Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
The Kryptonian Cybernet Issue 20
_______________________________________________________________
T H E K R Y P T O N I A N C Y B E R N E T
Issue #20 - December 1995
_______________________________________________________________
CONTENTS
ÑÑÑÑ
Section 1: Superscripts: Notes from the Editor
News and Notes
The Fleischer Cartoons
Episode 13, ÒDestruction, Inc.Ó, by Neil Ottenstein
Just The FAQs
ÒWhat are the Superman Holiday-Season Stories?Ó
by David T. Chappell
Section 2: Author of ÒTomorrowÓ
An interview with Roger Stern
Section 3: Reviews
The ÒTriangleÓ Titles
Action Comics #717, by William J. Nixon
Superman: The Man of Steel #52, by Arthur LaMarche
Superman #108, by Ken McKee
Adventures of Superman #531, by Anatole Wilson
Other Super-Titles
Superboy #23, by Victor Chan
Section 4: Reviews
Other Super-Titles (cont)
Steel #23, by Dick Sidbury
Showcase Ô96 #1, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
The New Titans #129, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Specials
Superman/Toyman #1, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
League of Justice #1, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Section 5: After-Byrne
ÒThe Krisis of the Krimson KryptoniteÓ
Part 2: Adventures of Superman #472, by Mark Lamutt
Coming Attractions
February brings climactic events to both Superman and to
the DC *and* Marvel Universes!
The Mailbag
Section 6: The Phantom Zone
The Supergirl From Krypton
SupergirlÕs origin, from Action Comics #252
by Jenny Stosser
Super Friends
Superman vs. Wonder Woman, by Joe Crowe
Superman #121
ÒThe Bride of FuturemanÓ, by Rich Morrissey
Section 7: The Phantom Zone (cont)
Superman #167
ÒThe Team of Luthor and BrainiacÓ, by Jeff Epstein
Super Merchandise
HereÕs the scoop on neat Superman stuff available in
the coming months!
Section 8: And Who Disguised As...
If J. Made Superman Movies, by J.D. Rummel
TELEscopic VISION: Superman on the Small Screen
Dancing in the Dark, Part II
Clark Kent, The Relationship Impaired
by Zoomway
Episode Reviews
#3-07: ÒUltra WomanÓ, by Marta Olson
Section 9: TELEscopic VISION (cont)
Episode Reviews
#3-08: ÒChip Off The Old ClarkÓ, by Marta Olson
#3-09: ÒSuper MannÓ, by Shane Furlong
EDITORIAL STAFF:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-Chief
Arthur E. LaMarche, Executive Editor of Reviews
Joe Crowe
Curtis Herink
D.M. Simms
Shane Travis
Steven Younis
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
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 <address>
end
in the body of an e-mail message to Òlists@phoenix.creighton.eduÓ (without
the quotation marks). Replace the <address> field with your INTERNET e-mail
address. The program ignores the subject line of the message.
Back issues are available via ftp at acm-ftp.creighton.edu and at
ftp.hiof.no. Archives are also reachable via the Kryptonian Cybernet
Homepage (http://www.ms.uky.edu/~sykes/kc).
_______________________________________________________________
SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
NEWS AND NOTES:
1995 KAYCEES REMINDER
Remember, voting for the 1995 Kryptonian Cybernet ReadersÕ Choice
Awards is open until the evening of January 2. You can place your
votes using the form on the KC web page:
http://www.ms.uky.edu/~sykes/kc/kaycees/
Even if your web browser does not support forms, you can access a
text copy of the voting ballot, exactly as it was mailed to every
subscriber, via the web page. In addition, IÕll be posting the
text ballot to the newsgroups along with this issue.
AMALGAM COMICS?
The following is part of a press-release from DCOnline last week:
ÒWhat could be more earth-shattering than the cosmic battles of the
history-making miniseries DC VERSUS MARVEL/MARVEL VERSUS DC?
DC Comics announces something even more amazing and unprecedented than the
crossover to end all crossovers: AMALGAM COMICS, the fusion of the most
popular and best-selling comic-book heroes in the world. Universes
wonÕt just collide in DC VERSUS MARVEL/MARVEL VERSUS DC - theyÕll
combine. As promised from the beginning, only one reality will survive
the cataclysmic events of MARVEL VERSUS DC #3: the Amalgam Universe!
ÒFor one week, beginning February 28, the Marvel and DC Universes will
cease to exist - replaced by the single universe of AMALGAM COMICS - and
all DC and Marvel super-hero titles will be replaced by brand-new titles
from the Amalgam Universe. The top talent in comics today has been
recruited to create the twelve history-making one-shots that embody the
essence of Amalgam; six published by DC, six published by Marvel, all
carrying the bold AMALGAM COMICS logo.Ó
WeÕll have more specifics on the books to be published by Amalgam next
month, but as a teaser, here are the titles and creators:
LEGENDS OF THE DARK CLAW, Larry Hama, Jim Balent, and Ray McCarthy
SUPER-SOLDIER, Mark Waid and Dave Gibbons
AMAZON, John Byrne and Terry Austin
JLX, Mark Waid, Gerard Jones, and Howard Porter
ASSASSINS, D.G. Chichester, Scott McDaniel, and Derek Fisher
DOCTOR STRANGEFATE, Ron Marz, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, and Kevin Nowlan
SPIDER-BOY, Karl Kesel and Mike Wieringo
BRUCE WAYNE: AGENT OF S.H.I.E.L.D., Chuck Dixon and Cary Nord
SPEED DEMON, Howard Mackie, James Felder, Salvador Larocca, and Al Milgrom
BULLETS AND BRACELETS, John Ostrander, Gary Frank, and Cam Smith
MAGNETO AND THE MAGNETIC MEN, Mark Waid, Gerard Jones, Jeff Matsuda, and Art Thibert
X-PATROL, Karl and Barbara Kesel, Roger Cruz, and Jon Holdredge
Stay tuned for more info next month (these books will be solicited by
Diamond and Heroes World then)!
DC OVERPOWER
Collectible card games have become the rage of the day, and DCÕs not
going to be left out of the mix! Coming in March is DCÕs first entry
into the fray, with the DC OverPower Collectible Card Game. There
will be a preview of these cards in FebruaryÕs DC Firepower card set
(see the Merchandise section). In addition, DCÕs set will be *fully*
compatible with the Marvel OverPower Game, so fans can continue to play
out their own favorite DC Versus Marvel battles!
DC VERSUS MARVEL
And speaking of DC Versus Marvel, voting ends on December 31! Get your
votes in to your local shop, or you can e-mail votes via DCOnline. To
vote for Superman, mail your vote to dvmsuper@aol.com, and to vote
for Superboy, mail your vote to dvmsboy@aol.com. For other voting
addresses, see the official voting ballot available at your local shop!
SUPER MERCHANDISE
If youÕre looking for that cool new Superman toy, the latest LOIS &
CLARK novel, a really neat watch, trade paperbacks or collections of
past DC stories, then have I got news for you!
IÕve reinstated the Merchandise section of KC, where you will be able
to find out about new licensed products featuring the Man of Steel!
This issue includes three months worth of PREVIEWS solicitations, but
future issues will only include one monthÕs merchandise. A complete
list will be available in the archives and on the KC web page.
As always, enjoy the new issue, and IÕll see you back here in another month!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Jeff Sykes
Editor, The Kryptonian Cybernet
_______________________________________________________________
THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
by Neil A. Ottenstein (otten@gluon.umd.edu)
Episode 13: ÒDestruction, Inc.Ó
Released: 12-25-42
Running Time: 8:32 minutes
Faster than a streak of lightning
More powerful than the pounding surf
Mightier than a roaring hurricane
Crickets are chirping in the marsh at the beginning of this cartoon. We see
an arm sink into the water as a car pulls away.
The scene shifts to downtown Metropolis with a radio announcement identifying
a dead body found in the marsh as that of the watchman of the Metropolis
Munitions plant. Lois smells a story and goes off to investigate. As she
walks away, a short man named Louis stands next to Clark. Clark stills thinks
Lois is there and talks to ÔherÕ.
At the Metropolis Munitions Works personnel building, an elderly man who is
the new watchman leaves the managerÕs office as Lois goes in. We next see
people (including Lois) working on the munitions. Several are told to report
upstairs at 12:00 for something very important. Lois decides to eavesdrop and
hears that explosives triggered to the watchmanÕs switch have been planted.
She is spotted and chased through the area. After evading capture for a
while, she is caught at the exit and then placed into torpedo #777.
The new watchman arrives on the scene while they are putting dynamite in the
warhead of the torpedo. Scrap metal is released, crashing onto the watchman.
The ÒbossÓ sees it with pleasure. He is told to send out the torpedo to the
testing ground immediately.
Torpedo #777 is going to be sent out to an old hulk of a ship in the water.
The people running the test believe that there are no explosive charges inside
as this is just a test. We see the scrap metal move. The torpedo is loaded.
Superman appears from out of the pile of metal. The torpedo is fired.
Superman races and catches up to the torpedo just before it would have hit the
ship. He brings it back safely and releases Lois. Upon being revived, she
tells him they are going to blow up the plant.
Superman fights off the men who are about to pull the switch. Their leader
then gets into a truck containing TNT, drives it towards the plant and leaps
out. Lois alerts Superman of the danger. He turns it around and send it over
a cliff to blow up in safety.
The final scene has Lois standing in front of the watchman saying, ÒWell pop,
Superman put an end to their little act, and this puts an end to yours, Clark
Kent,Ó as she removes his disguise.
Once again the cartoon is war related as seen by the munitions plant setting,
but the war is more in the background this time. This time the title logo
burst forth as if from an explosion. The person named Louis looked very
similar to the person in the ÒShowdownÓ who told Lois and Clark about their
opera assignment. He might be a caricature of an actor at the time. The
Lois/Louis gag might also be a known gag.
For a change we donÕt see Clark change into Superman. All we see is the scrap
metal moving, which is probably his changing from the watchman outfit, but
thatÕs it - just some movement. The animation in places looks slightly
different - more ÒcartoonishÓ than usual. Lois dominated a large segment of
the cartoon with Clark nowhere in sight. The chase sequence had her doing
quite a number of stunts that you might not expect to see her do. She was
quite capable, but there just were too many opponents for her to handle.
Well, with this cartoon I have gone full circle and gone over all 17 of the
Fleischer Superman cartoons plus some Superman parodies from around the same
time and later. It has been a lot of fun. Next month IÕm planning to have
some more comments on the series and then IÕll move on to doing something else
the month after that.
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
_______________________________________________________________
JUST THE FAQs
More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel
by David T. Chappell
ÒWhat are the Superman Holiday-Season Stories?Ó
INTRODUCTION
Once a year, comic book writers get a chance to write a story about each
annual occurrence. Whether it be a characterÕs birthday or a holiday, these
stories are often event-focus and may not appear each year. It may seem odd
that Batman has appeared in probably 50 or so Christmas stories even though he
has supposedly only been in action for about 11 years, but fans accept the
time discrepancy as part of the timelessness of comic books.
Superman stories, however, have been mostly in real-time since the Byrne
revamp in 1986. I personally find the Superman Christmas-season stories to be
special for several reasons. Since there is no Òtime warpÓ in post-Crisis
Superman stories, all such Christmas stories are still in continuity and not
just fun stories from the past. Furthermore, one of my earliest memories of
reading a Superman comic was centered on a big New YearÕs Eve party. Although
I recall few details from that story, I suspect that it pales in comparison
with the best of the modern Christmas stories.
SUPERMAN HOLIDAY STORIES
Some comics teams write holiday stories since it seems appropriate to do that
time of year. Other teams try to tell a Christmas story with an appropriate
message of love and cheer, but few can do such a good job as the Superman
team. I readily admit that a number of the holiday stories are less than
memorable, but the few bright stars really do shine out. Perhaps a strong
indication of my appreciation for these stories is that they rank among the
very few titles of single issues that I recall: ÒHomeless for the Holidays,Ó
ÒMetropolis Mailbag,Ó and the sequel, ÒMetropolis Mailbag II.Ó
ÒHomeless for the HolidaysÓ tells how the staff of the Daily Planet learned
that one of their friends and co-workers had been left homeless through a
string of bad luck. Rather than throw Allie out onto the street from her
makeshift home in a closet at work, the Planet staff went out of their way to
care for Allie. They gave her a place to go for Christmas and made sure she
had a real place to live till she could get back on her feet. While previous
years included mention of the holidays, this comic also seems to be the first
of a long string of annual Christmas-centric stories in the Superman books.
Two years later, ÒMetropolis MailbagÓ revealed that Superman visits the post
office once a year to read and answer the tons of mail sent to him. At the
Christmas season he not only reads through selfish letters but also devotes
time to help various people in need. I recall one particularly touching
moment when Superman reunited two sisters who had become separated from each
other during the Holocaust in World War II.
In SupermanÕs absence, his fellow heroes answered his mail in ÒMetropolis
Mailbag II.Ó In the midst of the Funeral for a Friend story line, a number of
ongoing ÒDeathÓ subplots resurface at Christmas time, and the heroes get to
experience the strong mixed feelings that Superman feels each year as he reads
and responds to his mail.
HOLIDAY COMICS LIST
ThereÕs no promise of ever having more stories to match the quality of the
above three, but we can count on having more Christmas stories in Superman
comics. Even if they skip a year occasionally, it all works out in comic-book
time. The list below shows all the stories from the holiday season
(Thanksgiving through New YearÕs) I could find from post-Crisis Superman
comics. IÕve pointed out my personal favorites above, but several others are
worth seeking out for their great content. With each story IÕve listed the
issue, year, holiday, and a brief mention of important story elements.
Moreover, IÕve listed the entire creative staff behind each of these since I
think that theyÑespecially the writersÑdeserve credit for producing comics
that can touch us emotionally.
Although IÕm sharing this list in the appropriate holiday season, these
stories can be found in back-issue bins year round, and they provide good
reading in June as well as December. This timeless aspect of these emotional
stories should serve as an example to us all as we try to spread the love and
joy of Christmas throughout not just 12 hours or 12 days but for 12 months
each year.
Story/Event Title Issue Date
==========================================================
-*- 1986 -*-
Bloodsport SUPERMAN 4 Apr 87
writer: John Byrne penciller: John Byrne inker: Karl Kesel
colorist: Anthony Tollin letterer: John Costanza
editors: Andrew Helfer & Mike Carlin
Christmas (December 23)
first Bloodsport; Jimmy Olsen, Lucy Lane, Vietnam veterans
-*- 1987 -*-
He Only Laughs When I Hurt SUPERMAN 16 Apr 88
writer: John Byrne penciller: John Byrne inker: Karl Kesel
colorist: Tom Ziuko letterer: John Costanza editor: Michael Carlin
Christmas (Christmas week)
first Prankster, kidnaps Lois Lane; first Supergirl
-*- 1989 -*-
Ex-Machina CHRISTMAS WITH THE SUPER-HEROES
#2 1989
writer & penciller: Paul Chadwick inker: John Nyberg
colorist: Tom McCraw letterer: John Costanza editor: Mark Waid
Christmas (Christmas night)
Superman helps a desperate, stranded motorist
Homeless for the Holidays ADVENTURES 462 Jan 90
writer: Roger Stern penciller: Dan Jurgens inker: Art Thibert
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: Albert De Guzman editor: Mike Carlin
SantaÕs helper: Jon Peterson
Christmas
Alice homeless, living in Planet building storeroom; ÒThe Giving SeasonÓ
editorial by Perry White; Clark leaves the Daily Planet for Newstime;
Christmas in Smallville
-*- 1990 -*-
Worlds Collide WORLDÕS FINEST Book Two
writer: Dave Gibbons illustrators: Steve Rude & Karl Kesel
colorist: Steve Oliff letterer: Bill Oakley editor: editor: Mike Carlin
Christmas (holiday season through Christmas Eve)
Christmas with orphans at Midway; Joker, Luthor, Batman, Superman
Face to Face With Yesterday ADVENTURES 474 Jan 91
writer: Dan Jurgens penciller: Dan Jurgens inker: Art Thibert
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: Albert De Guzman editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Dan Thorsland
New Years (New YearÕs Eve)
drunk driving; flashback to ClarkÕs high school years; euthanasia
Worlds at War WORLDÕS FINEST Book Three
writer: Dave Gibbons illustrators: Steve Rude & Karl Kesel
colorist: Steve Oliff letterer: Bill Oakley editor: editor: Mike Carlin
New YearÕs (New YearÕs Eve & Morning)
Luthor & Joker attack each otherÕs holdings; Batman, Superman
-*- 1991 -*-
Friends in Need ACTION 673 Jan 92
writer: Roger Stern artists: Bob McLeod & Denis Rodier
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: Bill Oakley editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Dan Thorsland
Thanksgiving
Jimmy Olsen homeless; Hellgrammite; Mannheim
Metropolis Mailbag SUPERMAN 4 Feb 92
writer: Dan Jurgens art:: Jackson Guice
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: John Costanza editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Dan Thorsland
Christmas (December 23)
Superman & Lois go through mail to Superman; help Holocaust survivor & heart
transplant; Santa visits children at the Planet
Christmas in Suicide Slumberland ADVENTURES 487 Feb 92
writer: Jerry Ordway penciller: Tom Grummett inker: Doug Hazlewood
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: Albert De Guzman
editor: Mike ÒSantaÓ Carlin assistant editor: Dan ÒFrostyÓ Thorsland
Christmas (Christmas Day)
Bibbo & Olsen play Santa & elf at ChildrenÕs Aid Society;
Olsen returns to Mom
-*- 1992 -*-
Metropolis Mailbag II SUPERMAN 76 Feb 93
writer: Dan Jurgens penciller: Dan Jurgens inker: Brett Breeding
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: John Costanza editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Jennifer Frank
Christmas (Christmas Eve)
Funeral for a Friend, Part 4
Justice League answers SupermanÕs mail, reunites family & build home;
ClarkÕs friends spend Christmas together
-*- 1993 -*-
Obsessions MAN OÕSTEEL 31 Mar 94
winter, but not a holiday story (no clear holiday story that year)
-*- 1994 -*-
Shadows SUPERMAN 97 Feb 95
writer: Dan Jurgens penciller: Dan Jurgens inker: Brett Breeding
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: John Costanza editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Chris Duffy
Christmas (Christmas Eve)
Superman delivers a baby; first Shadowdragon
Christmas Thieves ADVENTURES 520 Feb 95
writer: Karl Kesel penciller: Stuart Immonen inker: Jose Marzan
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: Albert De Guzman editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Chris Duffy
Christmas (Christmas Eve)
Night of a Hundred Thieves: 100 thieves plague Metropolis;
Superman and police must stop them all
Like Fire From the Dark ACTION 707 Feb 95
writer: David Michelinie penciller: Jackson Guice inker: Denis Rodier
colorist: Glenn Whitmore letterer: Bill Oakley editor: Mike Carlin
assistant editor: Chris Duffy
New Years (New YearÕs Eve)
Shadowdragon; ÒNew YouÓ Gala; ÒItÕs a Wonderful LifeÓ theater fight
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 1
_______________________________________________________________
AUTHOR OF ÒTOMORROWÓ
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
An Interview with Roger Stern
Conducted by Jeff Sykes
In the summer of 1989, shortly after the return of the title exclusively to
the Superman fold, ACTION COMICS was graced with the talent of a writer who
would fast become one of the fansÕ favorite Superman authors. And for the
next five years, almost without fail, Roger Stern would provide us with some
of the most memorable stories in the history of Superman comics. His uncanny
ability to make wonderful use of the multitude of supporting characters
(rivaled, perhaps, only by fellow Superman scribe, Karl Kesel) while never
ignoring the Man of Steel himself proved time and time again that Mr. Stern
knew exactly what was required of a great Superman story.
Then in the summer of 1994, Roger decided it was time to take a break from
Superman and try his hand in some other things. He departed with the landmark
ACTION COMICS #700. The fans mourned, lamenting his loss, but rumors of his
return surfaced almost immediately. Since the introduction of SUPERMAN: THE
MAN OF STEEL, the fans had complained of the dreaded Òskip weeksÓ. With 48
regular Superman issues each year, this left one week every three months with
no Superman title. And of course, weÕre not happy unless weÕre overdosing on
the Metropolis Marvel!
One year later, in the summer of 1995, Mr. Stern returned once again to fill
in these dreaded gaps. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW assured the fans that
there would always be a Superman story on the stands!
Mr. Stern took time out of his busy schedule (recently having joined the staff
of the wonderful new Legion titles) to answer some of our questions. He also
granted me some time at the Mid-Ohio Convention after Thanksgiving to answer a
few follow-up and clarification questions. A few of these follow-ups were
more discussion than question and answer, and as such IÕve simply summarized
these discussions when appropriate. Such will be preceded by ÒKC:Ó Each of
Mr. SternÕs remarks are indicated by ÒRS:Ó
BACKGROUND:
When and how did you decide that you wanted to go into the comics business?
RS: I didnÕt. By that, I mean to say that I didnÕt actually decide to go
into the comics business ... I just sort of stumbled into it.
Granted, after the second comics convention I attended, I thought that
it would be great fun to work with some of the people IÕd met Ñ folks
such as Al Weiss, Bernie Wrightson, Marv Wolfman, and Mark
Hannerfeld Ñ but that was really just a pipe dream. After all, I was
not quite 20 at the time, I lived in Indiana, and I still had another
two years of college ahead of me.
About the time that I graduated, I met Bob Layton and started working
with him and some other folks on a comics fanzine called CPL ... thatÕs
really what led to both of us breaking into the business. But it wasnÕt
until I was offered a chance to test for a staff job at Marvel Ñ in
December of Ô75 Ñ that I ever imagined IÕd be working full-time in
comics.
What was your first big break in comics, and what brought you into the
Superman family?
RS: That depends on what you mean by a break. Working on CPL made my name
known to a handful of professionals. Getting that call to go to New
York and test for the job was a break. Being available when a new
writer was needed on ÒGuardians of the GalaxyÓ was a break. IÕve had
a whole series of them ... each one was the biggest at the time.
And you can credit Mike Carlin with bringing me to Superman. When very
few people at Marvel would even return my phone calls, he offered me work.
IÕll always be grateful for that.
What current comics do you read regularly, and which are your favorites?
RS: Oh, gee ... I read a lot. I at least skim all of the DC Universe
titles Ñ and of those, I faithfully follow FLASH, IMPULSE, WONDER
WOMAN, THE SPECTRE, and THE BATMAN & ROBIN ADVENTURES ... in addition to
the LEGION and SUPERMAN titles. I also read KURT BUSIEKÕS ASTRO CITY,
Don RosaÕs UNCLE SCROOGE, BONE, STRAY BULLETS, MADMAN COMICS, the whole
darned Bongo Line, ICON, STATIC, UNTOLD TALES OF SPIDER-MAN ... Mark
Waid has me picking up CAPTAIN AMERICA again. IÕm gonna miss GROO.
WRITING:
It seems that comic writers employ a variety of techniques in their task.
Some write full, detailed scripts. Others write only a plot outline and then
wait for the artistÕs layouts to script the issue. Some even forego a plot
outline, providing only the scripts to accompany an artistÕs story. What
method(s) do you prefer, and what method(s) do you employ most often?
RS: I prefer to write a fairly detailed plot and then script the story from
the artistÕs pencils. I personally find the finished product much more
satisfying, and I usually prefer my balloon and copy placement to the
artistÕs. Unless the artist is dead set on wanting a full script, I opt
for the plot/script method.
On top of your comic work, youÕve also had success with other writing projects
such as the text for the MAN OF STEEL trading cards last year and, of course,
THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SUPERMAN. Many of our readers are wondering if you or,
maybe more importantly, DC have any other plans for novelizations of the Man
of SteelÕs adventures?
RS: Maybe. There was talk of my writing an original SUPERMAN novel, but
nothing ever came of it. It could still happen, but donÕt hold your
breath.
David Chappell (dtc@acpub.duke.edu) asks:
Was it difficult to translate the comic book stories into your DEATH AND LIFE
OF SUPERMAN novel? What sort of special decisions (e.g., on giving background
and cutting scenes) did you have to make for writing the novel?
RS: Well, it wasnÕt easy. Because the publisher wanted the novelization to
go on sale the same day as SUPERMAN #82, I had less than five months to
adapt and expand a work that was then still in progress. I had to
create several new scenes to set up and introduce the players for a
non-comics audience (almost everyone has heard of Clark Kent, Lois Lane,
and Jimmy Olsen, but the odds were good that many readers would be
encountering the Justice League, the Newsboy Legion, Ma & Pa Kent,
Maggie Sawyer, Terrible Turpin, and the Cadmus Project for the first
time). This was doubly important with the character of Superman
himself, since more people are familiar with the movie and TV versions
of the character, and I was determined to be faithful to the version
that weÕd been producing comics about since 1986. Some characters
regrettably went away Ñ notably Gangbuster (whose story was more of
a sidebar to the main action) and the Underworlders (whom I felt were
just one fantastic element too many for the story).
Aamir Lakhani (lakhani@nevada.edu) asks (edited):
Is there any chance of you or any of the comic writers lending a hand for a
LOIS & CLARK script? Is this something anyone on the comic team is even
interested in? What about the upcoming animated series?
RS: As far as LOIS & CLARK goes, I doubt it. The animated series is a
greater possibility, but IÕd rather see Paul Dini get in his chops
first. ÒHeÕs my favÕrit!Ó
YOUR RETURN TO AND THE CURRENT COMICS:
Rumors of your return to the Superman fold began almost as soon as ACTION
COMICS #700 hit the stands. At what point was MAN OF TOMORROW suggested, and
when did you become involved?
RS: When I took my break, I already had plans to write some new Superman
projects. I still hope to write an Elseworlds featuring a Civil War
era Superman (the war would be shorter, of course). And during my
hiatus, I wrote a Superman card set and a Justice League story for
SUPERMAN & BATMAN MAGAZINE ... so I guess it really wasnÕt that much
of a break. Anyway, somewhere along the line, Mike Carlin floated
the idea of a fifth, Òskip weekÓ book ... and I suggested MAN OF
TOMORROW as a title (figuring that we probably couldnÕt get away with
calling it SUPERMAN: THE METROPOLIS MARVEL).
Several readers have pointed out the following. ItÕs interesting that the
upswing in the quality of the Superman titles since the end of ÒThe Death of
Clark KentÓ seems to coincide almost exactly with your return to the books.
Not to put you on the spot, but do you think your return may have sparked
everyone? (Or is it possible that the fans are perceiving an increased
quality out of respect and fandom?)
RS: I hardly think that I have enough of a following to command that
much respect. I think it more likely that readers were simply more
receptive to more recent stories and story arcs.
Victor Chan (vichan@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca) Ñ and the number of people asking
this question grows each month Ñ asks:
In the last year or so, the Superman series seems to have shifted greatly away
from the Byrne/Ordway/Jurgens format of 3-4 issue story arcs (one per title or
less) and leaned heavily towards expanding each major storyline into a huge
event. This first occurred with the Death of Superman and has since continued.
I realize at one point that this was partly a marketing strategy but will the
stories return to a shorter, more cohesive style rather than keep employing
the epic/revelation/tragedy formula?
RS: First, I feel that I should clear up whatÕs become a common
misconception ... the Death of Superman arc was born in a story
session, not a marketing meeting. All of the story arcs weÕve
developed were story and character based ... Mike Carlin would
later present our plans to the marketing people, and we would pray
that theyÕd be promoted. There were plenty of story arcs which we
wish had been better promoted Ñ Superman in Exile, Day of the
Krypton Man, Dark Knight over Metropolis, Time and Time Again (I
could go on and on) Ñ but until the Death of Superman, it always
seemed as if we were lucky to finagle a lousy house ad. Since the
Death, weÕve generally gotten better promotion ... even retroactively,
as some of the earlier arcs have been repackaged as trade paperbacks.
Everything weÕve done has been story oriented. I canÕt think of
anything worse for a story than basing it on a marketing strategy.
Tails shouldnÕt wag dogs.
But getting back to the heart of your question ... once The Trial of
Superman is over, I think youÕll see us employing shorter story arcs
for the immediate future ... with those arcs sometimes forming the
components of an even larger story. In this way, we hope to satisfy
both the readers who like their serials told in shorter spans and
those who want the longer epic storylines. WeÕll also be interspersing
some single issue stories here and there between the arcs.
By the time this sees print, UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED will be over, and weÕll
probably be left with the shadow of Neron hanging over the DC Universe. Will
LuthorÕs bargain come back to haunt him *after* the initial tale is ended?
RS: ThereÕs a strong possibility that it will. Not right away, of course,
but somewhere down the road.
Okay, just what is the deal with the Contessa? Why does she look familiar to
Alpha Centurion? Is she somehow connected to Mr. Z? Are you trying to drive
us crazy on purpose!? :)
RS: You know, just last summer a young friend of mine told me that he
really liked the Contessa, but he couldnÕt tell Òif sheÕs a good guy
or a bad guy.Ó I smiled and said, ÒGood.Ó
Anyway, the Contessa apparently resembles someone whom the Centurion
once knew. Whether it is a chance resemblance or the Contessa
resembles some distant ancestor, or whatever, remains to be seen.
But why do you think the Contessa is connected to Mr. Z? ThereÕs no
resemblance there at all!
The Contessa/Mr. Z question arose when one netter mentioned that the
ContessaÕs jeweled cane/staff resembled Mr. ZÕs. ThatÕs it.
RS: Do people really think the ContessaÕs walking stick looks that much
like Mr. ZÕs cane? Geez, Z had a gigundo ruby soul snatcher atop his
cane, while the Contessa has what looks like the Mother of all pearls.
(And sooner or later, I plan to tell where she got it!)
COMING UP SOON:
How exactly will you be moving in to join the Legion of Super-Heroes team?
Will this new work have any effect on your writing MAN OF TOMORROW?
RS: IÕve already scripted LEGIONNAIRES #35 Ñ my first issue Ñ which goes
on sale the last week of January, the plot to issue #36 is in Jeff
MoyÕs hands, and future storylines are in the works. Of course, as far
as the Legion is concerned, theyÕre all future storylines. Mostly all,
anyway. Tom McCraw continues to co-plot, and Tom Peyer, KC Carlson
and Mike McAvennie kibitz as well.
I hope that writing a group book again will help keep me fresh on MAN
OF TOMORROW.
Lori LemarisÕ return isnÕt going to set Lois and ClarkÕs marriage back even
further, is it?
RS: Further than what?
A quick look through the newest issues of PREVIEWS indicates that the Supes
titles are about to spotlight much of the supporting cast Ñ Lois, Jimmy,
Bibbo, and even the Riot Grrrls have stories coming up in the next few months.
Is this a conscious effort on the part of the creative team to respond to some
of the grumbling of late?
RS: (Grumbling? About what?) No, we just have a large supporting cast,
and the next round of storylines weÕve concocted allow us to feature
more of them. (ItÕs not easy to work Bibbo, for instance, into a
story that ranges across the galaxy ... although it *can* be done.)
Actually, it can sometimes be a problem just keeping the supporting
cast from crowding Superman out of the picture. The first three issues
of MAN OF TOMORROW are LuthorÕs books as much as they are SupermanÕs.
The grumbling was focused on the fact that the supporting cast had not been
used as much since the Death of Superman as it had been before.
RS: Really? Well, there probably was a little more emphasis on Superman
himself for a stretch there. After all, he had just come back from the
dead! On the other hand, there was a lot of Lois in those issues, too,
as I recall.
David Chappell (dtc@acpub.duke.edu) asks:
With the team books ending soon for both Supergirl (NEW TITANS) and the
Eradicator (OUTSIDERS), are you considering any plans to include them as
regulars in future Superman stories? What about mini-series or other use of
these Superman-family characters?
RS: I believe there are some sort of plans in store for the Eradicator, but
IÕm not privy to them. I once had extensive plans for Supergirl, but
those were all unfortunately wrecked by her sojourn with the Titans.
Now that her association with them has ended, I might let myself get
involved with the character again ... but a lot depends on how much
control I would have over where she appears.
KC: In a follow-up question at the Mid-Ohio Convention, Mr. Stern informed
me that the plans for the Eradicator include a limited series or special.
If well received, this could lead to a continuing series. He also
explained that several people seem to be interested in working with
Supergirl, but finding the time to do so is difficult.
Are you going to vote for Superman over the Hulk!? :)
RS: Neither. I donÕt believe in storytelling by ballot.
DOWN THE ROAD:
Will Sudderth (WSudderth@aol.com) asks:
Now that the editorial offices for the Superman and LSH books are one and the
same, and weÕve got a damned fine writer working with both series, can we
expect a unified answer to the continuity questions that cropped up in ZERO
HOURÕs wake?
RS: What continuity questions?
To follow-up, with KC Carlson at the helm of both the Legion and Superman
titles, it would seem that a closer relationship between the two is in order.
Granted, the beginnings are in place now (as a result of the Superboy/Legion
crossover), but as was indicated by Will and echoed by a few other readers,
the fans still arenÕt happy with the apparent conflicts between Legion and
Superman continuity... Anything being tossed around?
RS: Again, IÕm afraid that I really donÕt know what youÕre referring to.
I wasnÕt aware of any existing conflicts between Superman and the
Legion. If there are any, IÕm sure weÕll address them eventually.
KC: I explained to Mr. Stern the basics of the perceived problem Ñ namely
that the reboot of the Legion wiped out all previous Superman continuity
involving the prior version of the Legion and the Pocket Universe, as
well as SupergirlÕs origin. As Dan Jurgens and Mike Carlin have done
before him, Mr. Stern insists that all of these stories did take place
as told in the relevant comics.
The reasoning is that ZERO HOUR did not simply replace the prior time
line with a new one. Rather, it created an alternate time line which
split from the first during the events of ZERO HOUR. His best
explanation of this was a reference to the second BACK TO THE FUTURE
movie. Doc BrownÕs chart showed a divergent time line which had split
from the original, the split caused by the insertion of a temporal
anomaly Ñ the Sports Almanac.
To the best of my understanding, a similar thing has happened here.
The current version of the Legion is a part of a divergent time line
created by the events of ZERO HOUR. The events in the DC Universe
which occurred prior to ZERO HOUR were not erased. The Legion which
Superman encountered actually existed, but they have now been replaced.
When (if) Superman makes another trip to the 30th century (or compares
notes with Superboy), heÕll realize that this is a different group.
(And heÕll probably be just as confused as IÕve probably just made most
of you! :)
RS: That about sums it up, Jeff. As KC [Carlson] put it, that other future
happened (once upon a time), itÕs just folded neatly away in the fabric
of space and time. ÒYa canÕt get there from here!Ó
Aron Head (aronhead@dfw.net) wants to know:
I truly loved the SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS crossover that wrapped up a few months
ago. What plans Ñ if any Ñ are there for another such crossover? Also, are
there plans for the Kara character that we saw escape from the doomed
planetoid? Will we be seeing her anytime soon?
RS: First, SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS wasnÕt a crossover ... a lot of things are
called crossovers which arenÕt. SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS was a prestige
mini-series which featured characters controlled by two different
companies. A crossover would have been the Aliens appearing in a
Superman comic and Superman appearing in an Aliens comic.
As for the Kara character, I know of no plans for her. But then, I
didnÕt know anything about SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS until photocopies of
the penciled pages started showing up in my weekly packages from DC.
Carter Lupton (lupton@mpm1.mpm.edu) asks:
Is the Clark/Lois wedding being held back for SupesÕ Diamond Jubilee in 1998?
What other events are planned? I personally feel this is a historical moment
and calls for a major historical component to the celebration. (IÕd like a
nice archival book representing all the various origin stories showing how
SupermanÕs mythos has evolved.)
RS: Actually, 1998 will be SupermanÕs 60th Anniversary. The 75th or
Diamond Anniversary wonÕt occur until 2013. Both anniversaries are a
ways off, so I doubt that anyoneÕs yet given either of them much
thought. For the time being, IÕd just like to see more of the
SUPERMAN ARCHIVES ... and a MAN OF STEEL ARCHIVES, reprinting
the stories from ACTION COMICS.
As another follow-up, can you comment on the rumor that DC and LOIS AND CLARK
are planning a big cross-media wedding in the next year?
RS: While IÕm sure that DC would like the idea of a cross-media wedding,
IÕm not certain how that could be coordinated. I donÕt have any idea
what the LOIS & CLARK people have planned, and I suspect that many of
you folks see the shows long before I do.
And people are *still* asking if and when SupermanÕs going to cut his hair!?
RS: DonÕt know ... but I finally had mine cut. Of course, Superman has
a great head of hair and looks better with it long than I did.
(You know, itÕs a funny thing, but so far I havenÕt heard any
complaints about the manÕs hair from our women readers. The only
ones who seem threatened by the longer hair are the guys. Why
is that?)
With the new animated series set to begin next fall, does DC have plans for a
new title such as THE BATMAN ADVENTURES to tie-in with the show?
RS: Oh, I hope so. IÕd love to see that.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Cory Strode (BINETWORK!BIHQPO!strode@biattgw.attmail.com) and Brian Morris
(bkmorris@prairienet.org) raise a question you probably hear a lot:
ItÕs no secret that you had someone specifically in mind to be the Hobgoblin
when you wrote Spider-Man, someone other than Ned Leeds. So who was that
person and why didnÕt the editor just go ahead and use your idea? And if you
canÕt tell us, where are the best clues to figure out who *you* would have had
the Hobgoblin be?
RS: No editor ever used my idea because no editor ever knew. I never told
anyone at Marvel who the Hobgoblin was Ñ not my editor, not my artists,
no one! Ñ the entire time I was writing SPIDER-MAN. (I never even
told my wife!) It was the only way I could be sure that no one could
give away the secret. When Tom DeFalco took over the assignment, he
told me that heÕd do it on the condition that I give him a name ... and
I did. I refused to tell him, however, if it was the right name. Why?
Because it didnÕt matter! If he was going to be writing the series, he
could make Hobgoblin be anyone he wanted him to be. And eventually, yet
another writer or editor (I donÕt know who) decided, after the fact, that
Ned Leeds was the Hobgoblin.
The wonderful thing, of course, is that the story was told in such a way
as to prove that Ned couldnÕt have been the Hobgoblin. [The Proof: Ned
was jumped and killed by three ordinary men. But the Hobgoblin was about
as strong as Spider-Man; if Ned had really been Hobgoblin, he would have
reduced those three men to red paste. But he didnÕt. He couldnÕt. And
he was killed. Therefore, he wasnÕt Hobgoblin.] Obviously Ned was set
up by the real Hobgoblin ... who is still out there, waiting for some
Marvel editor to take me up on my standing offer to write a Hobgoblin
miniseries.
William Kone (kone@courier1.sha.cornell.edu) asks:
What is your favorite Convention? Do you always play an MC at the ITHACON?
RS: WillÕs being funny. He should know by now that I donÕt have any one
favorite comics convention ... although I have a special attachment
to Ithacon, I always enjoy Mid-Ohio-Con ... and San Diego is a lot of
fun, even as big and overwhelming as it is.
And I donÕt always play MC. But if they ask me Ñ and IÕm up for
it Ñ I can usually be convinced to step up to the mike.
Aamir Lakhani (lakhani@nevada.edu) wonders:
(a) Are there any Superman stories youÕd like to see happen which probably
wonÕt?
(b) Is there any chance of a self-contained Superman title which is separate
from the others? (A stand-alone...)
(c) Since word is out about SUPERMAN REBORN, discussions have begun about
casting the movie. Do you have any ideas about the perfect actors and
actresses for the main Superman roles? Any specific stories you think
would make for a good movie plot?
RS: a) Yes, IÕd like to see a story that proves absolutely that Kryptonians
and Terrestrials are not interfertile.
b) Sure ... thereÕs the possibility of the aforementioned book that
would tie in with the new animated series.
Actually, my goal with MAN OF TOMORROW is to give you an issue
which Ñ while it is part of an on-going continuity Ñ stands on its
own as a story, with everything you need to know to enjoy it. ThatÕs
how IÕve approached every series IÕve ever worked on. Considering
that every issue is potentially someoneÕs first comic, itÕs the only
fair thing to do.
c) Sorry, IÕm a blank on this one. I donÕt think thereÕs even been
an approved treatment as yet. Casting would be pointless ... though
if thereÕs a part in any picture for a Lex Luthor, they really should
give John Shea a call.
And most comics stories would be too complicated or too expensive to
film. (Although, now that I think of it, you *could* build a pretty
decent movie around SUPERMAN FOR EARTH.)
David Chappell (dtc@acpub.duke.edu) asks:
Although DC does not accept unsolicited story ideas from non-professionals, I
recall that the Krimson Kryptonite came from an idea mailed in by a fan. Does
DC object to receiving simple ideas (not full stories) from fans, or is it
feasible that a future letter could lead to another story gem?
RS: Krimson Kryptonite came from a fanÕs suggestion? Really? I thought
we were just building on a throwaway scene that Dan had come up with
in his Superman-Flash Race.
But getting back to your question, I donÕt think anyone is adverse
to suggestions along the line of ÒYou oughtta have Superman
meet/do/go/fight whatever.Ó
THE WRAP-UP:
Finally, what can the fans expect from Roger Stern in the future?
RS: More stories. More new heroes and villains ... not all of them
necessarily super. There are several creator-owned projects which
IÕd like to pursue as the market bounces back from the recent slump.
Also more drama, more comedy, and more fun. Barring an unexpected
breakthrough in paper and printing technologies, I doubt that the
price of books and magazines will ever decrease ... so I want to try
and cram as much story into the comics as is physically possible.
I want my readers to feel that theyÕve gotten their moneyÕs worth.
Thanks for all of your time and hard work at making the Man of Steel such an
interesting read! We look forward to many wonderful stories to come!
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 2
_______________________________________________________________
REVIEWS
-------
Ratings Panelists:
AL: Arthur LaMarche JH: Javier Heredia RG: Rene' Gobeyn
AW: Anatole Wilson JS: Jeff Sykes SF: Shane Furlong
DS: Dick Sidbury KM: Ken McKee VC: Victor Chan
IC: Isaiah J. Campbell MC: Matt Combes WN: William J Nixon
As always, the first rating given after the average is that of the reviewer.
The average rating given for each book may correspond to a larger sample
of ratings than what is printed following the average.
THE "TRIANGLE" TITLES:
---------------------
Uniform Credits:
Colorist: Glenn Whitmore
Separator: Digital Chameleon
Assistant Editors: Mike McAvennie & Chris Duffy
Editors: Mike Carlin & KC Carlson
Cover Separations: Android Images
1. ACTION COMICS #717, "H'tros City!"
Writer: David Michelinie
Artists: Kieron Dwyer & Denis Rodier
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Cover: Dwyer, Rodier, & Suzanne Bourdages
$1.95/$2.75
RATINGS:
Average: 3.3/5.0 Shields
WN: 3.5 Shields - Lots of action and a great twist of fate in the H'tros
station
IC: 4.2 Shields - All in all, a good story with only a few rough points. If
I had to say what was the worst part, it would have to be
the fact that the Cyborg was HIRED? I can't see him as a
bounty hunter, but OH well.
MC: 3.1 Shields - I thought the initial confrontation between the Cyborg and
Superman was pretty weak, and I still don't like Dwyer's
art, but the story still held some of its own.
JH: 1.5 Shields - A really forgettable part of this entire saga...even after
reading all the parts together.
AW: 4.0 Shields - Nice action issue (no pun intended). Superman uses brain
and brawn, and nobly saves the life of his foe. A hero to
the end!
Wow. Talk about Action: one on one with the Cyborg, a tie-in to this year's
annual, and the dynamic sweeping art of Dwyer and Rodier. In the last few
installments, the "Trial" has been shifting into high gear, those early issues
were just stoking the fire and now it's really starting to burn. Great cover
too, Superman meets the Old West in yellowed intergalactic parchment. A
strong-jawed, passport shot of our hero on the run.
Superman and Mope have been teleported onto a space station in pursuit of
Nrn'Frok - the alien who could clear Mope. Gun barrels emerge from the wall
and we are treated to a Dwyer/Rodier splash page with Superman protecting
Mope.
They find a quiet spot to catch their breath. Superman recognizes the
technology as H'tros and offers an explanation for the atmosphere. In
Metropolis, Lois is at her desk as Perry offers her a story on Alien Abduction
for the Sunday Supplement.
The H'tros factory is a deathtrap and Supes and Mope get separated. Superman
is thrown out of the station and the Cyborg detects him. On the Tribunal
planet, Superboy's suspicions about the Alpha Centurion deepen, and there is
still no sign of AC and the Cyborg together.
Mope is rescued from certain death as the station's atmosphere is turned off
and the Cyborg reveals himself. He and Superman go one on one. Mope "puffs
up" to distracts him, giving Superman an opening. Supes uses a shield to
protect Mope and they escape in the Cyborg's ship as pure oxygen explodes
around their bionic nemesis. The Cyborg interfaces with the station's defense
program to blow the fleeing escapees out of space. In a wonderful twist, the
H'tros technology in the station rejects him because of his organic component
and self-destructs.
Superman, true to his nature, rescues the Cyborg by absorbing the station's
energy. The Cyborg turns the tables and brings the weakened hero and Mope
back to the Tribunal planet. The sentence is execution... immediately.
I have to admit I much preferred this installment of "Trial" to the previous
month's, but again it's a case of horses for courses. We saw how Lois is
doing and Michelinie had a dig at the tabloids. Alien abductions, is the
Planet going the way of the National Whisperer?
This year's Action Annual was a great story, and here we revisit the H'tros
and their genocidal machinations. A perfect match for the Cyborg's homicidal
ones. I liked the way these elements all meshed together and my interest in
the "Trial" really perked up. I have to also applaud the Super-team for the
Cyborg/AC thread, it has been cleverly handled. Each issue has taken care not
to reveal too much and to keep us all interested. The journey can be as much
as fun as the destination.
Seasons greetings to Superman fans everywhere.
William J Nixon (W.J.Nixon@lib.gla.ac.uk)
======================================================
2. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #52, "Crime and Punishment"
Story: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Jon Bogdanove
Inker: Dick Giordano
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Cover: Bogdanove, Dennis Janke, & Marjorie Strauss
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.1/5.0 Shields
AL: 4.0 Shields
MC: 2.9 Shields - In my opinion, Cyborg is starting to become a second-rate
Superman villain. He's defeated *too* easily. But I did
really love the whole AC\Cyborg thing going on here.
Pretty good!
DS: 2.0 Shields - Slugfest deluxe, if such is possible.
JS: 3.5 Shields - MOS gets the climactic battle in the story, and Louise
Simonson takes full advantage of the opportunity. Giordano
matches up very well with Bog!
AW: 4.0 Shields - More action! More Kal-El thinking as well as fighting!
This saga is wrapping on high notes, indeed.
Superman and Mope again stand before the Tribunal and are pronounced guilty
and sentenced to death at sundown. The two are dragged away as the Cyborg
begins to try to create another Warworld. Meanwhile, the prison grapevine is
passing information about Superman's and Mope's capture. Strengthened by
Superman's current situation and with a little help from the Cyborg, the rest
of the rescue team break free and rush to Superman's aid. Superboy rushes to
confront Alpha Centurion, whom he still believes is the Cyborg in disguise.
But by this time, we have seen Cyborg and Alpha Centurion in a brief battle of
their own. Before any serious damage can be done, the battle is halted by the
launching of the rocket bearing Superman.
Superman is able to escape the rocket by shaking it apart just at the moment
the rocket begins to warp into hyperspace. He flies back to the planet and
tries to stop the Cyborg. Using all the power of the planet, cyborg morphs
into a variety of weapons and fires upon the planet and Superman, as Tribunal
Prime gleefully watches the melee. But even with everything the planet and
the Cyborg can dish out, Superman is not killed. When he is at his most
vulnerable, Mope shows heroism by standing between Superman and Cyborg.
Before the Cyborg can fry both of them, Superman throws Mope out of danger
into a pool of water.
Superman regains his senses and, remembering his Greek mythology, rips the
Cyborg from contact with the planet, then makes short work of him. Superman
brings the defeated Cyborg to the Tribunal. He has shown his character and
believing he will be spared by his sentence he confronts the Tribunal. But,
an obsessed Tribunal Prime commands "Arrest him!"
Lots of action here. The fight between the Cyborg and Superman was well
handled. Superman was able to overcome the Cyborg by brains and brawn, not to
mention a little help from Mope. I would have liked to see a little more help
from the Rescue Team, though. Unfortunately, Cyborg was able to dispatch them
in just a couple of panels.
Another thing which was handled exceptionally well through the entire story
arc was the Alpha Centurion -- Cyborg connection. I admit that I seesawed
back and forth on this one. When the story began, and AC was getting together
everyone that helped dispatch the Cyborg -- with the exception of Hal Jordan
-- and then with statement that he made to SB, I was convinced that he was the
Cyborg. But then we were never shown a clear transition from AC to Cyborg.
It was always subtle. It was then that I had my doubts. Well, we have the
answer now. I hope most people enjoyed it as much as I did. But I am sure
all will agree that it was done very well.
We also see that Tribunal Prime is really losing it. He is more worried about
the punishment than he ever was about the crimes. I am sure this will be
exploited in the closing episodes. The artwork was handled very well by Bog
and Giordano. Superman's dynamic poses (just about everywhere) and his grim
determination (page 16) are just great, and page 21 is a combination of both.
If I found any criticism it would be the facial expressions of Superboy and
Supergirl, especially the eyes. They are just too fawn-like on page 6. In
closing, Superman took on the cyborg and the power of the entire planet. Hulk
should just throw in the towel now! Vote Superman (dvmsuper@aol.com) -- but I
get ahead of myself, that's next month! 8 )
Season's Greetings
Arthur LaMarche (DrArt95@aol.com)
======================================================
3. SUPERMAN #108, "No Escape!"
Story: Dan Jurgens
Art: Ron Frenz & Joe Rubinstein
Letters: John Costanza
Cover: Jurgens, Rubinstein, & Whitmore
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 4.0/5.0 Shields
KM: 5.0 Shields - Another absolutely incredible issue.
SF: 4.0 Shields - Great art and a good story showing the nobility of Superman.
JH: 3.5 Shields - I liked this, the penultimate chapter, and it really made
me think about the way Superman affects everyone, regardless
of who they are.
DS: 2.5 Shields - The "Trial" continues. Yawn.
JS: 4.0 Shields - In perhaps the best episode of the "Trial", Jurgens scripts
a powerful story, and Frenz and Rubinstein continue to
perform impressively!
Once again Superman finds himself standing before the self-imposed cosmic
judge of the Universe trying to talk his way out of his execution. He is
accompanied by Superboy, Steel, Supergirl, the Eradicator, and Alpha
Centurion. To put it mildly, Superman has had enough of this travesty and
simply...walks away. I wishhe would have punched that Tribunal
buffoon...just once.
As the heroes are flying to their freedom, Superman realizes Mope is still a
prisoner and goes back to rescue him. His friends follow him (well, really,
what else could they do?).
Meanwhile, the Tribunal Prime has other plans for retrieving his prisoner. He
transfers his mind into the body of the Cyborg and flies off to confront the
Man of Steel. After a relatively short battle, Superman is knocked
unconscious and placed in a restraining rocket. He is launched into space,
destination Krypton. The only problem is, Krypton has long been replaced by a
deadly radioactive cloud.
Supergirl, Superboy, Steel, and the rest try to rescue Superman in Alpha's
giant ship. Suddenly, we see "Superman" streaming through space, strapped to
the rocket, hurtling towards the kryptonite cloud. But Mope has switched
places with an unconscious Superman on the rocket. He took Superman's place.
Saving Kal-El's life and dying for his own crimes. He has been lying to
Superman all along. Truly guilty and seeking atonement for his crimes, he
rescues Superman, meeting a fate very similar to his Milk Brother's.
As hard as he tries, Superman cannot reach Mope before the rocket explodes
into a million pieces. The Tribunal believes Superman is dead, as do his
friends. The last panel shows Superman sitting on a floating asteroid, feeling
very dejected.
I apologize for the brevity of this review but I have mixed feelings about
this story. Individually, each comic has been really good. The artwork has
been superb, and the action has been out of this world (no pun intended). But
collectively, I just can't get into this whole "Trial of Superman" thing. It
just seems a little too hokey to me. On the other hand, it's good to see the
other members of the superhero team back together again, fighting the Cyborg.
So I guess that makes it worthwhile. I usually read two or three comics at a
time, which makes it easier to keep up with the story. But I have read each
book as I bought it and have failed to go back and review previous issues.
Needless to say, I have forgotten some of the details of the story line. I
will say one thing, I loved the cover.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu)
======================================================
4. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #531, "Justice!"
Writer: Karl Kesel
Penciller: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Jose Marzan Jr
Letterer: Albert De Guzman
Cover: Immonen, Marzan Jr, & Whitmore
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.7/5.0 Shields
AW: 4.0 Shields - Excellent ending to "The Trial of Superman".
MC: 3.9 Shields - I was a bit disappointed at the unresolved plot of Tribunal
Prime escaping, but the rest of the book held itself
together well. Of course, I doubt this is the last we'll
see of Cyborg, but isn't that always the case.....???
SF: 3.5 Shields - Good ending to a too-long story.
JH: 4.5 Shields - Once again, Karl Kesel saves a boring story and gives it
his own special touch. Superman's return was very dramatic
and the Cyborg's death should be *very* permanent. If they
bring Cy back, I'll drop the books, no matter the reason.
DS: 2.5 Shields - Thank God it's over. The trial is a *big* disappointment
to me. Nothing of substance seemed to happen in this issue
and the entire story arc left too much out: there was no
rationale for the trial, the ending of the trial was cheesy,
as was most of the ending of the issue. The beginning of
the buildup for the breakup of Lois and Superman was here.
After this and "Dead Again", maybe I should break up with
Superman too.
Last month, the slow pace of the "Trial of Superman" story irritated me to no
end; AOS 530, especially, "bugged" me. It has been a wonderful surprise that
all four Superman titles rebounded this month, ending the "Trial of Superman"
saga with an exciting bang, not a dull whimper.
This issue begins where SUPERMAN 108 left off. Convinced that Superman is
finally dead, the Tribunal turns its attention to Cyborg. Because they have
no evidence of his crimes on Earth, Tribunal Prime decides the best evidence
is a confession coerced through torture (not that Cyborg needs much coercion;
he's pretty proud of his "accomplishments").
Tribunal Prime is not happy just to get the confession, though -- he rules
that Cyborg's death must be through a long and painful "disassembly." (I
think it's safe to assume that he had plans to harness Cyborg's energy and use
it for his own ends.) This is too much for Tribunal Pollux, who tries to
execute Cyborg quickly, only to be violently stopped by Tribunal Prime.
Tribunal Ternion reluctantly sides with Tribunal Prime, and the torture is
about to continue, when who should arrive but Superman and the Rescue Squad,
bent on avenging Mope's death. (At least I *think* that's why they came
back.)
Tribunal Prime shows the damning evidence that proves Mope's guilt, and he and
Superman argue whether Mope's crime was worthy of a death sentence. It is
Tribunal Prime's pronouncement, "from the most charming to the most
powerful...no one is above the law," that becomes his own undoing. Tribunal
Pollux levels charges against Tribunal Prime for his gross violations of
protocol; this time Tribunal Ternion votes against Tribunal Prime. After a
brief struggle with the Super-team, Tribunal Prime is executed attempting to
escape the planet. The remaining members of the Tribunal are now more
merciful, though still strict adherents to the law. Superman is "sentenced"
to a life of fighting for justice, and Cyborg is sent to a black hole, where
his energy essence cannot escape.
Now all that's left is the triumphant return home; Alpha Centurion broadcasts
the news to a relieved Metropolis, Superboy admits he <choke!> misjudged A-C,
and Superman returns to Lois in a very poignant scene.
I have mixed feelings about how the "Trial of Superman" ended. Sure, the
Tribunal is going to be more likely to tender their judgments with mercy now,
but their system of laws which holds descendants guilty for their forefathers'
crimes is still pretty flawed. That Superman just left after getting the
lighter sentence himself seemed out of character, since he was so concerned in
previous issues about the other prisoners who had death sentences hanging over
them. And there are several questions left unanswered: Who made the laws in
the first place? Who gave the Tribunal jurisdiction over the entire galaxy?
What connection, if any, might they have with the now-defunct Green Lantern
Corps, the Darkstars, or L.E.G.I.O.N.?
Still, I have to say I was pleased overall with the storyline. Last month's
stories seemed like padding, but every title made up for it this month, with a
lot of action, sharp writing, and good artwork. Superman didn't just throw
himself into conflicts and punch his way out; he faced challenges and thought
out solutions. He showed compassion for his enemies and a heroic concern for
Mope and others around him. And he inspired change, in both Mope and perhaps
in the Tribunal as well. To me, this is what Superman is all about.
Anatole Wilson (awilson@vnet.ibm.com)
_______________________________________________________________
OTHER SUPER-TITLES:
------------------
SUPERBOY #23, "The Limits of Power"
Writer: Karl Kesel
Layouts: Tom Grummett
Finished Pencils: Steve Erwin
Inkers: Doug Selogy & Ken Branch
Colorist: Tom McCraw
Letters: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Assistant Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
Cover: Grummett & Kesel
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.3/5.0 Shields
VC: 3.0 Shields
JH: 3.0 Shields - I don't know what Kesel is building up to with Knockout
(maybe she is a Female Fury) but he should do it quick.
Other than that, it was a normal day for Superboy.
AL: 3.5 Shields - I like Knockout. Great issue as always.
JS: 2.5 Shields - Feels like we're marking time for the big story beginning
in issue #25. Grummett is much more effect as a penciller
than as a layout artist.
AW: 4.0 Shields - I never thought much of Knockout before; with this issue,
she's become much more complex and interesting.
The Technician appears once again, albeit briefly. His motives are unknown,
but he appears at S.T.A.R. Labs and destroys the telepathic earplugs that were
left behind by the Legionnaires.
In the meantime, Knockout is training Superboy on a beach. Ironically, it's
Knockout's very presence that's caused Tana and Roxy to become friendlier with
one another. However, the mood doesn't last long as Dubbilex announces a
summons from Professor Potter regarding the lab incident.
Upon Superboy and Knockout's arrival at S.T.A.R. Labs, the professor describes
the assailant, mentioning that the intruder used goggles similar to the pair
Superboy lost. However, it is not until Superboy and Knockout are caught in a
battle with robots downtown do they encounter the Technician again. This
time, he's prepared to deal with Superboy, using Professor Hamilton's goggles,
which have been modified.
The Technician displays his arrogance as he boasts to Superboy, but quickly
loses that superior feeling as the kid telekinetically knocks him off his feet
and retrieves the goggles.
By that time, the automatons in the street have already been dispatched, all
of them lying in heaps. As the Technician is taken away, Superboy destroys
the goggles, telling Tana that to him, the goggles aren't as important as she
is.
Back at the compound, there is a more jovial mood. Rex has scored another
merchandising coup, putting out the first Superboy comic (which is published
by DC Comics), while Roxy receives a call from Agent Makoa, telling her that
she passed her police entrance exam and will soon be ready to begin training.
All in all, I have to reluctantly admit that I was disappointed with this
issue. It wasn't bad by any means, but the buildup with the Technician led me
to believe that he would be a powerful villain, and it seemed that he had big
plans that were in motion. This issue only tied up a few loose ends. There's
a beginning to some sort of reconciliation or friendship between Tana and
Roxy, Knockout is somewhat established as Superboy's partner, Roxy has been
accepted to the police academy, and Agent Makoa's on the move to set up a
special crimes unit, similar to that in Metropolis.
If I didn't see Kesel and Grummett's credits, I'd swear that this was a
fill-in issue. After the story-arc with the Legionnaires, this issue was
somewhat of a letdown. Even the artwork left something to be desired. The
cover was great. However, the interior looked like it was produced
haphazardly, as if it was rushed. Of course, that *may* be the case.
No next issue spoilers were printed, so we'll have to go with the flow and see
what happens next month. Personally, I'm hoping that Kesel will soon
establish a definite arch-villain for Superboy. There have been too many
small-time villains that can't be sustained for more than two issues.
Victor Chan (vichan@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca)
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 3
_______________________________________________________________
OTHER SUPER-TITLES (cont):
-------------------------
STEEL #23, "Wired!"
Writer: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Phil Gosier
Inkers: Rich Faber, Howard Porter, & Ron Boyd
Colorist: Dave Grafe
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Asst. Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.3/5.0 Shields
DS: 3.5 Shields - One of the best covers ever for STEEL. Some government
agency is out to get Steel -- I guess he's not supposed to
help the downtrodden and capture the wicked.
AL: 3.0 Shields - I thought Superman was the second-coming of the "Sun" god.
Well, with the 20 pieces of currency reference maybe it is
Steel 8 ) Merry X-mas everyone.
JS: 3.5 Shields - This book has improved steadily over the past few months,
and Simonson, Gosier, and Faber show no signs of letting up.
However, I get the feeling that the drastic change coming
is a result of poor sales.
Part I of a multi-part story.
S.P.E.C., an agency so secret that I don't even know what the letters stand
for, has taken a two-bit hood, who was paralyzed by a bullet in a shoot-out
with the DEA and allowed Hazard to turn him into a fighting machine(TM). He
has so many cables sticking out of him that he looks like a cross between the
late Kenny Braverman and the late Hank Henshaw (would not say late. Doesn't
DC have a major Universal crossover coming soon? And, SF often claims that
black holes are portals to other universes. Convenient, eh? HH will be
back.) The new monster, er, agent, is called Hardwire. From the limited
knowledge of electricity I have, I think that with hardwire you don't need a
conduit. Where does DC get these names?
Meanwhile, John Henry Irons' grandma is fixing a Thanksgiving dinner, a turkey
with all the trimmings. Tyke is wallowing in self-pity watching TV where a
news report speculates that Steel has abandoned Washington because he feared
an encounter with the higher-powered Metallo, whom he had defeated in Issue
21. SPEC has plotted Steel's sightings and discovered that he has been seen
all over the Beltway area except in a small area near Washington General
Hospital. They conclude that Steel's lair must be in that neighborhood and
send agents there to learn what they can.
Tyke is reading "The Whisper", a tabloid newspaper which reports the existence
of Hardwire. Tyke still harbors hopes that Hazard can wire him so that he'll
be able to walk again. But he realizes that it will cost a substantial amount
of money.
Hardwire is having second thoughts about being the kind of monster that he was
turned into and wants to be allowed to die. SPEC promises him that they will
allow him to do this right after he captures Steel for them.
Tyke broods over being in his wheelchair and blames John Henry for not
allowing him to get the help of Hazard to be able to walk.
The government agents go to a playground and try to get information about
Steel's whereabouts from the kids playing there. They tell him to look up if
he wants to see Steel. The agents promise a substantial reward for the
revelation of Steel's secret identity. Tyke asks how much but he has to leave
before the government agents can come to an understanding with him. He agrees
to return at four-thirty the next day.
The agents talk with Hardwire, and it is revealed that the government is
interested in Steel's sentient armor rather than Steel himself. After the
triumphant return home by the rescue squad and Superman himself after the
unsuccessful "Trial of Superman" [in more ways than one], Steel returns home
to Washington to be with his family. His family, all except Tyke, the foster
child, is glad to see John Henry. John Henry talks to Tyke and tries to
explain why being helped by Hazard was not a good thing to do.
The next day Tyke shows up at the playground and tells the federal agents that
Steel is John Henry Irons. They give him twenty dollars for the information
-- possibly a reference to the twenty pieces of silver that Judas was paid.
With this knowledge, SPEC sends Hardwire to Irons' home, where he breaks in
during Thanksgiving dinner and shoots wildly, wounding everyone except Tyke
and pumping four or five slugs into John Henry's midsection. John Henry's
armor *failed* to activate itself, and he is in critical condition, where we
will pick up the story next month.
The art follows its usual style with lots of panels overlaying several
splashes. The colors were crisp and vivid. The cover is one of the most
striking I've seen in a long time. Tyke sits in his wheelchair wrapped in a
gray blanket carrying a large sledgehammer covered with blood. The background
is pure white with a black shadow of Tyke and the wheelchair running
diagonally across the page. The image it evokes is very powerful.
This issue was somewhat of a disappointment. I think it is because Tyke's
angst seems to be laid on with a large trowel, and after watching him wallow
in self pity for so long it has become boring. The SPEC agents are properly
menacing and cold, but Hardwire seems to just be another cheesy villain. Maybe
he'll become better in the next issue.
Dick Sidbury (sidbury@cs.uofs.edu)
======================================================
SHOWCASE '96 #1, "Friends, Foes, and The Other Guys"
Featuring Steel and Guy Gardner: Warrior
Story: Beau Smith
Pencils: Sergio Cariello
Inks: Rob Leigh
Colors: Dave Grafe
Letters: Ken Bruzenak
Asst. Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
Cover: Cariello, with Gloria Vasquez & Android Images
$2.95 US/$4.25 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 2.6/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 3.5 Shields - Story mostly a lead in for next month.
Art: 3.0 Shields - Could have used more background detail.
AL: 2.5 Shields - I liked The Turpin story the best.
JS: 2.0 Shields - Decent art somewhat rescues a mindless Steel/Guy Gardner
team-up. Boring Dan Turpin (contrary to the cover, the
rest of the SCU ain't here) story.
Sledge and The Enforcer (Guy's evil clone) team up to try to draw Guy to them
by trashing his mother's home. They intended to take her captive and use her
as bait for Guy, but as luck would have it, she isn't home. She is attending
a salute to Baltimore's greatest athletes at Camden Yards stadium. Guy and
John Henry Irons (Steel, in case you didn't know) happen to be two of the
sport stars invited.
When The Enforcer calls Guy on his cell phone to tell him where he is and what
he intends to do, Guy takes off from the stadium to try to stop him, and John
Henry changes to Steel to see if he can help. The story ends just before the
"Big Fight".
Not all that bad for a part one, but unless something really terrific happens
next issue there isn't enough here to justify a part two. Most of the book is
taken up showing The Enforcer and Sledge deciding to team up. There are some
nice scenes where Guy and John Henry are "reminiscing" and kidding about the
old days. One nice bit is that John knows who Guy is, but Guy (as usual)
doesn't have a clue. I'm wondering if he'll figure it out next issue. [Doubt
it -- Art]
My biggest peeve with the story (and so far with SHOWCASE in general) is the
lack of detail in the art. Many of the stories (and this is no exception)
lack the finishing details of the main line books. I do realize that the
details can take the longest time, but their lack really shows in the final
copy. It gives the whole story a rushed, or unfinished look.
"Charted Courses"
The FINAL appearance of Aqualad
Story: Phil Jimenez
Art: Scott Kolins
Colors: Tom McCraw
Letters: Albert De Guzman
Editor: Eddie Berganza
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - Solid complete story, nice intro.
Art: 3.0 Shields - Need backgrounds, too dark in places.
Aqualad has been missing from the DC universe for several months (last seen in
AQUAMAN #9). We knew that he had been taken into some other dimension, but
not much else. This story is meant to fill the gap, and to let us know what
has been happening to him. He finally breaks free of this other dimension and
we get a taste of some of his new powers, costume, and name.
"All The Old Familiar Places"
Starring Dan Turpin of the SCU
Story: Scott Ciencin
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Nyberg
Letters: Gaspar
Colors: Roberta Tewes
Editor: Chris Duffy
RG: Story: 4.5 Shields - Great story! Complete too.
Art: 3.5 Shields - Sketchy in places but very good overall.
Dan is reliving a bit of his past while watching a documentary on the Boy
Commandos. He is rudely interrupted by his neighbors (a bunch of computer
hackers). He is just about to go next door and have it out with them when
another neighbor, Nora, drops by. She is looking around the apartment at
Dan's memorabilia when the hackers manage to summon a demon by downloading a
file (don't ask). Dan takes on the demon, learns its weakness and defeats it,
coming to the realization that living in the past isn't really living at all.
It opens up the door to some interesting possibilities for him.
A terrific story, this one is easily worth the price of the book. While the
art could have used some detailing to smooth some of the blocky sketch-like
features on the people, I have few real complaints.
Dan Turpin is one of my favorite supporting cast members. He has a long and
detailed history in the DC universe. He started off as a member of the Boy
Commandos during WWII. This story shows elements of his past, gives us some
bridging details, and also gives a bit of hope for the future. Not bad for a
ten page story.
Rene' Gobeyn
======================================================
THE NEW TITANS #129, "Desperate Measures" (Meltdown #1)
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciller: William Rosado
Inkers: Jordi Ensign & Will Blyberg
Colorist: Chris Matthys
Letterer: Albert De Guzman
Editor: Dan Thorsland
Cover: Rosado & Blyberg
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.6/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - Pulling everything together, well told.
Art: 4.5 Shields - Beautiful backgrounds, superb detailing.
JS: 3.0 Shields - Would have rated higher had Raven not shown up again.
Yawn. Oh, and still no Supergirl. Why did they even
bother making her a member?
As this title comes to an end next issue, Marv is pulling out all the stops.
We have an interplanetary war, romance, heroism, and sacrifice. I just hope
that the direction of the replacement book will continue to carry forward the
superb characterization. He has the best feel for what I identify as the
characters of Green Lantern, Darkstar, Arsenal, and Jarras of any of the DC
writers. I missed Terra, Mirage, Impulse, and especially Supergirl in this
book, but I think we will be seeing more of them shortly.
Will Rosado's lovely detailed art manages to carry a sense of foreboding with
it. You are able to see the weariness of the people, and their determination
not to let the Gordanians and their allies profit from the destruction. The
art is a bit darker than what I've come to expect, but it does carry the mood
of the story. The clever use of shading and the stark backgrounds to convey
moods is very well done.
Last issue the Gordanians and their Psion allies had attacked and destroyed
the Tamaran home world, killing the King and Queen in the process. Komand'r
is now the queen. As this story opens, she, Koriand'r, Ph'yzzon, and the
Titans are leading the survivors to a new world. There, they are again
attacked by the Gordanians and their allies. Ph'yzzon and The Titans manage
to beat them off, but Koriand'r is captured in the battle by a shadow figure
that we have seen several times. The Technis ship is infiltrated and
destroyed by the shadow figure who is after Changeling. That this figure
turns out to be Raven is no real surprise to anybody.
The Titans and their allies are attacked again, and this time Ph'yzzon reveals
that he too, now has powers. He can send out Binaries (energy figures) of
himself that have the ability to discharge high powered energy blasts that can
destroy spaceships. We get to learn how he developed these powers, and also
that he and Koriand'r are now married.
Rene' Gobeyn
_______________________________________________________________
SPECIALS:
--------
SUPERMAN/TOYMAN #1, "Big Fun!"
Writer: Karl Kesel
Penciller: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Wade von Grawbadger
Colorist: Patricia Mulvihill
Separations: Digital Chameleon
Letterer: Albert T. De Guzman
Editor: Mike McAvennie
Cover: Immonen & von Grawbadger
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.6/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - Excellent old fashioned story, complete in one issue!
It would rate a five if it wasn't a commercial.
Art: 5.0 Shields - Beautifully detailed use of perspective and shading.
DS: 4.0 Shields - Fluff, but high quality fluff, and a nice portrayal of
a humorous Lois, even if Immonen makes her face look ugly
on the last page.
JS: 2.5 Shields - I wanted to like this. The art was okay, but the story was
just plain dumb. I expect more from Karl Kesel.
AW: 3.5 Shields - Okay--it's a long commercial, but well-drawn and not a bad
story. (Where do I get one of those Capt. Carrot dolls?)
This is one that gets my highest recommendation. If you are a fan of the
"old" (60s) style Superman stories, get this one. Kesel has done a wonderful
job on this story. You may not even mind that this story is a long and
detailed advertisement for the new line of Superman Action figures. Each of
the figures in the line gets some small piece of the story. <sigh> Still, I
loved the book.
A Superman toy is used to bomb the Daily Planet building. This leads Superman
to believe that Winslow Schott, The Toyman, might be up to his old tricks.
Superman discovers that Winslow has escaped from prison leaving a robot in his
place to avoid suspicion. Toyman leaves behind a clue that leads Superman
into an obvious trap. He lets himself fall into it and is briefly aided by
both Superboy and Steel.
I don't want to take a chance on spoiling the story for anyone by giving away
any real details. Kesel has done a superb job of bringing the savvy and
intelligent Superman of today and dropping him into one of the more corny
plots right out of the 60s, complete with giant props and exploding robots
that backfire on the villain.
This story was more than just a book-long fight scene with a few panels of
gratuitous characterization thrown in. The Toyman is portrayed in a manner
consistent with his more recent (psychotic and vicious) personality. Superman
knows what is going on every step of the way and still goes along with it.
Yes, there are a lot of panels dedicated to fight scenes, but they are brief
and very well done. They even manage to contribute something to move the plot
along. I always thought that Superman was smarter than the way he has been
portrayed of late.
In the sixties, the writer would have led you to believe that Superman had
fallen victim to the trap, and only in the last panel would he let you know
that he had discovered (something) that had given the trap away very early on.
The readers were expected to discover the small details (that were always
there, if you looked closely) and watch as Superman (or any of the other DC
heroes of the time) outfoxed the villain. Even the criminal masterminds would
always leave some small clue that the clever hero could exploit.
It may have been formula writing, but as a reader you became very observant.
It was great fun to read and examine every panel looking for the clues that
you knew would be important later in the story. I suspect that this is one of
my problems with comics today. The writers and artists have stopped putting
the clues into the story. You don't have to examine every panel and word of
dialogue for details, and I miss it.
Rene' Gobeyn
======================================================
LEAGUE OF JUSTICE, Stave One: Hero Quest
Writer/Penciller: Ed Hannigan
Inker: Dick Giordano
Color Artist: Tom McCraw
Letterer: John Costanza
Assistant Editor: Alisande Morales
Editor: Brian Augustyn
Cover: Hannigan & Giordano, with McCraw & Cynthia Morris
$5.95 US/$8.50 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 2.7/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.5 Shields - Excellent characterization and build up.
Art: 5.0 Shields - Beautifully detailed, lovely perspectives.
AL: 1.0 Shield - I like archetypes. Elseworlds stories should not change
the nature of the heroes. An evil Kal-El was harder to
swallow than the price. Combine this with the last
Elseworlds and I think I will skip the next one.
JS: 4.0 Shields - I enjoyed the heck out of this one. The art is wonderful,
and Hannigan is weaving an intriguing tale, with
interesting new takes on all your favorite heroes. Just
wish it could've been something other than prestige
format...
AW: 1.0 Shield - Not much interesting or new here, just bad faux-medieval
names and dialog.
This may be the best Elseworlds story I have read this year. In most of the
Elseworlds stories, one of the DC heroes is cast into a different world or
situation where the main character is shaped by new and different forces.
Usually facing their most recognized foe (Joker/Batman, Luthor/Superman) and
usually ending up much the same as they are in the DC Universe.
This story is much the same, but something a bit different has been added to
the mix. Four kids from our(?) world are brought into a world where sorcery
and necromancy have (almost) replaced science. They are sent on a quest to
try to find their way home. Three of the kids are camp counselors and the
fourth is a drug-using-burnout. To top it all off, they are told that one of
them will not be going home. While this is a fairly common fantasy premise,
this story takes a few twists that add some spice to the mix for us comic
readers.
The twists are the (mostly) magic-based versions of the heroes of the DC
Universe's Justice League. In part one, we meet Longbow GreenArrow (Green
Arrow), The Lady of the Birds (Black Canary, I think), Phaeton (Flash), Atomus
The Palmer (Atom - Ray Palmer), The Martian (Martian Manhunter), The Green
Knight (Green Lantern), The Batmancer (Batman), and Lobo (why?). Some of the
take-offs are obvious, others aren't, but all are well done. We are promised
that the next book will bring us this world's version of Hawkman, Hawkwoman,
Aquaman, and Wonder Woman.
Batman is a wanted criminal and a true scientist who has forsaken magic
because of its side effects. Phaeton is almost never around when you need
him, Atomus is a palm reader, The Martian is killed about two pages after we
meet him by (are you ready?) Sovereign (Superman). Sovereign was found by
this world's Luthor and raised to manhood to seek power.
Overall this book is mostly introduction and setup for part two. It helps to
establish the characters of the kids who have landed in this world, and to
point out some of the differences between this world's heroes and the ones we
are used to. We get to watch as the kids grow to accept the way things are
and begin to try to use what they find to get home. The kids are more than
window dressing. They have personalities that grow and change as the story
progresses, and some find strength where you would least expect it.
The art in the book is drop dead gorgeous with (very minor) twisted
perspectives and viewpoints. The detailing is rich and carries over to the
backgrounds that are complete and almost three-dimensional. The rich colors
and high quality paper make the art stand out even more. I really enjoyed
this one and hope the quality caries over to part 2.
Rene' Gobeyn
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 4
_______________________________________________________________
AFTER-BYRNE: Reviews of the post-Crisis Man of Steel
----------------------------------------------------
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #472, "Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite, Part Two"
Story and Layouts by Dan Jurgens
Finishes by Art Thibert
November 1990
$0.75 US/$0.95 CAN/50p UK
RATING: 3 Shields
The story thus far: Lex Luthor has made a deal with Mr. Mxyzptlk which caused
Superman to lose his powers. Lois Lane's mother lies in a hospital bed,
dying.
Superman, wearing gloves and tied with a rope, is strung up over a trucking
sign, hanging upside down. He wonders how things could possibly get worse, as
Mammoth is about to take his head off. The Man of Steel attempts to bluff his
way through the situation.
Earlier that morning, as Clark Kent wakes up, he feels a sensation that he has
never felt before - muscle pain. After showering and nicking his face while
shaving, he decides that Superman needs help. Picking up the phone, he calls
Professor Emil Hamilton, who agrees to meet with him later in the morning.
Then, realizing that he is running late to meet Lois at the hospital, Clark
rushes out and hails a passing taxi.
Arriving at the hospital, Clark sees Lois near the front desk and talks to
her. Her mother is not doing any better, and the doctors don't know what to
do next. They meet Lois' father and sister. Lois explains to Clark what
happened to her mother: she had been working as a secretary at a chemical
plant when there was a freak explosion which doused her with chemicals. Lex
Luthor had come to Lois afterwards, saying that the plant was one of his
subsidiaries and that he could develop a serum which would save her mother's
life. The problem was that the serum had to be regularly administered, or
Lois' mother would die. Unfortunately, over the years the serum lost its
effectiveness, and so Lois' mother is facing death once again.
Later, Clark changes into Superman and goes to meet with Professor Hamilton.
The professor runs every test he can think of on Superman and they all point
to the same conclusion: Superman is now an ordinary human being. He has no
way of restoring the Man of Steel's powers and is completely at a loss.
Meanwhile, the super-villain Mammoth robs a jewelry store: he is just looking
for a nice present for his sister's birthday. Superman hears the sirens of
the police as they head to the scene. The professor helps Superman even the
odds a bit by giving him a force field belt and a bullet-proof vest. Luckily,
Mammoth is pretty dumb, so Superman may have a chance defeating him.
Taking a rope and grappling hook, Superman swings onto the scene, where
Mammoth is on a rampage. As Superman swings towards Mammoth, the chimney onto
which he had fastened the rope gives way causing the Man of Steel to fall
directly on top of Mammoth. After a brief confrontation, Mammoth wraps the
ropes around our hero and strings him up over the sign.
Tearing a light out of the nearby wall, Superman burns through the ropes
holding him by crossing the wires of the light. Dodging all of the things
that Mammoth throws at him, Superman sees that the Metropolis SCU is about to
fire everything they've got at Mammoth; they do not realize that it will
probably take out the Man of Steel as well.
Several explosions later Mammoth rises from the rubble, as does Superman, who
was able to duck for cover in the sewers. Superman goads Mammoth on; Mammoth
obliges by charging our hero. At the last instant, however, Superman is able
to bluff his way out of the situation. Mammoth stops his charge and
apologizes, and is then turned over to the SCU.
Back at his apartment, Clark now realizes he has to call in some super-powered
help. He calls Starman (Will Payton) at Star Labs in Phoenix, Arizona.
The story depicts well Superman's struggle with becoming an ordinary human
being. He still has the impulses to jump into the fray whenever needed, but
no longer has the power to back up these impulses. Dan Jurgens wrote a story
which showed these things very well, although all I can say is that it was a
good thing Dan picked a very dumb super-villain to send against the Man of
Steel. Even though the writing wasn't as good as part one in this arc, it is
definitely worth reading.
As for the artwork, Jurgens does a great job of dealing with Superman's loss
of power. The drawing of Superman looking kind of like a Batman-style
character is very humorous. And of course, Dan's pencils have always been
extraordinary.
Out of a possible 5 shields, this issue gets 3. Stay tuned next month for a
review of both STARMAN #28 and ACTION COMICS #659 - parts two/a and three.
Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com / mdlamut0@wcc.com)
_______________________________________________________________
COMING ATTRACTIONS
------------------
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.
I strongly recommend that each reader find his or her own copy for additional
detailed information on the entire DC Universe! Note that Diamond is now
the exclusive distributor of DC Comics!
NOTES
---------------
This month's COMING ATTRACTIONS reflects a recent shift in DC's
shipping schedule, brought about by Diamond Distributors' new
uniform shipping date. Anyway, as a result of this shift,
everything which was expected to ship as listed in previous
issues of KC has been delayed by one week. I have updated the
dates for comics which have yet to arrive.
In addition, the end of February is something of which I am unsure.
December's PREVIEWS (which lists books for February) indicates that
on the week of February 27, Marvel and DC will both suspend their
normal publications, and they will be replaced by twelve special
projects related to DC VERSUS MARVEL/MARVEL VERSUS DC. It is my
understanding that these books will not be replaced, but rather
they *will* appear, in order, the week of March 13. We'll know
for certain next month.
Now, as to what's happening in the world of Supes in February.
I think a *lot* of people are going to be unhappy with this news,
but Lois and Clark's engagement suffers a *major* set-back in the
February titles. I'll leave it at that and refer you to the
section of spoilers below for more information. The "Bizarro's
World" arc is being collected into a trade paperback, which will
be available on February 14 for $9.95 (US). DC is offering yet
another collector's pack featuring "Superman's Greatest Foes."
It will contain eight individual issues starring villains such as
Darkseid, Lex Luthor, and the Cyborg. You can find out more
information about these two items in the new (or revived, actually)
Merchandise section of KC -- it also contains information on a new
card set, apparel, and a special edition of one of the Kenner
Superman two-packs, among other things.
On to the schedule...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST OF TITLES BY EXPECTED ARRIVAL DATE
---------------------------------------------
Arrival Date: Comic title and information:
------------ ---------------------------
December 13: Action Comics #718
Michelinie, Dwyer, & Rodier
$1.95
DC Versus Marvel #1 (of 4)
Marz, Jurgens & Castellini, Rubinstein & Neary
48 pgs, $3.95
December 20: Superboy #24
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #53
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Rodier
$1.95
December 27: The New Titans #130 (Final Issue)
Wolfman, Rosado, & Blyberg
Cover by George Perez
$2.25
Showcase '96 #2 (of 12)
Steel and Guy Gardner, Part 2
Beau Smith, S. Cariello, Leigh
Steel Supporting Cast vs Metallo
L. Simonson, Rosado
48 pgs, $2.95
Superman #109
Jurgens, Frenz, & Rubinstein
$1.95
January 3: Adventures of Superman #532
K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr.
$1.95
League of Justice #2 (of 2)
Ed Hannigan & Dick Giordano
Prestige Format, 48 pgs, $5.95
Steel #24
L. Simonson, Gosier, & Faber
$1.95
January 10: Action Comics #719
(W) Michelinie, (P) Dwyer, (I) Rodier
$1.95
January 17: Marvel vs. DC #2 (of 4)
(W) David, (P) Jurgens/Castellini, (I) Rubinstein/Neary
48 pgs, $3.95
Superboy #25
(W) K. Kesel, (P) Grummett, (I) Hazlewood
48 pgs, $2.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #54
(W) L. Simonson, (P) Cowan, (I) Janke
$1.95
January 24: Showcase '96 #3 (of 12)
Black Canary, Oracle, and Lois Lane
(W) Gorfinkel, (P) Graves, (I) Burchett
Cover by Gary Frank
48 pgs, $2.95
Superman #110
(W) Jurgens, (P) Frenz, (I) Rubinstein
$1.95
January 31: Adventures of Superman #533
(W) K. Kesel, (P) Immonen, (I) Marzan Jr.
$1.95
Steel #25
(W) L. Simonson, (P) Gosier, (I) Faber
$1.95
February 7: Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #4
(W) Stern, (P) Grummett, (I) Breeding
$1.95
February 14: Action Comics #720
Written by David Michelinie
Art and Cover by Kieron Dwyer and Denis Rodier
$1.95
February 21: Marvel Versus DC #3 (of 4)
Written by Ron Marz
Art by Claudio Castellini and Paul Neary
and by Dan Jurgens and Josef Rubinstein
48 pgs, $3.95
Superboy #26
Written by Karl Kesel
Art by Staz Johnson and Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Grummett and Kesel
LOSIN' IT: Part 2 (of 6)
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #55
Written by Louise Simonson
Art and Cover by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
$1.95
February 28: AMALGAM COMICS!
DC/Marvel joint project to be solicited in the next
issue of PREVIEWS
March 6: DC Versus Marvel #4 (of 4)
Written by Peter David
Art by Dan Jurgens and Josef Rubinstein
and by Claudio Castellini and Paul Neary
48 pgs, $3.95
Showcase '96 #4
Firebrand and Guardian
Written by Brian Augustyn
Art by Scot Eaton
Cover by Lee Weeks
48 pgs, $2.95
Superman #111
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art and Cover by Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein
$1.95
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPOILERS
------------------
February 14:
-----------
Action Comics #720
It's a shocking new turning point for the Man of Steel! Under the strain
of recent events, Lois and Superman's relationship hits the skids as Lois
makes a painful decision -- calling off their engagement!
February 21:
-----------
Marvel Versus DC #3 (of 4)
THE MAIN EVENT IN THE BRAWL FOR IT ALL! Hulk vs. Superman! Batman vs.
Captain America! Storm vs. Wonder Woman! Superboy vs. Spider-Man!
Wolverine vs. Lobo! The outcome of these battles determines the fate of
the top two universes in all of comicdom! And best of all -- YOU PICK
THE WINNERS! Plus an industry first: the birth of a super-hero --
jointly owned and created by both Marvel and DC -- who will impact the
continuity of both universes! It's 48 historic pages of knucle scrapin'
calamity!
Superboy #26
LOSIN' IT: Part 2 (of 6) - Snare, the daughter of Superman foe Deathtrap,
shows up in Hawaii with a plan to impress her father by trapping Superboy.
Plus, Superboy and Tana reach a turning point in their relationship.
This issue is pencilled by guest-artist Staz Johnson.
Superman: The Man of Steel #53
As the dust settles from Lois and Clark's cancelled engagement, Clark's
relationship with Lori Lemaris intensifies. And Lois finds herself
pursued by two potential suitors: Alpha Centurion and the returning Jeb
Friedman. Plus, the Metropolis Lottery jackpot grows larger.
March 6:
-------
DC Versus Marvel #4 (of 4)
Issue-specific information in next month's KC!
Showcase '96 #4 (of 12)
When Firebrand comes to Metropolis, he's drawn into battle against one of
the city's oldest defenders, Guardian of the Cadmus Project. This story
is written by Brian Augustyn, with art by Scot Eaton. Plus, a meeting in
the past between the Golden-Age Shade and the original Doctor Fate has
dire consequences in the present day in a story by James Robinson and Matt
Smith. Jason Blood has begun to sleepwalk and must learn if his nights
are being manipulated by Etrigan... or some other Demon. Written by Jim
Higgins, with art by Christian Alamy.
Superman #111
Vinnie Edge is fired from GBS... leaving Cat Grant in charge! Meanwhile,
Edge's son, Intergang leader Morgan Edge, returns. And Superman is
bewildered by the strange things going on throughout Metropolis.
More information next month about the AMALGAM COMICS books!
_______________________________________________________________
THE MAILBAG
-----------
David Chapman <davidc@infi.net> writes:
Re: The Not-So-Great Superman Book
Note: nice review; I thought the same thing when I bought it
back in the 70s. My copy is somewhere in my attic. I was out
of reading Superman back then (as I am now) and thought it was
a way to catch up on the 70s. However, it was almost like the
book had been written earlier (1969 or 1970) and put on the
shelf for a number of years.
As you mentioned, "Black Zero's destruction of Krypton, the
elimination of green K..." were left out (although I've always
thought the former was something that the DC folks probably
wish wasn't written because it goes against the grain of a
natural disaster).
By coincidence, I picked up an S'man in the mid-80s during
the CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS and continued into the "new" stuff
for about a year or two. Unfortunately, I'm a "Silver Age" guy
and so lost interest until recently (and keep up with things via
Jeff Sykes' stuff). For me, two of the saddest stories I ever
read were (a) the Death of Superman ('60's imaginary story) and
(b) the "final" Silver Age Superman 2 parter (before the
beginning of the "new" look...
[Of course, I'm still upset that DC changed Batman's logo on his
uniform from a black bat on a gray uniform to a "bat signal" on
a gray uniform back in the 60's! :-) ]
============================================
Paul Hooper (KalofEl@aol.com) writes:
Hi. I might sound picky, but in the "Help From My Friends" column of November
of this year, it read that Maggie Sawyer was part of the Chicago police
force. I might add that she also was in the Star City PD. (Adventures Annual
7 - 1995 Year 1). I don't know if I'm contradicting or just adding to your
info. Thanx for the great mag. It continues to be entertaining.
*** Hmmm. Good observation, Paul. I seem to recall something about the
Chicago PD, but the annual you mentioned indicates that she came
directly from Star City to Metropolis. Perhaps she served in Chicago
before serving in Star City? Readers?
============================================
Keep your letters and comments coming! We always welcome your feedback
about how we can improve KC!
-- Jeff Sykes
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 5
_______________________________________________________________
THE PHANTOM ZONE: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
Many readers and fans out there in cyber-land miss one of my favorite
characters; so when Jeff asked me to continue writing for the Kryptonian
Cybernet, we agreed that I could go back and write reviews of some of the
stories about Kara Zor-El, otherwise known as
THE SUPERGIRL FROM KRYPTON
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
by Jenny Stosser
Unfortunately, I donÕt own copies of all of her appearances. However, it made
sense to start a series of reviews with her first appearance, in ACTION COMICS
#252, cover dated May 1959. (Anyone got a cheap or free copy of the original
print of this? IÕm working from the reprint under the banner DC SILVER AGE
CLASSICS that came out in 1992.)
Surprisingly to me, and probably many others who joined in the fun of reading
comics at a later date than this, despite appearing on the front cover of this
comic, Supergirl was NOT the lead story in this book. However, since my
series is going to be concentrating on Supergirl specifically, IÕll only
mention that the book had two other stories in it. The first is called ÒThe
Menace of MetalloÓ (and yes, for you L&C fans out there, his real name *was*
John Corben, and the Professor who rebuilt him was Professor Vale). The
second story features Congorilla, in a story called ÒCongo Bill Dies at Dawn!Ó
The less said about that one the better. Finally, and at last, we come to the
origin story for Supergirl.
THE STORY itself is a fairly basic origin story.
Superman is at work when he hears a rocket about to crash to Earth. He goes
to rescue the passenger on the rocket, but thinks he is too late when it
crashes just before he gets there. The rocket, he thinks, reminds him of the
one that brought him to Earth as a baby. But when he opens the rocket, a
Òyoung girl, unharmed!Ó emerges from it, and announces to him that she too is
from Krypton. In answer to SupermanÕs baffled questions, she tells her story
(as we see in flashback mode):
When Krypton exploded, a small chunk came away intact (Òby sheer luckÓ
although this would change in later retcons); one of the survivors was Zor-El,
a scientist, who determined that the other survivors would be able to stay
alive indefinitely, as they had access to food machines. But soon the
survivors found that the ground here had turned to Kryptonite which would
slowly poison all of them (in later retcons, it was revealed to be a unique
form of Kryptonite, which was poisonous only to non-powered Kryptonians).
Once again, Zor-El saved the city by rolling out sheet lead to cover the
Kryptonite ground. Some years later, Zor-El married (Allura, though her name
wasnÕt mentioned in this story) and had a daughter, whom they named Kara. The
Kryptonians obviously intended to survive there a good many years. But when
Kara had grown into girlhood, Òfate played a cruel trickÓ, as a meteor shower
rained down onto the city, tearing holes in the lead shielding, and once more
releasing the Kryptonite radiation.
Zor-El started building a rocket to send his daughter to safety on another
world, and his wife used the Òsuper-space telescopeÓ to choose an appropriate
world to send her to. By chance she came upon pictures of Superman. Learning
that he came from Krypton, it was decided to send Kara to him; Allura makes a
Super costume for Kara to help identify her to Superman, and knowing that it
will become indestructible super-cloth on arrival on Earth. ÒBarely in time,Ó
KaraÕs rocket is shot into space as she weeps, ÒIÕm an orphan of space now...Ó
Upon hearing the story, Superman sympathizes with Kara, revealing that his
fatherÕs name was Jor-El; Kara realizes that the two fathers were brothers, so
she is SupermanÕs cousin. Kara assumes this means that she will be able to
live with Superman, but he says that wouldnÕt work, due to his secret
identity. Instead he checks that she does in fact have super powers and they
fly together to Midvale Orphanage. Superman devises a disguise for Kara, with
a brown plaited wig to cover her short blonde hair. While he is off
purchasing the items, Kara uses her super-hearing to choose an earth-sounding
name and comes up with Linda Lee (yet another LL in SupermanÕs life, he
thinks).
Superman explains to Kara that she should practice using her powers in secret,
but Òsomeday the outside world will hear of you as Supergirl! But for a long
time to come, youÕll live here quietly as an ÔordinaryÕ girl until you get
used to earthly things!Ó Kara agrees to keep her powers a secret and promptly
uses them to fix the leg of her bed (it was bent), the mirror in her room (it
was cracked) and blows all the dust out of her room with super-breath. The
story finishes with Kara going on a secret patrol of Midvale that night and
coming across a film poster advertising a history of Superboy in Smallville.
Unlike the last story I reviewed for Kryptonian Cybernet, this is NOT an
imaginary story; in fact it ends with the following blurb: ÒIf you want to
find out (what the future will bring for Supergirl), you can! SupergirlÕs
adventures will continue regularly hereafter in Action Comics... a brand new
member of our super-family.Ó
COMMENTS The art and writing on this story were not credited in the actual
story itself; however, in the copy I have before me, we are told that Otto
Binder wrote and Al Plastino was the artist here. The cover was by Curt Swan
and Stan Kaye.
As I mentioned above, there were a few retcons to the basic origin story over
the years; SupergirlÕs hometown and her mother were given names, Argo City and
Allura; Argo was supposed to have been domed to keep the air in; these are two
of the more simple retcons. Later on it was revealed that Zor-El and Allura
had survived the doom of the rest of Argo by projecting themselves into the
Survival Zone, similar to the Phantom Zone, and Kara later rescued them from
there (they went to live in Kandor). Linda was eventually adopted by Fred &
Edna Danvers. She attended Midvale high, and eventually Stanhope College; She
had a friend, Dick Malverne, who suspected and constantly tried to prove that
Supergirl and Linda might be one and the same; she had a friend Lena who was
telepathic and secretly Lex LuthorÕs younger sister; She was revealed to the
world; she lost her powers and gained them back intermittently; she went into
the future and met and fell in love with Brainiac 5. Our Supergirl has quite
a history!
Over the coming months, IÕll pull out some other old Supergirl books I have
and tell you more of the history of my favorite Kryptonian. I hope you enjoy
her as much as I do!
Jenny Stosser (jennys@melbpc.org.au)
_______________________________________________________________
SUPER FRIENDS
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
by Joe Crowe (j.crowe4@genie.com)
Welcome to my first ÒregularÓ column. IÕve been reviewing Superman team-ups
for the past several months, and now IÕm official. The only thing not
official is the title! I need help.
I would also like suggestions for a column title. :) I like the title ÒSuper
FriendsÓ, but people would think that IÕd be reviewing the cartoons.
IÕm also taking requests. If you have a favorite team-up story involving
Superman or any of the S-Family, drop me a note. LetÕs get down to business
for this month.
SUPERMAN VS. WONDER WOMAN
1978
Written by: Gerry Conway
Artists: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Dan Adkins
Cover Price: $2.00
Rating: 3.5 shields
Right after the Battle of Midway in June 1942, a US naval carrier comes under
attack by Japanese zeroes. Superman arrives on the scene and discovers that
the planes are all robot-piloted. He takes them out, then discovers an enemy
sub nearby. After capturing the Japanese troops aboard, he makes his way back
to Midway Island for a meeting with Chester Nimitz, commander of the US forces
in the Pacific Ocean areas.
Lois Lane, also on assignment in Midway, fumes about Clark KentÕs
disappearance. A captured Japanese reveals that the sub attack was meant as a
diversion while a Japanese agent hooked up with the Germans for a plot to
disrupt the Manhattan Project. Admiral Nimitz freezes Ñ Superman thinks heÕs
stumbled onto something big. Then heÕs called to Washington for a meeting
with the Secretary of War.
Meanwhile, Wonder Woman saves some scientists from Nazi agents. A sedan
speeds away from the scene, and WW follows it to New York. There, she rescues
Albert Einstein. Later, Captain Steve Trevor doesnÕt believe Yeoman Diana
PrinceÕs story. Her contacts also freeze upon mention of the Manhattan
Project. ÒFor the good of humanity,Ó Diana says, ÒI *must* learn whatÕs being
hidden!Ó
Cut to Germany, and a meeting of the aforementioned Japanese agent. He is
Sumo the Samurai, and he hooks up with GermanyÕs Baron Blitzkrieg. The sumo
uses his mental powers to get information from a prisoner about the Manhattan
Project. There is a model of an atomic fission reactor in two pieces, at two
locations.
Wonder Woman sneaks into the intelligence command center in Washington and
finds out about the Manhattan Project. Stunned, she heads to Paradise Island
for advice. She tells her mother, Queen Hippolyte, about the project, which
will design the first atomic bomb. The queen tells her to examine her
choices, then make her decision about how to protect ÒmanÕs world.Ó
Back at the Daily Planet, Lois blows up at Clark, until Perry White interrupts
with news that Wonder Woman is attacking Chicago! Superman flies there
immediately, into the middle of a super-rampage. The angered Amazon flips
Superman like a cheese omelet, claiming that she must destroy the Manhattan
Project for the good of the world. Superman trusts his country, though; hence
the argument. Superman proposes a trial by combat so they can settle their
differences without harming innocent people.
Meanwhile, Baron Blitzkrieg and Sumo attack the twomilitary compounds which
house the pieces of the reactor model. Separately and simultaneously, they
rip off the pieces and escape clean.
Superman and Wonder Woman go to the moon. There, they find mysterious ruins.
The two get into a heated fight. The US tries to contact Superman for help,
and the Mount Palomar Observatory finds him on the moon.
The two heroes head back to Earth and get briefed on the situation. They
learn that one of the models is highly unstable. They table their argument
and split up to find the two reactors. SupermanÕs target heads to New
Orleans, Wonder WomanÕs to Japan. Superman thumps Baron Blitzkrieg, and
Wonder Woman whips Sumo in a battle of honor.
At their arranged meeting site in the South Pacific, Wonder Woman and Superman
arrive with the Baron and Sumo as their prisoners. Supes and WW are about to
get into it again over who gets the reactors Ñ then the Baron uses his mental
powers to change the reactors into a super-weapon. While Superman and WW are
helpless before its energies, Sumo revives and jumps the Baron, aiming to take
the weapon for his own country.
While the two bad guys scuffle, the super-weapon goes unattended. Superman
uses x-ray vision to examine it Ñ then Wonder Woman points out that, by doing
so, he has turned it into a nuclear bomb! Oopsie. The Baron and Sumo keep
brawling, while Superman and Wonder Woman agitate the gravel.
From a safe distance, they witness the worldÕs first nuclear explosion. They
then meet with President Roosevelt, who promises Wonder Woman that the US will
never use the atomic bomb to kill. Diana fears, however, that once the
PandoraÕs box of nuclear weaponry has been opened, the dangers therein will
never be stopped, she says, Ònot if we try and try...till the very end of
time.Ó
Once again, it appears that the biggest stories from DC in the 1970s were
literally the biggest Ñ in tabloid size. ItÕs a good format for over-the-
top stories like this, because the scope of the story is more obvious, more in
your face. During DianaÕs rampage, she swings a lamppost at an empty
building, and the post extends over an entire splash page. She punches
Superman and he flies backwards toward the reader.
Continuity was not a big deal back then. Remember the simple fact that
Superman and Wonder Woman were not in World War II? Well, according to this
story they were. :) Actually, a single nod was given to explain: Superman
hollers for Wonder Woman to stop her rampage Òin the name of the Justice
Society!Ó Kind of a strange request, but that little comment tells the comics
fans that this story takes place on Earth-2.
Perhaps the tabloid comics were aimed at the more general reader. I, for one,
was only able to find my tabloid books at grocery stores. The casual fan
would be thrown off by niggling continuity tidbits like parallel Earths. So
the writers put such stuff aside and concentrated on the story.
And itÕs not a bad story, either. The Wonder Woman TV series was set in WWII
around this time, and the comics were done likewise to tie in with the show.
1978 was around the ERA era, and Wonder WomanÕs role at this time was the
ultimate feminist. During her fights, she yells about the Amazon ideal and
the weakness of men. ThereÕs a great bit of dialogue when Trevor berates
Diana when he doesnÕt believe her story. She thinks ÒIf I didnÕt love him, I
could tear him to ribbons!Ó
The threat of nuclear war had never been addressed in this historical context
in superhero comics before. Real people such as Admiral Nimitz and President
Roosevelt added an odd sort of authenticity to the story.
And, of course, still defying all history, was the presence of the petulant,
fuming Lois Lane, who in this story never speaks below a scream.
I recall that Roy Thomas mentioned that he was going to recount this story
when it came up chronologically in ALL-STAR SQUADRON. Other than that, I
donÕt think it ever made any kind of impact, or has been anything but ignored.
But itÕs a solid story and a good find. I think itÕs what Superman would
have been like had he guest-starred on the WW TV show. Now, *that* would have
been cool. :)
_______________________________________________________________
SUPERMAN #121 (May 1958):
ÒThe Bride of FuturemanÓ
Story: Jerry Coleman
Pencils and Inks: Kurt Schaffenberger
ÒThe Great Superman SwindleÓ
Story: Alvin Schwartz
Pencils: Wayne Boring
Inks: Stan Kaye
ÒJimmy Hits the JackpotÓ
Story: Otto Binder
Pencils: Curt Swan
Inks: Ray Burnley
Editor-in-Chief: Whitney Ellsworth
Story Editor: Mort Weisinger
This issue is more or less typical of the Superman comics of its day, but at
the same time itÕs indicative of the variety of the titles of the time.
Whitney Ellsworth, the listed editor, was close to retirement, and the
influence of story editor Mort Weisinger, who within a year would become full
editor and remain so for a decade, is increasingly felt in the three stories
in the issue. While Superman has several titles in the Ô90Õs, with different
writers and artists but usually the same ones for each title, in the Ô50Õs and
early Ô60Õs the writers were almost interchangeable, with artists being more
identified with a single title but still moved around. Not only are this
issueÕs stories by three different writers and three different sets of
artists, but internal evidence seems to indicate that they were originally
prepared for three different titles, with missed deadlines leading to their
all appearing together in this issue.
Curt SwanÕs cover features the first story, ÒThe Bride of Futureman,Ó showing
Lois Lane and a handsome blond man in a yellow costume in a time-bubble of the
sort later to be popularized by the Legion of Super-Heroes. ÒGood-bye,
Superman!Ó sheÕs saying. ÒIÕm leaving with XL-49 to marry him in the 22nd
century!Ó A dejected Superman is looking on, and his thought balloon...covers
had a lot of balloons in those days...says it all: ÒThat time machineÑitÕs
taking Lois Lane hundreds of years into the future! IÕll never see her again!Ó
The story itself is by writer Jerry Coleman, with art by Kurt Schaffenberger
in what seems to be his first Superman story proper. Yet I doubt it was
originally intended to be a Superman story, since the first page refers to the
heroine simply as ÒLois,Ó not introducing her by her full name as was the
general practice at the time. Schaffenberger, a former artist for Fawcett,
had been recently engaged as the artist for the new title, SUPERMANÕS GIRL
FRIEND, LOIS LANE, for which Coleman was also one of the regular writers.
From what IÕve been told of editor WeisingerÕs general practices, IÕm almost
sure this was originally prepared to appear in LoisÕ title, with her logo,
being moved into SUPERMAN (since, after all, Superman was prominent in the
majority of LoisÕ ÒsoloÓ stories, including this one) because of tight
deadlines. Since the vast majority of Superman readers certainly knew who
Lois Lane was even if theyÕd skipped past the cover (especially since the
original TV series with George Reeves and Noel Neill was still in its first
run), it fit in well.
The story opens with Futureman arriving in the 20th century in his
time-bubble, seeking out Lois Lane, and rescuing her in a deliberately
contrived manner (saving her from a falling tree heÕs actually weakened
himself, though in his defense it can be said that heÕd realized it had
already been on the verge of toppling). He explains that heÕs been given the
same powers as Superman by the scientists of his time, in which heÕs also a
super-hero. As soon as he and Lois are alone, he reveals whatÕs ostensibly
his secret identity of Jack Wilton, though heÕs evidently still getting used
to what his books describe as the Òdress of [an] American male circa 1958.Ó
His disguise consists of a mustache and beard thatÕs obviously false,
particularly since itÕs black (he seems to think the hat that would go
completely out of style a few years later hides his blond hair, but it
doesnÕt). Why heÕd even need a secret identity in a time period to which heÕs
only a temporary visitor remains unexplained, except as an attempt to
ingratiate himself with Lois.
Futureman goes on with his whirlwind courtship, taking Lois for a ride on a
meteor and on an isolated picnic. Superman still refuses to marry her for the
standard reason (his enemies might try to get at him through her, which the
recent ÒDeath of Clark KentÓ story convincingly showed to be much more than
the cop-out Lois and many fans considered it), so she accepts his proposal,
and the two prepare to set off for his time. Superman is jealous but
surprisingly unsuspicious, and ever the good sport, he gives her a going-away
present: a gold plaque with the names of LoisÕ colleagues at the DAILY PLANET
inscribed on it by super-pressure. But no sooner has the bubble disappeared
in the distance than Lois parachutes down via FuturemanÕs cape (he didnÕt have
time to fly her back with super-speed? And it seemed woefully inadequate for
the purpose, even if the Comics Code wouldnÕt let Schaffenberger depict the
likely consequences of parachuting through the air in a dress, not to mention
high heels). It seems the plaque had contained a hidden acrostic, ÒI love
you,Ó which was enough to convince Lois she had some chance with Superman
after all, since heÕd cared enough to engrave it. (Aside from the familiar
names of Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Clark Kent, and the final ÒsignatureÓ by
Superman, none of the names was familiar, and seem to have been chosen simply
to facilitate the acrostic Ñ though the continuity-minded Jim Shooter did
bring back Brad Hunter in another walk-on role in SUPERMAN #220, almost
exactly 100 issues later.)
Or had he? At the very end, we find Futureman explaining to a friend of his
own time that heÕd actually visited his past to learn some historical
information, and had Òmade up my mind that if they *werenÕt* planning to get
married, *IÕd* play Cupid!Ó So the highlighting was his, but there must have
been some subconscious inspiration on SupermanÕs part to get him to line up
the letters so perfectly in the first place. This friend is also the only
person in the story to address Futureman as ÒXL-49,Ó as on the cover. In
those days it wasnÕt uncommon for science fiction writers to assume people of
the future would have such Ònames,Ó but theyÕve long since gone out of style
as their unlikelihood and impracticality has become more apparent. Still,
ÒXL-49Ó could just as easily be another designation of some kind, no more
FuturemanÕs real name (which, for all we know, really *was* Jack Wilton: he
had no reason to lie to Lois on that matter) than my own AOL designation of
RMorris306 is *my* real name.
A very different story follows: ÒThe Great Superman Swindle,Ó by writer Alvin
Schwartz and artists Wayne Boring and Stan Kaye. Boring was one of the
earliest artists to work on Superman after Joe Shuster began to hire
assistants in 1939, and drew the Superman newspaper stripÑon which Schwartz
was the major writer apart from Jerry Siegel himselfÑfrom its beginning to
its end in 1966. HeÕd largely parted company from Superman and DC by the end
of 1967, but came back to draw a handful of stories shortly before his death
in 1986. Eldredge Coram, the elder of two sons adopted by a critically-ill
millionaire, persuades his father that his younger brother is really Superman,
and hence has no need of a share in the family fortune. The disinherited
William Coram seeks out the real Superman, and they arrange to turn the
tablesÑfaking evidence to make it look as if Eldredge is really Superman,
making him so beset by souvenir-seekers and hangers-on that he admits his
fraud and agrees to restore his brotherÕs share of the inheritance.
The final story, ÒJimmy Hits the Jackpot,Ó once again shows signs of having
been prepared for a different titleÑin this case SUPERMANÕS PAL, JIMMY OLSEN.
Jimmy is spotlighted in a story by writer Otto Binder and artists Curt Swan
and Ray Burnley, the most frequent team on his own magazine. Impersonating an
Indian rajah to expose the proprietor of an illegal floating casino, Jimmy
finds himself unexpectedly winning, until heÕs won the entire boat and all the
money on it. It turns out the owner had found out a rival gangster was about
to raid him, and had set up ÒRajah RupeeÓ to take the fall. Superman, of
course, doesnÕt take long to set things right.
On the whole, this wasnÕt the most memorable issue of its time, with only one
of the stories ever being reprinted. (ÒThe Bride of FuturemanÓ was included
in SUPERMAN ANNUAL #4 in 1961, a mere three years later.) ThereÕs not a
single punch thrown in the entire issue, and only two of the stories contain
any criminals at all, most of whom commit only minor crimes like fraud and
illegal gambling. Yet, only in part because of the origin of its stories, it
focused closely on SupermanÕs best friends as well as the hero himself, while
depicting a Superman who had time for social interactions and quiet moments
with his friends as well as earth-shattering battles. In a time when
Metropolis seems to careen from one disaster to another, itÕs not hard to have
some regrets at the passing of an admittedly simpler era.
Rich Morrissey (RMorris306@aol.com)
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 6
_______________________________________________________________
THE PHANTOM ZONE: (cont)
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
SUPERMAN #167, ÒThe Team of Luthor and BrainiacÓ
February 1964
SUPERMAN #167 tells the story of the first teaming of SupermanÕs two greatest
enemies - Lex Luthor and Brainiac!
The story begins with Luthor escaping from prison using only a balloon and a
metal wire tied between it and the bars of his cell. Lightning strikes the
balloon and burns out the bars and the Òcircuits of the whole prison!Ó
Luthor flees to ÒLuthorÕs Lair IIÓ, a lead-lined astronomical observatory on a
hill outside Metropolis! There Luthor ruminates on his hatred for Superman!
We see a Òtime-space thought-scannerÓ, which Luthor perfected just before
Superman previously caught him! We see a room with calendars and months
crossed out, fueling LuthorÕs hatred by reminding him of how much time heÕs
spent in prison! Then LuthorÕs Òstrange Hall of HeroesÓ, which include
Attilla the Hun, Genghis Khan, Captain Kidd and Al Capone! Luthor swears to
destroy Superman once and for all!
At the offices of the Daily Planet, Jimmy Olsen comes to get Clark to cover
the story of an explosion at a chemical factory! Clark, reading of LuthorÕs
escape, begs off, saying itÕs too dangerous, while thinking he must recapture
Luthor after dealing with the fire!
Superman then rushes to the scene of the accident and lifts a chemical tank
high into the air where it explodes harmlessly! However, Luthor has caused
the explosion to cover Superman with ionic particles, invisible to the eye but
visible to LuthorÕs radar!
Luthor then sends a missile with a green kryptonite warhead after Superman!
As the missile is lead-lined, Superman canÕt fuse its circuits, so he tries
the only chance heÕs got - running away! Or to be more precise, flying away,
around the Earth, over and over, until air friction melts the missile and
destroys it!
Luthor realizes he wonÕt be able to beat Superman by himself, so he uses his
time-space thought-scanner to search for the Òmightiest intelligence in time
and spaceÓ for help!
Soon Luthor contacts a Òvastly powerful mindÓ! He sees a planet of scientists
who have created a powerful computer, one with a tenth-level effector, whereas
a human mind is only a sixth-level effector!
Continuing to scan, Luthor learns that the computers have taken control of the
planet and enslaved the green-skinned humanoids! The computers decide to
extend their rule to other planets, so theyÕll create an agent to spy on other
worlds!
As they build their spy, Luthor observes the computers showing how they could
increase their spyÕs intelligence to 12th-level intelligence, but the
computers decide not to do that as then their agent would overthrow them! The
computers err in creating their agent by allowing the electric terminals to
show on his head! They decide to disguise them as red-colored ornaments!
Then a dying humanÕs brain patterns are fed into the agent to make it act more
human! The ruling computers then name their spy ... Brainiac!
Luthor is stunned at learning that SupermanÕs other great enemy is actually a
computer! Following the history further, Luthor sees the computer rulers give
Brainiac a human son named Brainiac II to complete his disguise! This son
runs away, and a note tells us that Brainiac 5 of the Legion of Super-Heroes
isnÕt actually descended from the original Brainiac at all!
Brainiac then scours the universe, shrinking cities, including Kandor on
Krypton, before being captured by Superman and imprisoned on the planet
Kronis! Luthor vows to free Brainiac, increase his intelligence, and together
theyÕll destroy Superman!
Luthor then builds a spaceship and takes off for the planet Kronis! Cleverly
eluding SupermanÕs satellite sensors above Kronis, Luthor uses a robot double
to learn of the defenses on the surface! Then Luthor himself gets close
enough to talk with Brainiac! Luthor tries to cut the bars of BrainiacÕs cage
with an atomic torch, but he fails! Brainiac tells him that the bars are made
of Supermanium, Òthe strongest metal known to science! It was named after
Superman because it was forged by him from the heart of a mighty star!Ó
Luthor deduces that Superman wouldnÕt let a prisoner die if a natural disaster
occurred, so Brainiac sets a fire inside the cage, and voila, the cage opens
and Brainiac is free!
Luthor then reveals to Brainiac that he knows Brainiac is a computer! Luthor
is told that Ònobody must know that secret and liveÓ, but Luthor convinces
Brainiac that heÕll increase his intelligence to 12th level! Together they
begin to search the universe for the many materials theyÕll need!
Superman, unable to find any trace of Luthor, tells his friends in Kandor of
LuthorÕs escape and attack on him! TheyÕre unable to help as the attack took
place on their celebration of Krypton Day and their monitors werenÕt fully
manned!
Superman then looks into the Phantom Zone to see if Luthor has freed any of
the Kryptonian criminals! They gloat that Luthor and Brainiac have teamed up
to destroy Superman! The Kandorians are crushed that Brainiac is free!
While Superman rushes to Kronis and verifies Brainiac is missing, Luthor is
rewiring BrainiacÕs computer brain but adding one extra modification! When
Brainiac revives, he tells Luthor he doesnÕt need him any more! Luthor
reveals heÕs put a timer in BrainiacÕs head that periodically shuts down the
computer! Brainiac realizes Luthor has a life-or-death hold on him!
The villains continue their search for rare materials until they reach the one
planet in the universe where Luthor is considered a hero! The people idolize
him, as does a woman named Tharla (who looks exactly like Ardora, the woman
Luthor later marries)! Luthor tells Brainiac these people need the materials
more than they do and theyÕll get the items elsewhere! Brainiac scoffs at
Luthor for his human emotions!
They then visit BrainiacÕs home world and are surprised to learn that the
computer tyrants who created him have been overthrown and destroyed.
Superman uses his telescopic vision to check the world where Luthor is a hero
and figures out how their ship is disguised! Then Superman sees their ship
landing on Earth in a cavern and goes after them! Entering the cavern causes
SupermanÕs powers to be lost due to LuthorÕs serum-gas! Brainiac then shrinks
the vulnerable Superman.
The powerless Superman is then imprisoned in a common bird cage, high off the
ground! While Luthor and Brainiac argue over who gets to destroy Superman,
Brainiac says he has an ingenious way and begins to build a device! Superman,
looking to escape, tears his Clark Kent clothes into strips, ties them
together, and uses them as a rope to lower himself to the ground!
He runs to the top of LuthorÕs Lair and sees another of LuthorÕs missiles!
Superman plans to fire the missile, knowing the Kandorians will see it on
their monitors and come help! But Superman is too small and weak to pull the
firing lever!
Meanwhile, Brainiac has finished his device, but he uses it on Luthor! ItÕs
actually a hypnosis machine and Luthor is forced to remove his timer from
BrainiacÕs head and forget Brainiac is a computer! When Luthor is finished,
Brainiac tells him the machine didnÕt work. They then realize Superman has
escaped!
Just as Superman fires the missile, he is paralyzed by BrainiacÕs Òcoma-rayÓ
ring. However, Kandor has seen the missile and the Superman Emergency Squad
hurries into action. They quickly arrive, inches tall but super-powered, and
use BrainiacÕs own shrinking ray on him and Luthor. Unable to free Superman
from the effects of the coma-ray, they blindfold the villains and return to
Kandor.
Then Òthe greatest hour in KandorÕs history comes... the trial of Brainiac.Ó
Luthor acts as defense attorney but loses the case, and Brainiac is condemned
to eternity in the Phantom Zone. Brainiac bargains for their freedom by
agreeing to free Superman from his coma. After a city-wide vote, the bargain
is reached and Superman, Brainiac, and Luthor leave Kandor. The latter two
then leave Earth uncontested while Superman vows to one day capture them both
and restore Kandor.
A few miscellaneous notes from this issue ... all sentences end with
exclamation marks, the Silver Age way ... although this issue was $0.12, you
could get a two-year subscription for only $0.10 per issue on SUPERBOY, JIMMY
OLSEN, SUPERMAN, ACTION, LOIS LANE or ADVENTURE ... you could buy 100 toy
soldiers or 116 planes for $1.25 or 132 Roman Soldiers for $1.98 ... or learn
to be a He Man from the American Body Building Club for $0.10!
In a ÒSpecial AnnouncementÓ on the letters page (where thereÕs a letter from
future Superman writer E. Nelson Bridwell), the editors tell us that shortly
after the first Brainiac story in 1956, they found out that a ÒrealÓ Brainiac
existed in a ÒBrainiac Computer KitÓ, invented in 1956 by Edward C. Berkeley,
Òa distinguished scientist and world authority on automation, computers, and
robots.Ó Mr. BerkeleyÕs computer kits were available for purchase. In
respect to the already existing Brainiac, they were changing the
characterization of the comic Brainiac to possess a Òcomputer personalityÓ.
In a final note, itÕs mentioned that Brainiac was created by Otto Binder, who
also wrote the Ògreat Superman novel ÔKrypton Lives OnÕÓ. Has anyone ever
heard of this book ? Does anyone know where to find a copy?
Jeff Epstein <exujep@exu.ericsson.se>
_______________________________________________________________
SUPER MERCHANDISE
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Information on Forthcoming Superman Merchandise
Assembled by Jeffery D. Sykes
The information which follows is reprinted without permission from DiamondÕs
PREVIEWS and is in no way meant to serve as a replacement for that magazine.
For further information on (and in most cases, pictures of) the below
merchandise, see recent issues of PREVIEWS!
DiamondÕs STAR SYSTEM is a service through which fans can order in-stock trade
paperbacks, trading cards, and graphic novels. Contact your local retailer
for prices not listed below, a complete listing of merchandise available
through the STAR SYSTEM, or information about ordering.
ABBREVIATIONS:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
FC: Full color
HC: Hardcover
PB: Paperback
PI: Inquire about price
SC: Softcover
If no manufacturer/maker is listed, the product is from DC Comics.
_______________________________________________________________
DECEMBER:
ÑÑÑÑ
Superman/Doomsday: Hunter/Prey Trade Paperback
by Dan Jurgens with Brett Breeding
Writer/penciller Dan Jurgens and inker Brett BreedingÕs popular limited
series is offered in one spectacular volume! Superman travels to
Apokolips to learn the shocking origin behind his killer with the help
of the time-surfing Waverider. At the same time, the Man of Steel must
battle alongside the evil Darkseid against the awesome power of Hank
Henshaw, the deadly Cyborg.
Now available through the STAR SYSTEM and various bookstores
SC, 7x10, 160 pgs, FC
$14.95
DC CollectorÕs Binder
A great display album, this 3-ring binder (vinyl, 2Ó spine) features
four-color art of several DC Universe heroes and comes with 10 hole-
punched comic book protector sleeves, five comics to begin (or add to)
a collection Ñ including BATMAN GALLERY #1, CATWOMAN #1, SUPERBOY #1,
ACTION COMICS #700, and GREEN LANTERN #0 Ñ plus a free 5-minute phone
card featuring DC Universe heroes.
Scheduled to arrive December 13
PI
Marvel Versus DC: Rivals Cards
Fleer/SkyBox
This December, the DC and Marvel Universes will clash in a long-awaited
four-part cross-company event! In the spirit of this crossover, Fleer
and SkyBox (Marvel and DCÕs card licensees, respectively) join forces
for this 100-card crossover series, featuring foil-stamping, UV-coating,
and the best of *both* worlds! The set features these great subsets Ñ
Marvel Heroes (12), DC Heroes (12), Marvel Villains (10), Rivalries (11),
Hero Vs. Hero (16), Hero Vs. Villain (13), Villain Vs. Villain (15), and
one checklist card. Chase cards for the series include an 18-card
ÒImpactÓ set of painted and embossed cards (1 in every 2 packs); A
12-card ÒHolo/FXÓ set featuring recrops of the Rivalries subset (1 in
every six packs); and the ÒMirageÓ set: two different lenticular cards,
each showing a DC and Marvel character morphing into one unique character
(1 in every 360 packs)! Each pack will also include a ballot for
collectors and readers to determine who will win the five big Marvel/DC
ÒRivalryÓ duels, which will be played out in the comic book series!
Scheduled to arrive December 13
8 cards per pack; 36 packs per box
PI
DC Versus Marvel Retail Poster
Tying in with the incredible history-making DC VERSUS MARVEL crossover
event, Marvel and DC offer this special, oversized, 27Ó x 40Ó four-color
retail poster featuring some of the greatest heroes from each universe,
locked in the slugfest of the century: Superman vs. Hulk, Spider-Man vs.
Superboy, Batman vs. Captain America, and more are drawn by Dan Jurgens
and Josef Rubinstein! Each poster comes rolled.
Scheduled to arrive December 20
FC, 27x40
$7.95
Superman Transformation Vehicle
Kenner
TheyÕre not many phone booths around anymore. So whereÕs a Man of Steel
supposed to change into his Òwork clothesÓ? Kenner has the answer with
the Superman Transformation Vehicle! What appears to be a sleek, stylish
stealth vehicle allows Clark Kent to change into Superman. By pulling
back the ÒSÓ shield spoiler, the Clark Kent figure (included) inside the
cockpit is Òmagically transformedÓ into Superman (not included). During
this change, glide wings rotate out of the chassis, exposing two Superman
logos. The vehicle also features a disk launcher hidden under the rear
spoiler, which can be fired in either mode!
Boxed, #62923
PI
Superman 8x10 Hologram
Lightrix
All-new format; all-new packaging! This outstanding, multi-stage
Òred beamÓ hologram captures a stunning 3-D image of the Man of Steel!
Ships matted and ready to frame, complete with instructions for
illumination and display.
Measures approximately 8Óx10Ó (image area: 5Óx5Ó)
$24.00
Superman T-Shirt
Graphitti Designs
by Kevin Nowlan
Kevin Nowlan provides an Art Deco take on the Man of Steel with
never-before-seen artwork and coloring screenprinted on a black 100%
cotton heavyweight shirt.
L-XL
$16.95
_______________________________________________________________
JANUARY:
ÑÑÑ-
Best of Ô95 CollectorÕs Set
Newcomers to the world of comics will get their moneyÕs worth and more
in this cool DC sampler set, featuring editorsÕ picks of seven of the
best issues published in 1995, reprinted specially for this package.
The Best of Ô95 CollectorÕs Set includes SOVEREIGN SEVEN #1, WONDER
WOMAN #101, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW #1, BATMAN #520, BATMAN
ADVENTURES #33, IMPULSE #3, and LEGIONNAIRES #29. Quantities are
limited.
Scheduled to arrive January 17
PI
Mega Superman Cap
Fresh Caps
This all black cap features an embroidered silhouette of the Man of
Steel on the cap front and brim.
One size fits all (#346015)
$13.95
Superman Logo Caps
Fresh Caps
Choose from: black cap with blue brim or blue cap with red brim Ñ each
with an embroidered Superman ÒSÓ on the front.
One size fits all (#346005)
$12.00
Superman Hero Poster
OSP
This poster features the Man of Steel flying fist-first towards the
viewer. [The artistÕs identity is not given, and I canÕt tell from the
illustration.] Ships rolled.
FC
$3.95
_______________________________________________________________
FEBRUARY:
ÑÑÑÑ
Superman: World Without a Superman Trade Paperback
Reprints the complete ÒFuneral for a FriendÓ storyline from SUPERMAN,
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, ACTION COMICS, and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL!
Now available through the STAR SYSTEM (DC: 471D) and various bookstores
SC, 8x11, 240 pgs, FC
$7.50
Superman: Return of Superman Trade Paperback
Picking up where the WORLD WITHOUT A SUPERMAN edition left off, the
monumental 480-page SUPERMAN: THE RETURN OF SUPERMAN collection reprints
the entire ÒReign of the Super-MenÓ storyline!
Now available through the STAR SYSTEM (DC: 547D) and various bookstores
SC, 7x10, 480 pgs, FC
$14.95
Superman: BizarroÕs World Trade Paperback
Cover by Stuart Immonen and Josef Rubinstein
SupermanÕs imperfect duplicate threatens Metropolis in this trade
paperback reprinting the now-classic story from SUPERMAN #87-88,
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #510, ACTION COMICS #697, and SUPERMAN: THE MAN
OF STEEL #32. When Lex Luthor comes down with a mysterious illness, he
seeks answers in an old experiment: the brutish, flawed clone of
Superman known as Bizarro. But when Bizarro gets loose, the creature
may tear up Metropolis trying to find Lois Lane! BIZARROÕS WORLD is
written by Dan Kurgens, Karl Kesel, Roger Stern, and Louise Simonson,
with pencils by Stuart Immonen, Barry Kitson, Jackson Guice, and Jon
Bogdanove, and inks by Josef Rubinstein, Ray McCarthy, Denis Rodier,
and Dennis Janke. This collection also features an introduction by
Bogdanove and a new cover by Immonen and Rubinstein.
Scheduled to arrive on February 14
SC, 7x10, 128 pgs, FC
$9.95
SupermanÕs Greatest Foes CollectorÕs Set
This 6-issue set features some of the greatest battles the Man of Steel
has ever fought. The comics included in this set are ADVENTURES OF
SUPERMAN #520 (ÒNight of 100 VillainsÓ); SUPERMAN #104 (featuring
Darkseid and the Cyborg); SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #30 Standard Edition
(guest-starring Lobo); ACTION COMICS #713 (featuring Saviour);
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW #1 (featuring the return of Lex Luthor);
and SUPERMAN/TOYMAN #1.
Scheduled to arrive on February 14
PI
Outburst: DC Firepower Premier Edition Cards
SkyBox
Feel the excitement with Outburst: DC Firepower Ñ the first DC Comics
trading card series to feature an all-embossed format! With original
computer-enhanced artwork, Outburst: DC Firepower just may be the
hottest DC Comics trading card set in years! In addition to the
embossing and computer-enhanced artwork, each card in this 80-card
set features UV-coating on both sides and the highest quality card stock.
Chase cards for this premier edition include: Maximum Firepower cards Ñ
specially embossed cards featuring your favorite DC heroes; PowerBurst
cards Ñ foil-enhanced versions of the basic set and Maximum Firepower
cards; and four different HoloBurst cards, each featuring jaw-dropping
holographic detailing on an *embossed* card image! Plus! YouÕll find
ten different Batman and Superman *OverPower Game Cards* Ñ a sneak peek
at the upcoming DC Comics collectible card game!
Seven cards plus 1 ÒPowerBurstÓ card per pack; 36 packs per box
(Samples in the December 1995 issue of PREVIEWS)
PI
Superboy Symbol T-Shirt
Graphitti Designs
From the death of Superman, we get the Kid of Steel, Superboy!
Screenprinted with the Superboy symbol on the back of a black 100%
cotton shirt, this is one nifty t-shirt. Get one and maybe you can
be heir to the Superman name, too.
L-XL, $16.95
XXL, $19.95
Superman: The Man of Steel Limited Edition Watch
Fossil
Packaged in a full-color lithographed collectorÕs tin, this limited
edition watch features a chromed body, blue dial and white face, and
platinum-like Superman ÒSÓ in the watch center. (#LI1299)
$85.00
DC Comics Collectible Embossed Metal Signs
Tin Signs International
The folks at Tin Signs International know whatÕs cool, in fact, theyÕve
taken the most significant comic book covers they could find and
reproduced them on these incredible tin signs! Each sign is an exact
replica of the original, classic comic book cover. Each measures 8Óx11Ó
and features decorative, gold-beveled edges and a built-in easel/wall
mount hanger. Available are: ACTION COMICS #1 (ACT-1), ACTION
COMICS #41 (ACT-2), SUPERMAN #1 (SUP-1), and SUPERMAN #24 (SUP-3).
$14.95 each
Superman/Batman 2-Pack Platinum Edition
Kenner/Hasbro
A PREVIEWS Exclusive! Superman and Batman are the ÒworldÕs finestÓ
super-team, and Kenner/Hasbro and PREVIEWS have teamed up to bring
collectors this special, limited edition two-pack available only through
PREVIEWS! Limited to only 25,000 pieces, this two-pack (similar in
design and contents to the mass market version) comes with two all-new
Superman and Batman action figures Ñ and a special 16-page Platinum
Edition Elseworlds comic book by Christopher Priest, Eduardo Barreto,
Dick Giordano, and Mike DeCarlo, and featuring an all-new cover
illustration by John Byrne! (#62910)
PI
DC: A Celebration of the WorldÕs Favorite Comic Book Heroes
Little, Brown, & Company
by Les Daniels
Welcome to a guided tour of DC Comics! From the author of MARVEL: FIVE
FABULOUS DECADES! The definitive history of DC Comics: from its roots
in the 1930s to its brightly shining Golden and Silver Ages, and beyond!
Rediscover the classic heroes Ñ mythical trailblazers like Superman,
Batman, and many others! Thrill to todayÕs cutting-edge comics Ñ from
the enigmatic complexities of THE SANDMAN to the cataclysmic chaos of
multiple universes! Feast your eyes on 600 illustrations in full-color.
A must-read for any fan of the WorldÕs Greatest Superheroes!
HC, 9x11, 256 pgs, FC
$40.00
_______________________________________________________________
MARCH:
ÑÑ-
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Ñ Heat Wave
Harper Collins
by M.J. Friedman
Based on the hit ABC-TV series, this novel finds Lois and Clark involved
with another hot news story, and their ongoing, on-again off-again
romance! Includes an eight-page photo insert and photo cover.
PB, 128 pgs
$4.99
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 7
_______________________________________________________________
AND WHO DISGUISED AS...
---------------------------------
A Column of Opinion By J.D. Rummel (jrummel@vulture.creighton.edu)
If J. Made Superman Movies
Just a quick non-Superman note here: If you have not already purchased Andrew
Vachss' wonderful Batman novel, THE ULTIMATE EVIL, do so *now*! It is
probably the best prose super hero piece I have ever read, and to ignore it is
to risk living in a world that is not as good as it could be.
Now, back to our regular Kryptonian content:
I am very fortunate in that the letters I receive are usually very nice. In
fact, no one has ever sent hate mail despite the fact that I sometimes say
some pretty inflammatory things. Some letters fill in the gaps on subjects
that I have covered, some share the same feeling of wonder that I have
mentioned comics bringing to my life. I got one in November, however, from a
gentleman who raised an interesting question.
Jorge Chapa ("Mexico's number one Superman fan") had read a column where I
ranked the Chris Reeve Superman films. In it, I made my usual opinionated
statements based solely on my own elitist tastes. Jorge felt that I was
saying that Superman had never been done right on the big screen. I had to
think about that. So now I state here for the record that while I enjoy all
the Superman films, from Kirk Alyn's to George Reeves' through to THE QUEST
FOR PEACE (as I've mentioned before, even that bad bit of cinema can make me
cry), I don't think that Superman has been well served by film. Anyway, Jorge
asked, what should be done with the new Superman movie? What would any of us
do?
I hadda admit, it was a fine question. I know what I like, but what about the
specifics, things that Peters and Lemkin, the talent behind SUPERMAN REBORN,
the new film, shouldn't do? (read about it by webbing out to:
http://www.nuke.com/cgi-bin/addin/moviesc/features/superman.htm) If I were
suddenly transported to Hollywood with lots of clout, aside from trying to
date Dana Delany, what would I do?
1. Get the essence of Superman. Reading the interview, one gets the idea that
they about half get it. Superman doesn't need only to save the world; we would
like to see him just be around to fix crappy things that happen today. There
is joy in watching him stop street thugs and urban goblins. Let's face it,
even though it took weeks to film, the scene of him rescuing the cat speaks to
all of us.
2. Honor the past. I remember back in 1978 how sad I was that Superman
wouldn't be using the springboard that propelled George Reeves into the air.
(I know, it *sounds* dumb, but I really enjoyed watching him run and
leap--still do, for that matter.) However, upon seeing the '78 Superman turn
and effortlessly step upward in complete disregard to gravity, I realized that
my viewpoint was too narrow. I now understand that something as steeped in
tradition as Superman can easily calcify, so it is important to keep shifting
the paradigm of what he's all about. Of course, some things must remain the
same (Superman is Clark Kent, for instance) but I would be willing to see the
creation of new villains, new supporting characters.
3. Play it straight. The biggest mistakes made by Donner and Lester were
displaying the winking mentality, as if the artists were saying, "I know this
Superman thing is really silly, so watch how clever I am." I don't mind an
in-joke, but make us believe that a man can fly, and let Dennis Miller be
funny. The Batman series avoided the camp that people feared, and Peters, of
all folks must know how well it's done at the box office.
4. Don't get too complex. Again, when reading the article, Lemkin sounded like
the Death of Superman is going to figure in this. God I hope not. To use a
boondoggle like that on the public twice is pretty insulting. The vast bulk
of movie audiences are not familiar with that story line, and should not be
subjected to its shameless mercantile spirit.
In his letter, Jorge made the statement that the fans would be disappointed by
the end product, and I don't wanna believe that. I wanna believe that the
guys making this movie will improve on the work that went before them.
Now, I put the question to *you*, the reader. What does SUPERMAN REBORN
*need* to do? What do you, the spending public want? Send mail to:
jrummel@vulture.creighton.edu and let me know. Any ideas, any comments that I
think deserve mention will be put out in a future column. I will judge
arbitrarily those ideas which I think have merit. Nah, I won't mock anyone,
I'm too pure of heart for that sort of behavior. Please place only the word
"movie" in the subject header. Don't expect a response from me. Just look at
the next issue and see if you made it.
So fire up those e-mailers boys and girls!
Away.
_______________________________________________________________
TELEscopic VISION:
------------------
Superman on the Small Screen
Well, thanks to David Chappell for the main title of this section!
Doesn't it make perfect sense!? :) And furthermore, we'll be able to
add in SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES (title tentative) when it begins
next fall! (*Two* Superman series on television at the same time!?
Pinch me, I *must* be dreaming! :)
We've got three new reviews for you this month, in addition to Zoomway's
conclusion to her look at Lois and Clark's relationship and the obstacles
it faces.
Here are the writing and directing credits for the three episodes which have
aired since last month's issue:
9. "Super Mann" (11/26)
Written by: Chris Ruppenthal
Directed by: James R. Bagdonas
10. "Virtually Destroyed" (12/10)
Teleplay by: Dean Cain
Story by: Dean Cain and Sean Brennan
Directed by: Jim Charleston
11. "Home Is Where The Hurt Is" (12/17)
Teleplay by: Eugenie Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner
Story by: William M. Akers
Directed by: Geoffrey Nottage
Christmas Eve brings us (finally!) the rerun of "Season's Greedings"
from last year, and then I believe that New Year's Eve is scheduled
for a pre-emption. But, new episodes begin again in January! And just
as a teaser, Dean Cain's recent interview on "Tom Snyder" seemed to
indicate that the train is really bearing down on the wedding....
See ya in 96!
Jeff Sykes
_______________________________________________________________
DANCING IN THE DARK, PART II:
Clark Kent, the Relationship Impaired
---------------------------------------------
by Zoomway (Zoomway@aol.com)
Last month I wrote about Lois Lane's long journey of self discovery, as well
as discovering that her best friend and partner was more appealing than the
Man of Steel. Well, actually, she also discovered that her best friend and
partner *was* the Man of Steel. Lois had a lot of obstacles, baggage and a
rotten past with men to overcome before she could learn to love Clark Kent.
This month it's Clark's turn. Pieces of this article came from a post I made
on the listserv.
"Nine *hundred* and fifty?"
"You want cheap, go back to Iowa."
"Kansas"
Clark in the pilot is a very affable, optimistic, world-traveled young guy.
He's intelligent, determined (though I wouldn't say ambitious), and knows what
he wants -- well, mostly what he wants. There was a charming naivete to
Clark. He was clueless that a big city editor of a major metropolitan
newspaper would be less than impressed by the mating habits of the knobtail
gecko. This inexperience, or naivete, really wasn't incongruous with the fact
that he was world-traveled, because that in no way made him worldly-wise. Why
not? I think it's because for one thing, Clark had no responsibilities. He's
traveling the world, but not like you or I would have to travel the world. He
doesn't have to pay for airfare, work his away across on a cattle boat, etc.
He just has to float up and fly. He doesn't even have to hold a job because
he doesn't have to eat, drink, and has no need for shelter. In a strange way,
he's like a child of wealthy, indulgent parents. This naive, sweet, charming
Clark Kent, has *never* paid his dues. If he wanted to throw his hands in the
air and say "I'm outta here" '''''whooosh''''''' he was outta there.
"Good morning, Mr. Kent, your mission, if you decide to accept
it, is to try and win the heart of one Ms. Lois Lane."
According to Clark, he fell in love with Lois about two minutes after meeting
her. From the pilot episode, this seems to be true. Had Clark ever been in
love up until this point? My guess, based only on the episodes, would be no.
He acts almost like a fourteen or fifteen year-old boy at Luthor's party. He
cuts in on Lex and Lois's dance. Lois is furious, "Clark, you idiot! I was
this close to getting an interview with Lex Luthor." Clark pulls her against
him (completely ignoring her anger) "This close?" Lois re-establishes the
space between them and comments that she thought square dancing would be more
his style. He now tries to impress her, "I was taught how to dance by a
Nigerian princess." Lois, completely unimpressed by his juvenile approach
says, "How fascinating" and leaves him. Clark (listen to his tone of voice
here, and see if you don't agree he sounds like a kid) says, "Where ya
goin'!?" Clark is doing everything wrong, and that is no doubt due to the
fact that he's had no experience. He then pulls the biggest point-loser of
the whole episode with Lois. When she says they can't have their celebration
dinner, because she has her prior obligation (the Luthor interview), does he
smile and say, "Okay, but you owe me. How about the next night?" or "Okay,
how about some coffee at Dooley's afterward if you're not too tired?"
Noooooo, Clark went off like a jealous boyfriend, and made his nasty little
comment about how *far* was she willing to go to get her story with Lex.
Ouch!
"Hollywood's made over a dozen versions of Frankenstein and
you still didn't get the point"
Ta-da! Here comes Superman! This one brainstorm can never ever be
underestimated in the morphing of Clark Kent. Lois was bowled over by
Superman almost as quickly as Clark was bowled over by Lois. He never counted
on this, but then neither did Lois. Clark was now his own rival for Lois
Lane's affections. Clark wanted her to love him as 'Clark', but at the same
time, he accepted her attention to Superman. As time passed, Lois warmed up
to Clark as a friend, but she was still in love with Superman. Both Lois and
Clark took turns playing Dr. Frankenstein where Superman was concerned. Lois
named him and gave him his credo, and Clark flew off accepting the name and
giving practical application to the credo. When the creation hesitated,
doubted, or strayed, Lois would apply more electricity to the neck bolts, and
Superman would come off the slab again, ready to tackle anything. Even this
far back in their relationship, Lois and Clark, and Lois and Superman were
partners; Lois just didn't know they were the same guy.
"Think about it, Lois, why would I ever *have* to learn how to do
this?"
I've asked this before, but I'll ask it again. Have you ever tried to tie
your shoe with one hand? Well, probably not, and it would probably never
occur to you to try, unless you lost your hand of course. My point is, we
don't tie our shoes with one hand, because we don't have to. Clark has super
powers, with or without the suit, but as a reminder of how Superman changes
things for Clark, just watch "Ordinary People". This is almost a bit of
"Green Green Glow of Home" from the first season, but with Lois knowing
Clark's secret. "This is always how I imagined camping with Clark would be."
"Well, Lois, you *are* camping with Clark." It's the same warm and relaxed
atmosphere that Lois and Clark shared in "Green Green Glow of Home", but this
could only be achieved in the older episode when Clark lost his power, and
therefore there was never any chance of slipping up in front of her. The
pressure was off for a while. In "Ordinary People", the pressure is off
again, but this time, it's because Lois knows his secret.
"Why be Superman?"
"Because no one else can."
What Clark told Lois in "Ordinary People", regarding how he felt about her,
could almost apply to what Superman did for him in the beginning. It made him
'happy/scared, excited/calm, lost/found, safe/in danger'. What Clark has to
do, *with* Lois, is step out of the way, and let Superman be Superman.
"Couldn't you just think of me as a very busy, very fast, very strong--
doctor?" They both have to let Superman do what he has to do, and accept it
as part of their life together, or Superman will always get in the way of that
life.
"But a relationship? That's completely new. If I blow this, I lose
everything."
Clark admits in "Just Say Noah" that he's never been in a relationship before.
This by itself explains a lot of Clark's mistakes with Lois. His big secret,
which has caused him to keep others at a safe distance, also took away Clark's
ability to relate and interact within a loving relationship. So now both he
and Lois have to work to resolve their relationship problems with a
combination of trial and error, and the knowledge that neither one of them
have the proper tools for this apprenticeship together. However, both are so
determined and committed to making the relationship work, they will tackle it
bare handed.
============================================
EPISODE REVIEWS:
----------------
Episode #3-07: "Ultra Woman"
----------------------------
by Marta Olson <molson@raisinets.den.mmc.com>
US Airdate: November 12, 1995
Special Appearance by Shelley Long
Guest Starring: Mary Gross and Kenneth Kimmins
Written by: Gene O'Neill and Noreen Tobin
Directed by: Mike Vejar
Have you ever sat and tried to picture an event through someone else's eyes?
Ever thought about what it would be like to be, say, John Elway, Michael
Jordan, the President of the United States, the homeless person sitting at the
corner, or any other person who has a totally different life than your own?
I'm not talking about what I would do if I had their money or anything like
that, I mean how their view of a certain event is. What would it be like to be
John Elway, take the snap from center, shuffle back three steps, and look for
a receiver? A defensive player is coming from the right side, you can't quite
see over the offensive lineman on the left side, is the receiver really open?
The defensive player is getting closer, you let the ball fly, only you are
tackled by the defensive player so you can't see if the pass is complete or
not. How different that really is from the fan sitting halfway up in the
stands yelling "What did you do that for! So and So is open on the OTHER
side." There's a saying something like "until you've walked in someone else's
shoes you can not understand where they are coming from." In this episode,
Lois has the unique opportunity to walk in Superman's shoes.
We are introduced to Lucille and Nell Newtrich, two sisters who have planned a
caper to obtain $200 million, but first they must incapacitate Superman so
that he will not be able to stop them. They have heard that red Kryptonite
causes Superman to become apathetic. Their plan is to use a red Kryptonite
laser to make Superman apathetic enough to let them go. They put a battery
operated crying baby into a well. Superman, of course, comes to the rescue.
Lucille is posing as a TV news reporter and Nell is her cameraman. Superman
sees over Lois' shoulder that a red beam is coming towards them so he inserts
himself between them and Lois. The laser burns up and the sisters run.
Superman is about to go after them when Lois becomes very dizzy. When
Superman does try to go after the sisters, he learns that he cannot fly. He
has no super powers! He and Lois run off in the direction of the sisters.
Lois opens the gate, only it comes off its hinges, and she's holding it by one
hand like Superman could have. Loved the sound effects when she tossed it
aside -- windshield shattering, car alarm sounding.
Clark tries to teach Lois how to use some of the powers such as heat vision.
Just as they are starting on flying, a truck loses its brakes. Clark starts to
rush off, loosening his tie and shirt revealing the "S", when Lois zooms past
him. Lois stands in front of the truck and slows it down to a stop. The
driver immediately starts asking "What's your name? I'm calling the papers!"
When Clark, dressed as Superman, steps out from the back, he assumes Superman
stopped his truck. Lois now sees the necessity of a costume. Of course, the
perfect person to make the costume is Martha, so off to Smallville she goes.
Lois raises the question of how Clark must be feeling now that she has his
powers, and she is reluctant to "take his place". Martha and Jonathan
convince her that Clark can handle it. The look on Jonathan's face when Lois
steps out in her costume is great!
Back at the Daily Planet, Perry finds a note from Alice saying she's leaving
him. There is an anonymous tip that the Daily Planet will be torched if
Superman doesn't show up, so they evacuate the building. Superman comes
running out the door, where he finds kerosene spilt on the ground, leading to
bottles filled with liquid. Nell lights the kerosene and Superman is trying
to put it out. He can't do it, but Lois arrives in her costume and puts the
fire out.
There are definitely some parts of the show that I liked better than others,
most of them dealing with Lois and Clark acknowledging the differences in who
they really are. After Lois puts the fire out she and Superman are approached
by Perry and Jimmy. Lois is convinced they will recognize her, Superman says
no they won't. Lois replies with "How blind do you think people are?"
Superman is saved from answering by Perry saying "Miss, you saved the Daily
Planet!"
Two of my favorite scenes involved the "role" switching between Lois and
Clark. When they are at the Planet the next day, she hears someone call for
help. She is wearing a suit and tie. As she leaves she begins to loosen the
tie the same way Clark does as he is leaving. Also, later in the show, after
her powers have been transferred to Lucille Newtrich, Lois and Clark are
walking down an alley. Lois is heading back to the Planet, Superman to Star
Labs. They are walking in step, reach up and take his glasses/her mask off at
the same time, stop at the end of the alley, kiss quickly, and then leave in
opposite directions. I'm not sure why, but I really liked this scene.
Clark also has some adjusting to do to not being invulnerable. Without his
heat (?) vision he has to shave normally and comes to work with cuts on his
face. He is walking over to Lois' one night and sees two guys robbing another
guy. Clark, being Clark, steps in not thinking and tells the guys to leave
him alone. One of the guys comes at Clark with a knife, and Clark uses his
arm to block the knife, resulting in a cut on his arm. Meanwhile, Nell has put
two and two together and actually gotten four. She figures out that Ultra
Woman is Lois, so they kidnap Clark to try and get to her. He is able to get
away and calls for Ultra Woman. They search where the Newtrichs held Clark
but can find no clues. Angry, Lois slams her hand down on one of the work
benches, causing things to go flying. One of them cuts Clark above the eye.
This also parallels how Clark always felt he was putting Lois in danger, or
was responsible for her being hurt.
I really also liked the next scene. Lois has come to realize that just
because Superman is super-fast and super-strong, he still can't do everything.
How do you deal with not being able to help everyone? Clark's reply is you
just have to accept it.
My very favorite scene in the show is back at the Planet. Clark is trying to
open a jar of fruit juice. Lois opens it. "Please don't tell me I loosened
it for you," he says. She comments on how she hates wearing the costume under
her clothes, it feels like long underwear. Clark says it feels good after
awhile, it's snug, and you kind of miss it. Lois replies you don't like just
wearing your boxers? Clark says I wear briefs. Lois says I know. Stunned,
Clark says, "Did you use your x-ray?" Lois laughs and says I'm just kidding,
and she walks away. But when he stands up to get something from the printer,
Lois turns and x-rays him.
Needless to say, Ultra Woman and Superman stop Nell and Lucille and are able
to return Superman's powers to him. I also liked the end of the episode. I
won't spoil all of it for you, but the tables are turned on Lois, and SHE
proposes to Clark, at the fountain, on one knee. She asks "Will you marry
me?" Clark replies, "Who's asking? Lois or Ultra Woman?" See the episode for
his answer.
Let me end by saying what I did not like about this episode. Through the
first two and a half seasons of Lois and Clark, we have seen Superman's powers
transferred from Superman to Resplendent Man accidentally, and from him to a
rat, and also to Dr. Gretchen Kelly, and then back to Superman by design. In
this episode we see them accidentally transferred from Superman to Lois, and
then by design to Lucille Newtrich and back to Superman. We have also seen
them transferred to Jesse in "Chip Off The Old Clark" accidentally. Is there
no end to who and how people can get Superman's powers?
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 8
_______________________________________________________________
TELEscopic VISION:
------------------
EPISODE REVIEWS: (cont)
-----------------------
Episode #3-08: "Chip Off the Old Clark"
---------------------------------------
by Marta Olson <molson@raisinets.den.mmc.com>
US Airdate: November 19, 1995
Guest Starring: Susan Batten, Joel Brooks, Kenneth Kimmins, Alex D. Linz,
Michael Kagan, Dave Nemeth, Michael Burger, and Maty Monfort
Special Appearance by Dave Coulier as "The Real Anonymous"
Written by: Michael Jamin and Sivert Glarum
Directed by: Michael Watkins
Imagine that you are a woman in a growing relationship who has had trouble
opening up to people in the past. Imagine that this woman is now comfortable
enough in her relationship to become engaged to the man in her life. She
feels that life is now finally "right" and everything is heading in the right
direction. Though this stage in the relationship is advanced, it is still new
and her confidence is not quite what it should be. Imagine her reaction when
she finds out that there is a very important thing about her fiancee she may
not know. Suddenly there is a woman who claims to have had his love child.
Imagine the blow to her confidence in not only herself but her relationship
when confronted with the information that it could only be the truth.
This is what Lois faced in this episode. What makes it unique is her fiancee
is Clark Kent and Superman. When the story breaks, even though they discuss
what this means and that Clark does not know the woman, her confidence is
still shaken. The woman claims that Superman is the father of her child.
At work the next day Perry decides the story is totally wrong and notworth
covering. Lois and Clark are assigned to cover the arrival of the president
from Tanzor. He is coming to town to sign a peace treaty with Fostonia, the
enemies of his country for many years. Lois decides that "the story is
already written" regarding the president -- they should check out Leigh-Anne
and her son Jesse. They are talking about how it is a hoax when they enter
Leigh-Anne's house and are confronted with what appears to be irrefutable
evidence that Superman is indeed Jesse's father. Jesse is carrying around a
sofa over his head.
Jesse immediately bonds with Clark but takes a dislike to Lois. While Lois
and Leigh-Anne are talking, Jesse and Clark are playing. Jesse can move as
fast as Clark, hear things that no one but Clark can hear, and when he and
Clark watch the President's arrival on television, he floats just like Clark
does when he is relaxed. Clark and Jesse hear a noise and Clark rushes off to
investigate.
Leigh-Anne continues to talk about her relationship with Superman, recounting
things that Superman has in fact done for Lois, cheese from France, chocolates
from Switzerland, shaking Lois' confidence even more. He would cook dinner for
her instead of bringing presents, which is exactly what Clark was doing when
the story broke about Jesse. Leigh-Anne gives Lois a picture of her and
Superman. Meanwhile there is an aborted attempt to kidnap the president of
Tanzor.
We find out that a radical faction inside Tanzor has hired a hit-man named
"Anonymous" to steal the launch codes from their president and launch their
nuclear missiles onto Fostonia. Because of his aborted attempt, Anonymous
decides that in order to ensure success he needs Jesse to help him kidnap the
president. Anonymous is a master of disguise so he takes on the role of an
attorney and approaches Leigh-Anne.
One conversation between Lois and Clark that really sums up what she must be
feeling is when Clark says "Lois, I wouldn't lie to you." She replies "See.
That's the thing, you did, every day for three years." She then hands him the
picture of Leigh-Anne and Superman. It's definitely him. He is able to read
a name on the mailbox in the picture and learn that it was taken at the "Ding
Dong Motel". Jimmy begins researching.
Martha and Jonathan Kent are waiting at Clark's when he gets home. They
assure him that they know the story is false, "impossible, laughable".
Surprised, Clark says "I have dated." His parents then explain that they knew
if Clark had been responsible, he would have taken on the responsibility for
his actions. One difference between Clark and Jesse is that Clark didn't
start lifting furniture until he was in Junior High.
Superman pushes for a DNA test. There is a really neat scene between Jesse
and Superman when they are waiting for the DNA test. Superman talks about
being different and being able to help people and doing good for people. When
Leigh-Anne and Superman finally meet alone face to face we find out that
Superman really is not Jesse's father. Leigh-Anne is very frustrated. Jesse
used to be a normal little boy, but she doesn't know what changed. She feels
that she cannot provide for her son. She can't work outside the house because
no day care will take Jesse. He is growing so fast she can barely keep him in
clothes. They have to move because he keeps wrecking the house they live in.
She wants Superman to help. When he says he has no money she says that he
will not have to worry about that, she has a book offer, a movie deal and a
manufacturer wants to do a "Jesse" line of clothing for kids. "But it will
all be based on a lie." Each came to the meeting thinking the other one had
called them and they would get things resolved. When they realize neither one
called the other, they know Jesse is in trouble.
While the police are searching for clues at Leigh-Ann's house, Jesse having
been kidnapped, Lois arrives. Clark tells her he can't explain why but he
feels really close to Jesse. Lois has reached a decision in their
relationship and tells Clark that he is the most caring and most honest person
she ever met. She is also used to having to track down the truth, that
nothing is ever what it seems, even when it's staring her in the face. "The
truth is what you tell me and what I tell you, because that's the kind of
relationship we have." Clark replies that "The best day of my life was when
you found out I was Superman. That meant no more lies." Clark finds a clue
and turns it over to the police.
When they get back to the Planet offices, Jimmy has some information about the
Ding Dong motels. There was one in Traver City, Michigan, where a plane was
caught in an electrical storm. Superman saved the plane but was struck by
lightning. Jesse was sitting in the window seat where Superman was. The
lightning transferred some of Superman's powers to Jesse. Clark now does feel
responsible for Jesse being the way he is.
Anonymous uses Jesse to fly away with the President and uses truth serum to
get the launch codes. When watching the tape of Jesse flying away with the
President, Clark hears him say "red choo choo". Thinking he means "choo choo
train", Superman flies off to check out the trains along the coast. Meanwhile
the doctor from Star Labs, where they are doing the DNA test, arrives with
Leigh-Anne. Jesse is losing his powers. He may already be back to normal by
now. Leigh-Anne says "choo choo" is also Jesse's word for smoke stack.
Metropolis Chemical Plant has a red smokestack. Lois heads to the plant and
finds Jesse.
She tries to get Jesse to come with her while Anonymous is distracted with the
launch codes, but he won't because he didn't like her. She holds Anonymous in
check with a lead pipe he thinks is a gun. He gets Jesse to punch the button
to launch the missile. When Jesse hits Anonymous a few minutes later, he does
not hurt him. His super powers are truly gone. Anonymous leaves, sealing them
in the room and sending in a gas to soak up the oxygen.
When Superman arrives, he stops to see if any of the women at the bus stop
have seen anything. He smells the same substance found at Jesse's house -
theater makeup. He uses his heat vision to melt the wax and for the first
time we see Anonymous' real face. (It was supposed to be a surprise, but TV
Guide revealed that Dave Coulier from "Full House" was Anonymous.) Superman
ties Anonymous up with a street sign and saves Lois, Jesse, and the President.
There is not enough time for Superman to catch the missile by flying around
the world so he goes through the Earth to catch it before it hits and
explodes. Naturally, he arrives just in time.
When I first watched this episode, I was not really thrilled with it, but the
more I took it apart to think about this review, it began to grow on me. I
find myself almost wishing that Anonymous would have gotten away so that he
could return to challenge Superman again. Even if he does come back when he
gets out of jail, they have his picture now and it won't be the same. There
were places where I felt that this was another time when an hour may not have
been quite enough time to really do justice to the full plots. I felt that
the plot actually worked better than some of them have in the past, and I
liked the way the road block that was raised in their relationship was tied
into the action plot.
The relationship continues to be the primary focus of the series, and I am
pleased with the direction they are taking this season. I did enjoy this
episode and the transferring of Superman's powers to Jesse because it was
different. We haven't seen a child with these powers before. Is this a
preview of what it might be like if Lois and Clark ever have kids?
============================================
Episode #3-09: "Super Mann"
---------------------------
by Shane Furlong <Shane.Furlong@evolving.com>
US Airdate: November 26, 1995
Guest Starring: Sean Kanan, Paul Kersey, Sandra Hess, and Kenneth Kimmins
Written by: Chris Ruppenthal
Directed by: James R. Bagdonas
Story:
The episode begins on May 7, 1993, where three casket-like chambers open
automatically below the streets of Metropolis. Emerging are two men and a
woman -- Nazis placed in suspended animation fifty years ago as a fail-safe
against the loss of the war by Germany. Once on the streets of Metropolis,
they discover the outcome of the war and witness Superman saving a little girl
from a falling sign, a scene that was first shown in Season One. The three
are then picked up by a United States Senator.
The scene then cuts to present day with Lois and Clark walking down the
street. She is engrossed in worrying about wedding plans while he relishes in
their latest journalistic triumph. Just then a car crashes in front of them
and the driver, who had been shot, tells them that a bomb is planted in the
Metropolis Trade Tower. Clark leaves as the ambulance comes to take the man
away, but he finds no bomb.
We next discover the fate of the three awakened Nazis. One, Steve Law, has
become the quarterback for the Metropolis Tigers -- apparently an NFL team.
Hank West, the new identity for the other male, is a country singer, while the
female, Lisa Rockford, is a super-model. The Senator, Truman Black, who
picked them up two years earlier, we find out is a friend of Perry's.
The man in the car accident was a part of their conspiracy but had decided he
didn't want to take over America. The super-model goes to kill Lois and Clark
in case he told them about their plans. She shoots a rocket-propelled grenade
through the window of Lois' apartment, but Clark catches it in mid-air. She
kills herself by biting down on cyanide before Superman can question her.
Lois and Clark do some computer detective work to discover that Lisa Rockford
was actually a Nazi born in 1921 who was involved in a suspended animation
project. A television report comes on that says five people are trapped in an
old coal mine, and while Lois does some covering, Clark races away. The news
flash turns out to be a fake and Clark discovers a nuclear bomb at the bottom
of the mine instead of trapped miners. The bomb explodes, leaving him alive
but radioactive.
Back at the Daily Planet, a pirate signal takes over the television and the
Nazi football player, Steve Law, comes on screen. In a chilling scene, the
American flag behind him dissolves into the Nazi flag as he announces that
nuclear warheads are placed in cities across America and will be detonated
unless control of the country is passed to his group, the NSBA. He also says
that Superman has been eliminated.
Lois is frantic but then receives a call from STAR Labs. She goes there to
find Clark in a containment chamber to protect everyone from the radiation.
After vowing their love in a touching scene, she returns to the Planet to try
and find the hide-out of the NSBA. The office is taken over by the Nazis as
Skip, a toady guy who works in classifieds, marches in in uniform. Perry
punches him, and Jimmy shows some nice moves to allow Lois to escape. She
returns to STAR Labs, solves the problem of removing the radiation, and
informs Superman where the Nazis are located.
Clark leaves to go to the sun, while Lois proceeds to get captured by the
Nazis. After the sun sucks out the radioactive particles, Clark returns in
time to save Lois and America from the nuclear blackmail. The story ends with
Perry finding out about the involvement of his longtime friend, Senator Black.
What I Thought:
This is, for me, the best episode of the season so far. After some shows that
were bordering on the silly, this one came in and rescued the series from
turning into camp. The reality of terrorism and people ready to take up arms
against the government is all too real in this day, and the treatment here is
serious.
The performances by the series regulars were fine as usual, but the scene with
the radioactive Clark and the grieving Lois was especially good. Jimmy showed
a nice sense of humor and comic timing this episode too. The developing
subplot about Perry and Alice is also nice in that it adds depth to the
character.
The plot had two problems for me. I think two years is an extremely short
time for someone to develop into any of the high profile positions that the
three sleepers had. An NFL quarterback is not hired off the street. He has to
go to college (three to four years there) and get drafted by a team. It seems
a little farfetched that it only took two years for them to attain the level
of celebrity that they had. The two years date was needed to fit in with the
scene of Superman saving the little girl, which I will admit was nicely done
and a good touch to the story, but it still seems a problem.
The handling of Lois in the show was my other problem. When she first meets
Hank West, the singer, she goes all giddy acting. Shouldn't she be used to
meeting celebrities? I thought the way she turned into a teenager with a
crush was way out of character. Then when she solved the problem of removing
the radiation, she was also out of character. It was almost painful to watch
her give the explanation. She shouldn't have known that. It seemed like the
writer decided to make Lois appear smart here, but it didn't work. I wish
they could write her as a smart (in her realm), self-assured woman instead of
having her swing from being a schoolgirl to a nuclear physicist in one
episode.
Overall I loved the show. I hope the remainder of the season is as smartly
done as this one.
_______________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 9/Issue #20
