and a little pissed, Superboy starts peeling off
lava residue from Brimstone which was baked on by RayÕs nova blast.
Apologies and origins are exchanged and, with a little outside help, both
the youngsters are charged up and ready to fight!
The ensuing battle lasts the rest of the book with Superboy dumping a tanker
of orange juice on, and the Ray getting swallowed by, Brimstone. Angry at
his mistake, Superboy flies off to correct it as Ray is about to be cooked
inside Brimstone. At that time, Ray finds a ÔTechno-seedÕ and Superboy
comes back with a tanker of Liquid Nitrogen. Instant replay from T2 as
the super-hot Brimstone freezes and shatters when Ray blasts forth from
within. Shortly thereafter, once Ray and Superboy have exchanged pleasant
comments, a Government official confiscates the techno-seed and bolts.
The book wraps up with Ray at home writing a letter, which he then delivers.
Thus wraps up the Ray reviews for this e-mag. They are both great issues
and should be checked out on their own merit as well as that of the Superboy
appearance. Good stuff kids!
Rating: 4 Shields! The art is great but the writing is better.
erin
=========================================================
End of Part 2
=========================================================
LOOKING BACK
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Here we are going to continue the reviews with a special twist. In this
monthly section, we want to glance back and review issues from the long
history of Superman comic books. John ByrneÕs MAN OF STEEL miniseries in
1986 serves as the so-called breaking point of current continuity from
that which so many fans cherish. It shall also serve as the breaking point
for this part of the magazine.
Below you will find the first edition of Mark LamuttÕs post-Byrne reviews.
In order to entice fans of the older series, I would also like to have
a monthly review of pre-Byrne issues. Since I do not, at this time, have
a regular writer for such a column, it seems that I need some help from
you the readers. If anyone out there would like a stab at an issue or two,
or maybe if someone would like to attempt handling the whole column alone,
please contact me at the e-mail address I keep hawking!
Once again, that address is KryptonCN@aol.com.
Meanwhile, enjoy the review!
THE POST-BYRNE REVIEW:
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by Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com)
Welcome to the Ôzine! Before this column begins, letÕs first define a few
ideas that will be brandished about concerning the DC universe. Superman,
created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, flew along for half a decade being
one of the more popular titles from DC. Then, in 1985, the entire DC
universe was changed with the CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS maxiseries. The
change in Superman, however, did not take place in this story. He continued
along for another six months as he had been in the past. Enter John Byrne
in 1986. With his MAN OF STEEL miniseries, Superman was revamped into what
he now is. This first issue of the newly revamped Superman books began with
the books dated January 1987. This column will review books from then to
the present. Now, on to the first review.
Title: SUPERMAN #1
Written by: John Byrne
Penciled by: John Byrne
Inked by: Terry Austin
Cover Date: January 1987
Cover Price: $0.75
Overstreet: $2.25
Although cliche, it is fitting to begin this new column with the first
issue after the revamp. The issue begins with Superman breaking into a
lead-lined laboratory. Three months earlier (from the aforementioned MAN
OF STEEL miniseries), the craft in which Superman had traveled to earth
had been stolen, and the Man of Steel was hot on the trail. The lab is
deserted, and looks like it has been for some time. As Superman searches
the building, he discovers quite an extensive collection of data about him.
He also finds a decomposing body - dead for about six weeks. Being concerned
about the secrets this place may hold about him, Superman burrows beneath
the lab, excavating it and flying it into space for safe keeping. He notes
to himself as he is exiting the atmosphere that he does not seem to be using
his strength to fly the lab, but rather his force of will. He leaves the
lab at the La Grange point in orbit, and hurries back to earth.
Quickly switching into his other identity, Clark meets Lois in a park for a
morning run. As they run, their conversation concerns ClarkÕs attempts at
forming a relationship with Lois. Obviously, Lois is the woman of ClarkÕs
dreams - as he puts it, ÒSheÕs easily the most vivacious woman IÕve ever
known. And I know sheÕd just fall into my arms if she knew IÕm also
Superman...But that would be too easy. If IÕm going to win her, ItÕs got
to be as me, as Clark Kent.Ó At that moment, a nearby bank alarm starts
ringing, and being the avid reporters they are, Lois and Clark immediately
go to investigate.
As soon as they walk through the bank doors, a man grabs Lois by the arm.
Clark gives the man a good roundhouse in the abdomen, but of course he is
pulling his punch to maintain his secret. The man immediately backhands
Clark across the face, which propels him across the room behind the teller
stand. As Clark takes this opportunity to become the Man of Steel, the
antagonist announces his identity, Metallo. Superman appears, and the
standard fight scene ensues, with Metallo taking the upper hand. For some
reason, SupermanÕs powers seem to be fading out. In flashback scenes, the
origin of Metallo is revealed. The scientist (who was found dead at the
beginning of this issue) had created the cyborg Metallo, with a chunk of
kryptonite as his power source. The cyborg then turned on his creator,
killing him. Back in the present, the police arrive, giving Superman the
distraction he needs to get away from Metallo. The battle continues, with
the situation deteriorating for our hero.
The scene changes to LexCorp Tower, where one of LuthorÕs secretaries bursts
into his office stating that there is something he should see. Lex turns
the monitors on, and upon seeing the battle between Superman and Metallo,
states that he must be the one to kill Superman, as he had promised to do so.
Back at the battle, a security guard forces Lois out of the bank building,
just as it collapses. Metallo rises from the rubble, brandishing SupermanÕs
shredded cape, laughing with his apparent victory. Of course, Superman is
not really dead, and he also rises from the rubble, clawing at MetalloÕs now
exposed cybernetics. Metallo opens his chest cavity, exposing Superman to
the full effects of his kryptonite, and the Man of Steel falls to the ground.
As SupermanÕs vision fades into blackness, he looks up, and Metallo is gone.
Superman recovers from the effects of the deadly substance, and the issue
ends with him stating that he has an awful feeling he knows where Metallo
went.
All in all, not a bad way to start the new Superman. Most of the issue is
taken up with the battle, but there are a few pages that show some excellent
characterizations. John Byrne definitely likes to pit supervillians against
Superman, but he doesnÕt usually forget the supporting characters that give
the story its depth.
Rating: 2.5 shields
Next time: Superman #11, introducing the all-new Mr. Mxyzptlk.
=========================================================
COMING ATTRACTIONS
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
A List of Upcoming Comics Featuring The Superman Family of Characters
Assembled by Jeffery D. Sykes
This monthly section is dedicated to giving you official information
concerning which comics you should watch for in the near future in order
to keep up with Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, and all the rest of the
Superman family of characters.
The information is given in two parts. In the first section, I provide
simply the list of titles. The only information given is shipping date,
title and issue number, creative team, cover price, and any additional
information which does not reveal contents of the book. For example, I
will supply the crossover title of any within series (WORLDS COLLIDE) and
will provide information on why non-Superman titles are included on the
list (Superman appears in Green Lantern #53).
The second section provides the teaser information given in the latest
issue of Diamond Previews, which corresponds to the last four or five
shipping dates from the first section. Most of the information given in
the first section is omitted from this section.
The information given in both sections is reprinted without permission
from Diamond Previews and is in no way meant to serve as a replacement for
that magazine. In fact, I strongly recommend that each reader find his or
her own copy for additional detailed information on the entire DC Universe!
You have no doubt noticed that THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is mailed to you
in several parts. This second section with ÒspoilersÓ about the forth-
coming books is one of the reasons for this segmenting. The segment of
the magazine which includes the Coming Attractions will always end with
the section which includes the spoilers. Thus, readers who do not care
to read the spoiler information may simply skip to the next segment of
the magazine.
Finally, you will note that with July comes the advent of Zero Hour.
It has been made very clear that Superman will play a very large role
in the events comprising Zero Hour. Therefore I have included each
issue of the miniseries in the two lists.
1. List of Titles by Shipping Date:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Shipping date: Comic title and information:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
May 17: Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Trade Paperback
Softcover, 192 pgs - $9.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #35
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
THE FALL OF METROPOLIS: Part 2 (of 5)
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 1 (of 14)
$1.50
Hardware #17
McDuffie, Cowan, & Rollins
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 2 (of 14)
$1.50
Superboy #6
Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 3 (of 14)
$1.50
Steel Annual #1
Jon & Judy Bogdanove, & Umberto Ramos
Cover by Bogdanove & Janke
64 pgs - $2.95
Wonder Woman #88 (Superman appearance)
Priest & Ross
$1.50
May 24: Green Lantern #53 (Superman appearance)
Marz, Banks, & Tanghal
$1.50
Icon #15
McDuffie, Bright, & Gustovich
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 4 (of 14)
$1.75
Superman #91
Jurgens & Rubinstein
THE FALL OF METROPOLIS: Part 3 (of 5)
$1.50
May 31: Adventures of Superman #514
Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy
THE FALL OF METROPOLIS: Part 4 (of 5)
$1.50
Steel #6
Bogdanove & L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 5 (of 14)
$1.50
Blood Syndicate #16
Velez Jr., Chriscross, & Quijano
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 6 (of 14)
$1.50
June 7: Action Comics #701
Kesel, Guice, & Rodier
THE FALL OF METROPOLIS: Part 5 (of 5)
$1.50
Superman/Doomsday: Hunter/Prey #3 (of 3)
Jurgens & Breeding
Prestige Format, 48 pgs - $4.95
Worlds Collide #1
Washington, Leon, Martinbrough, & Various
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 7 (of 14)
48 pgs - $3.95
Non-enhanced cover - $2.50
June 14: Adventures of Superman Annual #6
K. Kesel, Hor, & Shoultz
SUPER SEVEN: Part 1 (of 2)
Cover by Mike Mignola.
64 pgs, $2.95
Superboy #7
Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 8 (of 14)
$1.50
Hardware #18
McDuffie, Cowan, & Rollins
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 9 (of 14)
$1.75
Superman: The Man of Steel #36
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 10 (of 14)
$1.50
June 21: Icon #16
McDuffie, Bright, & Gustovich
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 11 (of 14)
$1.75
Superman #92
Jurgens & Rubinstein
MASSACRE IN METROPOLIS: Part 1 (of 2)
Cover by Dan Jurgens & Jerry Ordway!
$1.50
June 28: Adventures of Superman #515
Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy
MASSACRE IN METROPOLIS: Part 2 (of 2)
$1.50
Steel #7
Bogdanove & L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 12 (of 14)
$1.50
Blood Syndicate #17
Velez Jr., Chriscross, & Quijano
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 13 (of 14)
$1.75
July 5: Action Comics #702
Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier
$1.50
Static #14
Washington, III, Leon, Martinbrough, & Various
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 14 (of 14)
48 pgs, $2.50
Superboy Annual #1
K. Kesel, Luzniak, & Wiacek
SUPER SEVEN: Part 2 (of 2)
64 pgs, $2.95
July 12: The Spectre #22 (Superman appearance)
Ostrander & Mandrake
$1.95
Superboy #8 (ZH)
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.50
Superman: The Man of Steel #37 (ZH)
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
$1.50
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #4 (to 0)
Jurgens & Ordway
$1.50
July 19: Action Comics Annual #6
John Byrne
Cover by Mike Mignola.
64 pgs, $2.95
Superman: Faster Than A Speeding Bullet Poster
Joe DeVito
22x34, $4.95
Green Lantern #55 (ZH - Superman)
Marz, Aucoin & Banks, & Tanghal
$1.50
Superman #93 (ZH)
Jurgens & Rubenstein
$1.50
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #3 (to 0)
Jurgens & Ordway
$1.50
July 26: Adventures of Superman #516 (ZH)
K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy
$1.50
Steel #8 (ZH)
L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber
$1.50
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #2 (to 0)
Jurgens & Ordway
$1.50
August 2: Action Comics #703 (ZH)
Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier
$1.50
Guy Gardner: Warrior #24 (ZH - Steel, Supergirl)
Beau Smith, Byrd & Various, & D. Davis
$1.50
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #1 (to 0)
Jurgens & Ordway
$1.50
August 9: Superman: Time & Time Again Trade Paperback
Softcover, 208 pgs, $7.50
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #0
Jurgens & Ordway
$1.50
2. Spoilers:
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July 12:
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The Spectre #22
Superman guest-stars as the ÒSpear of DestinyÓ saga reaches its
climax. While the Spectre battles the water elemental Naiad, the
Man of Steel arrives to challenge the spiritÕs rampage. Superman
holds the Spear of Destiny - the only thing that can stop the
Spectre - and heÕs under Presidential Order to get the spirit
under control...or destroy him.
Painted cover by Alex (MARVELS) Ross.
Superboy #8
Following the events of WORLDS COLLIDE, Superboy is swept into the
temporal discord of ZERO HOUR when he stops in Smallville, where
he comes face to face withanother super-powered teenager wearing
SupermanÕs shield!
Superman: The Man of Steel #37
For the first time since the tumultuous events in both their lives
began, Superman and Batman meet, drawn together by the onset of
ZERO HOUR. Plus, a spacecraft descends on Smallville...carrying
Jor-El and Lara of Krypton!
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #4
The Time has come! One of the most exciting and staggering story-
lines in the history of the DC Universe begins here as writer/
penciller Dan Jurgens and inker Jerry Ordway join forces for the
miniseries event of the decade! ZERO HOUR has arrived, bringing
with it events to startle every corner of the comics community. In
Part 1, months of temporal anomalies have pushed a fragile timeline
to the breaking point. Now a healthy Batgirl reappears - a Batgirl
to whom the injury that confined Barbara Gordon to a wheelchair
simply never took place - leaving Gotham City with two Barbara
Gordons! Multiple contradictory incarnations of Hawkman are suddenly
at large simultaneously. The time-watching Linear Men are at a loss
to explain these events, but Waverider has his suspicions. His
investigations take him to key points throughout the timestream,
including a future in which he witnesses the death of the Flash!
Only Metron of the New Gods may know the true magnitude of these
events, and all the heroes of the DC Universe are needed to contend
with a time continuum that is rapidly - unstoppably - collapsing!
July 19:
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Action Comics Annual #6
The Elseworlds Annuals event, the DC UniverseÕs journey into remote
realms of possibility, continues in the 18th century, when a
scientist on the doomed planet Krypton migrates to EarthÕs most
civilized land...England. Quickly assimilated into the British
aristocracy, the star traveller swiftly subjugates the upstart
American Colonies in 1776, resulting in a very different world by
the late 20th century. There, his direct descendent Kal-El must
choose between heritage...and honor. This Elseworlds Annual is
written and illustrated by fan-favorite writer/artist John Byrne,
who revolutionized Superman in 1986, and now returns to bring
Superman to the Revolution of 1776! Cover by Mike Mignola.
Superman: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet Poster
Joe DeVito, artist of the tremendously popular Lobo: SmokinÕ! poster,
returns to render this powerful painted image of the Man of Steel,
shielding Lois Lane from a lethal spray of bullets.
Green Lantern #55
As ZERO HOUR continues, fledgling Green Lantern Kyle RaynerÕs world
continues to fall apart. Yet amidst the chaos and his desire for
revenge on Major Force for the murder of his girlfriend, Kyle learns
two things: how to recharge the power ring...and whether the ring
still has a failsafe against killing. Later, Rayner attacks Golden
Age Green Lantern Alan Scott, who arrives to tell him the truth
about his predecessor, Hal Jordan. Plus: Superman and Metron show
up to enlist Green LanternÕs help for a crisis of universal
proportions.
Superman #93
ZERO HOURÕs distortion of the timestream intensifies as SupermanÕs
parents, Jor-El and Lara, arrive on Earth to take Kal-El back to a
Krypton that never exploded.
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #3
With reality disintegrating, members of the Justice Society respond
to the FlashÕs death by throwing themselves onto the frontline of
the battle to restore time. But the effort costs them dearly, once
they learn the identity of the timestreamÕs manipulator! Meanwhile,
shocking truths about the Time Trapper and Waverider are revealed,
and the DC Universe is introduced to the one, true Hawkman.
July 26:
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Adventures of Superman #516
Returning from Smallville, Superman finds the history-warping effects
of ZERO HOUR worsening in Metropolis, where heÕs been retroactively
replaced by Alpha Centurion as the cityÕs greatest hero.
Steel #8
As ZERO HOUR continues to unfold, SteelÕs nephew Jemahl Irons finds a
new ally when he encounters a teenaged version of his heroic uncle.
Plus, the real Steel takes on the super-powered techno-fury of the
new villain, Hazard.
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #2
Facing the total obliteration of past, present, and future history,
the heroes of the DC Universe split into teams to find the cause.
In the 30th century, Superman, Captain Atom, Wonder Woman, and others
learn that an established super-team is in fact a pawn of the
mysterious time-villain, Extant! Meanwhile, in the past, Extant
faces an onslaught by DCÕs newest generation of super-heroes - The
Ray, Impulse, Anima, and Green Lantern - gathered together and led
into battle by Nightwing and the newest Darkstar, Donna Troy. Plus,
Guy Gardner suggests a solution.
August 2:
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Action Comics #703
ZERO HOURÕs impact on the Man of Steel worsens when the timestream
collapses and the entire city of Metropolis blinks out of existence!
Guy Gardner: Warrior #24
WarriorÕs new powers kick in just in time for ZERO HOUR! Guy Gardner
is joined by Steel, Supergirl, and Batgirl as they pursue the time-
villain Extant, whom Warrior intends to force into restoring Coast
City retroactively. If he succeeds, then Hal Jordan will have never
gone mad, never destroyed the Guardians, and never killed Kilowog.
But Warrior gets more than he bargained for when temporal anomalies
take him to the day Coast City was destroyed during ÒReign of the
Supermen.Ó
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #1
Time has just run out for the DC Universe. The 30th century of the
Legion of Super-Heroes and Booster GoldÕs 25th century are no more -
consumed in a relentless temporal conflagration. The final years of
the 20th century are still intact...for now. But the time implosion
is closing in fast, and as the heroes battle, other momentous events
occur, including the birth of Power GirlÕs child and a major develop-
ment for the Atom. Plus, Waverider and Extant face each other in a
final showdown!
August 9:
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Superman: Time & Time Again Trade Paperback
As the temporal havoc of ZERO HOUR concludes, DC offers this col-
lection of SupermanÕs greatest time-travel adventures! Featuring
Waverider, the Metal Men, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and others,
Superman: Time & Time Again includes stories originally presented
in Action Comics #663-665, Adventures of Superman #476-478, and
Superman #54, 55, 61, and 73, and introduces the Linear Men. Some
of the industryÕs greatest talents, including Brett Breeding, Tom
Grummett, Dennis Janke, Dan Jurgens, Jerry Ordway, Roger Stern, and
Art Thibert are featured in this timeless trade paperback.
Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #0
The shocking conclusion to this epic miniseries features a dramatic
double-gatefold back cover, the inner side of which features an
illustrated timeline of the reborn DC Universe, plus a bound-in
ÒZero MonthÓ checklist card - all at NO additional cost! In Part 5,
the DC Universe is no more. All reality has been consumed by the
unfathomable forces loosed upon it. But suddenly, from this void
comes...something. A new reality emerges from the dark - a new
beginning, a fresh start. But this remade universe may not be the
panacea it appears to be. A final battle must still be fought by
the Spectre, and one more missions awaits EarthÕs remaining heroes.
But its success carries a high price... This issue leads directly
into next monthÕs ÒZero Month,Ó when every DC Universe title cover
dated October 1994 will be a #0 issue. Each will make an excellent
starting point for new readers to enjoy one of the finest arrays of
super-hero characters on the market today.
=========================================================
End of Part 3
=========================================================
OTHER-MEDIA
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AND WHO DISGUISED AS...:
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by J.D. Rummel (rummel@creighton.edu)
Hello. This is going to be a column of opinionÑnot necessarily right, but
practically never wrong. This space will showcase thoughts (mine, yours,
lots of folks) on the Man of SteelÕs incarnations in the various media in
which he has appeared or appears. Radio, cartoons, movies, the small screen,
novels and short stories. Heck, I may even go out and try to find the old
Superman pinball machine.
Make no mistake, I will say things that people wonÕt like. Just because
something has Superman, or might be popular, doesnÕt mean IÕll say itÕs good.
But IÕll say what I mean, and back-up anything I say.
What are my credentials? Mainly, I love Superman. I owe him. The Man of
Steel saved me, as he has so many others. I was the nerdy, myopic guy who
was always picked last for team sports, and made fun of because I was
different. Superman gave me a safe place to go, a world where my nerdiness
was just a disguise to prevent folks from discovering who I really was.
Because I owe him, IÕll do everything in my power to pay him back. IÕll
shout across this network the instant I suspect anybody is trying to misuse
the greatest American fictional character of all time (you can talk about
The Mouse, or Lord Greystoke, but readers of this Ôzine have a firmer grasp
on reality). Likewise, IÕll holler just as loud when I discover that someone
else is assisting in the never ending battle and making a significant
contribution to the legend. Good work needs to be announced.
IÕll start off by saying a few things about LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN. I think they do a lot of things right on the show. Dean Cain
and Teri Hatcher are the best looking incarnations in a long time, and they
have excellent chemistry when they are playing with each other and to the
audience.
My major grief is the sloppy writing that surfaces whenever they are
attempting to have Kent/Superman use his powers. The writers canÕt seem
to handle it when something super normal has to occur. Consequently, there
is no flavor of reality when the Man appears in costume. You see, I donÕt
think the producers respect the fantasy side of the material, and it shows.
Furthermore, the show is played as light comedy too frequently, and
opportunities for superb poignancy are lost. This show could be VERY
special, and so far has been just entertaining. LetÕs see the show address
real issues, with real writers taking over at the keyboard.
Anyway, if you will believe a Ôzine can fly, in the months ahead I hope to
tackle reviews and retrospective of the movies, the old series, and lots
more. Please know that I want to hear from you. If you have heard a rumor,
send it, and IÕll try to look into it. If you think IÕm a jerk, write.
ThatÕs a rumor that IÕve heard, but IÕll let others know.
J.
======================================================
The Fleischer Cartoons:
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by Neil A. Ottenstein
Bosko Video has collected in two volumes of roughly 80 minutes each the
complete collection of Fleischer Superman cartoons. The reproduction is
absolutely beautiful for these masterpieces. The volumes start off with
introductory background about the cartoons which includes the following:
Paramount Studios obtained permission to make a series of
cartoons, based on the comic strip. They contracted with
Max and Dave Fleischer to produce them, as The Fleischers
were making the other cartoons Paramount distributed.
[Released on September 26, 1941,] the pilot cost $50,000.
This is three times what the ÒPopeyeÓ cartoons of that
time cost. Subsequent cartoons had a budget of $30,000.
Cost for all 17 of the ÒSupermanÓ cartoons was $530,000.
The familiar phrases, ÒLook, up in the sky!Ó and ÒFaster
than a speeding bulletÓ were created by the Fleischer
Studios for these cartoons.
I am starting my summaries and reviews of the Superman cartoons with some
of the later cartoons. There are two reasons for this. First of all, many
people have already seen and know the plot of the pilot and first cartoons.
I felt it would be nice to start with ones that were less known. Second,
I am starting at the point where I have not yet seen the cartoons in my
personal viewing of the series. So, I am starting with the 14th in the
series. I will continue through the end and then continue with the pilot
and the first 13 cartoons. Many of the cartoons start with a different set
of superlatives about Superman and I will take note of which ones are used.
Episode 14: ÒThe Mummy StrikesÓ
Released: 2-19-43
Running Time: 7 min. 46 sec.
Faster than a streak of lightning
More powerful than the pounding surf
Mightier than a roaring hurricane
The cartoon starts with scientist Dr. Jordan being found dead by his
assistant in a reconstructed Egyptian burial vault. The assistant is found
guilty of murder, but Clark Kent receives a phone call from Dr. Wilson of
the Egyptian museum telling of further information. He sneaks away to the
museum, trying to deceive Lois of his destination. Dr. Wilson tells Clark
that he found Dr. JordanÕs tablets, which spoke of the curse of King Tush.
He tells Clark of the story of King Tush and leads Clark into the
reconstructed burial vault of King Tush. Lois has secretly followed Clark
and is trailing closely behind. Dr. Jordan had duplicated the Òfluid of
lifeÓ with which he inoculated the mummies of the giant guards of King Tush
just before he died. This fluid was apparently unsuccessful, though.
Inspecting the coffin of King Tush, they notice the poison trap to which
Dr. Jordan must have fallen prey. Clark opens the coffin. A sophisticated
lighting mechanism kicks in and the mummies awake. Superman fights them to
save the day. The cartoon ends with Clark writing up the story telling of
the assistantÕs innocence.
As in the rest of the series, the animation is beautiful. There is also
some nice interplay between Lois and Clark in the early scene when Clark
receives the phone call and at the end when Clark is writing up the story
and surprisingly this time has ÒscoopedÓ Lois. It is strongly implied that
there is a ÒscientificÓ explanation for what happened. The curse was,
foremost, the poison trap which killed Dr. Jordan. Secondly, the mummiesÕ
awakening was due to the interaction of their being injected with the Òfluid
of lifeÓ which was triggered by the lighting scheme that occurred when the
coffin was opened.
The two Fleischer Superman cartoon volumes are available for $19.95 each
directly from Bosko Video or from anyone who carries high quality animation.
A catalog is available from Bosko Video
3802 East Cudahy Ave.
Cudahy WI 53110-1234
=========================================================
KC CONTEST #1
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Contest questions submitted by Adam Lipkin.
One of the best Eighties Superman stories is ÒFor the Man who has Everything.Ó
Answer the following questions about this story:
1,2. Name the famous writer and artist on the story, best know for their
work together on a classic reworking of the Charlton heroes.
3. Who is the villain in this story?
4-6. What three heroes, other than Superman, appear in this story?
7. Which of these heroes saves the day by defeating the villain?
8. Which of the heroes gives Superman a rose for his birthday?
You may use the entry form below to enter the contest: Simply type your
responses in the appropriate blanks. Then mail the entry form along with
your name and e-mail address to
KryptonCN@aol.com
To be considered, your entry must have a subject line heading of KC:Contest!
The person answering the most questions correctly wins a hard copy
collectorÕs edition of this premiere issue, which will contain graphics
not available in this general edition. In case of a tie, the first correct
entry received (not necessarily the first correct entry sent!) will be
declared the winner. In future issues, we may award prizes such as back
issues of Superman comics, promotional materials, or other Superman
memorabilia. Staff and regular contributors to the magazine are ineligible
for prizes.
XÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑENTRY FORM - CUT HERE ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-X
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
XÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-X
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RESOURCES
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This will be a permanent part of the magazine which supplies information
concerning how to obtain Superman files via different Internet resources
such as ftp, e-mail, and WWW. The first section lists known files
available at different ftp sites and via the WWW. In the near future, we
will also include a list of relevant mailing lists and how to subscribe to
them. The second section gives a brief tutorial in how to use ftp and, for
those of you whose systems doesnÕt support ftp (AOL, for example), how you
may obtain ftp files via e-mail.
1. Files Available:
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Superman.FAQ
The latest version of David T. ChappellÕs Superman FAQ.
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/FAQ
ftp.catt.ncsu.edu /pub/misc
Superman.ComicList
The latest version of David T. ChappellÕs Superman Stories List.
Site: ftp.catt.ncsu.edu Directory: /pub/misc
LC.EpGuide.txt, LC.Summ1.txt, LC.Summ2.txt
Jeffery D. SykesÕ Lois & Clark episode guide and summaries.
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/Film_and_TV
ftp.catt.ncsu.edu /pub/misc
Superman_in_Songs_Index.txt
A list of Superman references in popular music.
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/Reference
In addition, there are the following gif and jpg files available:
Site: ftp.hyperion.com Directory: /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark
Files: llane.gif, llane02.jpg, lnc-01.jpg, lnc-02.jpg, lois-c1.gif,
lois-c2.gif, lois-c3.gif, lois-c4.gif, lois-c5.gif,
loisclrk.gif
Site: ftp.catt.ncsu.edu Directory: /pub/graphics/images/comics
Files: Action_Comics644.gif, Adventures_of_Superman431.gif,
Super_Cyborg.gif, Superman.jpg, Superman18.gif,
Superman60.gif, Superman9.gif
If anyone knows of any more files and/or sites, let us know! If someone
out there has access to an ftp site so that we could set up a single place
to obtain Superman files, please contact me. I think that maintaining this
list of various and sundry files could get to be monotonous.
Mosaic users can access the catt and dhhalden sites via the following WWW
pages: ftp://ftp.catt.ncsu.edu/pub/misc and ftp://ftp.dhhalden.no/pub/Comics.
2. Basics of ftp and ftp via e-mail:
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FTP
Ñ-
The following easy steps will allow you to obtain any of the files listed
above. First determine the site at which the file is located. Type into
your terminal:
ftp <site name>
This will log you into the ftp system. At the login prompt, enter
ÒanonymousÓ and for your password enter your e-mail address. Then determine
the directory in which the file is located. Type:
cd <directory>
This will place you in the correct directory. Finally, for each file you
wish to obtain in that directory, type:
get <filename>
If you want files in another directory, start over with the ÒcdÓ command.
If you want to transfer to another site, type ÒquitÓ and then start over
from the beginning. If you want more information about ftp, search your
system manuals or contact your sysadmin.
FTP BY E-MAIL
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If your system does not support ftp, you may still obtain these files via
e-mail. Select the files that you wish to obtain and note their directories.
You will need to repeat the following procedure for each directory in each
site.
E-Mail a message to either ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com or
ftpmail@sunsite.unc.edu with the body of the message consisting only
of the commands between the lines of dashes below.
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
connect <site name>
chdir <directory>
get <file1>
get <file2>
.
.
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Do not include the lines of dashes, and do not include anything else
in the body of the message. You may use as many ÒgetÓ commands as
is necessary, but all files you get must be within the directory
specified by the ÒchdirÓ command.
You will receive a message telling you that your request has been queued.
Then, about a day later, you will receive the files themselves. Each file
will be contained in its own mail message.
=========================================================
Well, thatÕs it! The end of the first issue! Let me know what you think!
Jeff
