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The Kryptonian Cybernet Issue 17
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T H E K R Y P T O N I A N C Y B E R N E T
Issue #17 Ñ September 1995
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CONTENTS
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Section 1: Superscripts: Notes from the Editor
The Delay, News and Notes
Now These Are ÒActionÓ Figures!
HereÕs the scoop on KennerÕs new line of Superman toys!
Dark Judgement
A review of the DC Villains I card set,
by David T. Chappell & Mark Billian
Section 2: The Fleischer Cartoons
Episode #11: ÒShowdownÓ, by Neil Ottenstein
Just the FAQs
What are the different varieties of Kryptonite,
by David T. Chappell
And Who Disguised As...
A Brief Attack on LOIS AND CLARK, and Then a Quick Stroll
Around the Book, by J.D. Rummel
Section 3: Reviews: The ÒTriangleÓ Titles
Action Comics #714, by William J Nixon
Superman: The Man of Steel #49, by Arthur LaMarche
Superman #105, by Ken McKee
Adventures of Superman #528, by Anatole Wilson
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #2, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Section 4: Reviews: Annuals and Other Super-Titles
Superboy #20, by Victor Chan
Steel #20, by Dick Sidbury
Showcase Ô95 #9, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
The New Titans #126, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Other Appearances
ShadowDragon Annual #1, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Green Arrow #101, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
Section 5: Looking Back: Legacies
Justice League America #137 and Superman vs. Shazam!
by Joe Crowe
The Silver Age Superman
Superman on Krypton: Part 5, by Bill Morse
Classifieds
Section 6: The Red Hour: FOLCfest Ô95
Highlights of the recent on-the-set gathering of
Lois and Clark fans, by Zoomway
Coming Attractions
New comics shipping in November, including the
finale of ÒThe Trial of Superman!Ó
EDITORIAL STAFF:
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Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief
Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
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Superman and all related characters, locations, and events are
copyright and trademark DC Comics. Use of the aforementioned is not
intended to challenge said ownership. We strongly suggest that each
reader look to the media sources mentioned within for further infor-
mation.
Opinions presented within this issue belong to the authors of
the articles which contain them. They should in no way be construed
as those of any other particular member of the editorial or contributing
staff, unless otherwise indicated.
This magazine should be distributed freely via e-mail. Should
you desire to share this publication with other on-line services, please
contact me at sykes@ms.uky.edu for permission. Feel free to advertise
subscription information on other on-line services which have internet
mail availability.
THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is available by e-mail Ñ to subscribe, send
the commands
subscribe kc <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.
_________________________________________________________________
SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor
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THE DELAY:
I begin this monthÕs (almost next monthÕs) issue with an apology. I sincerely
hope that you can each find it in your hearts to forgive me for how late this
issue is arriving in your mailbox. In hopes that you can understand how this
delay came about, I would like to take a few moments of your time by stepping
through the past month.
To begin with, the first weekend in September was a holiday weekend Ñ Labor
Day. As such, I decided to delay the issue one week so that our writers would
not have to write over the holiday. Not a real problem.
However, over that same weekend, I began moving into my new apartment. Let
me make this short and to the point by pointing out that I am still not
completely Òmoved inÓ yet. Because of electrical outlet and telephone jack
arrangements in the new place, I found that there was really only one place
I could set up my computer. This would have been no problem, except that when
I began to set things up, I discovered that all of the outlets which I could
reasonably use were not working! Like a good tenant, I contacted the landlord
and informed them of the problem, and the work order went out. Two weeks
later (now around the 16th), maintenance finally gets around to making the
repair, and the computer is up!
Unfortunately, IÕm now four weeks into school, and my studentsÕ first exam
is three days away! (Not to mention the fact that I had to take my own
exam a day or two later...) So last week was dedicated to school.
Finally, last weekend arrives, and I have the time to prepare the new issue.
And the system which houses the mailing list shuts down to move to another
machine. Two days ago (Wednesday), I finally receive word that the list is
running again, but I canÕt seem to get the list to mail anything. (By this
point, IÕve been trying to mail a message about the delay since Monday.)
And then last night, I *finally* managed to figure out a change on my end
which allowed the program to work. Which brings us to today.
Reasonable people that you are, I imagine that you can understand that the
delay this month was pretty much unavoidable. Now that the hardware problems
are fixed, I donÕt think we should have any more problems of this nature in
the near future.
Once again, I apologize for the lateness of the issue, and I hope that the
delay wonÕt hamper your enjoyment of the new issue.
NEWS AND NOTES:
LOIS AND CLARKÕS THIRD SEASON!
A few more announcements this month. Now that new episodes of Lois and
Clark have begun airing in the US, our section of the magazine dedicated
to the show is set to return in next monthÕs issue, featuring reactions
to the few new episodes which have already aired. HereÕs a list of the
first 5 episodes of the season (kudos to TPTB for finally airing the
episode titles!):
1. We Have A Lot To Talk About (Sept. 17)
Lois answers ClarkÕs proposal, and somebody knows Clark KentÕs
secret identity!
2. Ordinary People (Sept. 24)
Lois and Clark go on vacation, only to be hounded by villain
David Leisure.
3. Contact (Oct. 1)
Lois is abducted by aliens!?
4. When Irish Eyes Are Killing (Oct. 15)
Will the Druids sacrifice Lois?
5. Just Say Noah (Oct. 22)
Relationship Therapy
Note that titles and airdates of unaired episodes are subject to change.
SUPERMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
New word on the Superman Animated Series is that the creative team
expects to kick off the series next fall with a one-hour prime-time
special, followed by 13 Saturday morning half-hour episodes. In the
Fall of 1997, the series will switch to weekday afternoons, and you can
expect the introduction of Supergirl at that time! So far, there has
been no casting.
SUPERMAN REBORN
According to Andy MangelsÕ ÒHollywood HeroesÓ feature in OVERSTREETÕS
FAN #5, Warner BrothersÕ planned feature film, SUPERMAN REBORN, finally
has a screenwriter in Jonathan Lemkin.
SUPERMAN DAILIES
Reprints of the entire run of the Superman comic strip are in the works.
The first volume is tentatively scheduled for release in 1996.
SHADOWDRAGON
You comic fans of the Shadowdragon character introduced just before
ÒThe Death of Clark KentÓ and recently spotlighted in DCÕs SHADOWDRAGON
ANNUAL #1 (See this monthÕs reviews for info on this book) have something
to look forward to. A ShadowDragon miniseries, spinning off from the
heroÕs appearances in Superman comics, is slated for early 1996...
DC VS MARVEL/MARVEL VS DC
Finally, DC and MARVEL have recently announced a four part crossover
series beginning in December which will pit most of DCÕs Universe against
most of MarvelÕs. Of particular interest to Superman fans are the
following match-ups:
Superman vs. The Hulk!
Superboy vs. Spider-Man!
Steel vs. Iron Man!
Lex Luthor vs. Kingpin!
and many more!
In addition to the four part series, the event will spawn a Òconsumer
previewÓ in November, two retail posters, and two SkyBox/Fleer trading
card sets. And get this. FANS will determine the outcome of five of
the biggest match-ups! Dan Jurgens and Josef Rubinstein, longtime
creators on the Superman line of comics, will be one of the two art
teams on the miniseries. WeÕll provide you with more complete info
on this comics extravaganza in next monthÕs issue. (Or you can check
out the COMING ATTRACTIONS section of the KC homepage next week for
a sneak peek!)
On a final note, since there wasnÕt much to update this month, IÕll hold
off on the resources update until next month. Also, there wasnÕt much mail
which could still be considered timely, so IÕm dumping the mailbag this
month as well. These will both return next month!
Until next month (which is actually going to be much shorter than four
weeks away! :) ), enjoy the new issue!
Jeff Sykes
Editor, The Kryptonian Cybernet
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NOW THESE ARE ÒACTIONÓ FIGURES!
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Over the past few months, weÕve been telling you thereÕs a line of Superman
toys on the horizon. Finally, weÕre able to provide details! The September
issue of PREVIEWS contains information (along with a few pictures) about the
new line.
KennerÕs new Superman Toyline hits toy stores this December. (PREVIEWS was
unclear on this release date, providing conflicting information, but KC reader
Cory Avery contacted Kenner directly to confirm the December release.) The
first wave of figures, based on the comic books, will consist of ten all new
figures, three CollectorÕs Edition two-figure packs, and two vehicles!
THE ACTION FIGURES
Each figure features articulation at the neck, shoulders, hips, and waist, and
comes packed with a free collectorÕs card. The ten figures offered in this
first wave:
1. Metropolis Superman
This is the ÒbasicÓ Superman, with snap-action arms and capture chain.
2. Recovery-Suit Superman
All-black suit with silver ÒSÓ and missile launcher.
3. Superboy
Dressed in leather jacket, with two spring-loaded Òtactile kineticÓ
missiles.
4. Steel
Armored from head-to-toe, removable cape, and hammer-swinging action
(when legs are squeezed together).
5. Conduit
With extending wrist cables from both arms, spinning right arm,
removable wrist gauntlets and helmet.
6. Solar Suit Superman
Golden suit with backpack launcher and one projectile, and two glider
wings.
7. Exo-Skeleton Superman
Comes with five pieces of armor, projectile launcher, one shield/
projectile, removable clear helmet.
8. Metallo
Cyborg enemy with skull-like head, ÒglowingÓ Kryptonite heart, opening
Kryptonite claw, and pivoting shoulder guns.
9. Trench Coat Superman
ÒBikerÓ look with trenchcoat, and chain-swinging action (when legs are
squeezed together).
10. Lex Luthor
Dressed in black t-shirt and fatigue pants, comes with water-squirting
drone droid with wings.
Just to head off the inevitable question, the two figures shown in the pictures
indicate that Kenner has gone with the long-haired Man of Steel.
THE TWO-PACKS
Kenner also offers three sets of dynamic two-packs, each featuring a Superman
figure which is unique to these sets as well as an all-new villain figure.
Both are sculpted in Òblown-outÓ battle poses, much like the ÒLegends of the
BatmanÓ figures. Each two-pack also comes with an exclusive mini-comic,
detailing the back-story of the characters. Available will be:
1. Hunter/Prey Superman Vs. Doomsday
2. Battle Damage Superman Vs. Massacre
3. Masked Superman meets Batman
THE VEHICLES
In addition to the figures, Kenner also offers two vehicles.
1. Superboy Cycle Vehicle
This cycle transforms from a flashy, powerful street bike to a
jet-powered VTOL! The rear cycle wheels rotate out to become Òjet
thrusters.Ó Cycle features missile launcher with tethered capture
claw missile to capture and transport villains. Seats one figure;
seat harness features oxygen mask for extended Òspace travel.Ó
2. 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!
FUTURE TOYS
The above is what has been officially announced to date, but there have been
rumors that future waves of the Superman toys will include a line based on
ABCÕs LOIS AND CLARK and a line based on the WB networkÕs upcoming Superman
Animated Series which is set to debut in the fall of 1996. As for these,
weÕll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, isnÕt it time to start
making out those Christmas lists!? :)
Jeff Sykes
_________________________________________________________________
DARK JUDGMENT
A Review of the DC Villains I Card Set
by David T. Chappell & Mark Billian
OVERVIEW
The latest set of trading cards featuring DC characters is a bit different
from the norm. Rather than showcasing DCÕs most popular super-heroes, it
focuses on the nastiest villains. It is a set of painted, standard size cards
produced by SkyBox. Packs of the cards are in stores as of this writing
(mid-September 1995), and their release was timed to coincide with the
beginning of DCÕs latest major cross-over event: UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED.
CARD CONTENTS
The ÒDark JudgmentÓ series includes a basic 90 card set and several inserts.
The 90 basic cards include one ÒtitleÓ card introducing the set, one checklist
card, 87 cards featuring major DC villains, and one card with the Ò(unknown)Ó
villain behind UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED. All cards from the basic set include
foil titles and a painted picture on the front. The reverse has a ÒcreepyÓ
design and descriptive text. Both sides have UV coating.
INSERTS
In addition to the basic card set, three sets of special inserts cards are
part of the collection. The most common inserts are the spectra-etch
Gathering of Evil cards. These nine foil cards fit together to form a puzzle
featuring Darkseid, Mongul, and Doomsday. Furthermore, three foil-embossed
Villains Attack cards feature famous battles including the Death of Superman.
The rarest insert is a SkyMotion card featuring Two-Face.
CARD TEXT
The text on the cards is by Roger Stern, writer of the SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF
TOMORROW quarterly comic and author of the text for the 1994 Superman: The Man
of Steel card series. The text is written from the perspective of Neron, the
major villain from the ongoing UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED cross-over. The text
reveals the demonÕs consideration of how each of the major DC villains could
fit into his eventual plans for this yearÕs major DC event.
Furthermore, a special encoded message reveals NeronÕs identity. Since he has
been mentioned by name in several comic-book magazines, I do not hesitate to
reveal his name herein, but puzzle fans might not want to read the end of this
article where I reveal the final message. I am pleased that Roger Stern did a
good job integrating the message into the cards without making the result seem
forced in any way.
THE ARTWORK
Each card features new painted artwork with various designs according to the
artistsÕ styles. Going along with the series theme, the styles tend to
emphasize the dark and twisted side of villains. The results vary from
traditional to warped. The differences in style are great enough that, in my
opinion, the artwork ranges from poor to high quality. I suspect that some
fans will dislike the setÕs art while others will love it. The various
artists are Thom Ang, D. Alexander Gregory, Mark Chiarello, Simon Bisley, Bill
Sienkiewicz, Stu Suchit, Simon Erich, Mike Cavallaro, Scott Hampton, Kent
Williams, Tony Harris, and Joe DeVito.
SUPERMAN VILLAINS
A large number of Superman villains are featured in the set. The brief
descriptions of the characters are a great boon to any new Superman fan who is
not familiar with the villains and their backgrounds. Even old-time Superman
fans will appreciate some bits of the text, such as the subtle hint about the
imminent return of Doomsday. Of special, though trivial, note is that the
front of the Mxyzptlk card contains the misspelling ÒMxyzptikÓ (ÔiÕ replacing
ÔlÕ).
14. Metallo 70. Silver Banshee
18. The Parasite 81. Lex Luthor
20. Toyman 85. Brainiac
25. Cyborg 86. Mongul
37. Bizarro 87. Darkseid
54. Mr. Mxyzptlk 88. Doomsday
SUPERBOY VILLAINS
Even some relatively new villains are included in the set. Two of SuperboyÕs
foes each earn as much card space as some of SupermanÕs old rivals.
33. Knockout 52. King Shark
SECRET MESSAGE
ÒThere are many names by which I am known, and I shall shake the universe to
its very foundations. Call me Neron.Ó
MORE VILLAINS YET TO COME
Even as the current DC Villains cards have set the stage for UNDERWORLD
UNLEASHED, a second collection will follow on the heels of this yearÕs big
cross-over event. The DC Villains II: Underworld set will also feature some
of the most devious demons of the DC Universe, and it may show us how NeronÕs
interventions have changed some of them forever.
_________________________________________________________________
THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS:
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by Neil A. Ottenstein <otten@gluon.umd.edu>
Episode 11: ÒShowdownÓ
Released: 10-16-42
Running Time: 8:14 minutes
Faster than a streak of lightning
More powerful than the pounding surf
Mightier than a roaring hurricane
We see someone opening a safe with what appears to be Superman standing behind
him. Once it is open, ÒSupermanÓ knocks him out. The scene changes to a
cashier counting money. This time ÒSupermanÓ takes the money. The scene
shifts to a jewelry store. ÒSupermanÓ breaks in and takes jewels. This
ÒSupermanÓ brings the proceeds to the Boss.
The newspaper headlines scream with alarm:
The Bulletin - ÒSuperman Commits Series of Crimes.Ó
The Morning Star - ÒDragnet Spread for Superman.Ó
The Daily Planet - ÒFriend Turns Foe.Ó
Lois is holding a copy of The Daily Planet and declares, ÒthatÕs ridiculous.Ó
A lowly Planet employee throws some opera tickets to Lois and Clark. Their
next assignment is to cover the opera and ÒitÕs formal.Ó ClarkÕs fingering
his collar of his suit helps segue the scene to him fingering the color of his
tux at the opera.
The Superman thief creeps into the opera and steals jewelry from people in the
boxes. Lois is the first to cry out as her necklace is taken. She gets up and
tussles with the thief. Clark wakes up from his opera snooze and goes into
the hallway to see Lois holding the ÒSÓ emblem and declaring, Òit IS
Superman.Ó
As Lois goes to make a phone call, we then see the thief on the roof of the
opera house. Clark sees him there and declares, Ò... my double is in for some
trouble.Ó The Superman music is played as he changes behind the door to the
roof. The thief looks down to the ground and to his shock sees police cars
that have now arrived. He opens the door and is face to face with the real
Superman.
The thief shoots at Superman. Superman advances. The thief trembles as the
bullets run out in his gun. He throws the gun at Superman. The thief tries
to cast the blame away from himself to the Boss saying, ÒHe made me do it...
IÕll talk.Ó Backing away from Superman he falls off the roof.
Superman saves the thief and carries him into the air. Lois sees them and
says, ÒI knew there was more to this story.Ó Lois joins the police in their
car as they race off.
Superman and the thief enter the BossÕ lair. He asks, ÒWell, did you enjoy
the opera?Ó Only silence answers him. He continues to ask questions and
grows more impatient. He asks, ÒAre you trying to double-cross me?Ó and
swings a golf club at Superman. He then lifts a lamp to swing that at him and
then realizes just who he is facing and stops in shock. Just in case it
hadnÕt sunk in, the thief tells him, ÒThatÕs Mr. Superman.Ó The Boss open a
trap door beneath Superman. Superman falls down a shaft towards a watery
doom.
The Boss and the thief move the desk above the trap door and start putting
their jewels away. Superman ascends the shaft and batters away at the trap
door. They escape behind a descending door just after Superman has come
through. When Superman tries to follow he discovers the door is electrified.
This surprises him for a moment and then he tries again and pulls it away.
The two of them get their jewels away after closing an armored door between
themselves and Superman. They escape in a car. Superman breaks through and
is in pursuit.
The thieves are driving on a narrow road and coming along the other way is the
police car with Lois Lane. There wonÕt be room enough for both cars.
Superman lands in between the two cars and pulls out the Boss and the fake
Superman who tells the Boss, ÒNext time you can be Superman.Ó
The scene shift back to the Daily Planet where Clark is dozing. Lois enters
and tells of her great story. They banter and Clark says he was dreaming
about being Superman.
This was quite an action packed thriller with a touch of mystery. Until the
thief first enters the BossÕ lair, he looks very much like Superman, thus
giving credence to the newspaper headlines. The opening title has a shadow of
a hand holding a gun going up and down. The opening phrases are now in their
final incarnation in this series. There is a good amount of humor in places.
One good bit is when Superman is trying to break through the trap door with
the desk on top of it. The thief tries a few times to place the lamp on the
shaking desk only to just place it on the floor.
The banter between Lois and Clark at the end of the cartoon is quite fun.
Note that when the thief throw the gun at Superman, Superman does not duck.
This is in contrast to the live action TV show when George Reeves does duck so
that he doesnÕt get hurt by the gun. Another interesting bit is that we only
see Clark starting to change into Superman as he closes the door to the roof.
As opposed to most changes where we see his shadow changing.
It is yet again another masterful cartoon in the series with high quality
scripting and animation.
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
Although this column typically focuses on the post-Crisis version of the Man of
Tomorrow, this issue will cover a common question that is most often reference
to pre-Crisis days. Next month, IÕll cover another pre- & post-Crisis topic
when I discuss the five (!) incarnations of Supergirl over the years. If
confusion over all this ÒCrisisÓ discussion is giving you your own crisis, you
may want to check out questions 12-14 from my Superman FAQ, which is available
at ftp://ftp.hiof.no/pub/Comics/FAQ/Superman.FAQ. When you are ready to
handle the differences between the pre-Crisis and modern universes, you can
read this article and find out
ÒWhat are the different varieties of Kryptonite?Ó
INTRODUCTION
Kryptonite is the one weakness of the Man of Steel. While some might say that
magic is his other vulnerability or that a red sun is just as bad, these
ÒweaknessesÓ only make Superman no stronger than a normal man. In contrast,
Kryptonite actually hurts Superman and can turn the Man of Steel into a Man of
Jell-O. A normal man with a pocketful of Kryptonite can beat up Clark Kent as
easily as Kal-El can handle an ordinary bank robber.
THE BASICS
Surviving fragments of SupermanÕs home world of Krypton are known as
Kryptonite. Thus, Kryptonite is essentially debris from an exploded world. It
is a stable radioactive substance that is dangerous to survivors of the
explosion of the planet Krypton. There is no relationship between Kryptonite
and the chemical element krypton, though SupermanÕs home world was probably
named after the element or from the same Greek work meaning Òhidden.Ó
A RAINBOW OF ROCKS
Over the years, especially in the Silver Age, the lore of (the pre-Crisis)
Krypton grew considerably. Similarly, the details of Kryptonite became more
and more elaborate over the years. Rather than go into details on the
properties of the material, I will merely present a summary of its effects.
Stories also introduced more than just your garden variety Kryptonite. The
many variations are sometimes explained as being various isotopes of the same
element. The list below recounts the effects of each of the known types of
Kryptonite.
Green Kryptonite: The most common isotope of Kryptonite neutralizes the
powers of Kryptonians and causes blood poisoning. It affects only
super-powered Kryptonians, causing temporary power loss, intense pain, and
death within seven to thirty minutes. Green-K has no effect at all on
non-powered Kryptonians or Terrans.
Anti-Kryptonite: This is the type of Kryptonite that threatened Argo City,
home of Supergirl. Anti-K is similar to green-K and even shares its green
color, but it affects only non-powered Kryptonians.
X-Kryptonite: This form of green Kryptonite was accidentally created by
Supergirl in an experiment. It has no effect on Kryptonians but temporarily
endows humans with temporary Kryptonian super powers. It was through X-K that
SupergirlÕs cat Streaky obtained super powers.
Slow-Kryptonite: This form of green Kryptonite was created by an Earth
scientist in another experiment. It is one of the few types of Kryptonite
that affects Terrans as well as Kryptonians.
Red Kryptonite: Red-K was formed when a quantity of green-K passed through a
mysterious cloud of red gas. It causes a bizarre and unpredictable effect on
Kryptonians which lasts 24-48 hours. Once the effect has worn off, that
person will no longer be affected by that particular piece of red-K again,
although the piece will have an identical effect on any other Kryptonian who
is exposed to it. No two pieces of red-K cause the same effect.
Red-K was a favorite plot device for Superman books for many years. Some
strange effect from red-K would inconvenience the Man of Steel for a day or
two. Some of the past effects were to turn Kryptonians into giant ants,
dragons, or giants; induce lunacy or amnesia; or to split a Kryptonian into
two beings. As silly as some of these effects are, they account for many of
the classic stories from pre-Crisis days.
Gold Kryptonite: Gold-K was formed from debris of the Gold Volcano on Krypton.
It is probably the most dangerous form of Kryptonite since it will permanently
strip a super-powered Kryptonian of his powers upon a few moments exposure.
White Kryptonite: White-K affects only plant life, but it will affect even
Terrestrial plans. It kills any plant and induces decay immediately upon
exposure, with a range of about 25 yards.
Blue Kryptonite: Blue-K is not natural but was created by Superman using the
same flawed Duplicator Ray that created Bizarro on a piece of green-K. It
affects Bizarros exactly as green-K affects Superman but has no effect on any
other life-form.
Jewel Kryptonite: Jewel-K was created from crystals within KryptonÕs Jewel
Mountain range. It differs from other forms of Kryptonite because a Phantom
Zone villain traveled back in time and transformed crystals to give the
resulting Kryptonite desired properties. Jewel Kryptonite is not radioactive,
but it instead serves as an amplifier that allows those imprisoned in the
Phantom Zone to exert limited telepathic influence outside of the Zone. The
Phantom Zoners could concentrate their mental energies to create small
illusions or mentally control people outside of the Phantom Zone.
Silver Kryptonite: Silver-K is a fake variety of Kryptonite that SupermanÕs
friends used to keep the Man of Steel from closely examining what turned out
to be a silver (25th) anniversary gift from his friends.
Yellow Kryptonite: Yellow-K is a fake variety of Kryptonite that was used by
Lex Luthor to fool Superman. However, Luthor was actually interacting with a
Superman robot which was ordered to react to Kryptonite as if it were the real
Kal-El.
THE REVISION
In comic books, it was originally accepted that the remains of Krypton would
be harmful to survivors of the deadly explosion. The merest amount of logic,
however, reveals the silliness of this proposition. If Earth were to explode
tomorrow, would chunks of our home planet be somehow dangerous to any
astronauts trapped in the Space Shuttle? When John Byrne revamped Superman in
1986, he provided a logical explanation and eliminated the seemingly infinite
varieties and sources of Kryptonite.
In the last days of Krypton, according to the modern story, a chain reaction
with the planetÕs core caused a build-up of enormous pressures. These
pressures fused the minerals inside Krypton into a new, radioactive metal.
Furthermore, the pressure grew to be too much for the planetÕs mantle to
contain, and Krypton exploded in a violent eruption. The green color of the
resulting Kryptonite is its best-known feature. Even if the planet Krypton
had not exploded, the radiation from the Kryptonite would have eventually
killed all the inhabitants in what the Kryptonians called the Green Death.
Though the radiation from Kryptonite is harmful to all life, it is especially
harmful to Kryptonians (notably Superman). Short-range exposure to Kryptonite
reduces SupermanÕs powers to about half strength after merely ninety seconds
and renders him powerless within about two minutes. Superman can quickly
recover from such short-term exposure when he leaves the proximity of the
Kryptonite, and he can recover fully within several days. Prolonged exposure
to the k-radiation could theoretically cause permanent harm or even be fatal.
The main source of Kryptonite on Earth is a rock that was attached to the
rocket ship that brought Superman to Earth. This original rock powered
Metallo (SUPERMAN #1, Jan 87) and has since been fashioned into at least two
forms. Part of it became the jewel in Lex LuthorÕs Kryptonite ring. Although
the ring successfully kept Superman at bay for many months, its radiation
induced a cancer that led to the loss of LuthorÕs hand and nearly to his
death. Superman later gave the ring to Batman in case someone ever needed to
use it against the Man of Steel. In addition, some Kryptonite bullets were
stored in a lead container in the Fortress of Solitude.
Although the only form of true Kryptonite in modern continuity is Ògreen-K,Ó
other forms have made brief appearances. The Pocket Universe (PU) had the
same varieties as the pre-Crisis universe. A Òrainbow packÓ appeared in the
famous Superboy-LSH story that introduced the PU and showed that the PU
Kryptonite had no effect on the real Superman (ACTION #591, Aug 87). Later,
green and gold-K from the PU played an important role in the Supergirl Saga
and helped form SupermanÕs code against killing (SUPERMAN #22, Oct 88).
Of perhaps even greater fame is the red Kryptonite from the ÒKrisis of the
Krimson KryptoniteÓ story line. When occupied in another dimension, the
mischievous Mr. Mxyzptlk created some fake red Kryptonite which he gave to Lex
Luthor (SUPERMAN #49, Nov 90). Through MxyÕs magic, the rock removed all of
SupermanÕs powers until Luthor told Superman (who was in the guise of Kent)
about the source of the magic. ClarkÕs exposure to a bout of mortality may
have helped induce his marriage proposal to Lois Lane during the ÒKrisis.Ó
CONCLUSION
While undoubtedly created as a plot device to steal SupermanÕs powers,
Kryptonite has become an integral part of the legend of the Man of Steel. Some
of the silliestÑand the most memorableÑstories focus on the effects of a
piece of Kryptonite. Most importantly, the presence of Kryptonite forces a
situation where a normal human is more powerful than Superman and can even
save the KryptonianÕs life by merely tossing a rock aside for him.
_________________________________________________________________
And Who Disguised As...
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
A Column of Opinion by J.D. Rummel (rummel@phoenix.creighton.edu)
ÒA Brief Attack on LOIS AND CLARK, and Then a Quick Stroll Around the BookÓ
YÕknow, I love Superman. I guess thatÕs why I keep wanting what I want even
when my brain remembers how the world works. ItÕs just one of those heart
things, and isnÕt that what LOIS AND CLARK is aboutÑthe longings of the
heart? Lately IÕve been reading the reviews of L&C in this mag and feeling
hopeful. Last week I tuned in to see the episode where red kryptonite is
introduced. I enjoyed it, thought they did a good job, and was generally
pleased at the development of all concerned. It wasnÕt PICKET FENCES, but it
was better than FULL HOUSE.
Last night I saw the much discussed season finale. I enjoyed the humor, I
liked the principals, I really wish IÕd liked the whole thing. I *wanted* to
like it. It had Superman in it, so I wanted to see that my misgivings about
the show were no longer valid.
But I didnÕt. The show still displayed the sort of foolishness in the plot
resolution department that makes the original Adventures of Superman so
amusing. While some progress in telling Superman stories on T.V. has been made
in forty years, there is still a long way to go. *sigh*
Anyway...
There used to be this department store in downtown Omaha called Brandeis. It
was a sprawling place of smoke-stained grey stone. It had an appliance floor,
a toy floor, a menÕs clothing floor, and at Christmas they would build SantaÕs
North Pole on the top floor. But what I am concerned with here is the
basement. In the basement they had a book section. There I bought many DARK
SHADOWS books, some truly awful Perry Rhodan adventures, just a lot of books.
I would hang out there while my mother shopped elsewhere in the building.
In the hardback section I, or rather my mother, purchased: SUPERMAN: FROM THE
30ÕS TO THE 70ÕS. The cover features The Man of Steel, arms akimbo, smiling,
as panels drawn by Joe Shuster fill the background. I thrilled to the pages of
early artwork, the first startling appearance of a hairy- headed Luthor, and
was glad for every panel that I had never seen before. I felt the rush that
only sudden wealth can bring. This book contained lots of stories that I HAD
NEVER SEEN BEFORE. I knew that I had something that connected me even more
closely than before with my hero. It was like finding some lost chapters of
the Bible.
All of those memories came back to me as I opened it at the kitchen table. My
eyes recognized a small chocolate stain on the pages, a skidmark of candy left
as I ate ice cream and read the book over and over again in that small house
so long ago. Looking it over I lost track of the passage of time as I became
fascinated by how much time had passed.
Published in 1971, FROM offers a wonderful sampling of Kal-ElÕs first thirty
years of fantastic adventures. Larger than THE GREATEST SUPERMAN STORIES EVER
TOLD, it had twenty less years to cover and it really hit some high spots. It
has Batman, Bizarros, the Fortress, Red Kryptonite, Mxyzptlk, Prankster, Lori
Lemaris, Titano, Supergirl, Krypto, Superboy, the first Imaginary Story and
Superman beating an analog of the Nazis at the Olympics. If you want to see
the evolution of a character, if you want see America, this is a good place to
start.
It is mostly black and white, with only a few colored segments. In some
sections it shows a selection of covers. (IÕd love to have a bitmap of
Superman #18ÑSupes riding a blockbuster bomb through the clouds, as allied
planes fill the sky behind himÑWow!)
The introduction by the late E. Nelson Bridwell displays his encyclopedic
knowledge of Superman (Kryptonite was originally red?!) as well as his deep
affection for the character. It is a pity that the tales represented do not
give credit to the talent that rendered these pages. Although Shuster, Swan,
and Boring are easily identifiable, the artists and writers go uncredited
until the section highlighting the seventies. It would be nice to see
something like SUPERMAN: FROM THE 70ÕS TO THE MILLENNIUM, but I doubt thatÕs
in the planning stages.
This book is a marvelous collection. If you run across it at a garage sale or
used bookstore, buy it. ItÕs cheaper than the original comics and is a superb
read on an afternoon when the real world is too important.
Away.
_________________________________________________________________
REVIEWS
ÑÑÑ-
Ratings Panelists:
AL: Art LaMarche JS: Jeff Sykes RG: Rene Gobeyn
AW: Anatole Wilson KM: Ken McKee VC: Victor Chan
DS: Dick Sidbury WN: William J Nixon
As always, the first rating given after the average is that of the reviewer.
THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
37. ACTION COMICS #714, ÒCrossing the [Punch] Line!Ó
Writer: David Michelinie
Artists: Kieron Dwyer and Denis Rodier
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.2/5.0 Shields
WN: 4.0 Shields - Strong single issue tale of toys, kids; and villains who
donÕt get their royalties.
AL: 3.5 Shields - I like the way the Joker used the lead lined container for
his benefit instead of his undoing as in SUPERMAN #9. Where
can I get a Fluff? They are SO cute!
AW: 2.0 Shields - IÕve read the same story (Joker threatens toymaker) too many
times before. And threatening a crowd at a paradeÑdidnÕt
Michelinie see the Batman movie?
DS: 4.0 Shields - IÕm a sucker for a good Joker story. Lois is feisty. Lois
and Clark try to lead the normal life of a young engaged
couple with humor but not much success.
JS: 2.5 Shields - Improved art, but the story left a bit to be desired.
A grinning malevolent figure graces this issueÕs cover. HeÕs dressed as a
twisted homage to Superman with a ÔJÕ emblazoned on his cape. The JokerÕs
come to Metropolis. Since his Arkham breakout, the Joker has gotten around,
and this month it was MetropolisÕ turn to feel the cold touch of the clown
prince of crime.
This issue opens explosively with a chemical plant fire. Superman draws on
his Smallville farm experience to put it out. Across town, a grinning, feral
corpse is the only clue in a munitions heist. DwyerÕs art is spot on in
capturing the grim brutality of the heist and its victims.
Lois, spooning her consomme, is waiting for Clark to come back and finish
dinner with her. Being a superheroÕs fiancee must instill a tremendous amount
of patience and tolerance.
At the Metropolis toy fair the next day, an unscrupulous toy manufacturer has
unleashed his ÔJokerÕific Christmas line. Joker dolls, cars and ha-haciendaÕs
all with no royalty fees (or worries?) Anson Turley, the manufacturer, dodges
morality issues and returns to his factory where the Joker is waiting. He
seizes control of both Turley Toys and the Mile-of-Mirth Joker parade with his
own sinister plans for revenge.
At the Parade the next day, Turley is tied to his chair on a superhero float.
Aquaman, Green Arrow and Wonder Woman lookalikes have all been given Joker
makeovers. The Joker, dressed as ÔSuperjoker,Õ is taunting Turley and
explaining how heÕs going to treat the needy kids. The streets throng with
children. Cuddly robots carrying presents move out among the kids. Superman,
realizing that they are bombs, flies them away to airburst harmlessly
overhead.
In a wonderful nod to current fads, the Mighty Martian Powee Rangers are
released, and Superman exclaims ÒOh, give me a break!Ó They are adhesive
figures who slow the Man of Steel down as the Joker prepares to kill Turley.
Michelinie pulls another rabbit out of the hat, and itÕs Jimmy who knocks the
Joker for six and rescues the misguided manufacturer. Good role for a
supporting character and nice to see a regular guy take down one of the league
of supervillains. ItÕs sometime easy to get trapped into the idea that only
the superheroes can defeat these villains.
The Joker makes good his escape by exploiting SupermanÕs weakness with lead. A
lead painted rocket is launched and as Superman flies up to stop it, the Joker
scurries away down a manhole. Jimmy is hired by Cat for WGBS and gets some of
the respect he feels he was missing at the Planet.
Clark and Lois have a quiet meal together, bathed in the warm glow of
candlelight. ItÕs interrupted only by a courier delivering... a Joker doll.
This was an enjoyable single issue tale pitting one of the classic
supervillains against Superman. ItÕs good to see the mix and match of other
heroes villains and this was well done.
These one issue stories have been a welcome change of pace after the DoCK
storyline, and while the ÒTrialÓ will soon be upon us, I have really enjoyed
these monthly tales. The subplots at WGBS keep bubbling away and the focus on
Clark and LoisÕ relationship is sharply observed. Jimmy continues to shine
here in Action and show us what heÕs made of. There has been a trend in the
last few issues with Jimmy or Ron helping out, and itÕs a trend I applaud and
have enjoyed. These guys are quick-witted regular guys, and while they donÕt
have super powers, they can make all the difference.
The art is really growing on me too and I like DwyerÕs style. The close-ups
on Superman or Lois and the sweeping dynamism he brings to Superman/Clark as
he flew back into Lois all push the story along. His Joker was a manic,
pallid monster up to his neck in his villainy. Just shows you though that
wearing the Superman suit doesnÕt grant the muscles, and a frail, doubled
Joker fell to JimmyÕs blow. The Bat guys donÕt have a monopoly on well-drawn
Jokers <phew>.
The ÔmoralityÕ of the toy industry came under fire and this was the industry
that turned the Toyman into the figure he is now. Any answers from the
gallery on the question of kids emulating such characters, if they were real?
Anything negative? Actually not that I can think of. Superman acts
intelligently, the art is strong, Jimmy shines, oh yeah, the Joker escapes but
weÕve got to leave some villains for Batman.
William J Nixon
========================================================
38. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #49, ÒFlight!Ó
Story: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Paul Pelletier
Inker: Terry Austin
Cover: Jon Bogdanove & Dennis Janke
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.2/5.0 Shields
AL: 3.0 Shields
AW: 3.0 Shields - Nice art, but lots of holes in the story Ñ like where did
the girl with the wings come from, and what happened to
her at the end?
DS: 3.25 Shields - A nice family piece focusing on Keith and his friends
and JimmyÕs making his way in WGBS.
JS: 3.5 Shields - IÕm a big fan of PelletierÕs art, but itÕs been better Ñ
see recent issues of Green Lantern, for example. A fairly
good story Ñ whoÕs SkyhookÕs master?
Powerless, Kal-EL hovers in space as Krypton explodes in a green fireball.
Then, he awakes from this recurring nightmare. As he tries to unravel these
mysteries, screams for help and the sound of gunfire bring him back to
reality. Superman arrives and finds that a winged girl has stolen a sack of
money from two hooded, gun-toting men. Superman apprehends them as the true
owner of the money steps forth. With the men in hand, Superman pursues the
winged girl to a sewer entrance. During the chase, we and our hero find out
that one of the crooks is afraid of heights and the other is claustrophobic.
Before proceeding into the sewer, Superman places them on the ground and they
agree to stay put. Because of the large amount of lead in the old pipes,
Superman is unable to locate the girl. He later arrives at the Daily Planet
building as Clark Kent as Perry and Lois lament the loss of Jimmy.
The next day, Cat Grant and Jimmy meet in her office at GBS. Cat wants Jimmy
to get the Superman/Skyhook angle on video. Meanwhile, Keith, Chuck (ÒChunkÓ)
and Lenny are playing in a tree. They are pretending they are Superman,
Superboy and Alpha Centurion, respectively, and are trying to apprehend
Skyhook. As they play they see the winged girl sitting in the tree. She says
ÒUncleÓ will give them wings if they follow her into the tunnel this evening.
They ÒagreeÓ to come, not to get wings, but to help her. That night they all
agree to Òspend the nightÓ at KeithÕs house and sneak out with garlic,
crosses, and glow-in-the-dark stars to hunt down Skyhook.
Back at the Planet, Lois begins an interview with Alpha Centurion. That
evening, Clark again has the destruction of Krypton dream and is awakened by a
phone call from Perry. Perry asks him to try and contact Superman because
Keith and his two friends are missing. Superman flies off to locate the boys.
Jimmy has heard the report over a portable scanner, and with help from a cabby
and $100, he arrives at the sewer entrance shortly after Superman and follows
him inside. Superman follows the glow-in-the-dark stars and quickly locates
the boys, the girl and Skyhook. A short battle ensues and Jimmy gets the
whole thing on video tape. Fearing an explosion from a ruptured gas main,
Superman flies off with the children and Jimmy in hand. The families are
reunited and SupermanÕs job is done.
But, for some of our other friends, the jobs are just beginning. Lois submits
her story to Perry. She claims that it is not normally front page news, but
since it has been slow... As she makes this premise, JimmyÕs story is
broadcast by WGBS. Perry tells her Ò... thatÕs what I call page one news.Ó
Nice story. It was self contained, but it also extends its tentacles through
many of the future events of the DC Universe. Skyhook hints at an Underworld
Unleashed connection, and Kal-ElÕs dream obviously has its roots in the up-
coming Trial of Superman. We are exposed to many of the supporting characters
of the Mythos, but the whole thing works. Very little seems contrived. Well,
maybe the SkyhookÑKeith connection which is the basis of the plot. But, I am
sure the Underworld Unleashed has something to do with it, and will make sense
in some way.
Over the last few issues we have the seen the maturation of Jimmy Olsen. He
is no longer the ÒpupÓ reporter, but a newsman. He has grown up. Earlier
there was a piece on the Role of Jimmy Olsen in the Mythos. I think he could
be used to give young professionals someone to identify with. Keith could
fill the role for the youngsters. I hope Darlena is taken care of and gets
the help she needs. It would be great if the Whites or someone else adopt her
and she becomes friends with Keith. KeithÕs little gang could really use a
girl personality, IMHO.
Arthur LaMarche
========================================================
39. SUPERMAN #105, ÒMisperceptionsÓ
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Penciller: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Inker: Joe Rubinstein
Cover: Dan Jurgens & Joe Rubinstein
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.4/5.0 Shields
KM: 4.0 Shields - for the main story / 5 Shields for the secondary story
about SupermanÕs biography and a big ZOWIEEEE :-) for the
opening page!
AL: 4.0 Shields - Pretty artwork, intelligent heroes and a visit from past
villains.
AW: 4.0 Shields - Love that Garcia-Lopez! And our heroes out-think the bad
guys instead of out-pounding them!
DS: 2.0 Shields - Biff! Pow! Whack! One long fight. The trouble with
closely coupled books is filler waiting for a new MAJOR
STORY ARC to start.
JS: 3.0 Shields - Beautiful art by Garcia-Lopez, though we could have done
without the splash-page cheesecake... The story was little
more than a fight, and I never liked Psi-Phon and
Dreadnaught, anyway.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: I wrote this under the influence of Benadryl while watching
David Letterman. That should explain all the weirdness that may be read into
this review.
Kyle (what the heck is his last name anyway...), alias Green Lantern, is
taking a break from finishing up some touches on a nude painting of his model
girlfriend Kelli (I hope my wife doesnÕt see this panel!) when he suddenly
disappears. Sheesh! The guy would rather watch TV than be with his girl! [In
KyleÕs defense, KelliÕs not his girlfriend Ñ that title belongs to Darkstar
Donna Troy. ÑJeff] He deserves to get zapped! Quickly he transforms into the
unsophisticated emerald superhero as he dodges a couple of nasty-looking laser
blasts. In a matter of moments, Green Lantern is knocked unconscious by a
huge hand and we overhear a couple of voices arguing about whether he is the
real thing or an impostor.
Cut to the opening ceremonies of the commemoration of the cruise ship, S.S.
Lara, where Jimmy Olsen is feeding a live report to his new boss Cat Grant at
WGBS. Just as Superman is about to christen the ship, a giant robot arises
out of the water, surrounded by several reddish-orange globes. It is holding
Green Lantern in his right hand. Superman soars up to stop the mechanical
monster but is diverted when he sees Green Lantern falling into the ocean.
Without warning, Superman is suddenly zapped with laser beams emitted from the
hovering globes.
Superman manages to regain his composure and save Green Lantern from a near
drowning. Now the monster has picked up the yacht, which really upsets the
situation on board. Thank GOODNESS Jimmy caught Lois in midair. That was
perhaps the scariest moment, wouldnÕt you agree? :-* WGBS loses the signal,
so Cat decides to broadcast a Superman bio tape. What?? NO O.J.??????
Who the heck is Kem-L? I just threw that in to see if you were paying
attention. The test tomorrow, kids, will NOT be open book.
Superman and Green Lantern spring into action to do battle with the monster.
Suddenly Superman begins to lose his powers. Then a large flying saucer
appears out of nowhere. Green Lantern transforms himself into a colossal
force that can easily handle the giant robot. Just when things couldnÕt
possibly get any worse, we find out who is behind this mess: Dreadnaught, who
unfortunately has Superman in his grasp, and Psi-Phon, the straight-man of
this bizarre comedy duo. Am I supposed to know who these two weirdos are??
[Check out ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #442, July Ô88 ÑART] Dreadnaught looks
like he just left a bad Ninja Turtle movie. Through the use of his special
magic, Green Lantern switches places with Superman, stopping Dreadnaught from
sapping anymore of his powers. Green Lantern springs into action and captures
the two baddies, forcing the little guy to return SupermanÕs powers. This
also frees the hold on the giant robot who was being controlled by Psi-Phon.
Turns out Psi-Phon and Dreadnaught had a major grudge against Superman and
Green Lantern and wanted to inflict a little revenge. Yeah, right.
I liked this comic for several reasons. Green Lantern is a pretty cool
superhero (even if I canÕt remember Kyle whatÕs-his-name). He and Superman
make a pretty good team. The action scenes are really spectacular. I liked
the way Jimmy is featured in this issue. He is going to have severe problems
with his co-workers because he appears to be kissing up to Cat (which ainÕt
half bad!). But he held his own this time and even Lois thought he was doing
a good job. Most importantly, I REALLY enjoyed the bio tape Cat was running
during all the action. I was unfamiliar with the history of the Eradicator
and its inventor, Kem-L. Come on DC, letÕs have a little more of the Krypton
history lessons. [In November, DC will be releasing a trade paperback
focusing on the Eradicator. See COMING ATTRACTIONS for more details. ÑJeff]
And hey! Bring back SPACE GHOST!! One more thing; if DC has anymore pages
like the first one IÕm going to have to carry my comics home in a brown paper
bag.
Ken McKee
========================================================
40. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #528, ÒDeadly SilenceÓ
Writer: Karl Kesel
Penciller: Stuart Immonen
Inker: Jose Marzan, Jr.
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.4/5.0 Shields
AW: 3.0 Shields - Story is a filler, but told with a refreshing approach,
rendered beautifully by the artistic team.
AL: 4.0 Shields - I LOVED the change of perspective angle. It starts with
JimmyÕs and then goes to the Bounty HunterÕs.
DS: 2.5 Shields - Elseworlds: What if Superman was an Image comic?
Continuation of the month long wait for MOS #50 so we can
start the new MAJOR STORY ARC.
JS: 3.5 Shields - IÕve praised Immonen and Marzan enough lately, so kudos
this month to Glenn WhitmoreÕs fabulous coloring on this
title! His work is every bit as important as that of the
other two, but it is usually less acknowledged. Oh, and
the storyÕs not bad, either...
WN: 4.0 Shields - Some really beautiful art and a bounty hunter. Liked the
feel, pace and look of this story, especially that last
mirror scene.
What a nice coincidence! Just as I move my old reviewer chair from MAN OF
STEEL to ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, Kesel, Immonen and Marzan decide to take some
stylistic chances and make what could have been a very flat issue into an
enjoyable reading experience.
The story here is pretty simple. An alien (bounty hunter?) comes to Earth
seeking Hal Jordan (aka Green Lantern/Parallax) and Superman. He finds
Superman, tries to capture him, and loses. The alien narrowly escapes,
leaving behind him a confused Superman and a mysterious rocket (beacon?) in
Metropolis Harbor.
What made this issue more than a pedestrian fight scene was that the story was
told almost completely from the viewpoint of the alien. Kesel keeps the
dialogue to an absolute minimum as Immonen and Marzan beautifully render the
sights the alien encounters: A Jimmy Olsen news broadcast, the buildings and
citizens of Metropolis, Alpha Centurion, and finally a well-drawn (though
anti-climactic) battle with the Man of Steel. IÕm glad that Kesel recognizes
the artistic talents of the team, and was willing to give them a real chance
to do their stuff.
Dazzled as I was by this issue, donÕt think I was blinded to its faults. IÕve
voiced my concern over the cardinal sin of this issue several times before in
MAN OF STEEL: this story is nothing but a setup for the upcoming ÒTrial of
Superman.Ó It was meant to be a filler, hyping the upcoming extended series.
Had a less creative team handled the story, IÕd be screaming for my money
back. When will the powers at DC realize that weÕre not buying Superman to
support a corporate entity, but because we actually want to read some
EXCITING, ORIGINAL STORIES?
Every time I feel that I havenÕt bought a story, but a promotion for the next
Superman story, I become that much closer to spending my hard-earned two bucks
on something else.
Still, IÕd say Kesel, Immonen and Marzan gave me my moneyÕs worth this time
around, and I look forward to reviewing the next exciting issue of ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN.
Anatole
========================================================
41. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW #2, ÒPawnsÓ
Writer: Roger Stern
Artists: Tom Grummett & Brett Breeding
$1.95 US/$2.75 US/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.0/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - some development of new subplots
Art: 4.5 Shields - clean, well inked, nicely detailed
AL: 2.5 Shields - Too much flash-back stuff.
AW: 2.5 Shields - Average story inside, annoyingly deceptive cover.
DS: 2.5 Shields - OK, if you read this book when it came out, what happened?
No fair looking. Well, I couldnÕt remember either.
Summarize old stuff, set up new stuff. MAJOR NEW ARC to
follow, not to mention a mega-crossover that will change
the DC Universe forever (tm).
JS: 3.0 Shields - While it didnÕt match the quality of the first issue, this
one wasnÕt bad. SternÕs writing was good, though a bit
unfocused. The art seemed a little bit rushed.
Superman is trying to track down Lex Luthor to bring him back to Metropolis to
answer for his crimes. Luthor, of course, is in the background working to
keep Superman off balance. The story opens with Superman bursting through a
wall of LuthorÕs Puerto Seguro hideout only to have it blow up around him.
Luthor is, as usual, one step ahead of him. We are briefly reintroduced to
Dr. Torval Freeman, who will play a bigger role in upcoming issues.
Alpha CenturionÕs and the ContessaÕs recent activities with LexCorp are shown,
and Superman visits with Prof. Hamilton, who has been working on a containment
system for Arclight. Jimmy Olsen is again shown on the scene as a television
journalist. Perry White seems to be missing him, but Cat Grant at WGBS
couldnÕt be happier. With JimmyÕs help, she is rapidly proving her worth as
the new head of the GBS news crew.
The Contessa finally orchestrates her meeting with Alpha Centurion, who is
sure he has met her before. (Perhaps a clue to her real origin?) Break away
to a scene where Lex is shown tobe in debt to a mysterious benefactor for a
bargain made for his suspicious good health. This is an obvious lead in to
the ÒUnderworldÓ story that begins next month. Lex uses a stolen password
that lets him lay a trap using Oracle (Barbara Gordon).
Superman goes to LexÕs old island where he finds Alpha Centurion, the
Contessa, and Jimmy Olsen (with a GBS news team) on hand, inspecting the site
because the islandÕs ownership had been transferred to LexCorp. She just
wanted to check it out.
Superman no more than arrives when the IslandÕs booby traps begin to explode.
When the dust settles, there is little left of the place. Meanwhile, Luthor
has lured Dr. Freeman into a trap with a strangely transformed Parasite.
A wonderful story that both builds on current story lines and starts to lay
the background for the coming ÒUnderworldÓ multi-title cross over. My only
complaints with the story is that it seems to completely ignore many of the
supporting characters that are finally getting some coverage in the other
Superman titles. True, we do get to see what is happening to Alpha Centurion
and the Contessa (who have been largely ignored in the other Superman titles),
and we are also given a few more glimpses of JimmyÕs recent activities, but
Lois and the others are strangely absent.
Roger Stern has always been my favorite Superman writer. He has been able to
surprise me on several different occasions. I will admit to a certain amount
of suspicion as to where he is going this plot, but he is one of the few
Superman writers that I would trust to develop a plot that will do more than
just fill in the skip-week gap. I love the character of the Contessa and hope
to start seeing more of her and Alpha Centurion in the other titles. I just
hope that it proves to be something other than a re-hash of the
Luthor/Supergirl affair.
Rene' Gobeyn
________________________________________________________________
*************************************************************
End of Section 3
________________________________________________________________
OTHER SUPER-TITLES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
SUPERBOY #20, ÒThe Hunt!Ó
Guest Writer: Eddie Berganza
Guest Pencillers: Darryl Banks & Joe St. Pierre
Inkers: Doug Hazlewood & Dave Bednar
Cover by Tom Grummett & Karl Kesel
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields
VC: 2.0 Shields
AW: 3.5 Shields - Not sure what happened, but I liked the pretty pictures.
AL: 3.5 Shields - Huh? Ditto, AW.
DS: 2.0 Shields - For completists only.
JS: 1.5 Shields - Wonderful cover, but the interior was just plain bad. A
pointless story and some horrible fill-in artwork.
After KnockoutÕs appearance [see last issue], Agent Makoa is convinced that
King Shark may still be alive in the DragonsÕ Lair. After convincing Superboy
to go with him, the pair proceed undersea by themselves since Makoa was not
able to get sanctioning for the mission.
In the remnants of the aquatic base, Superboy comes face to face with the
latest incarnation of Green Lantern, who was sent by the TitansÕ government
contact to check things out. After a brief macho tussle, the two decide that
theyÕre better off working together.
Meanwhile, Makoa is trapped by the Scavenger and about to be attacked when no
sooner is the Scavenger beset by the appearance of Black Manta. Superboy and
GL exit the ruins in time to chase away predatory sharks from Makoa while the
Scavenger and Black Manta duke it out.
Although the trio are caught in what seems to be the middle of a blood feud,
the Scavenger and Black Manta inadvertently detonate nearby thermal reactors
with their fighting. Thanks to MakoaÕs quick actions, the three are able to
make it to safety.
Every time a fill-in issue appears on the stands, I usually cringe, given the
type of quality IÕve seen in other efforts. This was no exception. The story
started out with a decent premise but then got lost as soon as they went
underwater. Not only did the story not mention King Shark again, but other
guest villains came out of the woodwork Ñ ones that had *nothing* to do with
the Watery Grave story arc. Granted that it was just a fill-in, I was
disappointed that Mr. Berganza couldnÕt have come up with something less drab.
Great another undersea explosion. ThatÕs what happened last time. When you
come down to it, almost the entire story was just an exercise in futility.
There were only two bits worth mentioning that I didnÕt include in the
summary. Roxy gets a letter from the police academy (she doesnÕt open the
envelope in this issue), and the mysterious Technician discovers SuperboyÕs
glasses.
The art was passable, and I think Darryl Banks did a decent job. However, I
think Joe St. Pierre needs more practice; he even made Roxy look like Betty
from Riverdale.
I canÕt wait until next issue when our regular teams back with some very
special 30th-century visitors. IÕll be detailing what happens back in the
30th century next issue of KC to help readers follow Superboy #21.
Victor Chan
========================================================
STEEL #20, ÒLethal TendenciesÓ
Guest Writer: Ruben Diaz
Guest Penciller: Roberto Flores
Inkers: Ken Branch & Jeff Albrecht
Cover: Trebor & Albrecht
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields
DS: 3.0 Shields
JS: 2.0 Shields - Ruben Diaz writes Steel versus the Zombies. Whadda *you*
think?
A slugfest issue in which Steel is the good good-guy, Lethal is the bad
good-guy (a la the Punisher or AzBats) and Felipe DeClaude is the bad guy.
The story is unremarkable. John HenryÕs high school coach, who instilled
great virtues in our hero and taught him remarkable values about life, has
been kidnapped. The trail leads to a room filled with dead bodies and Lethal,
who is also investigating the situation, although itÕs not clear exactly why.
Clever investigation (Lethal presses the redial button on the cel phone of the
dead crook which calls the answering machine of a Food Distribution warehouse)
leads Steel and Lethal to the next stop on their investigation. They interrupt
a crook and his girl who are about to, uh, ... get to know each other. Lethal
once again cleverly gets more information out of the crook, by beating him
within an inch of his life. Steel stops him and Lethal slugs Steel,
apparently piercing his armor Ñ which seemed to repair itself and Steel in
the twinkling of an eye. They settle their differences when Steel almost
cracks one of LethalÕs ribs.
Steel then takes the crook to the police station, where the name of the boss,
DeClaude, is checked through the police files. DeClaude is checked through
central-net by a new cop at the precinct, Det. Trace ÒNew YorkÓ Minute, a
tough-talking, heavy-smoking, eye-patch-wearing cop who was transferred(?)
from NYPD. DeClaudeÕs full name appears to be either DeClaude Royce or Royce
DeClaude, who rented an entire floor of an office building several months ago
and converted it into a swanky restaurant, called ÒManÕs FoodÓ. Steel goes to
the restaurant to arrest DeClaude, whose name may have changed to Felipe
between pages. Lethal barges into the restaurant, coming through the kitchen,
where it appears that the main course on the menu may be Soylent Green.
Furthermore, DeClaude turns out to be not only a crook who serves people as
the main course in his restaurant but also turns out to not even be human.
Fisticuffs and clever quips ensue for a few pages, and eventually DeClaude and
Lethal plunge out of the window, dropping several stories to their deaths.
Except of course that Lethal teleports out of the story at this point and thus
apparently will be available as a future participant in SteelÕs world. Steel
finds his old coach and a bunch of other individuals in the freezer lockers of
the restaurant. The kidnappings appeared to have been motivated by the
exceptional physical condition of the victims. It seems to me that that would
have made them tough, but maybe tough flesh is more flavorful when served at
fancy restaurants.
Lots of bright colors and sharp contrasts in the artwork plays to advantage
with the glossy paper used in this comic. There are several splash pages
including a double page that has been split into two columns when the page is
turned sideways, depicting Lethal and DeClaude falling from the window of the
restaurant. There are several other pages that are mostly splash with three
panels or so overlaid on the splash. Flores likes to draw teeth and hair, but
his faces tend to look different from each other. The cover by Trebor and
Albrecht is one of the best Steel has had. John HenryÕs black and silver
costume are nicely set off by the huge flowing red cape in the style of
McFarlane (or maybe Kelly Jones). The building evokes more of a feeling of
Gotham City than of Washington, DC.
This story was a one-issue self-contained story by a mostly guest team. It
was nothing special because it didnÕt seem to have any interesting minor
characters Ñ other than Det. Trace Minute Ñ and consisted mostly of heroes
saving the world by beating the crap out of each other and villains. But,
things may soon be better because Weezie will be back next month when Steel
apparently takes on the Cyborg Superman in a tie in to either UNDERWORLD
UNLEASHED, the next mega-crossover that changes the DC universe forever(tm),
or the ÒTrial of Superman,Ó the soon to be current major story arc in the main
Superman books.
Dick Sidbury (sidbury@cs.uofs.edu)
========================================================
SHOWCASE Ô95 #9, ÒThe FlockÓ
Starring Lois Lane
Story: Cindy Goff
Pencils: Sal Velluto
Inks: Dick Giordano
Cover: Phil Gosier & Chip Wallace
$2.95 US/$4.25 CAN/#2.00 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 4.0/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - good story, nicely characterized
Art: 4.0 Shields - nicely detailed, good use of backgrounds
JS: 4.0 Shields - Nice story. And even though IÕm not a fan of Velluto, the
art was fairly nice as well.
At last! Nine issues into the series, I finally get the kind of story IÕve
been waiting for. A good solid story using two of the supporting cast as main
characters. Back before the Crisis, when the DC Universe imploded, both Jimmy
and Lois had their own series. This story is a good example of how the
Superman cast can contribute to the DC Universe again.
Lois and Jimmy are investigating the disappearance of four people in
Metropolis during a week of intense rain. They manage to track them down to
ÒMother GraceÕs Eternalife Ministries.Ó ÒMother GraceÓ is of course a con-
artist out to scam the good folks out of all their wealth. When Lois and
Jimmy investigate, they are discovered. Jimmy is caught and held with the
other captives while they wait to be converted. Lois in the meantime tries to
convince Grace to let her in on a piece of the action. She is thrown out, but
comes back later and discovers where the captives are being held. A flood
threatens the captives, but Lois manages to break in and save them, capturing
Grace and her gang.
ÒFour Funerals and a WeddingÓ starring Lobo
Script: Alan Grant
Penciller: Walter McDaniel
Inker: Rob Leigh
RG: Story: 2.0 Shields - great... if you like Lobo, that is
Art: 3.5 Shields - detailed with good use of background
JS: 1.5 Shields - I admit I used to read *and* enjoy Lobo. But IÕve
grown very tired of him. Sadly, his appearances will
will probably be the two best-selling issues of this
series...
Lobo is the best man at an alien wedding. During the reception he discovers
that the bride is actually a wanted murderer. A fight breaks out (this is
Lobo after all) and Lobo kills the bride and her whole gang.
ÒIn Deep DownÓ starring Martian Manhunter
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Eduardo Barreto
RG: Story: 3.5 Shields - simple well told story
Art: 2.5 Shields - clean, but lacked detail
JS: 3.0 Shields - Strong story, but weak art. Eduardo BarretoÕs better
than this.
JÕohn JÕonzz enters the mind of one of the survivors of the Titanic,
giving a dying man his last request.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
========================================================
THE NEW TITANS #126, ÒGoing HomeÓ (Meltdown #4)
Writer: Dale Hrebik
Artist: Rik Mays
Cover: William Rosado and Will Blyberg
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN/#1.50 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.9/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.5 Shields - Great story with good character development
Art: 4.0 Shields - nicely detailed, a different look for the book
JS: 3.5 Shields - Well written, with good character interaction Ñ though I
thought Supergirl was out of character briefly. Nice art
by Rik Mays.
This book is really a fill-in before the Meltdown story starts next month, but
it begins to introduce a few new plot elements to the book. There is so much
teen-age romantic angst in places that the story could have been called
Òraging hormones.Ó
The story opens with Roy Harper (Arsenal) being tossed off a bridge by one of
his best friends, Martin Santos, a Checkmate agent. A great way of
introducing the family that is caring for RoyÕs daughter, Lian. Showing Roy
as a father and Òoff dutyÓ is different, and a lot of fun. Much of the
by-play between Roy and the others is great. There are several scenes that
show Roy about to over-react in true comic book form, only to be reeled in by
the others. The dialogue is a bit strained in a few places, but mostly comes
across as bantering. Much better than standard comic fare now-a-days.
Next up we see Arsenal having a man-to-man talk with Bart Allen (Impulse). We
later find out that it is really Mirage projecting an illusion of Arsenal. Her
powers seem to be evolving a bit and growing stronger. This is good as she
has always been rather underpowered compared to the others. After Bart
leaves, she is joined by Donna (Darkstar) and Kyle (Green Lantern). While
they are talking they are attacked by the other young Titans (Tara, Bart,
Supergirl, Rose, and Jarras). After a bit of good-natured superpowered rough-
housing, the kids leave Supergirl and Arsenal talking about how the team is
developing and about some of ArsenalÕs misgivings about the job heÕs doing.
The book ends with a bit of horseplay between two STAR Labs technicians that
leads to Changeling being released from the stasis tube.
A pleasant story that is long on character development and short on fight
scenes. The art is a bit stylized and not what IÕm used to seeing in this
title. It reminds me a bit of some of the colored Manga IÕve seen but much
more detailed. IÕm not sure if IÕd like a steady diet of it, but it is a
refreshing change of pace.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
_________________________________________________________________
OTHER APPEARANCES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
SHADOWDRAGON ANNUAL #1, ÒDawn of the Dragon!Ó
Plot: Brett Breeding and David Michelinie
Script: David Michelinie
Layout Art: Dick Giordano
Finished Art: Brett Breeding
Cover: Brett Breeding & Klaus Janson
$3.50 US/$4.95 CAN/#2.50 UK
RATINGS:
Average: 3.5/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - well told origin and background
Art: 3.0 Shields - looked rushed, needed more detail
JS: 3.5 Shields - David Michelinie turns in a surprisingly well-written tale
of this ninja Robin Hood for the 90s, and Brett BreedingÕs
illustrations are pretty good. However, this character
simply does not interest me.
I was overjoyed when I saw that DC was going to spotlight this character in his
own annual. I would love to see more of Shadowdragon in the Superman books or
even as a supporting character in other DC titles. (He would make a great
partner for Catwoman.) Shadowdragon as a character has tremendous potential!
The story opens with the Shadowdragon breaking into a French electronics plant
to steal a chip that he thinks his country can use to increase its power
generation. After he defeats the robotic security, he steals the chip and
escapes. He turns the chip over to one of his accomplices to take back to
Bhutran while he leaves to come to the US.
The story then flashes back to before Prince Savitar Bandu, next in line for
the throne of Bhutran, became the Shadowdragon. He is concerned about the
coming peace talks between his father and the ambassador from the neighboring
country. Defense spending is beggaring the people of the country, and Savitar
feels that peace is his countries only hope. Rebels attack the visiting
delegation from the neighboring country of Chi-Lann and Savitar is forced to
rescue them. During the rescue Savitar learns of a supposed medical
installation just across the border in Chi-Lann, and he decides to investigate
the allegations that it is a forward base for a coming attack on his country.
He infiltrates the base and finds out that it is indeed a research
installation, but for the military. He is discovered and attacked, and in
trying to escape, he meets up with the rebels who are there to destroy the
base.
Savitar and the rebels are trapped when Savitar finds the end product of the
research - a suit of bio-enhancing armor with integrated weapons. They
eventually escape with the armor and manage to damage the installation. For
his part in the raid on the weapons installation, his father strips him of his
rank and title, and he can no longer have any part in the government of the
country.
No longer a prince, Savitar joins the rebels. After training and modifying
the armorÕs weapons he becomes the legendary Shadowdragon. The story ends
with Savitar landing in Metropolis foreshadowing his coming meetings with
Superman.
While this book is an interesting and well-told Year One story, I was a little
disappointed. I found the art lacking in detail and in most cases the
backgrounds were mostly plain or mono-colored. I got the impression that the
book was rushed.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
========================================================
GREEN ARROW #101, ÒRun of the ArrowÓ
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Pencils: Rudolfo Damaggio
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN/#1.50 UK
RATINGS:
RG: Story: 5.0 Shields - a fitting tribute to a hero
Art: 5.0 Shields - clean, uncluttered, well detailed
Oliver Queen is dead, long live Green Arrow. In yet another Ò90Õs upgrade,Ó
Green Arrow has been replaced by a new and younger model. As has happened to
Flash and Green Lantern (as well as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman if only
for a short time), DC has decided that yet another character has needed to be
ÒrefittedÓ to the nineties.
The story opens where it ended last month. Ollie is losing consciousness from
blood loss holding a deadman switch to a bomb. Superman has come to the
decision that if he removes OllieÕs arm he can get him away fast enough to
save him. Ollie says, ÒNot going to cripple me... you big blue...Ó and lets
go of the switch, setting off the bomb. Superman is blown free unharmed (of
course). There is a nicely done panel showing whatÕs left of the plane
crashing with several arrows burning with green flames falling around it. A
very nice touch. In true comic book fashion Superman scans the wreckage and
finds no trace of the body.
The rest of the book was a collection of scenes that reflected many of the
facets and parts of the kind of life he lived. Each a kind of tribute to the
hero he was. I got choked up several times and have read this one six times
as of this writing. If you are interested in reading a well done book get
this one. It was a very fitting tribute to one of DC oldest remaining heroes.
I wonÕt try to describe the settings or dialogues, except for the end where
Connor Hawke, OllieÕs unacknowledged bastard son and successor, says his final
good-bye in the way that it is said they buried the legendary Robin Hood, who
was OllieÕs role model.
Using a bow that was supposed to have belonged to Errol Flynn and used in the
original ÒThe Adventures of Robin HoodÓ movie, Connor shoots an arrow into the
woods that Ollie said reminded him most of Sherwood Forest. The last panel of
the story shows the arrow with the outlines of Ollie, Maid Marian (looking
suspiciously like Black Canary) and what can only be the shades of the
original Merry Men hoisting a flagon of ale. Seems fitting.
Quoting Zatanna as the heroes say their good-byes; ÒSo he was a hound, a rogue
and an unapologetic womanizer. But he died as he lived. He was what all of
us strive to be everyday. Oliver Queen was a HERO.Ó
IÕm really going to miss him.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
_________________________________________________________________
*****************************************************************
End of Section 4
LOOKING BACK
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ
LEGACIES: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 137
ÒCrisis in TomorrowÓ
Dec. 1976
Plot Continuity: E. Nelson Bridwell
Words: Martin Pasko
Art: Dick Dillin & Frank McLaughlin
Cover Price: .30
Rating: 3.4 shields
SUPERMAN VS. SHAZAM!
ÒWhen Earths CollideÓ
1978
Writer: Gerry Conway
Artists: Rich Buckler & Dick Giordano
Cover Price: $2.00
Rating: 4.0 shields
These two books were the ÒfirstÓ meetings of Superman and Captain Marvel. The
Shazam book had already begun, I believe, at the time of the JLA issue. This,
however, was the first crossing between the Fawcett characters and the rest of
the DC Universe. Fittingly enough, it occurred in that yearÕs annual JLA / JSA
team-up.
JLA nos. 135 and 136 held the main body of the big story. Earth-SÕ Kull the
Beastman was trying to destroy Earths 1,2, and S. At the Rock of Eternity, he
paralyzed Shazam, rendering him incapable of sending the magic lightning that
would transform Billy & Mary Batson and Freddy Freeman into the Marvel Family.
So the JLA and JSA teamed up with Earth-SÕ other heroes to stop KullÕs
henchmen. Earth-2Õs Johnny Thunder is sent to Earth-S, and his Thunderbolt
takes the place of the magic lightning, and the Marvels show up with the JLA
and JSA at the Rock.
Kull zaps Superman with red kryptonite, which sends him into a murderous rage.
Finally Superman and Captain Marvel meet Ñ on the final *2 pages* of the
3-issue long story. Cap hollers ÒHere I am, you mindless lunkhead Ñ the only
super-hero stronger than you!Ó The two guys charge each other at super- speed.
At the last second, Cap hollers the magic word. He changes back to Billy, and
the magic lightning wipes out the effects of the red K. Superman saves Billy.
And that was it for the senses-shattering first meeting of Superman and
Captain Marvel. :)
Not much to it, right? It would be two more years before they met again. This
time there were about 20 fewer superheroes involved. And since it was such a
BIG story, where else would it be but a tabloid comic?
On Mars, an alien wizard called Karmang the Evil calls forth Captain MarvelÕs
archenemy, Black Adam and the Superman - sand thing from Quarrm. He zaps Black
Adam, thus convincing both bad guys to aid him. They are each ordered to place
machines on Earth-1 and Earth-S that will draw the two worlds together,
destroying them (of course).
On Earth-1, Superman runs into Captain Marvel rampaging through Metropolis. As
they fight, Superman calls Supergirl to help him out. Cap blasts Superman with
a Òjudgment-rayÓ which, we are informed in his thought balloons, will cause
Superman to act irrationally. Turns out Cap was really Black Adam. When
Supergirl shows up, Superman tears off after Cap, saying heÕll kill him.
Back on Mars, we get KarmangÕs origin. He was the most brilliant scientist on
ancient Mars, and he wanted to be immortal. (Anybody else see where this oneÕs
headed?) He pulls a switch and blows all of his people to smithereens. He
becomes immortal, but all his people live on as phantoms, and they torment him
for eons. He thinks he can bring them back with the energy that he could
harness from blowing up the two Earths.
On Earth-S, Captain Marvel runs into the sand thing disguised as Superman. He
sets up his machine. If Superman and Cap were to team up, they might figure a
way to stop it. The disguised sand guy fights Cap, zaps him with the judgment
ray, and high-tails it out of there. Mary Marvel shows up, as Cap flies off to
Earth-1.
Back on Mars, we get to see the familiar computer graphic of two parallel
Earths colliding together. Karmang says that if the two machines are
disturbed, total planetary collapse will result. If Superman and Cap were to
team up, they might find a way to stop it; hence, KarmangÕs plan to have them
pummel each other.
Superman and Cap face off in a double-page tabloid spread, then they proceed
to beat the ungodly crap out of each other. Mary Marvel is about to help, but
Supergirl stops her. They donÕt fight Ñ instead, they sit and compare notes
like rational adults. They split up to go after Black Adam and the sand guy.
WeÕre clued in to Mary MarvelÕs hidden agenda, though Ñ Òa dreamy hunk of
hero called Superman!Ó MaryÕs got it bad for him.
While Superman and Cap battle all over the country, Karmang watches on,
tickled pink. Supergirl finds Black Adam, and whips him good. Mary finds the
Quarmm guy, and he admits that Karmang threatened Quarrm, forcing the sand guy
to help him. He tells Mary the whole story.
Supergirl and Mary team up again, and Supergirl gets Mary to ask Shazam to
tell Capt. Marvel to prolong the fight. Talk about passing the buck. The
ladies fly to Mars to sneak-attack Karmang. A fight ensues.
Meanwhile, the big beat-down continues, and Cap doesnÕt remember why theyÕre
fighting anymore. Then Superman wastes Cap with a HUGE punch, and thinks heÕs
killed Cap. Shazam appears to Superman and tells him that Cap is weaker on
Earth-1. He says that only by fighting could they regain their sanity. Then
Shazam relates the whole sordid tale.
Superman and Cap team up. They decide to go for broke. Superman superspeeds
around Earth to shore up the magnetic field, then Cap destroys the machine. At
KarmangÕs HQ, Supergirl hits a button and Karmang is tossed into Limbo, where
his people will torment him for eternity.
Superman, Supergirl, and the Marvels get together in the epilogue. Mary Marvel
tells Superman that heÕs good-lookinÕ, and hugs up on him. Supergirl wants to
show her how goofy this is, so she hugs up on Cap. Mary jumps at Supergirl,
then realizes her own goofiness. And thatÕs a wrap.
The initial JLA / JSA team-up was pretty good as usual Ñ but a complete
disappointment if what youÕre after is a big confrontation between the Big S
and the Big Red Cheese. The cover of JLA #137 is devoted to the meeting, but
itÕs only used as a throwaway scene once the main story is over.
They did it right in the tabloid. The story bears several similarities to the
first Superman / Spider-Man team-up Ñ Gerry Conway wrote both. The only thing
that really spoils it is that the two guys already know each other. This
didnÕt detract from the story, really, but two super-strangers meeting would
have been better, in my opinion.
An improvement over the Spidey team-up was the super-battle. No deus-ex-
machina power ups or downs for either character. Each guy is the respective
franchise for their universe, with similar abilities. They went all out, with
Superman coming out the winner, since Cap has reduced power on Earth-1. Would
Superman be less powerful on Earth-S? Maybe there was never a Shazam on
Earth-1, and Earth-SÕ universe didnÕt have a Krypton. I donÕt think this was
ever addressed, but oh well.
Some very nice characterization here, too. Supergirl is shown to be more
analytical and level-headed than Superman, and Mary is more impetuous than her
brother. MaryÕs boy-crazy bit was funny, but IÕm glad Supergirl wasnÕt
likewise nuts about Cap, him being a little kid and all. It just would never
work out. :)
I have to say that the tabloid stories were much better than any other
Superman stuff of the time. Maybe the special format brought out the best in
the creators. All of these books that IÕve reviewed have been well-done,
exciting stories, full of action and fun. They are the kind of straight action
stories that I loved most as a kid. I get a big kick out of them now, too.
This review also exhausts my collection of Superman tabloids. IÕm looking to
get my hands on Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, and there was a Superman vs. Wonder
Woman set in World War II that might be fun. Superman just couldnÕt get along
with ANYBODY. :) Thanks for reading, and IÕd love to hear your comments.
Joe Crowe (j.crowe4@genie.geis.com)
_________________________________________________________________
THE SILVER AGE SUPERMAN
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
by Bill Morse (billmorse@aol.com)
The Silver Age Death of Superman
Long before our recent Death of Superman hyped-up series, DC published one of
its most imaginative Imaginary stories, in which Luthor finally achieves his
goal. The storytelling transcended the typical level of Silver Age stories.
There was less contrivance, and more advancement of a logical plot.
ÒThe Death of SupermanÓ was originally published in Superman #149, in 1961. It
has been reprinted several times, in annuals and other collections. It is
available, along with many other Silver Age Superman classics, in THE GREATEST
SUPERMAN STORIES EVER TOLD. It was written by Jerry Siegel, and drawn by Curt
Swan.
Fans who only know the post-Byrne Superman will need to be reminded that the
Silver Age Luthor didnÕt have the respectable persona of a great businessman.
The public considered him a menace, and every time Superman defeated him, he
ended up back in prison. No one ever asked, since we had seen every one of
his prison escapes and plots foiled by Superman, how it was that Luthor has
such financial resources to afford the incredible technology he invented?
Unlike the grey areas in todayÕs comics, where villains frequently remain at
large, Silver Age villains were caught and imprisoned in every story.
This Three-Part Novel devotes its first chapter to LuthorÕs seeming change of
heart. While passing the prison rockpile, he notices a strange glowing rock.
He deliberately slugs a guard, who announces that Luthor will lose his soft
job in the prison library, and be assigned to the rockpile. Of course, this
is exactly what Luthor wanted. He now has the chance to examine the unearthly
boulder.
Despite LuthorÕs history of being able to construct high-tech escape devices
out of shoe laces and paper clips, he convinces the warden to allow him to use
the prison hospitalÕs laboratory for 24 hours, by promising a cure for cancer.
Luthor pleads that he wants to atone for his past crimes by giving mankind
this great gift.
Sure enough, the glowing rock is Element Z, which Luthor has long suspected
must exist somewhere in the universe. One day later (!), he delivers the cure
to the warden, who promises to have it checked out by the worldÕs leading
cancer researchers. ÒLater, that very day,Ó as unlikely as it seems, those
authorities have managed to confirm that LuthorÕs serum is exactly what he
claims. The warden predicts a Nobel prize. Luthor puts on a humble grin, and
says, ÒIÕm . . . glad! But I want no reward! I just want to make up for my
evil past!Ó (All Silver Age Comics were punctuated exclusively with
exclamation marks!)
The world, including the cast of regulars at the Daily Planet, hails Luthor as
a reformed man. Superman decides to put in a good word for him at the parole
board. We see Luthor with that phony grin again, mumbling, Ò . . . choke . .
. This is the happiest moment of my life!Ó Superman flies him to Metropolis,
where Luthor reveals his old hideout, an abandoned museum, and renounces his
exhibits honoring historical bad guys. He asks Superman to smash the statues.
Suddenly, theyÕre close buddies. Superman confides, ÒMay I admit something?
There were times, Luthor, when you had me plenty worried!Ó What a Boy Scout!
They swap stories about past struggles.
Luthor holds a press conference, announcing that his next goal is finding a
cure for heart disease. (Of course, he might have to wait until some Element
X falls into his hands.) The world eagerly awaits the next great breakthrough
by their new hero. But at the end of Chapter 1, some shadowy underworld types
pay a visit to Luthor, threatening that unless Luthor gets back on the Òkill
SupermanÓ track, he will be rubbed out.
Luthor gives them a resounding ÒNO!Ó, and they fire their pistols at him, but
fortunately, Superman has been monitoring the scene, and saves his new friend.
He gives Luthor a signal watch like Jimmy OlsenÕs. But organized crime is so
persistent in their attempts, Superman decides to build Luthor an orbiting
laboratory. When the underworld even musters their resources to launch a
missile at the satellite, Superman constructs an impenetrable shield around
it. Now Luthor has all of the pieces of his plot in place, and lures
Superman inside, where he is trapped in a chamber with a powerful Kryptonite
ray. Luthor opens a window to reveal that Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry
White are captive witnesses to SupermanÕs murder.
Luthor gloats and reveals that his reformation had all been a hoax, to gain
SupermanÕs trust, and get his final revenge. The scene lingers, as we see
Superman suffer, turn green, and finally die. Luthor lands his satellite,
allows SupermanÕs friends to leave with SupermanÕs body, and then broadcasts
his triumph to the world. The world mourns, the underworld rejoices, and
Chapter 2 ends with LuthorÕs thoughts, ÒOnly Superman stood between me and my
great goal to rule this planet! Soon, IÕll be King of the Earth!Ó (But at
least, he doesnÕt add a cackle: HaaHaaaaaaaaa!)
We move on to the ÒFuneral for a FriendÓ phase, in which friends, super and
otherwise, gather from all over the universe to pay tribute to their hero.
Some interesting observations: a nice, subtle touch was added by inking the
faces of Batman, Robin, Aquaman, and Green Arrow to resemble the styles of
their respective Silver Age illustrators. George Klein inked the entire book,
but DC occasionally used ÒcameoÓ inkers. Although this was a rare phenomenon,
it happened most often using Kurt Schaffenberger to ÒcameoÓ ink LoisÕ and
LanaÕs faces. This story also marked the first time that the members of the
Justice League and the Legion of Super Heroes were ever together in the same
room. But alas, not in the same panel. Everyone files past the glass coffin,
where the green-skinned Superman is enshrined.
Next we see scenes of revelry, as the underworld toasts Luthor., who delivers
a sadistic play-by-play: ÒHe wriggled and twisted like a worm! He sweated,
and turned green! The last thing he ever saw was my grinning face!Ó But their
party is interrupted, as (?) Superman comes bursting through the wall! He
smashes the trophy photos of SupermanÕs last grimaces, then strips off his
disguise to reveal . . . Supergirl! At this point, the world didnÕt know
there was a Supergirl. She announces that things are going to return to
normal, that sheÕll be stepping into SupermanÕs shoes, and as her first act,
she carries Luthor to Kandor, to be tried for murder. (For those unfamiliar
with Silver Age lore, Kandor was a Kryptonian city which was shrunken and
imprisoned in a bottle by Brainiac. Superman rescued the city, but it
remained shrunken in its bottle, in his Fortress, for most of the Silver Age.)
LuthorÕs trial begins, but throughout, he believes he has an ace-in-the-hole.
He is sentenced to eternity in the Phantom Zone, and plays his trump card: he
offers to enlarge their city, which even Superman failed to accomplish. He is
shocked when the judge tells him, ÒWe Kandorians donÕt make deals with
murderers!Ó
The story closes as we see Supergirl launch her career, and the world begins
to recover from its mourning.
And Superman stays dead!
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CLASSIFIEDS:
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I am looking to buy the following issues:
Superman: The Man of Steel #17
Adventures of Superman #444
Action Comics #683
Superboy & The Legion of Super-Heroes #200, 203
Help a fellow collector.
Seth Isaacs (sei101@psu.edu)
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LEXCORP: ÒYour future is in our handsÓ
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Trading cards for sale/trade!
LOIS AND CLARK
Have: 1 prototype (L&C1 - trade only)
Inserts L&C7 and BJ3, 1 set, singles
Need: Card #05 (Lex Luthor)
Prototype L&C2 (will trade even for above L&C1)
Inserts BJ4-BJ6, L&C2-L&C4, and L&C6
DC MASTER SERIES
Have: 2 sets, singles
Need: Insert DS5
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL PLATINUM SERIES
COLLECTORÕS EDITION
Have: Inserts S1, S5, and S6
1 set, singles
PREMIUM EDITION
Have: 3 sets, singles
In addition to the above, IÕm also interested in a set of the DC Villains:
Dark Judgement cards, as well as its inserts which depict Superman and his
villains. Though I would prefer trading, I will consider buying the cards
IÕm looking for Ñ at reasonable prices!
Make me an offer!
Jeff Sykes (sykes@ms.uky.edu)
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If you would like to place an ad, send it to one of the following addresses:
sykes@ms.uky.edu, DrArt95@aol.com, or KryptonCN@aol.com.
Try to keep your ads fairly short.
All advertisements must be received by the first Monday of the month to
be included in the next issue of the magazine. Be certain to include
your e-mail address in the ad.
_________________________________________________________________
*****************************************************************
End of Section 5
####
______________
THE RED HOUR: FOLCfest Ô95
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by Zoomway (Zoomway@aol.com)
If you have ever seen a Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland movie, it might make
explaining how FOLCfest Ô95 took place, a whole lot easier. Just as a group
of enthusiastic friends got together to Ôput on a showÕ in those old films, a
group of fans of Lois and Clark (FOLC) from the Lois and Clark e-mail
discussion list (LOISCLA) decided it would be fun to meet each other, tour
Warner Brothers studio (where the show is filmed) and have a dinner together.
A celebration of their favorite show.
There are hundreds of fans subscribed to the list from all over the world, of
both genders, and every age group. It was thought, and perhaps naively, that
there would maybe be two dozen or so at the most who could actually make the
trip. Gail Lefkowitz, the human dynamo who took on the Herculean task of
coordinating the fest, found herself having to put an emergency cap on
responses when the number of positive replies hit fifty, and showed no sign of
slowing down. Even at this, the numbers still crept upwards of seventy. This
response was simply from one cyber branch of Lois and Clark fandom. Had this
innocent invitation been posted on the internet, and online services, the
numbers would most certainly have required a convention. Judging by the
disappointment of those who heard about the FOLCfest belatedly, it can only be
hoped that if such an event is planned for next year, that a convention is
given serious thought.
The seventy or so fans who were fortunate enough to respond before the cap was
put on, decided to meet in mid August (Aug. 11th-13th) so that the show would
be filming for season three, and the fans might catch a glimpse of their
favorite actors. The majority of fans would be staying at the Holiday Inn in
Burbank, and a con-suite for watching tapes of the episodes, and homemade
videos, eating munchies, taking photos, and mainly communing with fellow fans
would also be located at the Holiday Inn. The fans began to arrive, and unlike
fans of other shows, the Lois and Clark fans did not show up wearing red
capes, or their underwear on the outside of their clothing. They looked
disturbingly normal.
On August 10th, fans who were a day early, eventually found their way to the
con-suite where the ÔhamperÕ was being filled. The hamper was somewhat like a
giant CARE package to the cast and crew. It contained foods, and gifts offered
by fans from different states and countries, and usually reflected the region
the fan was from; a potato Ôspud gunÕ from Idaho, Chili from Texas, and
clip-on koalas from Australia comprised some of the tokens of the fansÕ
affection for the people who make millions each week believe that a man can
fly, ÔandÕ lose his heart to Lois Lane.
The next day, August 11th, the fans all carpooled over to Warner Brothers
studio for the tour. However, with about seventy fans in attendance, plus tour
guides, it looked a bit more like a friendly invasion. The fans were treated
to a small film montage of Warner Brother classics, and the crowd cheered
loudly when Kevin CostnerÕs line ÒWhatÕs your idea of a body guard?Ó segued
into Christopher Reeve tearing open his shirt to reveal the famous Superman
shield. After the film, the fans were herded (sorry, but thereÕs no other word
for it :) down the streets that are so familiar, and yet exist nowhere else on
Earth, except on Warner BrothersÕ backlots.
Points of interest for the fans of course, were those relating directly to
their favorite television program. A group photo was taken in front of the
Daily Planet globe, and it somehow reminded me of the scene from Citizen Kane
where the purloined newspaper staff had gathered for a similar photo. The fans
also had their pictures taken in the saloon that had been run by Miss Martha
from the Tempus Fugitive episode, as well as the Kansas Insane Asylum where
Tempus was unwillingly housed. The group eventually invaded Clark KentÕs
apartment.
The fans climbed the steps to the small landing where Clark has a table and
chairs (this part of Mr. KentÕs apartment is easily seen in second seasonÕs
finale, ÒAnd the Answer Is...Ó Right down to the chairs with the shipÕs anchor
design. Passing through the door at the top of the landing leads directly into
the apartment. The furniture was covered with sheets, but a revolving wine
rack, which now hides ClarkÕs Superman costumes, was a point of interest, as
was the fact that Clark seemed to have no bed. Though this led to jokes that
Clark might be sleeping elsewhere third season, it was actually assumed that
the bed is only brought in when a scene requires its presence.
The last stop was the Daily Planet news room. This is an enormous set
fortunately, and unlike ClarkÕs apartment where small groups passed through,
all seventy plus were able to fit in quite nicely. As fans took turns sitting
in Lois or ClarkÕs chair, or behind Perry WhiteÕs desk, the tour guides seemed
to mysteriously vanish. Shortly after this, Executive Producer Robert Singer
walked from backstage onto the landing above the news room pit where the
elevators are located. He was accompanied by producer Jimmy Simons, writers
Chris Ruppenthal, Grant Rosenberg (second season), and Eugenie Ross-Lemming
who, along with partner Brad Buckner, will be writing scripts for third
season.
The fans cheered and applauded, and the impromptu panel fielded questions.
Among other things, a future episode was promised where Lois LaneÕs family
will meet Clark KentÕs, and that Lucy Lane would return, and most important to
the fans, the romance of Lois and Clark would continue. It was also obvious
that Robert Singer himself reads the listserv, because he said that someone
had referred to him as a ÔvirusÕ (this no doubt before the romance arc began),
but he seemed good humored about it, and was rather brave to put in an
appearance in front of an audience that was not terribly fond of his executive
decisions at the beginning of the second season. However, the fans were also
quick to praise his gutsiness, and the fact that he, unlike the seaQuest
executive branch, was flexible, and a gambler. His gamble paid off, and made
Lois and Clark a hit, while the lack of like action sank seaQuest to the
bottom of the ratings. Above even this, however, was his willingness to
listen, and respond to the group who understand Lois and Clark the best; the
fans.
The panel was soon joined by actress K Callan who portrays ClarkÕs mother (the
best mom in the world) Martha Kent. The fans greeted her entrance
enthusiastically, and let her know how popular she, and her character, are
with the viewers. She was not on stage long before pandemonium broke out (I
could not find a stronger word) when stars Dean Cain (Clark Kent) and Teri
Hatcher (Lois Lane, who was being carried out by her co- star) entered
accompanied by Justin Whalin (Jimmy Olsen). Justin seemed genuinely fearful at
first, and with good reason perhaps. The young actor had to unfairly bear the
brunt of fansÕ anger early last season when he was hired to replace actor
Michael Landes. However, the fans apologized, and told Justin that he had won
a place in their hearts forever when Jimmy Olsen knocked Dan Scardino (Jim
Pirri) down a flight of stairs (this rival for Lois LaneÕs affections was not
warmly received by the fans).
Don Roberts, a fan from California, shouted ÒGo Tigers!Ó to Dean Cain, a
reference to DeanÕs Princeton years. Dean asked Don what his major at
Princeton was, and when Mr. Roberts replied, ÒPlasma Physics,Ó Dean said,
ÒYeah, me too.Ó This got quite a laugh from the audience, since DeanÕs major
was history. Don also questioned Dean as to the exact nature of his knee
injury, which Dean answered in vivid detail. Due to space restraints, IÕll
e-mail the details to anyone interested, and include free a cool ASCII
illustration of the knee, which Mr. Roberts provided :) The fans also learned
that Dean Cain does not know the undernet from his underwear when asked if
heÕd ever visit the IRC (Internet Relay Chat), he said he didnÕt know the
difference between AOL (America Online subscription service) and the OIC (his
confused reference to the IRC). Teri Hatcher, on the other hand, is another
matter.
Not only did Ms. Hatcher correct Dean on his misconception, but stated that
she has lurked on the IRC listening to what the fans have to say, and she also
commented, ÒI know how filthy you people getÓ and thankfully said so with a
rather admiring smile. She mentioned some Ôcouch sceneÕ that she had read, or
overheard, as an example to back up her statement, and asked who had written
it, and apparently it is a story she shared with Dean, because he added,
ÒYeah, who wrote that.Ó Unfortunately no details of the story were given, so
no one could provide an answer. This was just a small example of how the stars
interact, even invisibly, with the fans. They seem to know as much about the
fans, as the fans know about them. This was made apparent when Tad Takara and
I were granted our fifteen minutes of fame.
Teri Hatcher asked to meet Tad. I should explain that Tad Takara is seen as
the biggest, and most gentlemanly of Teri Hatcher fans (he respectfully calls
her Ms. Hatcher instead of Teri) and defends any slight the actress may incur
throughout the Internet. Tad stepped up to the landing barrier, and shook
TeriÕs hand, and commented long afterward that his hand was still tingling. As
to my fifteen minutes of fame, I must remain a bit vague, because to this day
I am not sure who said what.
I was lurking at the back of the news room set near Perry WhiteÕs office. I
must also admit to a hearing loss that made following what was said difficult,
and it was immediately worsened when a fan screamed near my ear when Dean and
Teri appeared. There was a moment when all of the fans in front, turned and
looked at me, and I had no idea why. I was being pushed forward into the mosh
pit-like atmosphere all the way to the front of the stage. I was told
conflicting details. One person said Teri had asked for me, while another said
K Callan had asked for me, and Teri had said, ÒSo, youÕre Zoomway.Ó and yet a
third person attributed that line to Robert Singer. Perhaps a fan with
excellent hearing, and who was near the front of the stage can clear this
matter up for me, because I was still unable to hear much of anything at this
point, and did nothing much more than stare. However, being about three feet
away from such attractive people, I felt as if I were there as a ÔDonÕt Let
This Happen to YouÕ organic comparison chart.
Other highlights of the visit was Kaz, from Australia, presenting Dean with a
small wooden statue from Borneo provided by fan Lin-Suen Tan. She suggested
the statue be placed in Clark KentÕs apartment to reflect his world travels,
and Dean promised it would, so weÕll see. A small Australian film crew
photographed the Australian fans sitting with the cast, and Kaz also gave Dean
a kiss. All too soon the stars, writers and producer departed, and fans were
left with a neverending afterglow. But the festivities did not end here.
The following evening, K Callan visited the con-suite, and brought along a
Lois and Clark blooper reel. After that, everyone went across the street to
the Bombay Bicycle Club for dinner, including K Callan. IÕm afraid Ms. Callan
was not able to eat much that night. Her diet could be called adoration. The
fans wanted to talk to her, photograph her, etc. and she was extremely
gracious, and seemed to have a wonderful time. The dessert was a huge cake
with the Superman emblem in the center, which K sliced and handed out. It was
an unforgettable evening, just as the day before had been.
I have researched and written about television for sixteen years, and in that
length of time, a certain jading, and cynicism sets in. You begin to expect to
find an ÔangleÕ to everything. I have never seen a television show, still in
production by one of the big three American networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS) show
such kindness to fans, and seemingly with no other ulterior motive than to
thank them. We expected nothing, and they owed us nothing, and yet, there they
were. I am so used to fans being ignored, and even mistreated in the extreme,
that this was altogether stunning. Whether this happened due to the ÔsafeÕ
intimacy provided by computer interaction and instant feedback between fan and
creator, or, as Singer himself said, that Lois and Clark fans represent a
broad cross-section of the American viewing public (this is certainly true. I
was impressed at the wide age range from children, teen, to forty-somethings
who proudly call themselves fans), or just a kind of magic that seems to
follow the name Superman. Whatever the reason, it was an above and beyond
gesture of kindness, and wonÕt be forgotten.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
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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: November begins the ÒTriangle Year 1996Ó by concluding ÒThe Trial of
Superman.Ó In addition to the close of this major storyline, DC
presents a new year of stories from the Man of SteelÕs supporting
cast by way of SHOWCASE Ô96. The 12 issues of this series will
feature stories in which Metropolis-based heroes (and villains) are
teamed up with other members of the DC Universe. Several of its
backup stories will focus on some of the villains powered up by the
events of UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED.
If two Karl Kesel issues of Superman-family comics each month are
simply not enough to satisfy you, then youÕll love NovemberÕs
offering! SUPERMAN/TOYMAN is a one-shot special written by Mr. Kesel
and illustrated by Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger (of the
Supergirl story from issues #1-2 of SHOWCASE Ô95) which serves as a
lead-in for KennerÕs new line of Superman action figures!
Supergirl makes a guest appearance in GREEN LANTERN #70, and the
Justice League Elseworlds tale, LEAGUE OF JUSTICE, has been
rescheduled to begin this month.
Finally, DC offers two different Superman collections this month.
On November 14, SUPERMAN: ERADICATION! is a trade paperback which
reprints ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #460, 464-465, SUPERMAN #41-42, and
ACTION COMICS #651, the origin of the humanoid form of the
Eradicator (most of this is from the multi-part story, ÒThe Day
of the Krypton ManÓ). This book has a cover price of $12.95 US.
Then on November 21, DC offers the SUPERMANÕS GREATEST HITS COLLECTION
PACK, containing first printings of several issues from ÒThe Reign of
the SupermenÓ [begging the question, ÒHow many of these did they
print!?Ó :) ÑJeff]. The issues include the standard editions of
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #500-501, ACTION COMICS #687, SUPERMAN: THE MAN
OF STEEL #22, and SUPERMAN #78 and #82, as well as the collectorÕs
edition of ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #505. Each pack includes two of
four randomly inserted SkyBox trading cards, each featuring one of the
four Supermen. The retail value of the package is $13.00.
1. List of Titles by Shipping Date:
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Date: Comic title and information:
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September 5: Action Comics #715
Michelinie, G. Kane, & Rodier
Cover by Dwyer & Rodier
$1.95
Showcase Ô95 #10 (of 12)
Gangbuster Story
Ordway & Staton
Cover by Frenz
48 pgs, $2.95
Superboy Annual #2
K. Kesel/B. Kesel, Brewer, & Parks
Cover by Brewer & K. Kesel
56 pgs, $3.95
Underworld Unleashed #1 (of 3)
Waid, Porter, & Green
48 pgs, $2.95
September 12: The New Titans #127
Wolfman, Rosado, & Blyberg
$2.25
Superboy #21
FUTURE TENSE: Part 1 (of 3)
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
Cover by Grummett & K. Kesel
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #50
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 1 (of 12)
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
48 pgs, $2.95
September 19: Legion of Super-Heroes #74 (Superboy)
FUTURE TENSE: Part 2 (of 3)
Peyer/McCraw, Moder, & Boyd
Cover by A. Davis & Farmer
$2.25
Showcase Ô95 #11 (of 12)
Agent Liberty Story
Jurgens & St. Pierre
Cover by Dan Jurgens
48 pgs, $2.95
Superman #106
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 2 (of 12)
Jurgens, Frenz, & Rubinstein
Cover by Jurgens & Rubinstein
$1.95
Superman: At EarthÕs End
Tom Veitch & Frank Gomez
48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95
September 26: Action Comics Annual #7
Michelinie, D. Robertson, & Vancata
Cover by Walt Simonson
56 pgs, $3.95
Adventures of Superman #529
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 3 (of 12)
K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr.
$1.95
Legionnaires #31 (Superboy)
FUTURE TENSE: Part 3 (of 3)
Peyer/McCraw, Moy, & Carani
$2.25
The Outsiders #24 (Supergirl, Steel, Superboy, etc)
M. Barr, C. Jones, & Hunt
$2.25
Steel #21
UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED tie-in
L. Simonson, Gosier, & Faber
Cover by Gosier & Janke
$1.95
October 3: Action Comics #716
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 4 (of 12)
Michelinie, Dwyer, & Rodier
$1.95
Underworld Unleashed #2 (of 3)
Waid, Porter, & Green
48 pgs, $2.95
October 10: Superboy #22
UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED tie-in
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #51
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 5 (of 12)
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
$1.95
October 17: Doomsday Annual #1
Various
Cover by Jurgens & Ordway
56 pgs, $3.95
The New Titans #128
Wolfman, Rosado, & Blyberg
$2.25
Superman #107
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 6 (of 12)
Jurgens, Frenz, & Rubinstein
Cover by Jurgens & Rubinstein
$1.95
October 24: Adventures of Superman #530
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 7 (of 12)
UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED tie-in
K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr
$1.95
Showcase Ô95 #12 (of 12)
Supergirl Story
Charles Moore & Phil Jimenez
Cover by Tom Grummett
48 pgs, $2.95
Steel #22
A TRIAL OF SUPERMAN tie-in
L. Simonson, Gosier, & Faber
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel Gallery #1
Various Artists
Cover by Kevin Nowlan
32 pgs, $3.50
October 31: Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #3
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 8 (of 12)
UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED tie-in
Stern, Grummett, & Breeding
$1.95
Underworld Unleashed #3 (of 3)
Waid, Porter, & Green
48 pgs, $2.95
November 7: Action Comics #717
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 9 (of 12)
Michelinie, Dwyer, & Rodier
$1.95
Superman/Toyman #1
K. Kesel, Immonen, & von Grawbadger
$1.95
November 14: Superboy #23
K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #52
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 10 (of 12)
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Giordano
$1.95
November 21: Green Lantern #70 (Supergirl)
Marz, Pelletier, & Tanghal
$1.75
The New Titans #129
Wolfman, Rosado, & Blyberg
$2.25
Showcase Ô96 #1 (of 12)
Steel and Guy Gardner
Beau Smith & Sergio Cariello
Metropolis S.C.U.
Scott Ciencin
Cover by Sergio Cariello
48 pgs, $2.95
Superman #108
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 11 (of 12)
Jurgens, Frenz, & Rubinstein
$1.95
November 28: Adventures of Superman #531
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 12 (of 12)
K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan, Jr.
$1.95
League of Justice #1 (of 2)
Hannigan & Giordano
48 pgs, Prestige Format, $5.95
Steel #23
L. Simonson, Gosier, & Faber
$1.95
2. Spoilers:
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November 7:
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Action Comics #717
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 9 (of 12) - Still on the run from the
Intergalactic Tribunal, Superman finds heÕs also pursued by his most
hateful and relentless foe, the Cyborg!
Superman/Toyman #1
Leading into the January release of KennerÕs new line of Superman action
figures, DC presents this special one-shot starring the characters
featured in the first wave of figures. One of SupermanÕs most deceptively
deadly adversaries, the Toyman, engineers a plot to destroy the Man of
Steel with a lethal army of killer action figures.
November 14:
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Superboy #23
When the Technician uses SuperboyÕs super-powered visor against him, the
Kid must battle his own powers or Tana may pay the ultimate price!
Superman: The Man of Steel #52
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 10 (of 12) - ItÕs the decisive showdown
between Superman and the Cyborg. But even if the Man of Steel survives,
the charges against him *still* stand!
November 21:
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Green Lantern #70
Supergirl guest-stars as Kyle Rayner and Donna Troy break up. Plus, Kyle
gets a revealing history lesson on the Green Lantern Corps from former
Corps member, John Stewart.
The New Titans #129
MELTDOWN continues - The dark force behind the Psions is revealed, and
itÕs targeted Starfire and Changeling for a mysterious purpose. Plus:
while the captured Titans fight for their lives, Cyberion and the
remaining Titans take on the Psion/Gordanian fleet in final combat.
Showcase Ô96 #1 (of 12)
Steel and Warrior team up when Guy Gardner returns to Washington and
encounters Sledge and Executioner, in a story by Beau Smith, with pencils
by Sergio Cariello. Then, returning to Earth from his other-dimensional
exile, Aqualad endures his final steps of training... but first he must
purge the memories of his past in a tale written and illustrated by Phil
Jimenez. Finally, without the aid of Superman, Metropolis S.C.U. member
Ben Turpin must defend his city from a demon in a story by Scott Ciencin.
Superman #108
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 11 (of 12) - The sentence is passed! Superman
is to be rocketed into the nebulous, kryptonite-laden remnants of his home
planet, spelling certain doom for the Last Son of Krypton.
November 28:
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Adventures of Superman #531
THE TRIAL OF SUPERMAN: Part 12 (of 12) - The survivors of the trial
return to Earth... and the outcome offers a new role for Alpha Centurion.
League of Justice #1 (of 2)
In this Elseworlds 2-parter, a group of teenagers is transported to a
magical world of sword and sorcery. Only by helping to save this world
do the teenagers have any hope of returning home. But they can only do
that if they can secure the aid of this strange landÕs mystically-
empowered beings Ñ heroes familiar yet compellingly different.
Steel #23
When Steel is attacked by an armored super-soldier, heÕs shocked to
discover that the soldier was sent by the government because of a family
memberÕs betrayal!
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End of Section 6/Issue #17
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Jeffery D. Sykes | ÒThe cross that cost my Lord his life has given
sykes@ms.uky.edu | me mine!Ó Ñ Point of Grace, ÒThe Great DivideÓ
University of Kentucky |
Department of Mathematics | Ask me about THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET!
