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The Kryptonian Cybernet Issue 14
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T H E K R Y P T O N I A N C Y B E R N E T
Issue #14 Ñ- June 1995
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CONTENTS
ÑÑÑÑ
Section 1: Superscripts: Notes from the Editor
News from KC, the comics, and Hollywood
Just The FAQs
ÒWhat were the past deaths of Clark Kent?Ó
by David T. Chappell
The Fleischer Cartoons
Episode 9: ÒTerror on the MidwayÓ
by Neil A. Ottenstein
Section 2: With A Little Help From My Friends...
Lana Lang, Part 2
by Denes House
And Who Disguised As...
_More Than Superman_ The Artist Named Christopher Reeve
by J.D. Rummel
Coming Attractions
A checklist for Superman titles shipping from June to
August, and information on August books.
Section 3: Reviews: The ÒTriangleÓ Titles
Superman: The Man of Steel #46, by Anatole Wilson
Superman #102, by Ken McKee
Adventures of Superman #525, by Patrick Stout
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #1, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Section 4: Reviews: Other Super-Titles
Superboy #17, by Victor Chan
Steel #17, by Dick Sidbury
Showcase Ô95 #6, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
The New Titans #123, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Reviews: Annuals and Miniseries
Superman Annual #7, by Ken McKee
Superman Vs. Aliens #1, by Jeff Sykes
Section 5: Reviews: Guest Appearances and Crossovers, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
The Darkstars #32 (The New Titans)
Deathstroke #49 (The New Titans, Steel, The Eradicator)
Green Lantern #64 (Superman)
Aquaman Annual #1 (Superman)
Black Lightning #6 (Gangbuster)
Looking Back: AfterByrne
Superman #63, by Jeff Sykes
Looking Back: Legacies
Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, by Joe Crowe
Section 6: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Up, Up, and Coming
News and Notes, by Jeff Sykes
Love is Lovelier The Second Season Around
A look back at the second season, by Zoomway
Episode Review: ÒAnd The Answer Is...Ó
by Marta Olson
Section 7: Contest Results
Classifieds
Resources
Crossword
The Mailbag
EDITORIAL STAFF:
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Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief
Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
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Superman and all related characters, locations, and events are
copyright and trademark DC Comics. Use of the aforementioned is not
intended to challenge said ownership. We strongly suggest that each
reader look to the media sources mentioned within for further infor-
mation.
Opinions presented within this issue belong to the authors of
the articles which contain them. They should in no way be construed
as those of any other particular member of the editorial or contributing
staff, unless otherwise indicated.
This magazine should be distributed freely via e-mail. Should
you desire to share this publication with other on-line services, please
contact me at sykes@ms.uky.edu for permission. Feel free to advertise
subscription information on other on-line services which have internet
mail availability.
THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is available by e-mail Ñ to subscribe, send
the commands
subscribe kc
end
in the body of an e-mail message to Òlists@phoenix.creighton.eduÓ (without
the quotation marks). The address field need not be used when the address
being subscribed is the same as that from which the request is being sent.
The program ignores the subject line of the message.
Back issues are available via ftp Ñ see the resources section.
________________________________________________________________
SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor
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KC News:
First, let me begin with my deepest apologies for the extreme lateness
of this issue. The reasons for this delay were mine alone, as June was
an extremely busy month for me Ñ between prelims, the start of the
summer term, working on the foreign language requirement for my degree,
and JasonÕs wedding, IÕm somewhat amazed that I got this issue out at
all. Next monthÕs issue should appear in the middle of the month, as
expected, and then the August issue should begin our new shipping
schedule...
When DC upped the format of the Superman books to the new $1.95, they
redefined the cover dates on their books. Instead of Action Comics being
the final book to ship with a given cover date, it became the first book
to ship with the given date. As an example, whereas Action was the last
Superman title to have a cover date of January 1995, it was the first
one to have a cover date of July 1995. This means that the new shipping
schedule for a month begins with Action Comics and ends with Adventures
of Superman (or Man of Tomorrow in a five week month). We have adjusted
our schedule (as of next monthÕs issue) so that we will always review
the books with the same cover month. This means that JulyÕs issue will
review each Superman title with an August cover date. The net result is
that we no longer have to wait the extra week into the first part of the
month for the final books of the month to ship. So we should be able to
get each new issue out a bit earlier each month.
This new schedule would have taken effect in the July issue, but I then
realized that the first weekend in July was a holiday weekend, and so I
decided to push the deadline for articles back one week. So the July
issue should come out early in the week of the 17th. Then, beginning
with the August issue, in months which do not begin with a weekend
holiday, the new issues should be ready early in the week of the second
Monday.
Please see the end of this column for plans for next monthÕs issue, which
will be dedicated to Christopher Reeve, and how you can contribute to
our message of our best wishes to him.
Finally, I have once again decided to not update the resources file this
month, but it will return with a *huge* update next month.
Comics News:
Finally, confirmation! Ron Frenz will become the regular artist of
the Superman title, beginning with issue #106, which ships in September.
When the Superman animated series begins in the fall of 1996 (see
below), expect a ÒBatman AdventuresÓ-type book to join the family of
Superman titles.
Rumors are starting to surface about *THE* wedding. According to CSN,
DC would like to time the comic book wedding to coincide with the
wedding in ABCÕs LOIS & CLARK. It would seem to me, anyway, that
next yearÕs sweeps in May would be an ideal time!
Hollywood/Other-Media News:
HereÕs where the biggest news is!
In addition to the rumors about a TV/Comic media-blitz wedding event,
as mentioned above, we now have confirmation that production has begun
for an animated Superman series in the vein of Batman: The Animated
Series (aka The Adventures of Batman & Robin). The new series will
debut on the WB network (Warner Brothers Ñ their largest station is
probably WGN out of Chicago) in the fall of 1996. 13 new episodes
will be shown that year, with 52 more to follow in 1997!
In other news, word has it that deals are very close to being struck
for returning Superman to the big screen in the summer of 1997!
Finally, as I am sure you are all aware by now, Christopher Reeve was
seriously injured in a horseback riding accident at the end of May. Two
of his vertebrae were broken, and he has been mostly paralyzed from the
next down. Recently, he has been regaining feeling in his shoulders, and
doctors have indicated that both of his phrenic nerves, whose stimulation
causes contraction of the diaphragm, are intact. They are encouraged by
this news. In addition, on June 28, Mr. Reeve left the University of
Virginia Medical Center to begin rehabilitation at the Kessler Institute
in New Jersey.
We wish Mr. Reeve the best of luck in his recovery, and to share our hope
with Mr. Reeve, JulyÕs issue will be dedicated to Mr. Reeve. We plan on
printing reviews of some, if not all, of his Superman films, and we will
have a special section of the magazine containing well-wishes from KC staff
and readers. We *do* plan on printing a copy of the magazine and sending
it to Mr. Reeve. If you would like to include a *short* message to Mr.
Reeve, please send it to me at either sykes@ms.uky.edu or KryptonCN@aol.com
no later than July 10.
Enjoy the new issue!
Jeff Sykes
sykes@ms.uky.edu
_______________________________________________________________
JUST THE FAQs
More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel
by David T. Chappell
Much recent discussion of the Man of Steel has focused on the ÒDeath of
Clark KentÓ story line. This story has helped show the importance of the
supporting cast in the Superman comics. This is, however, not the first
time Clark Kent has supposedly Òdied.Ó In the May 1995 issue of the
KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET, Rich Morrissey wrote an article covering ÒThe Many
Deaths of Clark KentÓ in the pre-Crisis days. There have even been post-
Crisis death incidents, and IÕll discuss them as I ask
ÒWhat were the past deaths of Clark Kent?Ó
INTRODUCTION
Clark Kent seems to have more luck than anyone else alive. His friends
realize that much of this luck comes from his friendship with Superman, but
comics readers realize that the reason is a little more complex. Many times
Clark has been shot, thrown overboard, or buried alive, but Superman always
manages to save him. Most of these suspected deaths of Clark last only a
few panels or a few pages at most. There are, however, two major situations
that lasted longer than an issue. These incidents stand out as previously
suspected ÒdeathsÓ of Clark Kent.
SELF-EXILE TO SPACE
In 1988, SupermanÕs super-mind began to collapse. Clark had not
resolved his mental agony over executing three Kryptonian super-criminals
from the Pocket Universe (SUPERMAN #22, Oct 88). BrainiacÕs continual
psychic assaults began to take effect. Clark eventually got to the point
where he unknowingly adopted a second costumed crime-fighting identity as
Gangbuster. When Superman finally learned about his dual identity problem,
he realized that he might be a problem to his friends. To prevent his
internal struggle from causing harm to others, Clark decided to exile
himself to outer space until he could resolve the situation. (ADVENTURES
#450, Jan 89)
Had Superman left and Clark suddenly disappeared as well, the timing
might have seemed suspicious. Instead, planning and luck intervened several
times during SupermanÕs extended stay in space so that the departures and
returns of the two men did not seem to coincide.
Clark covered his departure by leaving letters with his parents for
them to mail to the DAILY PLANET at regular intervals. Since Clark was
known to be doing some undercover work on Intergang, it was presumed that he
went into hiding to avoid the criminals. The letters that arrived at the
PLANET seemed to be from in-progress research rather than previous work, so
it was assumed that Clark was mailing the letters personally.
Meanwhile, other subplots were coming to a boil. Amanda McCoy and her
computer had uncovered SupermanÕs secret identity a couple of years before
(SUPERMAN #2, Feb 87), and she was still working to prove her discovery.
She hired private detective Matt Stockton to investigate Clark Kent in hopes
of uncovering evidence. The detective entered KentÕs apartment at a fateful
time when a squad of assassins (sent by Intergang) had come to kill Clark.
The assassins mistakenly killed the detective, and the body was incinerated
bad enough to prevent recognition (SUPERMAN #28, Feb 89).
Thus, everyone assumed that Intergang had murdered Clark since the
remains were found in his apartment. However, the letters from Clark about
Intergang kept coming. As the Kents fulfilled their sonÕs wishes, they also
erased suspicions that he was dead.
The situation continued for a while until Clark appeared again. This
time, however, ÒClarkÓ was actually an artificial life form. Months
earlier, Clark had left a feeble Matrix (a.k.a. Supergirl) in the care of
his parents. After being exposed to so many memories and mementos of Clark,
ÒMaeÓ used his shapeshifting ability to take on ClarkÕs identity. The
KentsÕ continual mentioning of their only son had essentially molded
MatrixÕs personality to make him into another Clark. When a befuddled
Matrix/Clark made his way to Metropolis, he met ClarkÕs friends at the DAILY
PLANET, but they realized something was wrong with the man. Perry White
complained about his Òstar reporterÑstill walking around like some blasted
zombie!Ó (ACTION #643, Jul 89)
Soon after SupermanÕs return from his self-exile in space, the Man of
Steel returned to his apartment only to find a confused Matrix there still
in the form of Clark. Hearing Jimmy Olsen approaching the apartment, the
real Clark quickly donned his Superman costume, and Jimmy followed MatrixÕs
suggestion to take the now-famous picture of Superman and ÒClark.Ó (SUPERMAN
#34, Aug 89) When Matrix touched the Eradicator in KentÕs apartment, it
only deepened his personality problem by forming a mental link between
Matrix and Kal-El. The doppleganger situation was resolved only after a
confrontation with the real Superman led to MatrixÕs flight to space (ACTION
#644, Aug 89).
DOOMSDAY & THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN
When Doomsday came to Metropolis, he killed numerous innocent people
and caused more destruction than Metropolis had ever seen. Clark was last
seen before the monsterÕs rampage started, and he was not seen after the
mortal combat with Superman. Only ClarkÕs closest confidantsÑLois, Lana,
and his parentsÑknew the truth that Mr. Kent had perished at the monsterÕs
hand. Others hoped that Clark would show up among the many people left
homeless in DoomsdayÕs destructive path.
After weeks, others tried to cheer Lois about ClarkÕs disappearance,
but they had internally accepted his death. However, no one dared suggest
holding a funeral for their lost friend lest they admit to surrendering all
hope. Ron Troupe finally wrote an article for the PLANET that admitted that
ÒClark Kent died while covering DoomsdayÕs rampage through Metropolis.Ó
(SUPERMAN #79, July93) Jimmy Olsen later summarized the thoughts of ClarkÕs
friends: ÒAfter all these weeks, he canÕt possibly still be alive. If only
theyÕd find his body, at least then weÕd know.Ó (ACTION #689, LJuly93)
When Superman did return, his first priority was to stop Mongul and the
Cyborg. Next, he went about restoring his normal life. The first step was
to arrange for Clark KentÕs return. SupermanÕs accidental discovery of some
lost kids in an old bomb shelter gave him an idea. The Man of Steel scoured
the cityÕs civil defense shelters with his x-ray vision looking for other
potential survivors, and he eventually found Clark Kent. Superman publicly
rescued Kent in front of Cat Grant and WGBS cameras, and then Lois & Clark
went off to be alone. Secretly, the ÒClarkÓ that Superman rescued was
actually Matrix in another shape-change (intentional this time). Thus,
Superman pulled another rescue of Clark, but this time the apparent miracle
was ClarkÕs survival on his own rather than SupermanÕs actions. (ACTION
#692, Oct 93)
CONCLUSION
Hence, the recent Death of Clark Kent is not the first time in modern
continuity that Mr. Kent has been feared dead. It is, though, a different
twist on the idea. The first time, his suspected death was a mixture of
luck and assassination, and the suspicion of death did not last very long.
The second time, he actually DID die, though it was as Superman rather than
as C.K. that he met his fate. Each of these earlier incidents also provided
evidence to the general public that Superman is not Clark Kent.
This latest case has instead involved an enemy trying to kill Clark and
his many friends (including Superman). ClarkÕs previous escapes from death
may have kept many people from seriously fearing his death in the recent
story line, but it was not Clark himself who formed the focus of the
ÒDeath.Ó Instead, the story centered on the importance of the supporting
cast in the Superman books. Kal-El briefly considered abandoning his Clark
Kent identity to avoid ever endangering his friends again, but Lois helped
the Man of Steel realize that he needs to be C.K. No previous death of
Clark Kent has been permanent nor is any likely to be, but they all lead to
memorable stories.
_______________________________________________________________
THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS:
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by Neil A. Ottenstein
Episode 9: ÒTerror on the MidwayÓ
Released: 8-28-42
Running Time: 8:03 minutes
Faster than a speeding bullet
More powerful than a locomotive
Able to soar higher than any plane
The cartoon open on a circus scene. There is a mysterious feel to it.
As the camera pans through the sights it pauses on the Gigantic poster.
Gigantic is a gigantic ape. We see a monkey being scared by Lois.
Clark kids her about this and Lois is a bit upset at having the
assignment of reviewing this circus. The call goes out for the
beginning of action under the big top. Lois goes to cover her story,
while Clark heads back to the office.
Animals parade by and we see the very same monkey that Lois scared
accidentally open a trailer. A menacing shadow is seen and the monkey
tries warn of the danger. All action under the big top suddenly stops.
The giant ape is loose!
Panic strikes the crowd and the animals. Circus workers attempt to
recapture the ape, but it tosses them aside. Elephants stampede and
sirens sound in the air. Clark hears them and gets a ride back to the
circus to see ÒwhatÕs cooking.Ó
Lois, all the time the consummate reporter, is preparing to take a
picture of the ape, but stops to rescue a little girl who is right in
GiganticÕs path. The police arrive on the scene. Clark arrives and
calls for Lois. We see the shadows of people leaving the big top in
droves. Clark tries to help reign in an elephant. Meanwhile the ape
continues towards Lois. Clark realizes, ÒThis IS a job for Superman.Ó
He changes and is pounced on by a jaguar. He puts it in a cage and sets
out to put more animals in their respective cages. The ape chases Lois
up the high dive platform. Superman hears her scream and leaps up. He
struggles with Gigantic and they both fall down, taking the ladder with
them. A fire starts from some fallen wires and it quickly wends its way
up the high dive platform.
Superman and the ape fight while the platform starts to wobble.
Superman ties up Gigantic and saves Lois just in the nick of time as the
platform falls to the ground.
The scene switches to the Daily Planet offices. Clark remarks, ÒLucky
Lois, always gets her story.Ó Lois replies, ÒAnd luckily she lived to
write it.Ó Clark ends the cartoon saying, ÒThanks, to Superman?Ó
To tell the truth, when seeing the title of the cartoon, the actual
subject matter was quite far from what I thought it was. Considering
that the Battle of Midway was in early June of 1942, a few months before
this was released, I thought this cartoon might have been war related.
Only the airplanes in the opening, though, refer to the war. The midway
of the title refers to the area of the circus where sideshows and other
amusements are located. That is clearly where it opens up.
The opening credits were enhanced by the picture of the Moon rolling
behind it. This adds to the feel of mystery and danger at the beginning
of the cartoon. Shadows, as usual, are used to great effect: the
menacing shadow of the ape, the crowd fleeing the scene while Clark
looks for Lois, Clark changing into Superman, and more. This was a very
moody piece and worked very well. As in many of the cartoons, the
Òthanks to SupermanÓ line was used to end the cartoon, though it is
delivered slightly differently in various cartoons.
The two Fleischer Superman cartoon volumes are available 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
_______________________________________________________________
End of Section 1
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ÒWITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS...Ó
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a column about the supporting cast in the Superman family of books
by Denes House (dhouse@itsmail1.hamilton.edu)
Of all of SupermanÕs Supporting Cast, Lana Lang has been the most
tormented and abused. Would LanaÕs engagement to Pete Ross stop her
pattern of being used?
==================
LANA LANG (PART 2)
Last month, we examined Lana LangÕs life from birth through her engagement
to Pete Ross. Lana had been used by the Manhunters as a pawn (or maybe
even a Rook) in a deadly plan to thwart evolution (Oooh!), unintentionally
used as an emotional dumping-ground by Clark Kent/Superman, abused by
Matrix/Supergirl and Lex Luthor, and suffered physical and emotional
injuries. Finally, Lana seemed to find happiness in her engagement to
Pete Ross. But would even this happy relationship keep Lana from being
used?
When we left our happy couple, Pete and Lana had moved to Washington DC,
getting separate apartments, to facilitate PeteÕs job as the aide in
charge of Agricultural issues for Kansas Senator Caldwell. Lana began
searching for a job, a difficult task in DC for someone without a college
education. Senator Caldwell had introduced a controversial gun-control
bill, much to the chagrin of the Sons of Liberty, who lobbied Caldwell
against the bill. Unbeknownst to Caldwell, however, the Sons were not
just a lobbying group.
A huge, bomb-induced explosion set by the Sons of Liberty killed the
Senator a few weeks before the bill was to be voted on. Pete Ross was
appointed to serve out the SenatorÕs term. [1] The Sons then approached
Ross to lobby him against the bill. They are unsuccessful, and the bill
passes, by one vote. [2] At the same time, Lana was offered a peach of a job
as the assistant of Judge Kramer, covertly the head of the Sons of
Liberty. [3]
This sets in motion the SonsÕ plan to kill a former member of their
inner circle, Major Holcroft, who is scheduled to testify against the
Sons in a huge trial.[4] The Sons picked Pete as their gunman, and to
ensure his cooperation, kidnap Lana.[5]
Despite his love for Lana, Pete cannot kill the Major, so Agent Liberty,
the Òexecutive branchÓ of the Sons of Liberty, kills him instead. Still,
Pete is discovered with a gun in the Senate chamber, and is arrested.
In an evil twist of the SonsÕ plan, Pete is arraigned before Judge
Kramer, who has ordered Agent Liberty to shoot Ross while in court.
Instead, the disenchanted Agent kills Kramer. [6]
Superman rescues Lana, and Agent Liberty mails Clark Kent tapes that
will clear PeteÕs charges, but Pete resigns anyway, saying that his love
for Lana was too deep for him to serve even his country above her. [7]
The couple move back to Smallville to live a peaceful life together.
But all is not so peaceful when Kenny Braverman (a.k.a. Conduit) sends
an anonymous package to the girl he loved in high school. Braverman,
jealous of the fact that Clark Kent seemed to win in every contest in
their youth, had set out to destroy everyone connected with Clark Kent
or Superman. The package turns out to be a bomb, and Superman saves
Pete and Lana in the nick of time, but their house is destroyed. [8]
What, then of the life of Lana Lang? The woman must have the strongest
inner defenses to survive emotional catastrophes on a regular basis.
Even after putting Clark Kent aside as a potential mate, Lana is
kidnapped, used as leverage, and her house is destroyed.
Lana is the sister Clark Kent never had, the all-American girl, the
counterpoint to Lois LaneÕs slick, big-city sophistication. While
Lois is the crusading, award-winning reporter, Lana worked in a dress
shop, and was tormented by aliens and humans alike.
Through it all, Lana remains optimistic, friendly, and full of hope
for her future with Pete. I, for one, share that hope. May *good* things
happen to Lana Lang over the next few years. I doubt they will, but
hereÕs hoping!
FOOTNOTES
=========
[1] Adventures of Superman #487
[2] Adventures of Superman #490
[3] Superman #67
[4] Superman #68 (see Superman #53 for more of the Holcroft story)
[5] Action Comics #678
[6] Superman #69, Adventures #492
[7] Action Comics #679
[8] Superman #100
_______________________________________________________________
AND WHO DISGUISED AS...
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
By J.D. Rummel (rummel@phoenix.creighton.edu)
_More Than Superman_ The Artist Named Christopher Reeve
This article was originally going to be about the books on my bookshelf
that deal with Superman. ThatÕs going to have to wait until next issue
though, because I want to say a few words about Christopher Reeve.
As anyone with even the lamest media connection knows by now, Reeve was
injured while horseback riding. The injury, a broken neck, has left him
paralyzed, unable to even breath on his own. The latest news has been most
welcome: he has recovered some movement and feeling in his upper body, but
predictions of a full recovery are being avoided. For any of us, but most
certainly for a man as active and vital as Reeve, this is a grim place.
When I first heard the news, it struck me very deeply, perhaps the way the
news of George ReevesÕ suicide hit fans back in the Fifties. DonÕt
misunderstand me. I am well aware of the differences in the two
situations, I am only concerned with the impact of tragedy. When half
asleep I heard the announcement of ReevesÕ riding accident, I felt
suddenly awake, strangely vulnerable, aware that if Superman can go down,
I too, am fair game. Those feelings are certainly a tribute to his talent.
If this terrible thing had happened to a Òbigger star,Ó I doubt the impact
would have been as great for me. You see, Chris Reeve did what all artists
strive to do: He touched my heart. Perhaps it was just timing, but it was
his performances as Superman that made me shut out the world, that made me
believe that a man could fly, and that the dreams of my youth will always
have life. I suspect the reason he has received the attention he has is
partly because people love him as Superman. Superman is the character we
all know we could be, if we werenÕt so damn flawed. When something happens
to Superman, we all feel it. Reeve is more than a celebrity, he is
Superman to a generation.
I donÕt mean to diminish ReeveÕs other artistic accomplishments, for they
are considerable. I have enjoyed many of his wide ranging performances.
From the title character in the film version of Ernest GannÕs _The
Aviator_ to the well meaning American in _Remains of the Day_ (anyone who
has not seen his bleached, effete suitor in the otherwise forgettable
_Switching Channels_ is in for a treat), Reeve gives himself wholly to the
parts he plays. He is an artist in the best senses of the word. But when
he first invested his artistry in the role of the Man of Steel, he
scorched himself into the American subconscious.
_Superman: The Movie_ is not that great. As I have written here before,
the script is uneven, and only competently directed by the over rated
Richard Donner, in fact, none of the filmed versions of Superman are
great, the best of them all is II, the worst, an arguable tie between III
and IV (the latter of which Reeve second unit directed, and for which he
received screen credit for having conceptualized). However, each film had
one unifying factor that raised it higher than its other parts could:
Chris Reeve. Reeve gave us the best portrayal of Superman that the world
has ever seen. Superior to George Reeves in realism, light years ahead of
Dean Cain in his ability to seem capable. It is Reeve as the idealistic,
hopeful, Òhere for a reason,Ó relentlessly good, Superman that gave every
movie in the series its best moments. It was also his Clark Kent which
made you think: _Maybe these people arenÕt stupid, maybe Kent isnÕt
Superman_.
Understandably, Reeve, while gracious about the attention he receives for
his work as Superman, feels that he is more than Superman, and I would
certainly agree. As I stated above, he is an artist, and real art involves
taking chances. He could have continued to appear as Superman, to draw a
check by putting on the cape, but he chose not to, maybe because doing so
would have been safe. In any event, donÕt pity him. As far as the
identification as Superman, he understood those dangers from early on. It
was Sean Connery, another artist who carries a certain image in his past
that first advised him of the dangers of being identified in one part. Nor
should we pity him for his current situation. We all know the risks we
take when we embrace life the way Reeve does. He understands that too. No,
the point of this article is not only to recognize ReeveÕs work as the Man
of Tomorrow, to thank him for doing such a superb job, but for taking the
risks and for making our lives a little lighter with his efforts. I am
sure I speak for more than myself when I wish him a speedy recovery. If
there is a green crystal out there, some miracle that can restore him, it
is certainly the hope of millions that he find it.
Away.
_______________________________________________________________
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 which follows 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!
Notes: In addition to all the normal offerings, this month DC offers a
trade paperback collection of SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY. This
book features an all-new cover by Dan Jurgens and Brett Breeding, an
introduction by Jurgens, and never-before-seen early concept sketches
of Doomsday. It ships August 8 with a $14.95 US cover price.
Light month for crossovers and guest appearances, as only GREEN
ARROW #101 features a guest spot by the Man of Steel, and the
background of Shadowdragon is explored in SHADOWDRAGON Annual #1.
For those of you anticipating SeptemberÕs SUPERBOY/LEGION crossover,
happenings in this monthÕs Legion books set up the meeting.
1. List of Titles by Shipping Date:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Date: Comic title and information:
ÑÑ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
June 6: Action Comics #712
Michelinie, Dwyer, & Rodier
$1.95
June 13:Loose Cannon #3 (of 4)
Loeb & Pollina
$1.75
Superboy #18
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #47
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
$1.95
June 20:The New Titans #124
THE SIEGE OF ZI CHARAM: Part 1 (of 5)
Wolfman, S. Jones, & Rankin
$2.25
Showcase Ô95 #7 (of 12)
Mongul story - Part 1 (of 2)
Tomasi, Eaton, & Eklund
$2.95
Superman #103
Jurgens, G. Kane, & Rubinstein
$1.95
Superman vs. Aliens #2 (of 3)
from DC and Dark Horse
Dan Jurgens with Kevin Nowlan
$4.95
June 27:Adventures of Superman #526
K. Kesel & Damaggio
Cover by Immonen and Marzan
$1.95
Green Lantern #65 (Supergirl)
THE SIEGE OF ZI CHARAM: Part 2 (of 5)
Marz, Lim, & Tanghal
$1.75
Steel #18
Michelinie, Gosier, & Faber
$1.95
JUNE Super-FanÕs Total: $16.90
Hopeless CompletistÕs Total: $25.35
July 4: Action Comics #713
Michelinie, Dwyer, & Rodier
$1.95
The Darkstars #34 (Supergirl)
THE SIEGE OF ZI CHARAM: Part 3 (of 5)
Friedman, Collins, & Branch
$2.25
Green Arrow #100 (Superman)
Dixon, Aparo & DaMaggio, Fernandez & Campanella
48 pgs, $3.95
July 11:Adventures of Superman Annual #7
K. Kesel, R. Wagner, & Rubinstein
Cover by Walt Simonson
56 pgs, $3.95
Damage #16 (Supergirl)
THE SIEGE OF ZI CHARAM: Part 4 (of 5)
Joyner, Armstrong, & Ensign
$2.25
Loose Cannon #4 (of 4)
Loeb & Pollina
$1.75
Superboy #19
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #48
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
$1.95
July 18:The New Titans #125
THE SIEGE OF ZI CHARAM: Part 5 (of 5)
Wolfman, Rosado, Champagne & Blyberg
48 pgs, $3.50
Showcase Ô95 #8 (of 12)
Mongul Story - Part 2 (of 2)
Tomasi, Eaton, Eklund
Cover by Jurgens & Austin
48 pgs, $2.95
Steel Annual #2
L. Simonson, Sharpe, & Pepoy
56 pgs, $3.95
Superman #104
Jurgens, Garcia-Lopez, & Rubinstein
$1.95
July 25:Adventures of Superman #527
K. Kesel, Immonen, Marzan Jr
$1.95
Steel #19
Michelinie, Gosier, & Faber
$1.95
Superman vs. Aliens #3 (of 3)
from DC and Dark Horse
Dan Jurgens with Kevin Nowlan
$4.95
JULY Super-FanÕs Total: $26.05
Hopeless CompletistÕs Total: $41.20 (!!!)
August 1: Action Comics #714
Michelinie, Dwyer, & Rodier
$1.95
Green Arrow #101 (Superman)
Dixon, Damaggio, Campanella
$2.25
August 8: Superboy #20
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #49
L. Simonson, Pelletier, & Austin
$1.95
August 15: The New Titans #126
Hrebik & Mays
$2.25
Showcase Ô95 #9
Lois Lane story
Goff & Staton
Cover by Gosier
$2.95
Superman #106
Jurgens, Garcia-Lopez, & Rubinstein
Cover by Jurgens & Rubinstein
$1.95
August 22: Adventures of Superman #528
K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr.
$1.95
Steel #20
L. Simonson, Gosier, & Faber
$1.95
August 29: Shadowdragon Annual #1
Michelinie & Breeding, Giordano, & Breeding
Cover by Breeding & Janson
$3.50
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #2
Stern, Grummett, & Breeding
$1.95
AUGUST Super-FanÕs Total: $18.85
Hopeless CompletistÕs Total: $24.60
2. Spoilers:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ
August 1:
ÑÑÑÑ
Action Comics #714
The Joker returns to Metropolis when a sleazy toy manufacturer creates a
line based upon the Clown Prince of Crime! Meanwhile, Jimmy Olsen is
hired by the Daily PlanetÕs rival, WGBS.
Green Arrow #101
Superman and Black Canary guest-star Ñ along with cameos by many other
heroes Ñ in the shocking follow-up to the explosive Green Arrow #100!
Tragedy strikes as the near-disaster over Metropolis is felt elsewhere.
Heroes throughout the DC Universe gather and try to make sense what has
happened, while Connor Hawke discovers more bad news at the Monastery,
paving the way for a new beginning.
August 8:
ÑÑÑÑ
Superboy #20
When Superboy returns to the lair of the Silicon Dragons, he once again
encounters Scavenger, who has staked a claim to the DragonsÕ abandoned
technology and will let nothing stop him from using it.
Superman: The Man of Steel #49
Superman discovers a mysterious plot to kidnap the children of Metropolis
when Perry WhiteÕs adopted son Keith encounters the deadly Skyhook. Plus,
dreams of KryptonÕs destruction plague the Man of Steel, and Jimmy Olsen
scores his first Superman scoop for WGBS.
August 15:
ÑÑÑÑ-
The New Titans #126
MELTDOWN: Part 1 (of 5) - ÒMeltdownÓ begins a series of five self-contained
stories. Following the ÒSiege of the Zi Charam,Ó the Titans play war
games, while Arsenal pays his daughter a visit. Romance begins to wind
its way through the team, and MirageÕs powers begin to manifest themselves
in ways she never expected. Plus, Changeling breaks out of cryogenic
prison!
Showcase Ô95 #9
A routine assignment takes an unexpected turn when investigative reporter
Lois Lane embarks upon a solo adventure by Cindy Goff, with art by Joe
Stanton. Backup stories feature Lobo and the Martian Manhunter.
Superman #105
Green Lantern and Superman must battle alien marauders whoÕve come to
Earth seeking other Green Lanterns.
August 22:
ÑÑÑÑ-
Adventures of Superman #528
Superman encounters a strange alien in an unusual story told from the
extraterrestrialÕs point of view, leading to the next major Superman
story arc, ÒThe Trial of Superman,Ó beginning in Superman: The Man of
Steel #50 next month!
Steel #20
Believing heÕs gained control of his armor, Steel gets a shock when his
body ÒrejectsÓ it, endangering his health and jeopardizing his life as
a crimefighter.
August 29:
ÑÑÑÑ-
Shadowdragon Annual #1
A Year One Annual Ñ The origin of one of SupermanÕs newest and most
mysterious supporting characters is revealed, telling how the Prince
of Bhutran was forced to create the persona of Shadowdragon to save
his homeland from devastation.
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #2
Lex Luthor steps up his campaign against the Man of Steel by enlisting
some high-powered help: the new, more powerful Parasite. Plus, the
Contessa makes a play on Alpha Centurion.
_______________________________________________________________
End of Section 2
_______________________________________________________________
REVIEWS
ÑÑÑ-
Ratings Panelists:
AW: Anatole Wilson KM: Ken McKee RG: ReneÕ Gobeyn
DS: Dick SidburyPS: Patrick Stout VC: Victor Chan
JS: Jeff Sykes WN: William J Nixon
As always, the first panelist rating is that of the reviewer.
THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
25. SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #46, ÒFinish Line!Ó
Story: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Jon Bogdanove
Inker: Dennis Janke
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
AW: 2.5 Shields - The writing and art rise above the storyline, but I just
canÕt get myself to care about Conduit, BravermanÕs dad,
or Pipeline.
DS: 3.5 Shields - The last panel makes this issue for me.
JS: 2 Shields - Actually, the interior is worthy of 3 Shields, but...
that cover may be the single worst comic cover IÕve seen.
PS: 3 Shields - Unusual cover, nice battle aftermath; high points are
ShadowdragonÕs Superman computer virus and SupermanÕs
lecture to KennyÕs father.
WN: 3.5 Shields - Good to see the confrontation between Superman and KennyÕs
dad. Clark Braverman, it just doesnÕt bear thinking about
(maybe thereÕs an Elseworlds story in there?), but I did
like the art and the cover.
I shouldÕve taken the from the hideous cover that this issue wasnÕt going to
be a creative peak in the history of S:MOS. (If you missed it, a twisted-
contorted Superman yells angrily, ÒOKAY...WHOÕS NEXT?Ó) Still, Simonson,
Bogdanove and Janke managed to rise above the mediocre plotline and ludicrous
villain they were stuck with and give us some poignant moments.
The action of this issue? Now that Kenny Braverman/Conduit is dead, Superman
proceeds to trash PipelineÕs headquarters, then takes ConduitÕs charred body
back to his father, where he delivers a strong lecture on parental
responsibility.
ThatÕs it for the plotÑnothing special, since the remainder of Pipeline
didnÕt even cause Superman to work up a sweat, and weÕve been virtually beaten
over the head with the idea that the emotional abuse heaped on Kenny by his
father was largely responsible for him becoming Conduit. Oh yes, and in case
anyone was actually worried that SupermanÕs secret identity would be revealed
to the world, ShadowDragon let loose a computer virus that destroyed all
references to Superman in every computer in the world.
What did I like in this issue? Mostly that both writer and artists had their
moments to shine: Bogdanove and JankeÕs dynamic art in the battle scenes, and
SimonsonÕs handling of SupermanÕs interactions with Mr. Braverman, the Kents,
and LoisÕ closing statement, ÒIÕm gonna have to kill someone for touching my
work!Ó Bogdanove might have benefited from a couple of extra pages to spread
out on, but this issue let both sides of the artist/writer team show off their
strengths.
Still, itÕs hard to get enthused about this issue. As IÕve said before,
Conduit was a loser as a villain and I could never take Pipeline seriously as
a criminal organization. While I thought Simonson handled the Superman/
BravermanÕs father confrontation well, I couldnÕt help thinking, ÒIÕm glad
you guys finally got this out of your system. Now letÕs move on.Ó ItÕs going
to be even harder for me to get excited about next issueÕs villain, the
loathsome BloodSport.
All of the Superman comics teams are talented. ItÕs just a shame they so
often have to work so hard make quality work out of the designed-by-committee
stories.
Anatole
=======================================================
26. SUPERMAN #102, ÒTrading PlacesÓ
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Layout Art: Gil Kane
Ink Art:Josef Rubinstein
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
KM: 3.5 Shields
AW: 3 Shields - Pretty average story.
DS: 2.5 Shields - I can see the attraction in this issue. Superman vs(?)
Captain Marvel. It was terribly competent in story, in art,
and in fact in all areas, but it just didnÕt appeal to me.
But I can see why others would like this.
JS: 3 Shields - As was pointed out on the net, this was a decent Cap story,
but it was only an average Superman story. DidnÕt much care
for Gil KaneÕs depiction of Cap.
PS: 3 Shields - The new format really shows off Gil KaneÕs art, and it was
nice to see a Captain Marvel crossover Ñ but the Òfalse
imagesÓ excuse for some battle scenes was a little cheesy.
WN: 3.5 Shields - Nice change of pace after DOCK and I really liked the Kane
artwork this issue.
Clark and his folks are zooming into Fawcett City while listening to a very
young disk jockey, Billy Batson, on the radio. Suddenly, Clark is violently
propelled to the back of the RV, crashing out the back windows and landing on
his keester. He takes advantage of the accident and quickly changes into
Superman.
After preventing a fatal collision between on-coming cars, he tries to reenter
Fawcett City. Unfortunately he is unable to penetrate the invisible barrier,
while mere mortals have no problem. Someone is definitely messing with
SupermanÕs mind and we get just a glimpse of the evil practical joker.
Elsewhere, a hidden bomb goes off in one of ConduitÕs secret hideouts.
Shadow Dragon has decided to pay the place a visit.
At the same time Lois is hot on the trail and closing in on SupermanÕs
location. (CanÕt you just hear the music building to a crescendo at this
point?).
Billy Batson realizes that SupermanÕs presence in his town deserves his
attention...as Captain Marvel! He sounds out the magical ÒSHAZAM!Ó and
instantly turns into the hero of Fawcett City.
Once again our unknown practical joker decides to have a little fun with the
two superheroes. Captain Marvel thinks he sees his old nemesis, Black Adam,
and Superman thinks the Cyborg Superman has come to pay a visit. Like
Superman, Marvel is unable to penetrate the force field surrounding the city.
After a couple of pages of the usual rock and roll fist fights, Jonathan
convinces Superman that he is seeing an illusion. The Cyborg is not actually
fighting Superman. Marvel also begins to believe that something weird is
going on and decides to change back into Billy in order to try and get back
into Fawcett City. The lightning bolt that transforms Billy/Marvel crackles
out of the blue sky only to reveal some sort of electrical monster. Together
Marvel and Superman are able to destroy the monster and destroy the annoying
force field.
To end the story, Jonathan and Martha discover that Billy is an orphan and
invite him to join their family. Regretfully, Billy tells them that his
Uncle Dudley is looking after him. The last panel show the Kents and Superman
heading out of Fawcett City and into the sunset.
Well, obviously this story was meant to increase sales of Captain MarvelÕs
book. I, for one, am not crazy about crossovers because it means spending
more money on comics I usually donÕt read. I will have to admit my ignorance
about the identity of Billy Batson. Captain Marvel was way before my time.
There are a few loopholes left open which may be explained in future comics.
Who was the mysterious evil prankster [ Bet itÕs Blaze! :) ÑJeff ] and what
was Shadow Dragon up to? The most mysterious question, however, was where did
the Kents get that recreational vehicle? Now, THATÕS a mystery.
I liked what the old man said when Billy transformed into Marvel the first
time: ÒCriminy! IÕve lived in lottsa cities over the years...but none of Ôem
had more lightning and thunder outta the clear blue sky than Fawcett.Ó
This wasnÕt a great story, but it was good to see Captain Marvel again. The
artwork of Jurgens and Rubinstein were outstanding as usual. Besides, in
twenty years it might just be worth about $5.00.
Ken McKee
=======================================================
27. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #525, ÒHard DecisionsÓ
Writer: Karl Kesel
Artists: Stuart Immonen and JoseÕ Marzan
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
PS: 4 Shields
AW: 5 Shields- Wonderful, very personal story. I loved it.
DS: 4.99 Shields - I donÕt give perfect scores, but I considered it for this
issue. Why do you get the Kryptonian Cybernet? Are you a
comic book fan? Then buy this issue. Are you a Lois and
Clark fan? Then buy this issue. For whatever reason, just
go buy this issue. ItÕs impossible to make a few comments
that describes this one. Hardly any fighting, LexÕs lawyers
get him out, Lois gets a speeding ticket, Superman buys
coffee, this is an example of what a good comic book is.
Finally let me say go buy this issue!!!
JS: 5 Shields- Simply the best Superman comic I have read in years!
WN: 5 Shields- Beautiful. The cover, the story, the splash pages (even
the art sig on the cover!) Anyone for coffee?
Kesel is given cover credit on the editorial page, but the cover signature
reads ÒImmonen/Marzan Jr.Ó In any event, the cover is a tribute to the love
of Clark and LoisÑwhich is the theme of this issue. The slogan ÒLois & Clark
Forever!Ó emblazoned above the title reminds a longtime reader of DCÕs old ÒTV
tie-inÓ logos. Is the cover an attempt to draw in any non-comic reading fans
of the TV show?
The splash page features two knockout females who play key roles in the
issueÕs secondary plot. They are top operatives of Lex Luthor and theyÕre
reclaiming his body from S.T.A.R. Labs. ImmonenÕs trademark use of light and
shadow provide each lab shot with rich detail Ñ reflections off the glass
sarcophagus, the glassy eye of the body, a glint from an earring concealed
under the shadow of hair (from one of the women, not Luthor).
Superman, meanwhile, continues to wipe out old Pipeline outposts in his
search for Jimmy Olsen. He then catches up with Ma and Pa Kent, whoÕve
decided to travel the highways and byways of America in their RV, a la Charles
Kuralt, until the insurance company settles up on the destroyed farmland in
Smallville. A clever ongoing sight gag in this issue is that ClarkÕs
entrances and exits continually ruin PaÕs game of solitaire by scattering the
cards. The RV is suddenly surrounded by police carsÑnot pursuing the Kents,
but after the car behind them which has been speeding at a rate of about 137
miles per hour. It is driven by Lois, obviously keen to track the Kents down.
Superman removes LoisÕ car from the highway, but then turns her over to the
police. A quick transition to a family picnic with Lois and the Kents shows
that she was fined $635 for her speeding. Supes tells Lois and his parents
that heÕs not sure about returning to the Clark Kent identity after the
Conduit tragedy. His parents express disappointment, and Lois expresses
anger as she walks away.
After two pages of talking it out, the lovers head for a coffee shop in the
nearby town. Lois asks Clark to purchase the coffee as Superman. The
subsequent attention he receives (exquisitely rendered in a three-page
sequence) convinces him, along with LoisÕ well-chosen words of summary, that
he needs a secret identity. She allays his fears with the words: ÒClarkÑ
youÕve saved more lives than you could ever possibly endanger.Ó This two-page
denouement is done as a sunset scene, allowing Immonen and Marzan to do some
excellent things with foreground and background lighting.
The story concludes with Superman vowing to continue his search for Jimmy.
The foremost element of this story to rave about is the artwork. Immonen and
Marzan have shown, more than most of their contemporaries, that Òcomic book
artÓ can also be fine art. The gorgeous sunset scene between Clark and Lois
this issue, the TV scene with the Lane family last issue, and so many other
choice panels and sequences, show that this medium is capable of conveying
subtlety. I must say also that the new paper and color format does its part
to accent this beautiful artwork.
Some reading this might say itÕs about time to praise the artwork, since much
of my past critiques have praised KeselÕs writing. But I wonÕt finish up
without a nod to the writing this time around as well. The heart of this
story (excuse the pun)Ñthe essenceÑis the deep relationship between Lois and
Clark, and Kesel is able to fully describe this relationship with a minimum of
dialogue and action. LoisÕ body literally revolts at the thought of a world
without Clark; she furiously walks away as soon as Superman suggests that
Clark might not come back. Then she changes her tactics and the act of
walking into a coffee shop demonstrates to Superman what his life would be
like without his other identity. Finally, she takes just three or four short
paragraphs of dialogue to recap for him the reasons Clark needs to existÑboth
for the world and for her. Kesel has written a dynamite story about love and
the search for identity.
Patrick Stout
=======================================================
28. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW #1, ÒPast, Present & FutureÓ
Written by: Roger Stern
Art by: Tom Grummett & Brett Breeding
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 4 Shields - A mostly self contained story, excellent!
Art: 4 Shields - Nice detailing, could use more backgrounds.
AW: 4 Shields - Good writing and art, andÑthe return of Luthor!
DS: 4.5 Shields - Welcome back Roger Stern! Welcome back Lex Luthor (maybe
even the pre-Byrne version!). Wow! The only negative thing
I can say is I would have liked to have a Superman title
thatÕs not in the triangle rotation, but with an issue like
this, whoÕs complaining. [ Incidentally, check the news
section at the beginning of KC for info about a probable
upcoming, non-triangled title. ÑJeff ]
KM: 5+ Shields - OUTSTANDING!! It had real depth and a great story. IÕm
glad Lex is back. Now we can get back to Superman the way
it is supposed to be.
PS: 5 Shields - Just the best! SternÕs writing and the Grummett/Breeding
artwork have resulted in some of the best pacing and panel
work since Lee and Kirby/Ayers in the Ô60s.
VC: 4 Shields - My biggest complaint is that itÕs quarterly. Lex is back -
big, buff, bald, and bad.
WN: 5 Shields - Seamlessly slides in to place to be greeted like an old
friend. I liked the writing, the new plots being spun, and
the art. I also loved the little touches like Lois fixing
ClarkÕs tie and Superman pulling one of Team Luthor down
from the wall. More please.
Welcome back Roger, Tom, and Brett! Things havenÕt been the same without you.
While IÕm at it, I suppose that I should also welcome Luthor back as well,
because Luthor is really the main focus of this book.
The story starts off one month ago and proceeds to catch us up with things
that have really been happening to Luthor and LexCorp. We also get to meet
someone who could very well end up being a new major cast member, the Contessa
Del Portenza, who is now the CEO of LexCorp. She seems to be as strong
willed as Lex ever was, and like him has her own agenda.
Thankfully, the action in this book is at a much lower level than the all book
fight scenes that we have been seeing of late. There has been a strong effort
made to give us some background details and characterization of the cast. For
example, we get to see the reaction of Clark and Lois to the news that Luthor
has been released from STAR Labs to a private (LexCorp owned) health care
facility. We also get to see Superman ÒdiscoverÓ that Luthor hasnÕt just been
moved, but has in reality escaped.
The story shifts back and forth between past and current events mostly
following Luthor and the supporting cast. The Contessa gets to play a fairly
major role, and her character is fairly well defined by the end of the book.
A telling quote from her (pg. 22) after she has offered Superman the
leadership of Team Luthor and he has declined.
Ò... I half expected his rejection, but only half. His level
of integrity is annoyingly high. Still *everyone* has a
price... in time I shall find his. The power *will* be mine.Ó
Throughout the book we are being given the background to follow what will
undoubtedly end up being one of the major plots/subplots of the near future.
Their upcoming (hinted at) power struggle could be extremely interesting, if
handled right. I would be very disappointed if it turned into another ÒDeath
of MetropolisÓ all fight story.
I hope that this book is an indication that the Superman titles are going to
be going back to the cast/character driven stories that we had before all the
DEATH/RETURN/DESTRUCTION stories we have had of late. I know IÕm not the only
long time reader that misses them. I even have hopes that we will start
getting some stories that advance some of the old plot lines that seem to have
been forgotten. I would love to see what is happening with Perry, Ron Troupe,
Guardian, the Newsboy Legion, Jimmy and his relationship with Lucy Lane.
For the first time in over a year I am beginning to have hopes that we
will start getting stories as good as what got me reading them again in the
first place.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
_______________________________________________________________
End of Section 3
_______________________________________________________________
OTHER SUPER-TITLES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
SUPERBOY #17, ÒNeon!Ó
Plot and Script: Karl Kesel
Plot and Pencils: Tom Grummett
Inks: Doug Hazlewood
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
VC: 3.5 Shields
AW: 2 Shields - This story was a waste of time; a nothing villain and
unbelievable supporting characters.
JS: 3.5 Shields - Nice recovery from the Loose Cannon story, but the villain
was supremely uninteresting. Nice character development
of Roxy, though.
Roxy returns to Las Vegas, her intention is to confront her past. She soon
meets up with Poet, an old friend, who grudgingly gives directions to find
Tommy Ray Chatham, an ex-lover.
After discovering RoxyÕs disappearance in Hawaii, Superboy follows in pursuit.
Arriving in Las Vegas, heÕs attacked by Neon, AKA Tommy Ray Chatham. While
fighting in the middle of traffic, Neon proclaims Roxy as his, and in the
ensuing battle, Superboy is knocked unconscious as Roxy arrives at the battle
scene. She becomes angry when she confronts Neon and discovers that heÕs been
shadowing her ever since her arrival. Neon retorts by saying something
cryptic and disappearing in a blinding flash.
When Superboy recovers, he finds himself in the presence of Poet and Selby,
another of RoxyÕs friends. After leaving the Kid in their care, Roxy had left
to search for Neon. Deducing that he might be at the same place where he had
first killed someone, Roxy pulls up to an old gas station and indeed, Tommy
Ray Chatham appears. He reminds her that he had first killed for her, to
show his bravado and ability to protect Roxy. Roxy spurns him viciously and
is threatened in turn.
Out of nowhere, Superboy flies in and knocks Neon for a loop. The Kid finds a
method to circumvent the brutal electrical attack that Neon unleashes against
him and short-circuits his costume with his tactile-telekinesis. Neon looks
like heÕs been pushed too far and prepares to overload his suit, unaware of
nearby leaking fuel pumps. In the ensuing explosion that consumes Tommy Ray
Chatham, Superboy pushes Roxy to safety.
As the flames continue to burn, Roxy reveals to Superboy that she came to Las
Vegas to clear up her past. She wishes to continue her life without any
skeletons from her past so that she may apply to the police academy.
In the meantime, at a gym in Honolulu, Rex finally meets up with Mr. Gamboli,
his debtor, who deviously suggests how Rex can pay off the money that he owes
by introducing him to his boy, a fearsome one. The plan is to arrange a
meeting between Superboy and GamboliÕs fighter and have him take care of
the kid...
Wow, this issue was a marked improvement story-wise over last issue. Although
quite a few pages were used for another slug-fest (something that I predict
for next issue too), I enjoyed the development of RoxyÕs character; she is no
longer portrayed as the sleazy fatherÕs bimbo daughter. SheÕs become an
intelligent character and will be an asset to the Superboy family in issues
to come.
Superboy essentially takes a back seat in this issue to Roxy and is merely
the White Knight that saves her. ThatÕs all right. Next issue should be a
vicious fighting issue, so IÕm glad that Kesel took the time for this issue
to work on character development.
As a side-note, I was pretty amused by the last pageÕs image of GamboliÕs
fighter because he was the striking figure of Lar Gand/Mon-El. If he is as
powerful as who he appears to be...Superboy watch out!
The last two parts of Watery Grave were somewhat disappointing, but IÕm glad
Mr. Kesel has resumed with some more creative storylines.
Victor Chan
=======================================================
STEEL #17, ÒThe Seeking SpiritÓ
Writer:David Michelinie
Penciller: Greg Larocque
Inkers:Rich Faber, Dave Bednar, Rob Leigh, Mike Sellers
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATING:
DS: 2 Shields
Last month in Steel... Tyke (John HenryÕs nephew), who was put in a wheelchair
by a gang shooting several issues back, had disappeared. This issue opens
with Steel breaking in on a chop shop run by the gang that had crippled Tyke
to seek information on his whereabouts. After a fight that lasts about five
or six pages, Steel concludes that these guys didnÕt abduct Tyke and donÕt
know who did. It ends with Steel flying off and a guy with some kind of small
handheld computer (which vaguely resembles a Star Trek tricorder) looking on
and commenting that he now has the data that he needs. ÒYou donÕt know it
yet, my armored friend, but Ñ youÕre MINE!Ó
Steel returns home, changes to John Henry, and sits down to dinner with his
family, where there is a minor altercation with Jemahl about his going out on
the street to look for Tyke.
Meanwhile, Chindi, the guy who was gathering the data, enters it into his
computerdatabase and uses it to modify his special apparatus so that he can
be ready to strike Ñ although itÕs not yet clear why.
Steel, next goes to the park where Lt. Shauna Beryl of the Washington PD is
eating her brown bag lunch on a park bench. Steel asks for help about any
investigations that may help him locate a missing boy and the lieutenant tells
him that there have been several children reported missing but that it doesnÕt
look like kiddie porn or similar crimes. She gives him a department secret
lead, (sort of like Mayson Drake was always helping Clark Kent in Lois and
Clark), and invites him to stay for dessert. Not wanting to mix business with
pleasure, John Henry declines and flies away while Shauna rationalizes that he
has work to do. He wonders to himself if she would have as much interest in
John Henry Irons as she does in Steel. [SheÕs white (and blond) while heÕs
black Ñ although you might not be able to tell since his costume covers his
entire body and he has those Batman style slits for eyes.]
While he is thinking about this, his costume suddenly starts to malfunction,
and he crashes into the roof of a parking garage. Chindi makes his
appearance, explaining to Steel that Chindi is a Navajo term for the dark
spirit that remains on earth when someone dies. ÒMy people fear this word.
Soon ... so will YOU!Ó
It turns out that Chindi is a bounty hunter trying to get SteelÕs armor. A
three page fight ensues in which ChindiÕs technology renders much of SteelÕs
built in weapons, defense system and rockets useless. But Chindi failed to
account for SteelÕs iron will, and using his inner strength and cunning, Steel
escapes and prepares to take care of Chindi. But the police arrive thinking
itÕs a robbery. During the confusion Chindi escapes.
Steel goes home and repairs his armor while talking to his niece Natasha about
how much the disappearance of Tyke is upsetting Jemahl. [TykeÕs injury that
put him in a wheelchair was caused by a gang that was seeking revenge on Jem
and so he blames himself for TykeÕs injury].
Steel is now ready to go and NOTHINGÕs going to stop him from finding Tyke
now! NOTHING!
Except, perhaps for Chindi.
Tune in again next month for another exciting(?) episode.
The art in this issue seemed to go with the story line Ñ there was nothing
really wrong with it, it just wasnÕt exciting. There are lots of possibilities
in this issue which could give us some very entertaining issues or could lead
to drek. The next few months are crucial for this title.
Dick Sidbury
=======================================================
SHOWCASE Ô95 #6, ÒCheaters Always ProsperÓ
Starring Bibbo and Lobo
Written by: Mike Carlin
Art by: Denis Rodier
$2.95 US/$4.25 Can/#2.00 UK
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 4 Shields - fun story with a different cast member
Art: 4 Shields - nicely detailed, good use of shading
JS: 4 Shields - Hilarious, light-hearted story! Denis RodierÕs art here is
much better than his recent inks in Action have been. Though
IÕm still not certain why Popeye was on the cover! :)
I canÕt help but wonder if this story was just a set-up for some of the better
visual puns and spoofs that I have ever seen. If it was, IÕll forgive them
for one of the best ÒlightÓ stories DC has put out in years.
Bibbo has just bounced a customer out of the Ace-O-Clubs for cheating at
cards when Raof (last seen in AOS #464) teleports in. We are being treated
to a quick recap of RaofÕs last appearance by Bibbo when he is zapped by a
bunch of talking dogs. It seems that while he was out bar hopping with Raof
and Lobo he had gotten tagged.
The dogs used the tag to find Earth and are intent on taking over and
domesticating us humans to play disk catch with their kids. Bibbo challenges
them to play poker for the fate of the planet. He gets into a bit more
trouble, and Raof teleports out and brings back Lobo. After a bit more
foolishness, they beat the dogs and everything ends up fine.
An altogether fun romp in the Superman Universe that has been sorely needed.
Bibbo, and to some extent Lobo, manage to take a serious situation (an alien
invasion) and turn it into a comedy, neatly wrapping up all the loose ends by
the end of the story. Something we need to see more of.
ÒThe Alienation of UnificationÓ starring the Legionnaires
Written by: Beau Smith
Pencils by: Mike Huddleston
Inks by:Jim Mahfood
Story: 4 shields - space opera with the Legionnaires OH BOY!
Art: 4.5 shields - excellent perspectives, nice inks
Andromeda and Apparition are bringing in some new recruits and face off
against some space pirates. A good place to start for new readers who want
some background for the upcoming Superboy cross over.
ÒLearning CurveÓ starring the Science Police
Written by: Gregory Wright
Pencils by: Wade von Grawbadger
Inks by:Mark Farmer
Story: 3.5 shields - tight and short, but forgettable
Art: 3 shields - lack of detail and background, average
We meet a few members of the Science Police. Shvaughn Erin is the SP liaison
to the Legionnaires. The story centers around a ÒDirty HarryÓ style SP. Fun
but forgettable.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
=======================================================
THE NEW TITANS #123, ÒSalvationÓ
Plot by: Marv Wolfman
Dialogue by: Michael Jan Friedman
Pencils by: J.B. Jones
Inks by: Rich Rankin
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN/#1.50 UK
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 4 Shields - a good view into a single character
Art: 4.5 Shields - clean and nicely detailed
JS: 3.5 Shields - Good story and art, but donÕt bother if youÕre only here
for Supergirl.
Since this book doesnÕt really concern Supergirl, or the rest of the Titans
IÕll skip a detailed review. While itÕs still a good story, and the art is
very nice, it read more as a filler book than a part of any of the ongoing
plot lines.
This book is the story of Jarras (Minion) and what he went through between
the time he tangled with the Darkstars over Psimon (Darkstars #28). ItÕs an
interesting, if rather preachy story about vengeance and what it can do to a
person.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
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ANNUALS AND MINISERIES:
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SUPERMAN Annual #7, ÒStrange VisitorÓ
Writer:Roger Stern
Penciller: Chris Gossett
Inkers:Pascoe & Woch
Colorist: Chris Duffy
$3.95 US/$5.50 CAN/#2.50 UK
RATINGS:
KM: 5 Shields
JS: 4.5 Shields - Even though I found the tale slightly confusing (as I do
with most stories involving the supernatural), Roger Stern
has proven once again how good he is at writing the Man of
Steel!
This wasnÕt just another comic bookÑit was a rollercoaster! I really
enjoyed this story.
It starts off with seven mystical monks with their legs crossed in midair
yoga staring at a three-dimensional Krypton. They claim to be from Earth.
Suddenly they witness a small projectile freeing itself from the exploding
planet. They wonder why such a massive destruction could have such
devastating effects on Earth and believe the fleeing ship is the answer to
the mystery. They prepare themselves for the future.
Cut to Metropolis, forty years later. Superman streaks out of the sky and
apprehends some speeding hoodlums. The onlookers are stunned as they witness
a miracle in the making. Alone in the crowd is another man wearing a
trenchcoat who desperately needs to talk with Superman.
We witness Superman changing into Clark and having a verbal clash with Lois
Lane at the Daily Planet. The ice in the room is so thick you could melt it
with heat vision. But this is the beginning of what will become a beautiful
relationship between the two reporters. Suddenly Clark hears a sound and
rushes out of the building. A beautiful blonde is crying out for help in the
middle of a burning building. As he rescues her she tries to kiss him in
gratitude. Before they have a chance to join lips, the strange man in the
trench coat intervenes. He convinces Superman that the girl is really a
monster in disguise. Superman takes it down with his heat vision, but the
intense battle has left him tired and wounded.
He wakes up in a motel room and comes face to face with Dr. Occult, who begins
to tell Superman a story about how he has been on the trail of a cult that
likes to perform human sacrifices. Years ago he tried to rescue his girl,
Rose, from the clutches of the cult. During the battle, the leader Hroth
calls upon the demonic entity Thahn for assistance. Rose is killed by a
demonic monster and Thahn makes good his escape. Dr. Occult vows to destroy
Thahn and needs SupermanÕs help. As they are leaving the motel room, a huge
monster breaks through the floor. Superman smacks it in the jaw, and the
little monster pieces turn into more little monsters. Dr. Occult directs
Superman down a doorway where he lands in a back alley. A woman helps him
upÑitÕs Rose! Now Superman is really confused (and if you havenÕt read the
comic you probably are too)! [ Or maybe even if you have! :) -Jeff ]
They fly to New York to an old abandoned warehouse where Rose tells Superman
Òthis was once ThahnÕs staging area. The missing homeless would provide the
old boy with a small army of human pawns.Ó Using his x-ray vision Superman
notices an old Tommy GunÑa relic from the days of prohibition.
Well, things go pretty fast now. Monsters and demons of all sorts imaginable
jump out of the woodwork toward Superman and Rose. Rose is held captive and
Superman gets the crapola knocked out of him. He is led over to an altar to
be the next sacrifice (Hey! I thought that was Lex LuthorÕs mission in life!),
where they intend to offer him up to Thahn. Rose manages to distract her
captor. The next panel shows her transformed into her old boyfriend, Dr.
Occult. ÒThe olÕ bait and switch,Ó he explains...Óworks every time.Ó
He grabs the machine gun and knocks off a few baddies with some magic bullets.
Superman breaks free from ThahnÕs hold and joins in the fight. To make a long
story short, they win (of course). Superman confronts Dr. Occult because he
wants some answers, but the good Doc vanishes before giving out too much
information. The last page shows Dr. Occult standing next to one of the
mystical monks looking into a large crystal ball. The wise man explains to
Dr. Occult, Òthe Man of Steel is still so young, so impetuous. He is perhaps
the most powerful mortal on earth, but he is mortal and is hardly infallible.
Today he has learned a most important lesson...He has learned that there are
forces beyond his understanding, beyond even his comprehension...forces more
powerful than he. Today, he has journeyed far along the road to wisdom...Ó
This was a great issue and one I wanted to read again and again. It reminded
me of the old detective novels with characters like Sam Spade. The detailed
artwork was superb and some of the expressions on SupermanÕs face were
priceless. I hadnÕt seen his face that bruised up since he fought Doomsday.
I was unfamiliar with Dr. Occult until one of the last issues of SupermanÕs
return from the dead. So I was interested in seeing more of him. I liked
the fact that he is not some weird, demonic alien like so many comics have.
He is just an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job. And it might be a good
idea to have him on your side.
The bottom line is, you have to buy this comic. Describing it without the
artwork is like watching television with no picture. It just donÕt cut it.
Ken McKee
=======================================================
SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS #1 (of 3)
Story and Layout Art by Dan Jurgens
Finished Art by Kevin Nowlan
$4.95 US/$6.95 CAN
RATINGS:
JS: 4.5 Shields
AW: 3 Shields - Some logical inconsistencies, but still a good story.
Too bad KaraÕs not here to stay.
KM: 5 Shields - All I can say is WOW! I am glad I didnÕt read the
spoilers on the net. This is one story I can really sink
my teeth in.
DS: 4 Shields - A good beginning to a story that could go either way.
LexCorp is nicely brought in. Clark seems to be a little
too grim and gritty for my taste, on the other hand the
interaction of Lois and Dr. Kimble is quite good. IÕm
looking forward to the next installment.
Lois and Clark are called on the spur of the moment to a meeting at LexCorp,
where they meet with a Dr. Kimble, head of LexCorpÕs space program. She
quickly whisks the reporters aboard a helicopter, where she informs them
that they are about to intercept an object falling to Earth. When she
plays the transmission being sent out by the craft, Clark hears a similarity
to the Kryptonian language. He quickly disables the chopper, and after it
lands, he strikes off on his own so that he can meet the craft as Superman.
As he rides the spacecraft into the ocean, he notices what appear to be
Kryptonian markings. After bringing the craft to the deck of the waiting
LexCorp vessel, he makes contact with the probe, which begins to communicate
telepathically. The tale of a familiar doomed planet unfolds, and a city
is saved from its destruction Ñ explosive charges fling the domed city
from the planet as the planet explodes. Before the message ends, Superman
is given directions into space.
Superman informs Dr. Kimble of the craftÕs tale Ñ leaving out the possible
Kryptonian connection Ñ and she decides that they *must* find that city.
Superman informs her that he alone will proceed to the city, and LexCorp
furnishes him a deep space ship capable of traveling in hyperspace. During
his trip, Superman recalls his only other encounter with Kryptonian beings,
the three supervillains from the Pocket Universe, reaffirming his vow to
never kill again. When he finally arrives at the city, he is overwhelmed
by its apparent Kryptonian architecture...
As he begins to scout the edge of the city, two things become quickly
apparent: far from any yellow sunlight, his powers are already beginning
to wane, and the city seems to be completely void of life Ñ there arenÕt
even any signs of power. Noticing scratches on a doorway to the city, he
uses his x-ray vision to find that the door has been barricaded on the
inside. Continuing to search, he comes upon what appears to be a bus which
has crashed its way out of the city. Looking inside, he discovers four
humanoids in critical condition. He quickly loads them aboard his vessel
and sends them back to Earth, though not without first arguing with Dr.
Kimble over these actions.
Having sent the survivors on their way, Superman tunnels underneath the
barrier to enter the center. In the midst of his tunneling, he emerges
in a large underground cavern populated with what appears to be a rock
formation, even though it also looks organic. He has discovered the aliensÕ
eggs! Continuing on into the city, he finds the walls coated with a highly
acidic substance. But before he can contemplate its origin, he is attacked
by one of the aliens.
Superman, having no experience with this lifeform, tosses it to the side and
attempts to reason with it. This, of course, gets him nowhere. After the
alien manages to wound him with a slash across the chest, Superman decides
to put the thing out of action, and he throws a mighty punch. Believing
the alien out of action, he turns his back, only to find the alienÕs tail
wrapped around his neck. After more struggling, Superman finally decides
that a wound may slow the creature down, but when he draws blood, he finds
that the creatureÕs blood is the acidic substance he had found earlier. It
pours into the Man of SteelÕs eyes, blinding him temporarily.
The tide of the battle turns, as the alien begins to take advantage of the
new situation, but as things begin to look bad for Superman, a young
Kryptonian voice tells him to get down. He feels the heat of a blaster
punishing the alien. Using the new participantÕs distraction, Superman
slugs the alien, throwing him away. The newcomer then proceeds to blast
the creature with a flame thrower.
As the two leave the burning carcass of the alien, Superman explains how
he discovered the city because of the distress buoy. After marveling at
both the fact that one of the buoys actually worked and the fact that
SupermanÕs head hasnÕt been completely eaten away by the acid, she reveals
that the cityÕs name is Argo City. He then tells her that he is Kal, and she
responds with her own name...Kara.
On the LexCorp spaceship, one of the survivors returns to consciousness, but
only as a result of the pain caused by the eruption of an alien from his
chest. The craft silently continues towards Earth...
As a longtime fan of both Superman and Aliens, I was absolutely thrilled
by the idea of a crossover. And this first issue lived up to all of my
expectations. Dan Jurgens has crafted a very dark and ominous tale. Among
this brooding, depressing tale, we find a very bright and colorful Superman,
whose emotions span the entire spectrum Ñ from the excitement he feels at
the prospect of finding others of his own kind, to the apprehension at the
ÒcreepyÓ atmosphere of the domed city, to the helpless terror he suffers
while wounded and at the mercy of the alien.
The artwork of Dan Jurgens is spectacular, but what really makes this book
work are the heavy inks of Kevin Nowlan. He very expertly brings out the
dark atmosphere from Mr. Jurgens art. Add in the wonderful use of colors
by Greg Wright and Android Images, and this book simply could not have
worked any better visually.
Granted there are a few minor problems (as there almost always are). But
the only ones that bothered me enough to mention are the fact that LoisÕ
hair length seemed to change from panel to panel (not that I care for that
particular style anyway) and the seemingly rapid depowering of Superman.
However, the later of these two I can deal with. First, without some kind
of depowering, Superman would not have any problems with the Aliens, resulting
in a very dull story. More than that, however, the book is very vague about
exactly how long Superman is away from Earth before his rendezvous with Argo.
Consider that it didnÕt take long for Doomsday to beat the solar energy out
of SupermanÕs battery, and he was constantly absorbing solar rays during the
course of *that* battle. Why should we expect that the aliens would be
completely helpless against Superman while he is away from sunlight?
The only major complaint I have about this book is the prestige format.
IÕve never been much of a fan of this format. Though it allows for some
very beautiful artwork, I find that $4.95 is a bit much to pay for a comic
book these days. I could have dealt with a double-sized issue in the same
format as the current Super-books Ñ which I expect still would have run
between $2.95 and $3.95, but over three months, that can amount to quite
a difference.
Price aside, this is one of the best Superman stories (so far) that I have
read in the past few years. In fact, this is the first Superman tale in
recent memory which has made me impatient for the month to pass between
issues! I *highly* recommend this book.
Jeff Sykes
_______________________________________________________________
End of Section 4
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GUEST APPEARANCES AND CROSSOVERS:
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Reviews by ReneÕ Gobeyn
THE DARKSTARS #32, ÒThe Night They Burned olÕ Dixie DownÓ
Guest Starring the New Titans
Written by: Michael Jan Friedman
Pencils by: Mike Collins
Inks by:Ken Branch
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN/#1.50 UK
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 2 Shields - all fight, little characterization
Art: 3 Shields - nice inks, could use more detailing
THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 3 (of 4)
Darkstar Donna Troy, Supergirl and Green Lantern fight with the Syndicate
aliens and CrimelordÕs men to try to learn the location of the nuclear bombs
that have been hidden around the world.
=======================================================
DEATHSTROKE #49, ÒAll the KingÕs MenÓ
Guest starring the New Titans, Steel, Eradicator, and many others
Written by: Marv Wolfman
Pencils by: Sergio Cariello & William Rosado
Inks by:Will Blyberg
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN/#1.50 UK
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 3 Shields - all action, little story but good ending
Art: 4 Shields - nicely detailed and inked, good perspectives
THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 4 (of 4)
The Syndicate base is destroyed, but not before the heroes find the locations
of eight of the bombs. The heroes are sent out to find and disable the bombs
before they explode. Everyone except Deathstroke are done almost as cameos.
It was good to see them cooperating to accomplish a goal. The identity of
the Crimelord could easily tie back into The New Titans book at a later point.
=======================================================
GREEN LANTERN #64, ÒParallax View: The Resurrection of Hal Jordan, Part 2Ó
Guest starring Superman and the original JLA
Written by: Ron Marz
Pencils by: Darryl Banks & Mark Bright
Inks by:Romeo Tanghal & Mike Decarlo
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 3.5 Shields - mostly a long fight scene, a few good bits
Art: 3 Shields - needed detailing and backgrounds OK otherwise
JS: 4 Shields - as a story about some Green Lantern gone bad
2.5 Shields - as a story about Hal Jordan gone bad
My point? Marz writes a good story, but I just canÕt buy the
characterization given to Hal since Emerald Twilight.
Superman and the original JLA (in their current form) attack Hal Jordan, who
is beating on Kyle Raynor (the current Green Lantern), trying to take his
power ring. Hal eventually defeats them, and then Kyle (without the power
ring) attacks him. Hal comes to realize that even though he just wants to be
a hero again, and to have things the way they were before, some things just
cannot be. He finally understands that he is not Green Lantern any longer.
He voluntarily gives the power ring back to Kyle. Hal and Ganthet (the last
Guardian) merge and Hal leaves Kyle as the last Green Lantern.
=======================================================
AQUAMAN ANNUAL #1
Guest Starring Superman and Wonder Woman
Written By: Peter David
Various Artists
$3.50 US/$4.95 CAN/#2.50 UK
Showed the first meeting between Aquaman and Superman. The same
story is told in The Man of Steel Annual #4 from SupermanÕs viewpoint.
=======================================================
BLACK LIGHTNING #6
Guest Starring Gangbuster
Written by: Tony Isabella
Art by: Eddie Newell
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN/#1.50 UK
We get some interesting characterization of some of my favorite Superman
supporting cast members, Gangbuster (JoseÕ Delgado) and Cat Grant, who
havenÕt been seen since they left the main Superman books. We get some
background in the ongoing Black Lightning story of inner city gang violence
and some of the political forces that motivate and take advantage of it.
Jose is taking some time away from Cat Grant trying to resolve an event from
his gang-banger youth where a rival gang leader killed one of his friends.
The killer is making a name for himself trying to promote a gang peace summit.
Jose thinks that he is actually using the summit as a front for some other
purpose. Jose intends to find out what it is.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
_______________________________________________________________
LOOKING BACK
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AFTERBYRNE: Reviews of the Post-Crisis Man of Steel
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SUPERMAN #63, ÒShadows From the Past!Ó
January 1992
Story and Art by Dan Jurgens
Finished Art by Brett Breeding
Cover Price: $1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK
Overstreet Price: $1.75
Trying to obtain the scoop on escalating hostilities between the ocean-
dwelling nation of Atlantis and the surface nation of Oumland, Clark Kent
has found passage on a ship to the Atlantic, and he is joined by Cat Grant,
who is out to net an interview with Aquaman. However, the ship finds itself
first in a freezing rain storm and then attacked by an aquatic dinosaur.
Feigning being thrown into the water along with every other person on the
ship, Clark quickly changes into Superman and rescues the crew and passengers.
A quick head count reveals that only Clark and the captain are unaccounted
for, and the Man of Steel plunges into the icy water once again.
Superman reaches the captain, only to discover that the man is none other
than Hans Schmidt, the sailor who had nearly killed Lori Lemaris so many
years ago. The details of ClarkÕs romance with Lori flash before his eyes
[see KC#13 for a review of SUPERMAN #12, the story of Lori Lemaris], and
he sadly recalls the day that Ronal told him of her death. Shaking off his
sadness, Superman returns Schmidt to the ship, where he finds that Aquaman
had appeared long enough to instruct a giant octopus to help steady the
ship and then returned to the seas in search of Clark Kent.
At the bottom of the seas, news of the rescue by Superman and Aquaman has
reached the Atlantean city of Tritonis Ñ news which deeply upsets Ronal.
Back in Metropolis, as Lois continues her Christmas shopping, the newly
unemployed Jimmy Olsen awakens in his car, half frozen from near exposure.
And in Washington, DC, Pete Ross and Lana Lang share the impact they have
made on each otherÕs lives.
Back in the Atlantic, Aquaman is about to put the plesiosaur out of its
misery when Superman speeds in to subdue the beast. He quickly informs
Aquaman that the dinosaur is probably one that was wounded in a recent
attempt to save the Man of SteelÕs life [in the ÒBlackoutÓ storyline]. But
their attention is quickly diverted as Oumland attacks, firing torpedoes
at another Atlantean city, Poseidonis. Fortunately, the torpedo that
Aquaman pursues falls safely to the ocean floor, but Superman is barely
able to catch the other, diverting it just in time to avoid the city.
On the ship, Cat tries to convince the captain not to call off the search
for Clark, and in Metropolis, ClarkÕs absence has made LoisÕ heart grow
fonder. She reflects upon how much their relationship has grown and how
she knows that he truly loves her. And in Poseidonis, Ronal hastily relays
the information of SupermanÕs presence to an unidentified Atlantean, who
quickly rushes to the Man of SteelÕs aid.
As Clark tries to direct the torpedo towards the surface, the dinosaur
suddenly swims across his path. Suddenly swerving, Clark finds his new
path unavoidably leading into a sea cliff face. The explosion knocks
Kal-El unconscious, but Atlantean hands pull him from the debris. Aquaman,
having been searching for Superman, finds the Man of Steel and his rescuer,
who is administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. AquamanÕs astonishment
is clearly apparent when he discovers the identity of the rescuer, and he
offers to help. She tells the King of the Seas that she will care for the
Man of Steel as she cared for Clark Kent earlier. As Aquaman leaves,
glad that Kent had been found, she asks him to never speak of these events
to Superman. Swimming away, he promises that though he hates doing so,
he will keep the secret that Lori Lemaris is alive!
After Aquaman departs, Lori administers one more deep breath of life before
covering SupermanÕs outfit with Clark KentÕs clothes. As she returns him
to the surface, he begins to awaken, but Lori appears to telepathically
command him to return to sleep. After reaching the surface, she calls out
to the nearby ship, quickly kisses Clark good-bye, and mentally commands
him to awaken. As she disappears beneath the waters, Cat spots the floating
Kent through her binoculars, dismissing the tail she spied slipping beneath
the water.
As Clark is rescued, he struggles to remember a vision of Lori, but decides
that it was caused by the trauma of the explosion. As he thinks to himself,
ÒNo way IÕll ever forget her, but I guess IÕve been fortunate to find someone
I love just as much,Ó LoriÕs heavy heart returns her to the surface. As she
watches the boat move into the distance she admits Ò...you are, truly, the
only man I will ever love.Ó
My first reaction was to the cover of this issue, as I found myself thinking
that Aquaman looked *way* too much like Superman. But this was something
I had no real problem forgiving. The story was interesting, but it did rely
a bit on the readerÕs knowledge of the current (at that time) status of the
undersea kingdom of Atlantis. The tale was partly an attempt to draw readers
towards the Aquaman series which had recently begin.
And this part of the story (the team-up with Aquaman) was a fairly well-
written action story. Unlike the action stories of today, the action wasnÕt
simply Superman going fist to fist with a super-villain. He used his head
a bit and tried to resolve the situations without resorting to brute strength.
However, itÕs very clear that the main purpose of this story is the revelation
that Lori Lemaris is still alive. This revelation is handled very well and
in a very touching way. The fact that Lori is still willing to give Clark
up in order that he be happy proves the depth of her love for him.
And this worries me. Why? Because rumor has it that Lori will be returning
to the Superman titles in the near future and that her presence will signal
troubles for Lois and ClarkÕs relationship. I find it difficult to imagine
what would make Lori change her mind about leaving Clark unaware, and I worry
that her reintroduction will be very contrived and insincere. However, if
they keep the character consistent, IÕll have no problems with the motivation.
I enjoyed the artwork in this issue, but after having dug this out from the
collection, I realized exactly what kind of printing improvements weÕve been
privy to in the past years. The art was very nice in this book, but the
improved colorization techniques, as well as the new paper weÕve recently
been given, makes todayÕs books look so much brighter and detailed. (And
this has been accomplished with less detail seemingly being drawn by the
pencillers these days! :) However, one area in which I think the older art
is better is inking. In general, the inking in this book was *much* lighter
than what weÕve been seeing in recent superbooks. And this makes the art
much more palatable. This may be due to the inks bleeding into the paper
more, but IÕm not enough of an expert to know with any certainty.
This is a pretty good story with nice artwork, but not really one of the
best Superman stories IÕve seen. But itÕs still a good read. IÕll give
it 3 shields!
Jeff Sykes
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LEGACIES: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel
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SUPERMAN VS. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, ÒBattle of the Century!Ó
Written by: Gerry Conway
Drawn by: Ross Andru
Inked by: Dick Giordano
1976
Cover Price: $2.00
Overstreet Price: $10.00 (First Printing)
$15.00 (Second Printing - sold only through the mail)
RATING: 4 Shields
I donÕt know what it is about team-ups. When I started reading comics,
apparently I decided that if one superhero in a story was good, why, TWO
superheroes would be TWICE as good. The big story starts up with typical
exploits of each hero. A giant robot tramples through Metropolis, and
Superman tries to stop it. No luck, and it steals a computer module from
S.T.A.R. Later, Superman follows the robotÕs trail and discovers Lex Luthor.
Surprise! :) Lex spirits the stolen module away, then Superman captures him.
The WGBS staff heads for the World News Conference in New York. Meanwhile in
the Big Apple, Spider-Man foils a heist by Doctor Octopus. Spidey captures
Ock, then joins the Bugle staff as they head for the World News Conference.
Luthor and Doc Ock meet in prison. Trivia note: the first instance of DC and
Marvel characters in the same panel. Ock says ÒLex Luthor...HERE?Ó Luthor,
however, doesnÕt seem too tickled about running into the good doctor. Luthor
suggests that if they were free, they should team up. The guards brag about
how Luthor was searched in the prison hospital (ugh). This, of course, means
that they didnÕt find everything, and Luthor produces sonic disruptors,
knocking all the guards out. Luthor and Doc escape.
The WGBS crew and the Bugle staff ride up the escalators at the conference at
the same time. The petulant, fuming 1970s Lois climbs a scaffolding to get
exclusive photos, then trips and falls. In a very cool turnabout, Peter
Parker makes the save (Marvel/DC meeting number 2!) Mary Jane is jealous, then
Superman shows up Ñ and fires beams from his eyes that cause MJ and Lois to
disappear. A quick change later, we get a double page spread. Superman and
Spider-Man meet.
Luthor and Ock watch the meeting. Luthor is disguised as Supes; he teleported
Lois and MJ away. Then he zaps Spidey with a red-sun radiation device, giving
the unknowing wall-crawler a temporary charge. Immediately Superman and
Spider-Man assume the worstÑand itÕs fisticuffs, baby! Spidey whips Superman
like pudding. Eventually the Big S gets ticked off and goes to punch Spidey
out. Supes pulls his punch at the last second, but the wind blows Spidey
away, literally. Spidey comes back around for another go, at which point the
red sun radiation wears off. Rational heads prevail and we get a handshake,
suitable for framing.
The Òdream teamÓ head off after their foes. ThereÕs great character
interaction here. After Superman uses x-ray vision to catch the trail of
the bad guys, Spidey asks him ÒDonÕt you ever *stun* yourself?Ó SupermanÕs
reply is ÒActuallyÑno!Ó The trail leads to an abandoned warehouse, which
even reads ÒAcmeÓ on the outside. They get lectured by holograms of Lex and
Ock there, then continue their hot pursuit. Lex and Ock head into space to
the abandoned Injustice Gang satellite, where Lex uses his stolen module to
take over a laser probe, which wreaks havoc on the weather patterns of Earth.
Superman and Spider-Man end up prisoners on the satellite, and they start
rasslinÕ Luthor and Octopus. The bad guys are winning, when Superman says
ÒWeb-slinger, this just isnÕt working out! WeÕve got to act as a TEAM!!Ó
Luthor brags about the devastating weather patterns heÕs caused on Earth.
Superman heads back there to take care of business. But thereÕs no honor
among thieves, and Doc Ock betrays Lex. Superman saves the day, MJ and Lois
are rescued, the villains get webbed up and sent back to the pokey. Clark
and Peter meet in their secret identities, and they go on a double date with
their lady friends Òsecure in the knowledge that justice is triumphant Ñ for
tonight, anyway.Ó
Man, I am spent! :) This is must reading, for the spectacle if nothing else.
The characters even act like this meeting is a really big deal. The great
thing about the Marvel/DC crossovers was the throwback to simpler story-
telling. In those continuity-sodden days, pages of exposition were expected,
and received. ThereÕs none of that hereÑweÕre led to imagine that all the
Marvel and DC characters coexist, but they never talk about or see each other.
No Earth-shifting, no dream, no imaginary story.
The character interplay is intriguing and fun. There is no character like
Spider-Man in the DC Universe; SupermanÕs reactions to him are unique.
Likewise, thereÕs nobody anyplace like Superman; when Spider-Man sees Superman
for the first time, itÕs like the reader is seeing him for the first time,
too. When they first meet, Spider-Man is awestruck. Never mind that Spidey
believes that Superman has zapped MJ and Lois away Ñ he hollers ÒFar out Ñ
itÕs really YOU!Ó Spider-Man is out of his element here, even more so than
usual for him. This is very much a DC-style story. ThereÕs no time for
pathos. Instead, we get Spidey on webbed-up skis, being towed through the
air by Superman to Africa. ThereÕs a great scene of an enraged Spidey
hammering away at Supes, who stands with hands on hips, waiting for him to
finish. Spidey finally lets up when he thinks he has broken his hands. The
very human Spidey plays well off Superman, in his role of Big Blue Boy Scout.
The red sun was the weapon of choice by the villains in this oneÑthe big S is
victimized by it no fewer than three times. On two separate occasions, Lex
hits him with different items, each Òpowerful enough to hurt even YOU!Ó I
think if the story had gone on twenty more pages, we would have seen marsh-
mallows Òpowerful enough to hurt even YOU!Ó Excuse me, Mr. LuthorÑif you
know exactly how powerful you need to make stuff to hurt Superman, why canÕt
you make it tough enough to kill him and be done with it?
Superman is super-capable here, as well. After the villains blow up a gadget
that can be used to track them, Supes rebuilds it instantly. We discover
later that, during the big fracas, Superman had time to chemically analyze
SpideyÕs webbing, and he knows a way to use his heat vision to make it
stronger. Great pains are taken to show that Superman is invulnerable. When
the charged-up Spidey punches him out, weÕre told in a caption that Superman
is stunned more that the punch occurred, rather than the strength behind it.
This is a great Superman story, during a time when the best ones were not done
by his regular creators or in his regular books. It resonates a bit, tooÑthe
crossover scenes have a Òwink-wink, nudge-nudgeÓ feel. I for one had to
reread a few pages, because I was busy trying to accept that Superman and
Spider-Man were together on the same panel. :) Good luck in finding the
original tabloid edition. YouÕd have a better shot at ÒCrossover Classics,Ó
which contains this story, Batman vs. Hulk, X-Men and New Teen Titans, and
1981Õs Superman/Spider-Man sequel, which IÕll look at next month.
Joe Crowe (jcrowe4@genie.geis.com)
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End of Section 5
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LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
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UP, UP, AND COMING:
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by Jeff Sykes
News: Only a couple of news bites this month. Word has it that Robert Singer,
the Executive Producer throughout the second season, has been given his
walking papers. I havenÕt heard anything about his replacement. This
past seasonÕs Producer for episodes #14-22 (the romance arc!), John
McNamara, is reported to be writing the script for the third seasonÕs
premiere (which is, at last report, set to begin filming on July 12).
However, I have seen no confirmation of this fact.
Below you will find an excellent recap of the second season by Zoomway
and a review of this seasonÕs finale, ÒAnd The Answer Is...Ó by Marta
Olson. See you back here next month, as we try to begin picking up some
reviews of episodes that we missed previously.
Enjoy!
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LOVE IS LOVELIER THE SECOND SEASON AROUND
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by Zoomway
The second season of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman is
complete, and even as I type, the script for the premier of season three is
being readied. Prior to the finale of second season, there was a true
identity crisis that the show had to overcome. Television is a business,
and a very big and competitive business. Television shows are treated as
commodities, and little else. They are products designed to sell other
products. Looking at American television in this manner, it is easier to
understand what happened to Lois and Clark at the beginning of season two.
To reach season two, we have to look back a bit into season one. Even before
the show made it to air, those journalists in the entertainment field who had
been given a sneak peek at the pilot gave the show rave reviews. Everything
from the retro-forties outfits Lois wore to the special effects were given
glowing praise. Add in the undeniable chemistry between the showÕs stars,
Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher, and it looked unstoppable. However, Lois and
Clark ran into unforeseen problems. The show was originally designed for a
nine or ten oÕclock time slot, but got placed at eight oÕclock, the heart of
family viewing time, and on Sunday night. A night traditionally aimed at a
family audience. Compounding the problem was the double-edged sword of
Superman.
It is almost impossible to have Superman without attracting children, on the
other hand, it is very hard to attract adults with ÔjustÕ Superman. The child
magnet quality of the superhero almost guaranteed a family viewing hour time
slot, and that time slot guaranteed later scripts would have to tone down the
adult nature of the original concept. This conflict was causing poor ratings.
There was not nearly enough Superman for children, or most comic book fans,
and many adults werenÕt even interested in giving the show a try because they
were certain it was just another Superman saves the day program. The small
adult audience that did tune in, got a pleasant surprise, and became hooked
on the show. Unfortunately, their numbers were not big enough to please
sponsors and therefore the network. Change was on the way.
ABC decided that the show needed more action, more villains (this spelled the
doom of Lex Luthor), less emphasis on Lois and ClarkÕs budding relationship
(this nearly spelled doom for the show). Deborah Joy LeVine, the showÕs
creator, had been told to make these changes. Ms. LeVine balked. She did not
want to alter her original concept. The powers that be kept hounding her.
Finally, she said she would take a vacation and think about it. Well, when
she got back, she found her mind had been made up for her. She was out, and
Robert Singer was in as Executive Producer. It was no longer her show.
Singer set about instituting the changes ABC wanted. More appearances of
Superman, more action, less adult scripts, very little in the relationship
of Lois and Clark, and the death of Lex Luthor were all part of the second
half of first season. This all culminated in last yearÕs season finale where
Lois and ClarkÕs relationship was completely re-set to ÔjustÕ friends, and
Lois being ga-ga over Superman again. All the groundwork necessary had been
laid for second season, but there were many things that Singer and ABC did
not count on, and had they seen the firestorm coming, they might have
purchased asbestos underwear.
It seems strange now to think that seaQuest was seen as such heavy
competition for Lois and Clark, but the network felt they were competing
for the same audience and therefore Lois and Clark should try and mimic
seaQuest. To that end, Michael Landes (Jimmy Olsen) was fired. He did not
have the same appeal to little girls that Jon Brandis of seaQuest did. It
was also said that he looked too much like the showÕs star Dean Cain. Chris
Demetral had been brought in near the end of first season to attract little
girls, but test market feedback was not positive for his character, so he too,
like Landes, was out. Lois and Clark was now truly just a commodity being
designed and marketed for the masses by committee.
Second season premiered with Madame Ex, a rather cartoonish episode about an
evil double of Lois Lane, Kryptonite bullets and Lex LuthorÕs unhinged ex-
wife. It was sort of a testimony to the ÔnewÕ direction. It also introduced
the new Jimmy Olsen, which in itself started an almost never-ending rant from
fans. Unfortunately, the brunt of the protest was aimed at Justin Whalin, the
actor who replaced Landes, and not at those in power who made the switch. It
is never a wise idea to swap actors unless there is no choice (the previous
actor quitting for example), because it takes so long for the audience to
readjust, that any gains they hoped to realize with the change were
completely negated by the fans lack of acceptance of the change.
Heaped on top of this was a new staff of writers who had never written for
the show and were clearly having a hard time getting a feel for it. They also
seemed to happily ignore continuity. Not just continuity that had been
established in first season, but continuity they had established in their own
scripts. The ratings began to slide, and this was not due to competition from
seaQuest. The bad treatment Lois and Clark had received was nothing compared
to the committee rape of seaQuest. It had become a monster-of-the-week show
and almost made Lois and ClarkÕs villain-of-the-week concept look good. In
reality, both shows had become so juvenile that a cartoon show, The Simpsons,
had become the only alternative for young adults on Sunday nights.
Fox, a network that almost never beats the competition from the big three
networks, was now beating both ABC and NBC on Sunday nights. NBC decided to
gild the cowpie. They felt if they made slight committee alterations, they
could win back what they were losing. They put in more cleavage, removed
more science, and allowed the talking dolphin to say Ôthat sucksÕ (one might
think the dolphin was reviewing his own show). These changes earned seaQuest
a variety of amusing titles; seaQuest 90210, seaBreast, Das Bomb, and Voyage
to the Bottom of the Barrel. Fortunately for Lois and Clark, ABC was more
receptive to what the fans wanted, and were just desperate enough to deliver.
Beginning with The Phoenix, Lois and Clark began a story arc which lasted all
the way to the season finale. Ten episodes of continuity, improved
characterization, humor, and the romance was back.
The Phoenix was like having peach cobbler after a diet of bread and water.
It was adult, warm, funny, and just the beginning. It also marked the return
of positive press reviews and improved ratings. Lois and Clark did better and
better. It began to bury both seaQuest and The Simpsons in the ratings. The
season finale did something that Lois and Clark had never done, it made the
top twenty in the ratings. When the smoke cleared, NBC had to blink. They
had been soundly beaten by Lois and Clark and so they decided to give seaQuest
only a half season commitment of thirteen episodes, and moved it to Wednesday
nights. NBC was not at all happy, and so decided to move one of their highest
rated shows into seaQuestÕs old time slot, Mad About You.
Mad About You, unlike seaQuest, is a wonderful show, and places regularly in
the top ten. If ABC is smart, it will let the romance of Lois and Clark
continue, but this season with Lois in on ClarkÕs secret. They will have to
get out of the gate fast with Mad About You as competition, because they will
be facing not only a more formidable opponent this time, but one that will
have a definite audience overlap. It will be the battle between a well-
established romance and a legendary romance that has become serious, and
therefore has the potential to be very hot next season. The avenues for
humor, drama, continued romance and greater depth to plots have never been
so attainable. That is if ABC and the staff of December 3rd productions are
up to the challenge.
One final note. I promised to give the original ending to Lois and ClarkÕs
finale if it went unaired. Well, it seems a compromise was struck between
Lois and Clark and ABC. This being the case, IÕll reserve any judgment until
the premiere in September. However, filming begins July 12th (as of the
latest report) and IÕll try to find out which way the wind is blowing before
the premiere.
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EPISODE REVIEW
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Episode #22: ÒAnd The Answer Is...Ó
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by Marta Olson
US Airdate: May 21, 1995
Guest Starring: Maurice Godin, with Tony Jay as ÒNigelÓ
Written by: Tony Blake & Paul Jackson
Directed by: Alan J. Levi
If I had to compare last seasonÕs finale with this seasonÕs finale, I think
I would have to say that I enjoyed this seasonÕs more. Story aside, the main
difference that I see between the two is last season, everything was tied up
nice, tidy and neat, and the only thing left for us to do was wonder Òwhy did
Clark have to cross his fingers?Ó, ÒWas Lex Luthor really dead?Ó and basically
we were back to square one. This season the main questions are ÒWhat is Lois
going to say?Ó ÒHow can Clark ask her without telling her heÕs Superman?Ó
ÒDoes Lois know?Ó ÒIf she does, how can she accept his proposal until he
tells her?Ó, ÒWill she let him know she knows?Ó, ÒWill she use that knowledge
to get back at him for not telling her?Ó the list goes on and on. There is
also the frustration of wanting to know NOW! which was not present last
season. My anticipation for this fall is much greater now than it ever was
last year.
This episode begins with Clark trying to tell Lois his secret. He is at her
apartment waiting while she finishes getting ready to go out for breakfast.
Clark practices several different approaches to Lois in a picture of the two
of them - blunt, round-about, and flip - but is not satisfied with any of
them. Before he is ready, Lois comes out. He tells her itÕs not fear of
intimacy or commitment, then charges forward ÒLois, IÕm Super...Ó only to be
interrupted by the phone. The attempt is shattered when Clark makes another
excuse to leave after the phone call Ñ ÒIÕm super-late for a barber
appointment.Ó
The villain of the week is Jason Maizik, the ÒotherÓ son of a wealthy
jeweler. We find out that JasonÕs dad somehow had the diary of Tempus, who
was left in a mental hospital in 1866 by H.G. Wells [Back in episode #18,
ÒTempus Fugitive.Ó ÑJeff]. Using the information in the diary, Mr. Maizik
became rich, reminiscent of Back To The Future II when Marty buys the sports
almanac (which lists all of the winners in all major sporting events) in the
future and Biff finds it and uses the information to get rich. We also are
reintroduced to Nigel. Jason wants the kryptonite from Nigel in order to
control Superman.
We also get to see a good amount of Martha and Jonathan Kent, although itÕs
still not long enough. They are in Metropolis for their anniversary. I
really enjoyed the continuing dialog revolving around their anniversary
presents for each other. Martha gives Jonathan a very thoughtful gift that
she worked on herself - a memory box she carved containing pebbles for every
year they have been married with memories. Jonathan gives Martha what appears
to be a stereotypical Òyou are hard to buy for, hereÕs a gift certificateÓ
gift. I like JonathanÕs line regarding CostMart and Intergang, ÒSome say
itÕs run by crooks, but they really have some nice stuff out there.Ó It was
also nice to find out that JonathanÕs real anniversary gift was ruined by the
kidnapping. He had reserved a book on Italian art at CostMart, hoping that
Martha would understand some Italian when they get back from their trip to
Rome.
Emotionally this episode is filled with ups and downs. Clark wrestling with
the question, how do I stop this guy who wants me to steal because he knows
IÕm Superman? Tell the world? Also, his continuing attempts to tell Lois
his secret Ñ ÒIÕve always been honest with you except for one thing and when
I tell you what that one thing is I hope youÕll understand.Ó His uncertainty
over how Lois will take it when she finally knows. Add to that his concern
over his parentsÕ safety, being told he has to kill Lois in order to save his
parents, compounded by his worry over LoisÕ request for Superman to freeze
her, and the knowledge that she is doing it because of her love for Clark.
She is willing to die for him.
Lois also rides the emotional roller coaster. From ClarkÕs first attempt to
tell her his secret when he substitutes another stupid excuse instead, to his
next attempt at the Daily Planet which is interrupted by a call about a
ÒdumpsterÓ which he takes even after Lois asks him not to. She follows him
to the jewelry store and is outside while he robs it. She confronts him,
telling him she thought he was Òa decent, straight up guy, the last honest
man.Ó When he tells her why heÕs robbing the store, she never once questions
what he says. She accepts it with blind faith and puts all her efforts into
helping him find his parents, even to the extent of lying for him - which
technically may or may not have been a lie since she was outside watching him
while he robbed the store. Her feelings are summed up in what she told
Superman ÒYes I could die, but ClarkÕs parents will die unless we help them.
Please, Superman, you havenÕt seen him, you donÕt know what heÕs going through.
He needs me and I have never needed you more than I do right now. You just
canÕt turn me down. You canÕt.Ó
I really liked the inside jokes in this episode. The scene with the florist
where Superman found the orchid (which led to Zurich Air which led to Nigel)
was great. For those of you who donÕt know, Dean Cain was drafted by the NFL
Buffalo Bills and during training camp his first year blew out his knee,
ending his football career - just like the florist in the episode. There is
also Perry and JimmyÕs conversation at the end about how they are always
standing around and watching Lois and Clark wondering what theyÕre doing.
ÒWhat if we went out and got more interesting lives of our own.Ó ÒBullseye!
ItÕs like weÕre supporting characters in a TV show thatÕs only about them.Ó
ÒAll we do is advance their plots.Ó
I believe that Lois knows. From what Clark has almost said in this episode
plus the two scenes when Clark then Superman cup her face the same way and
she says to Superman Òthe way you just touched meÓ, to the end when they are
walking in the park and he says ÒIÕve been thinkingÓ she replies so have I,
you go first. I believe that Lois, being one of the best investigative
reporters around, finally understands and gives him one last chance to tell
her. I also believe that what Clark says at the end will reinforce it in her
mind ÒSometimes you think youÕre immortal, you start to think that the people
around you are too. It takes just a second to realize how wrong you are about
everything. What I am trying to say, Lois, is I almost lost you and I feel
ashamed.Ó He continues ÒI kept pushing you away even when I promised IÕd
stop. If you died without ever knowing why, IÕd never be able to forgive
myself because I love you.Ó Instead of telling her, he brings out the ring
box and says ÒWill you marry me?Ó Lois replies ÒClark...Ó
And the answer is ...
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End of Section 6
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CONTEST RESULTS!
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Last month I asked you to send me your ideas for what villain *you* would
like to have seen figure out and use ClarkÕs secret identity as Superman.
Here is a sample of some of your ideas!
Len Leshin submitted an idea using the most popular villain choice:
Mxyzptlk! Without telling a story, hereÕs why: It would be easy for
him to discover the secret identity, and he could broadcast it worldwide
so that everyone finds out! It would be interesting to see the reaction
of the world and KentÕs closest friends to the story, sort of like the
Silver Age imaginary stories. Plus, once Superman sent Mxy back to the
5th dimension, everything would revert to normal and no one would
remember the secret!
And ÒJust The FAQsÓ columnist David Chappell had this idea:
Through his immense mental powers, Brainiac could easily learn ClarkÕs
secret. Thus, the ÒhowÓ part of the story is easily handled when Brainiac
probes SupermanÕs mind for any number of reasons. The interesting part,
however, is BrainiacÕs reaction. He could go for the simple revenge
tactic of Conduit, but heÕd want to be much more creative and try to use
slow psychological torture on the Man of Steel. Thus, IÕd have Brainiac
mentally create a ÔClarkÕ double (rather like in ÔDead Again,Õ but this
one would be animate). The false Clark would essentially take over Clark
KentÕs life and BE him, indistinguishable to all outsiders.
Furthermore, Brainiac would use his vast psionic abilities to arrange so
that EVERYONE viewed Superman as being Superman regardless of his manner
of dress. Thus, if Superman dressed as Clark, the public would still see
Superman (and ignore the coat and glasses). The net result is that
Superman would be unable to be Clark but would be stuck as a super-hero
forever (or until he stopped Brainiac). Since Clark is Clark first and
Superman second, he would (to put it mildly) not like being unable to
resume his civilian identity. There are some minor points IÕd need to
work out, such as the interplay of those (like Lois and Lana) who know
ClarkÕs secret, but I have several ideas for those points.
The bottom line is that Brainiac would use his knowledge to prevent
Superman from continuing his normal life. Depending on how long it took
the Man of Tomorrow to stop the Coluan villain, we might get a chance to
see what it would be like if Superman never had a secret identity.
Scott Keith had an idea of a friendÕs turning:
I think the idea with the most possibilities would be Supergirl falling
back under the influence of Luthor for whatever reason, then impersonating
Clark on an extended basis. Since she already knows a lot of the little
details of his life, and especially his parents, she could impersonate him
successfully and destroy his life from within. Superman would, of course,
be hesitant to go all out against her, considering their friendship.
And finally, David Skaar had a very interesting idea for a villain not
normally associated with the Man of Steel:
My villain, while not a standard Superman opponent, would be great for
exploiting this knowledge and taunting everyone with it, the Riddler.
He could get it through the Batman connection, and put more on the giant
signs than ÒI Know.Ó He could come to Metropolis on vacation, and send
riddles to Clark Kent and friends hinting at what he knows, and go on a
spree with the threat that if Superman interferes, his friends are in
danger, and his identity is revealed (in riddles, of course). After
reading his Year One story in the Detective annual, it would be good if
he put out riddles to tell everyone, but the folks in Metropolis, not
used to dealing with him, wouldnÕt figure it out, frustrating him to the
point that heÕs ready to just reveal it straight out.
There were several other submissions, but I felt that these were the best
representatives of the suggestions we received. This idea of getting into
the creative parts of our minds turned out to be a pretty fun read, though
I wish we had received a few more thoughts. WeÕll have to try this again
some time!
And now, on to the winner! A name was selected at random from those who
submitted story ideas, and the winner is none other than:
Our own David Chappell!
David will be receiving this monthÕs prize, a copy of the collectorÕs
edition of John ByrneÕs Man of Steel #1, autographed by the writer/artist
himself! Congratulations, David!
I wonÕt be running any more contests over the summer, as too many of our
readers wonÕt be around on a regular basis and I need to slow down a bit
before I run out of prizes! :) But once the fall rolls around, weÕll see
if we canÕt run a few more contests Ñ including prizes like a set of
Superman: The Man of Steel trading cards, a Superman Lives! audio
dramatization, and any other little goodies we can get our hands on...
Staytuned!
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CLASSIFIEDS
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** FS - SUPERMAN SWITCH PLATES **
Hi There:
As a lot of you already know, I make and sell ÒCreative Switch PlatesÓ (the
backing behind your light switches).
I have over 5000 images and amongst them are many of Superman and his
counterparts all in color.
I get these pictures from good quality magazines, books, calendars and such
and then decoupage them on to the switch plates. After that I use many
layers of high gloss varnish overtop which makes them very durable, washable
and most of all very attractive.
I have sold nearly 1000 through Internet with all parties being extremely
happy with the results.
If anyone is interested, just let me know what size you are looking for
(single, double etc.) and the style of switch plate:
REGULAR: has small rectangular switch in the middle and is considered the
most common.
DECORA: has large rocker style switch and can be found mainly in newer homes.
WALL OUTLETS: Single: has 2 outlets
Double: has 4 outlets
PRICES:
SINGLE: $5.00 DOUBLE: $7.00 TRIPLE: $9.00 QUAD: $11.00
If you would like to place an order, please contact us at:
macent@direct.ca
Thanks - Sue
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SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL PLATINUM SERIES TRADING CARDS
I am selling and trading cards from the recent Man of Steel set. These are
all premium edition cards (the fancier ones with the steel embossing). The
oversized cards are beautifully painted with scenes from the life of Superman.
Card text by Roger Stern covers the life of Superman from Krypton to Zero Month.
A complete set of cards sells for $23 including postage. I will consider
trades for other complete sets of comics cards (e.g., Cosmic Cards). Write
for information on single cards available from the Doomsday, Return of Superman,
and SkyBox DC Masters series. For more information or to buy a set of cards,
write to David Chappell (davidc@leland.stanford.edu) or Loretta Jackson
(virago@best.com).
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Read The DAILY PLANET. Truth, Justice, and Comics.
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Stanford Comics Co-op
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are interested in saving a
substantial amount on your new Superman comics, then consider the Stanford
Comics Co-op! The Co-op does not conduct mail order business and thus serves
only customers local to the SF Bay area. Since the cooperative exists solely
to save its members money on new comics, it does not make a net profit (there
is only a $2 monthly fee to cover expenses). You can save 40% off retail
price for Superman and other new comics and related merchandise.
For more information on the Co-op or to join, contact the manager, Eric Tsai,
at (415)969-3106 or juvenile@leland.stanford.edu. Assistant Manger David
Chappell can be reached at (415)497-4422 or davidc@leland.stanford.edu.
The Co-op WWW page is at URL http://telvar.stanford.edu/Comics/SCC.html.
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If you would like to place an ad, send it to one of the following addresses:
Arthur.E.LaMarche@Dartmouth.edu, sykes@ms.uky.edu, or KryptonCN@aol.com.
Try to keep your ads fairly short.
All advertisements must be received by the first Monday of the month to
be included in the next issue of the magazine. Be certain to include
your e-mail address in the ad.
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RESOURCES
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In the interest of time, which is at a premium for me right now as I study
for my upcoming exam, I decided not to update the resources file this month.
It will be fully updated next month, including new information about
Superman-related homepages and new ftp sites.
In the meanwhile, here is the basic information which is included every issue.
How to obtain the complete Resources file:
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Note that the file also contains information about how to use ftp and
ftp e-mail. The file will be located at phoenix.creighton.edu in the
directory /pub/zines/kc and at ftp.hiof.no in the directory
/pub/Comics/Fanzines. For those of you who do not know how to use ftp
or donÕt have ftp access, e-mail a message to either of the addresses
given below. For the body of your message include only the lines
between the dashes below.
Addresses: ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com or ftpmail@sunsite.unc.edu
Body:
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connect phoenix.creighton.edu
chdir /pub/zines/kc
get kcresrcs.txt
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Do not include the lines of dashes, and do not include anything else
in the body of the message. You will receive a message telling you
that your request has been queued. Then, about a day later, you will
receive the file itself.
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SUPER-CROSSWORD
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By Curtis Herink (herink_cd@mercer.peachnet.edu)
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|1 |2 |3 |4 | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|5 |6 |7 |8 |
| | | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | |
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|9 | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|10 | | | |
| | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | |
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|11 | |XXX|12 |13 |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|
| | |XXX| | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|
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|14 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| |XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|
| |XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|
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|15 | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|16 | | |17 |
| | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | |
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|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX| |
|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX| |
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|18 | | |19 | | | | |20 | | |21 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|22 | |XXX|23 | |
|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | |XXX| | |
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|24 |25 |26 | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|27 |28 | | |
| | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | |
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|29 | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|30 | | | | |
| | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | | |
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ACROSS:
1 Our hero, sans cape
5 Engaged to 1 Across
9 Apiary
10 Preposition
11 Exists
12 Lava
14 Able to leap _____
15 Unduly inquisitive
16 The last Czarnian
18 Our hero
22 Exclamation
23 He knows
24 Most recent actor to play 1 Across
27 A really hot place
29 My one and _____
30 Fetch
DOWN:
1 Makes up the exoskeleton of a resident of 9 Across
2 BartÕs sister
3 Not a st., to the P.O.
4 Actually
5 God of mischief
6 Operating
7 Clara Bow, the _____ girl
8 Not really Òa needle pulling threadÓ
13 Before C
16 Chief foe of 18 Across
17 Oval
19 Lots
20 Continent (Abbrev.)
21 Father of 1 Across, in one version
24 Not really Òa female deerÓ
25 PrinterÕs measure
26 Spends a lot of time with Sam
28 Diminutive colleague of a younger, previous version of 18 Across
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THE MAILBAG
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Last month, Benjamin Lee asked about the forms of Kryptonite. Tony
Cianfaglione (ab616@ccn.cs.dal.ca) replied, graciously filling us in
on the details:
There were several types of Kryptonite in the pre-Crisis stories not
brought forward into the present continuity. As you know green can kill,
gold can remove his powers, red has unpredictable effects which lasts 24
to 72 hours, white can kill plant life but also blue is as deadly to
Bizarros as green is to Superman.
How blue was created was that Luthor or some other criminal used the
imperfect duplication ray which created Bizarro in the first place to try
and manufacture more green K, instead creating the imperfect blue variety.
(This idea may have inspired the writers of Superman II - their pseudo-green
Kryptonite was actually red and blue K mixed together; it was imperfect
and created artificially and had a strange and temporary effect on Superman
in that movie).
There was also jewel K, which was formed by the Jewel Mountains of Krypton
when Krypton blew up and had (if I remember correctly) a bad effect on Phantom
Zone villains and, last but not least, Jimmy OlsenÕs creation, Silver K,
which he had Professor Potter create from donated silver items from all of
SupermanÕs closest friends to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
his coming to Metropolis.
Thanks for the info Tony, and thanks to all of you readers who have
supplied us post-ByrnerÕs with the pre-Crisis information that we simply
donÕt know as well!
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End of Issue #14
