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The Kryptonian Cybernet Issue 29
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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
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http://www.ms.uky.edu/~sykes/kc
Issue #29 -- Early September 1996
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CONTENTS
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Section 1: News and Notes
Superscripts: Notes from the Editor
So Many Opinions, So Little Time
Lois and Clark to Wed!
The marriage 60 years in the making is finally upon us!
Section 2: Just the FAQs
"What is the Sun-Eater?", by David T. Chappell
And Who Disguised As...
Immense Joy, by J.D. Rummel
The Mailbag
Super Merchandise
Section 3: New Comic Reviews
The Superman Titles
Superman #116, by Ken McKee
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #6, by Rene' Gobeyn
Adventures of Superman #539, by Anatole Wilson
Action Comics #726, by William J. Nixon
Section 4: New Comic Reviews
The Superman Titles (cont)
Superman: The Man of Steel #61, by Jack Grimes
Super-Family Titles
Showcase '96 #9, by Rene' Gobeyn
Steel #31, by Dick Sidbury
Superboy #32, by Arthur LaMarche
Section 5: New Comic Reviews
Super-Family Titles (cont)
Superboy and the Ravers #2, by Jeff Sykes
Supergirl #2, by Patrick Stout
Annuals, Miniseries, and Other Appearances
Action Comics Annual #8, by William J. Nixon
Eradicator #3, by Rene' Gobeyn
Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare #2, by Matt Combes
Section 6: New Comic Reviews
Annuals, Miniseries, and Other Appearances (cont)
Kingdom Come #4, by Rene' Gobeyn
Legion of Super-Heroes #85, by Rene' Gobeyn
Superman: The Serial
Chapter 3: The Reducer Ray, by Steven Younis
Section 7: After-Byrne
Blackout: Part 5
Adventures of Superman #485, by Mark Lamutt
Manuscripts of Steel
Superman/Doomsday: Hunter/Prey, by Denes House
Section 8: The Phantom Zone
Super Friends
Superman vs. Muhammed Ali, by Joe Crowe
Into the Archives
Superman #8, by Neil Ottenstein
The Girl Friend and the Pal
Jimmy Olsen Giant #104, by Jon Knutson
Section 9: TELEscopic VISION
"We Have Been Through So Much..."
by Zoomway
Episode Review
#3-06: "Don't Tug on Superman's Cape", by Marta Olson
Section 10: Coming Attractions
STAFF:
------
Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-Chief
Arthur E. LaMarche, Executive Coordinator of Reviews
Nancy Jones, Executive Coordinator of Lois and Clark Section
Editors:
Chip Chandler Curtis Herink William O'Hara
Joe Crowe Bill Meeks Shane Travis
Steve Hanes Steven Younis
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
-----------------
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 information.
All original material published in The Kryptonian Cybernet, including but not
limited to reviews, articles, and editorials, are copyright 1996 by The
Kryptonian Cybernet and the respective authors. Reprinting in any format is
expressly forbidden without the permission of The Kryptonian Cybernet and the
contributing author.
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 can be distributed, in whole, 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 -- to subscribe, send the
commands
subscribe kc
end
in the body of an e-mail message to "majordomo@novia.net" (without the
quotation marks). The program ignores the subject line of the message.
Back issues are available via ftp at oasis.novia.net. These archives can also
be reached via the Kryptonian Cybernet Homepage:
http://www.ms.uky.edu/~sykes/kc
________________________________________________________
NEWS AND NOTES
--------------
SAME CONTENT, DIFFERENT FREQUENCY
Stop and take a quick look at this issue. Note that most of the comics
we're reviewing have already seen the following issue hit the stands.
SUPERMAN, the new animated series, debuted two weeks ago, but we're not
scheduled to review it until *next* issue. This is one of the problems
with monthly publications -- a problem which is compounded when the
zine is delayed for any reason.
In order to combat this, THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is going to experiment
with a semi-monthly publication schedule for the next two months. This
will mean that every comic should be reviewed before the next issue of
the series comes out. We'll review episodes of LOIS AND CLARK and
SUPERMAN much closer to their actual airdates.
Before you panic, thinking that we're about to stuff your mailbox with
twice the amount of material we've been throwing at you each month, take
a deep breath and relax. Once underway, this will result in no more
content than you are receiving now -- you'll just get it in smaller
chunks. The one exception is this month. Since we decided this only
recently, and because we wanted to get to the premiere of SUPERMAN
quickly, we're going to run a transitional issue next week. After that,
new issues will appear around the second and final Mondays of October.
The Late September issue, mailing next Monday, will focus on the premiere
of SUPERMAN, and will also feature reviews of comics which arrived during
the first two weeks of September. It will also contain one article which
I chose to delay from this issue, and a couple of wedding-related
articles which should really see print before the weddings occur. It
will be a much shorter issue than we are normally used to!
The Early October issue will mail on about October 14, and will focus
on the premiere episodes of LOIS AND CLARK. Reviews will cover the
remaining new comics and SUPERMAN episodes from September. The Late
October issue will mail on about October 28, and will focus on the
weddings. Reviews will cover new comics, SUPERMAN episodes, and LOIS
AND CLARK episodes from the first two weeks of October. All of our
monthly columns will be divided between these two issues, none will
appear more than once.
If things run smoothly, and the work load isn't increased for us, then
we want to consider switching permanently to this format. But before
we do any such thing, we're going to get your opinion. Beginning in
October, we'll allow you to vote on whether the twice-a-month format is
an improvement or not. And your judgement on how this affects the
quality of the magazine will be one of the most important factors in
whether or not we continue the format.
SUPERMAN REWRITE
Several print sources have confirmed that Kevin Smith (CLERKS, MALLRATS),
an avid comic book fan, has been hired to rewrite the script of the
upcoming Superman feature film. According to these sources, Smith may
use some aspects of the comic epic encompassed by "The Death of Superman",
"Funeral for a Friend", and "Reign of the Supermen", and he's apparently
already expressed some ideas involving cameo appearances by other DC
heroes! Reuters/Variety reports that Warner Brothers plans to begin
filming next summer for a 1998 release.
KINGDOM CAME?
Alex Ross hinted that he and Mark Waid are working on an epilogue to
their smash Elseworlds miniseries KINGDOM COME. I've also heard that
when DC prepares its compilation of the mini-series (probably in both
trade paperback and hardcover), it will include several new story pages.
I've no idea if these are separate items -- it could be that the added
pages actually *are* the epilogue to which Ross referred. Meanwhile, DC
will offer a collection of the four issues in November -- see the
MERCHANDISE section for further information!
TRIP TO THE BARBER
Several reliable sources have told me that Superman will be finally be
getting a hair cut during the upcoming wedding storyline! A few people
have seen previews of the artwork from SUPERMAN: THE WEDDING ALBUM, and
by the time the ceremony begins, Clark will be pony-tailed no longer.
And if you think about it, this is a perfect time -- Clark has lost his
invulnerability due to the events of THE FINAL NIGHT! Now if we can just
explain why Clark and Superman got their locks shorn at the same time...
DEBATE THIS
The first US Presidential Debate has been scheduled for 9:00 PM EDT on
Sunday, October 6. This could cause delays or pre-emptions of the
special LOIS AND CLARK episode scheduled to air that night. Pay close
attention to your local listings, and check back with KC for further
information.
SUPERMAN: THE LASER DISC
Members of the alt.video.laserdisc newsgroup have begun a campaign to
have SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE released in a new laser disc in 1998. Here's
some more information from Mighty Young Joe (hiphats@pacbell.net):
1998 (2 years from now) will mark two occasions ... the 20th anniversary
of the release of SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, and the 60th anniversary of the
character's creation. This could mean the release of a "Special
Anniversary Director's Cut" of SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE with all the added
footage in a digitally remastered print with DTS soundtrack and all of
John Williams' music. With all our help, it could become a reality.
Here are some addresses where you can express your support:
The best place to request a director's cut released on laserdisc (with
THX, AC-3, second audio commentary, supplementary sections, and trailers)
is The Criterion Collection. Their E-mail is:
Klinger@voyagerco.com
Warner Home Video currently owns the rights to the first three
Christopher Reeve movies. Their address is:
Warren Lieberfarb, President
Warner Home Video
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522
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SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor
------------------------------------
SO MANY OPINIONS, SO LITTLE TIME
So many things have raised my eyebrows since last month's issue of THE
KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET, but I don't want to spend a full column on each and every
one. So this month, a hodgepodge of gripes, praise, responses, and hopes.
But first, a sad note. A little more than two and a half years ago, we were
well into the planning of the first issue of this little publication about the
Man of Steel, but we still had not come upon a name for the magazine. Enter
one of the few folks who have been with us since the very beginning, Ken McKee.
And with one little e-mailed suggestion, we had a name, THE KRYPTONIAN
CYBERNET.
Now, nearly 30 months later, the person responsible for the title of this
magazine, as well as numerous reviews and articles, is leaving us. Ken's had a
great run with KC, but changes in his life, centering on college graduation,
are pulling him away from us, at least for the foreseeable future. Ken, I'd
like to take this opportunity to wish you well and to thank you for your many
years of assistance on the Cybernet. Should you find your way back around,
we'll leave the door unlocked.
Last month I waxed angry about Kenner and the lack of availability of the Man
of Steel toys. We received several responses, some echoing my sentiments, and
some correcting me on the practices of the toy industry. Several of these
appear in this month's Mailbag. As a follow-up, let me point out that since
the last issue, I have been able to find the Wal-Mart exclusive version of the
Superman/Batman two-pack, the Ultimate Superman, and the Kryptonian Battle
Armor (which is, by the way, pretty cool). But I still haven't found anything
beyond the original five action figures. I have noticed that most toy stores
are currently emptying their old stock in preparation for the Christmas toy
season, so maybe we're about to be treated to a flood of new products. One can
only hope...
A quick thought about the upcoming comics wedding. Since the announcement, I
have learned from one of the creators and through an ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
article, that DC *did* have to scrap and/or accelerate some of its original
plans for getting Lois and Clark together in order to accommodate Warner
Brothers' wishes for a joint TV/comics wedding. I have no doubt that the team
is more than capable of making this book an incredible read *and* event. I
also enjoy the television show, as much as or more than other comic readers.
But still, I'm a bit disappointed that after 58 years of Superman comics,
versus only three years of LOIS AND CLARK, it's the comics that had to get the
short end of the stick in changing their schedules. Talk about the tail
wagging the dog.
Did we really need all of the August comics to be polybagged with an
advertising supplement? Puh-lease. I can live with a polybagged issue, *if*
it contains something special or collectible, but a booklet full of ads is
neither of these.
Good things to come out of the summer? SUPERGIRL and SUPERBOY AND THE RAVERS
are off to exceptionally strong starts, and SUPERGIRL's sales have exceeded
that of the Man of Steel's titles! And of course, who could forget KINGDOM
COME, in my opinion the single best work to come out of DC since WATCHMEN and
THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.
Now that Lois and Clark are going to be married, a very important question
arises. Members of the Superman staff have indicated that Lois and Clark were
engaged for no longer than a year or two (comics time) before they broke up.
Yet, they were engaged for over five years of our time. So how much real time
corresponds to nine months of comics time? :)
DC had better be really careful with this new Dirk Armstrong character. If
you're going to try and show opposing viewpoints, then do so in a reasonable
and unbiased way. I wouldn't consider Perry White or anyone involved with the
Planet to be ultra-liberal, so why do we need to balance them with an
ultra-conservative? So far, we've seen nothing even remotely positive about
this character -- he's being made to look like a bad guy just because he has
different politics. I'll be watching this story line very closely.
Finally, one last gripe. If you glance over at COMING ATTRACTIONS, you'll see
that DC has 20 books coming out in November which either star or feature
guest-appearances of members of the Superman family of characters. And if you
throw in Marvel's SILVER SURFER/SUPERMAN, that makes four prestige format books
in one month. The total price tag for all 21 books is almost $60. This is
simply way too much. If it costs $60 to be a Superman completist, then there's
just too much product. Contrary to popular belief, most comic readers are on a
budget. In effect, they're forcing fans to make a choice between additional
Superman books and other titles that they already enjoy -- and as much as I
enjoy the Superman characters, I don't think there's been enough high-quality
Superman work coming from DC to justify dumping the other, more consistent
titles that I read.
I propose that DC try to go six months with no specials or miniseries, and that
they try to keep the guest-appearances in other books to a minimum. And under
*no* circumstance should there be more than one Prestige Format book per month
about any one character, Elseworlds version or not. Splitting the market like
that is simply begging for low sales!
You know, from this sound of the column, you'd think that I haven't been
enjoying Superman much lately. That's really not the case -- the past few
months of the comics have been pretty good all around, and the debut of the
animated series has been fantastic. But I guess when several little things
start to bug you all at once, it can lead to a bit of overload...
Next month, I'll be more positive. I promise!
Jeff Sykes
Editor
________________________________________________________
LOIS AND CLARK TO WED!
--------------------------------
by Jeff Sykes (sykes@ms.uky.edu)
For the last six years, DC has toyed with Superman fans, using the engagement
of Lois and Clark to entice a rabid desire to see that next step in the
historic couple's relationship. Just a few short months ago, it seemed that
all hope was at an end when the engagement was broken off. But Lois and Clark
are about to emerge from the fog which has kept the two of them apart -- and in
grand fashion!
Perhaps spurred along by the impending wedding of Lois and Clark in ABC's hit
television series LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (which is
tentatively scheduled to air on October 6), DC Comics finally carries the comic
versions of Clark Kent and Lois Lane across the threshold in SUPERMAN: THE
WEDDING ALBUM!
Arriving in stores on October 9, SUPERMAN: THE WEDDING ALBUM is a triple-sized,
96-page, Miraweb format one-shot which takes place inside the current comics
continuity! This is not simply a tie-in or comic version of the LOIS AND CLARK
wedding.
The book will be released in two editions. Each version will feature a
gatefold back cover that opens to reveal the final story pages, similar to
SUPERMAN #75. The Collector's Edition will feature an embossed cardstock cover
featuring an embossed Superman "S-shield," metallic silver ink, and both matte
and gloss varnish accents. The Standard Edition features the same interior
story and art as the Collector's Edition, but it will sport different cover art
without enhancements. However, DC is offering both editions at the same price
-- $4.95 US! (The Collector's Edition will be available only to the direct
market.)
SUPERMAN: THE WEDDING ALBUM features the collaborative talents of all five
regular Superman creative teams, as well as some special guest-star talents
previously associated with the Man of Steel. And as a fitting memorial to
another legend, this book will feature previously unpublished story pages
illustrated by the late, great Curt Swan. See the end of this article for a
reported breakdown of the specific creators involved and the amount of work
they have contributed.
SUPERMAN #118, in stores October 2, serves as a prequel to SUPERMAN: THE
WEDDING ALBUM. Then a week after the main event, the story continues in
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #541, which takes Lois and Clark to Hawaii for a
honeymoon that doesn't go quite like they planned -- this arrives on October
16. Then, in ACTION COMICS #728, arriving on October 23, Lois and Clark are
threatened by the gang that almost stopped Lois from returning to Metropolis.
And in SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #63, hitting stores on October 30, the
powerless Clark Kent (who's lost his super-abilities as a results of the events
of THE FINAL NIGHT) is kidnapped and forced to reveal that he's Superman!
NOTE: Because books for October arrival were solicited in the August issue of
PREVIEWS, DC is having to do a bit of rescheduling. First, SUPERMAN: THE
WEDDING ALBUM has been retrosolicited in the September issue of PREVIEWS. Also,
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #541, ACTION COMICS #728, and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL
#63 have all been resolicited in September's PREVIEWS. All previous orders for
these books are canceled. In addition to correcting the previously announced
dates for these three books, this allows retailers the chance to augment their
orders due to additional sales from the hype which is certain to occur.
According to DC, "It's all here under one cover: the resolution of the
Lois/Clark breakup; the proposal; the plans; the tux; the dress; the shower;
the bachelor party; the bachelorette party; the trouble with in-laws; the big
fight; the visit from the Dark Knight..."
...and, of course, they get married!
On their web site, American Entertainment/Smash Magazine has posted information
about the creator contributions to this special issue. They claim that the
complete roster is as follows:
Writers:
19 pages by Dan Jurgens, current writer of SUPERMAN
17 pages by Karl Kesel, current writer of ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
18 pages by David Michelinie, current writer of ACTION COMICS
16 pages by Louise Simonson, current writer of SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL
21 pages by Roger Stern, current writer of SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL
Art teams (Pencils/Inks unless otherwise indicated):
12 pages by Ron Frenz/Josef Rubinstein, current artists of SUPERMAN
12 pages by Stuart Immonen/Jose Marzan Jr, current artists of
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
12 pages by Tom Grummett/Denis Rodier, current artists of ACTION COMICS
11 pages by Jon Bogdanove/Dennis Janke, current artists of
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL
11 pages by Paul Ryan/Brett Breeding, current artists of
SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW
9 pages by Dan Jurgens/Jerry Ordway
6 pages by Curt Swan/Jackson Guice
3 pages by Kieron Dwyer/Doug Hazlewood
2 pages by John Byrne/Terry Austin
2 pages by Kerry Gammill/Murphy Anderson
2 pages by Gil Kane/Bob McLeod
2 pages by Dick Giordano/Art Thibert
2 pages by Jim Mooney/George Perez
2 pages by Barry Kitson/Ray McCarthy
2 pages by Nick Cardy (both pencils and inks)
2 pages by Al Plastino (both pencils and inks)
Letters by Bill Oakley
Colors by Glenn Whitmore
Edited by Joey Cavalieri
For further information on SUPERMAN: THE WEDDING ALBUM, visit the DC Comics Web
Site at http://www.dccomics.com.
________________________________________________________
Just the FAQs
-------------
More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel
by David T. Chappell (dtc@acpub.duke.edu)
This month's column combines a bit of Superman history with a current topic.
It was a spin-off of a spin-off of Superman comics that led to the creation of
the great threat that now plunges Earth into a great ice age. A look into the
distant and recent past of comics will help reveal,
"What is the Sun-Eater?"
Introduction
Back in the less logical days before the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a young
Superman traveled faster than light to travel into the future to interact with
the teenaged Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th century. One of these
futuristic stories introduced a horrible menace known as a Sun-Eater. A huge
creature larger than a planet, the Sun-Eater threatened to consume the sun and
thus remove the ultimate source of all energy on Earth. Now, in the
post-Crisis universe, the modern Superman faces another Sun-Eater that prepares
to plunge the Earth into THE FINAL NIGHT.
The Pre-Crisis Days
The first Sun-Eater appeared back in a Legion of Super-Heroes story in
ADVENTURE COMICS. One of the near-omnipotent Controllers used a Sun-Eater as a
weapon to eliminate evil in his segment of the multiverse. The creature
menaced Earth's sun, but the Legionnaires confronted it in space. The Legion
obtained the help of the Fatal Five, a collection of super-villains, against
the Sun-Eater. However, the final solution lay in detonating an absorbatron
bomb deep within the creature. While Superboy volunteered to carry the bomb,
Ferro Lad recognized that the creature's red solar rays might harm the young
Kryptonian. Thus, the man who could turn into living iron took the bomb
himself. Although Ferro Lad died in the explosion, the bomb destroyed the
Sun-Eater and thus saved civilization (ADVENTURE #353). The noble death of
Ferro Lad became an important part of Legion history, and it seems only fit
that the modern incarnation of the hero should also appear just before the
Sun-Eater's attack in THE FINAL NIGHT.
Later pre-Crisis stories included other Sun-Eaters, but each creature was
defeated before it could consume the Earth's sun. Although these later stories
were always grand in scope, few managed to recapture the spirit of the original
creature's menace and the heroism of its defeat.
The Post-Crisis Sun-Eater
The first appearance of a Sun-Eater in modern continuity was in a Superman
title. During the "Time and Time Again" story line, Superman was hurled to the
30th century where he met the Legion of Super-Heroes (ADVENTURES #477, Apr 91;
also TPB). Superman's timely appearance coincided with the attack of a
Sun-Eater, and the Man of Steel eagerly joined the fight. The Legion referred
to Ferro Lad's death, and Wildfire volunteered to deliver an absorbatron bomb
to this creature's core. Although the initial attack detonated the bomb too
soon, Kal-El devised a new plan. While Superman, Lightning Lad, and Ultra Boy
used their powers to distract the Sun-Eater, Wildfire plunged deep into its
core and used an energy blast to destroy the monster. Despite Zero Hour, this
story is clearly still in continuity: not only have Mike Carlin and Roger
Stern insisted so, but a reference in LSH #85 (Oct 96) confirms it.
Furthermore, recent Legion of Super-Heroes stories have also mentioned the
Sun-Eater. Legion comics from early 1996 indicated the possible threat of an
approaching Sun-Eater, and "The Fatal Five" story line featured the modern
incarnation of the team of super-criminals. In the modern story, however, the
threat of the Sun-Eater was a false one created to force the evil team's
assemblage. Although the Fatal Five had been created just to stop the
Sun-Eater, they never faced the prey which did not exist; instead, they merely
attacked the Legion. Most importantly, the story line established that a
Sun-Eater had attacked Earth 1,000 years in the past -- in the 20th century.
Hints about the Modern Sun-Eater
In addition to hints from the 30th century, there are also clues about the
Sun-Eater in recent comics set in 1996. Stories in both THE FLASH and the
ALPHA CENTURION Special have pointed to an ice age on Earth which matches the
passage of a Sun-Eater.
In the recent "Race Against Time" story line in THE FLASH #113-118, hints of an
impending "new ice age" ran throughout the story. A history book from the
future recorded "an ice storm that will soon engulf the planet" (THE FLASH
#117, Sep 96), and a time-traveler from the future recalled that "we're on the
cusp of a global ice age that will all but destroy civilization!" (THE FLASH
#116, Aug 96) "Race Against Time" emphasized the attempt by Abra Kadabra and
Dr. Polaris to create the ice age, but they were stopped and their wave of ice
did not extend beyond Keystone City. Having worked on the revitalized
(post-Zero Hour) Legion of Super-Heroes, it seems doubtful that author Mark
Waid would introduce time paradoxes into the supposedly linear history.
In addition, the recent 1996 ALPHA CENTURION Special opened with a fight with
the mysterious Ephemera who claimed to be "the keeper of all history." She was
apparently a historian from another time era who wished to preserve a library
of certain historical documents. Ephemera's choice to appear in 1996 seemed
connected to her warning to the Centurion: "this empire is poison to collapse
soon." While one could take her words as a strange message from an alternate
time-line, it seems more likely that she was referring to the impending ice age
that would follow the Sun-Eater's attack. Considering that the story's author,
Barbara Kesel, is the wife of the author of FINAL NIGHT, she clearly would have
knowledge of this future major event in the DC Universe.
Conclusion
THE FINAL NIGHT is DC's major cross-over for 1996. When a Sun-Eater consumes
Earth's sun, it plunges the solar system into a depth of coldness it has never
experienced. While Earth's heroes struggle to save the populace, they are
powerless to stop the disaster. In particular, the loss of the sun's rays
deprive the Last Son of Krypton of his power source and leave him as weak as a
normal human. Superman is slated to appear in a number of the stories of this
major event as he must again confront a loss of super-powers. Perhaps most
important for the Man of Steel is a rediscovery of his humanity, which results
in a renewal of a love that reached its first peak when the "Krisis of the
Krimson Kryptonite" led to Clark's wedding engagement.
________________________________________________________
AND WHO DISGUISED AS...
---------------------------------------------------------
A Column of Opinion by J.D. Rummel (rummel@creighton.edu)
Immense Joy
Last month I wrote about the Filmation cartoons being rerun on USA. (I
neglected to mention that the late Ted Knight was the voice for just about
everyone in the Batman series. It's sort of amusing hearing him change his
vocal register to disguise himself .). In that review I lamented the awful
animation and sometimes shabby stories that were foisted on us, and again today
on our youth. Well, redemption is at hand.
As I write these words the new Superman animated series is only days away. By
the time you read them, you will doubtless have seen it. Like most Superman
fans I have high hopes for its success. When the Batman animated adventures
first came to the airwaves several years ago, I remember my extreme pleasure at
seeing a boyhood hero finally being produced in a manner befitting my feelings
and high regard. I hope the same treatment will be given to the new Superman
adventures. From what I have seen and read so far, I have reason to be hopeful
-- talented people are being engaged. Some trends are being bucked: The trades
have all said that the show will not be focusing on the Lois and Clark romance,
falling back to the depiction of L&C as good-natured adversaries.
What I'm hoping to see is a return to some super-feats, some super-heroics that
have long been absent from the screen. I want big explosions, death rays,
robots, scenes of a man flying and doing incredible things. I want to see
writers who love the Man of Steel devise some adventures that will challenge
them as creators and entertain us an audience. For far too long, Superman has
been pretty boring. A successful cartoon series could breathe some new life
into a very tired comic, and maybe bring in some new blood both behind the
scenes and to the audience.
It's easy to revere tradition, to want your memories given a tip of the hat.
That's why Kirk Alyn and Noel Neil are in the first movie, and why we read
in-jokes such as naming streets and parks in the series after legendary
contributors to the saga. When the movies came out years ago, I was hoping that
the original S symbol of George Reeves would be used, along with his
springboard and some vestige of the series' music. Now, I want some trace of
John Williams' score used, and some reference to, or usage of, Christopher
Reeve. Yet most importantly, while I hope that the writers honor what has
preceded them, I hope they find new ground, places they can call their own from
which they can launch new insights and aspects of an American legend. In this
same vein, check out _The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest_. While they diverge
considerably from classic Quest, they are fast paced and entertaining. Open
your minds, I say.
Not since the aforementioned Batman cartoons have I anticipated a cartoon
series. In creative efforts such as this, it's certainly possible to
disappoint, and the higher the expectation, the greater the fall if the show
fails. Frankly, I'm at a dizzying height, and not looking down. I think the new
series is gonna soar, and will carry me with it. Next month I'll let you know
what I think, as will other members of the staff here at the KC. Indeed, while
I may be very disappointed come the weekend, there is something about the
anticipation of impending goodness. Like the hope of cold water at the end of a
long run it is a simple pleasure that gives immense joy.
Away
And Who Disguised As... is copyright 1996 by J.D. Rummel. Copying this document
in any format is expressly forbidden without the written permission of the
author.
________________________________________________________
THE MAILBAG
-------------------------------------
(sykes@ms.uky.edu, KryptonCN@aol.com)
KC Responses are indented and begun with ****
===============================================
From: Richard Stevens (stevensr@nicanor.acu.edu)
I don't know about other areas, but we've been swamped by Superman Kenner
products. There are 10 figures out, my little brother has them all. The only
toy I haven't seen is the 10" Ultimate Superman, and I don't look very often.
Toy lines are strange things. Shipping lines in one area of the country can
dry up before another gets their product. Wal-Mart is the worst at this. They
ship only what arrives in their warehouse, regardless of what is or isn't
selling in the geographic locations the trucks go to.
Here in Texas, we've had a shortage of Star Wars since they came out last year!
That's just the toy business.
**** I've still only seen 8 of the 12 which have made it onto the card backs,
and three of those I saw only once several months ago. I make a point to
look around at least once a week. If you are correct in that it's just
the toy business, then I think maybe the toy business needs to work on
some changes...
===============================================
From: Jeffrey I. Michael (jmichael@slip.net)
I just read your Editor's note regarding the Kenner Superman toy line, and I
have a few comments...
First off, I seem to remember something about how toy lines like this purposely
produce a few items in the line in small quantities to spark interest, or force
active collectors to shop around (perhaps it has something to do with the idea
that they might buy more if they look harder). Remember the Clark Kent figure
in the Super Powers line several years ago? They apparently produced a few,
although I've never seen one. And I think I've seen ads for them, anywhere
from $50 to $75.
Also, there could also be a regional dependency -- although you've looked in
KY, AR, and WI, I've seen several Ultimate Superman and Superman/Batman 2-packs
still on the shelves here in San Francisco. (There's also a Warner Brothers
store here, and that may help -- they often have a number of action figures for
less than local comic shops.)
===============================================
From: Doug Smith (doug.w.smith@mci.com)
I just wanted to write and let you know that I whole-heartedly agree with you
about the Kenner action figures. I have been searching and searching for the
new figures and can't find them. (Actually, I found them once, in a local
comic shop, but the price was DOUBLE what a normal retailer would charge.)
**** We haven't really had this problem in Lexington, except maybe with STAR
WARS and SPAWN toys. I've learned from my the gentleman that owns the
comic store I frequent that he buys toys from the retailers only if he
knows that there are collectors willing to pay inflated prices. He
considers it a finder's fee -- there are some collectors who are either
unwilling or unable to be at the stores when their shipments arrive,
which is sometimes the only way to find some of the toys. On the other
hand, I have a real problem with shop owners and toy store workers who
horde all the new toys just so that they can sell them for a profit.
That's simply unethical.
===============================================
From: Teri Stearns (Teri.Stearns@igc.net)
I agree that finding any Superman toys is like hunting for a needle in a
haystack -- however, since you brought up the subject, its just as hard to find
some of the STAR WARS toys, as well. Have you ever noticed that the ones on
the shelves are the same ones over and over? The ones everybody really wants
are never available. Granted, the S-man and STAR WARS toys are supposed to be
"collectibles," but how can you collect what you can't get a hold of?
**** See, herein lies the problem, IMHO. The toymakers have started worrying
too much about the collectors and not enough above the products
themselves. For example, outside of toy collectors' magazines and comic
shop information, the only promotion Kenner has made for any of the
SUPERMAN toys was the stupid "Don't Mess With The S" commercial -- which
didn't seem to air for very long... Why aren't there ads airing during
LOIS AND CLARK and SUPERMAN, the new animated series? Haven't they ever
heard of targeting the audience?
And to add fire to the flame, a friend of mine told me when he was talking to
an employee in a certain toy store that it was all they could do to keep some
of the other employees from raiding the stock room when they get their
shipments. You know there's people out there working three jobs at places like
Target and Toys 'R' Us just so they can be the first to get these toys. And on
top of it, they get a discount! So a limited amount of toys are getting to the
stores, just not making it to the shelves. And if Kenner would get the ball
rolling on their production lines we wouldn't have this problem. Whaadaya
do???
**** I would assume ethically challenged people like this would be in it for
the money. And the simple fact is that I don't see people even willing
to pay inflated prices for the Superman toys. So hopefully, they'll
turn their attention away from these. And I agree with you about the
production lines. I truly believe that Kenner's just not producing
enough of the newer figures to meet the demand.
===============================================
From: Barb Clark (aceem@aol.com)
Just a quick note about the Superman action figures. It is the individual
stores that decide what to buy and how many. Kenner really doesn't have much
control. Complain to your local toy store. They may even be able to special
order for you.
**** I was willing to believe this for a while, but I'm finding it harder and
harder as time passes on. I *know* that even the big ticket items such
as the two-packs, Ultimate Superman, and Kryptonian Battle Armor are
selling -- newer items are clearing the shelves as soon as they hit
around here. I can't believe that the stores would choose not to order
many of the individual action figures, *knowing* that they're having no
problem selling the big items.
-- Jeff Sykes
________________________________________________________
SUPER MERCHANDISE
-----------------------------------------------
Information on Forthcoming Superman Merchandise
Descriptions courtesy of PREVIEWS catalog, copyright 1996, Diamond Comic
Distributors. For further information on (and in many cases, pictures of) the
below merchandise, see recent issues of PREVIEWS!
THESE ITEMS ARE NOT FOR SALE BY THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET or by anyone associated with it. For information on purchasing any of the merchandise listed below, contact your local comic shop.
ABBREVIATIONS:
-------------
FC: Full color
HC: Hardcover
PB: Paperback
PI: Inquire about price
SC: Softcover
Unless otherwise indicated, the product is from DC Comics.
Also keep in mind that dates listed are when Diamond will be able to
distribute the product in question. For some merchandise (books and toys
especially), you may be able to find the item at a retailer earlier
than this given date.
These monthly updates only list new merchandise solicited by PREVIEWS.
For a full listing of Superman-related merchandise, visit the Kryptonian
Cybernet Homepage!
===============================================
NOVEMBER:
--------
KINGDOM COME COLLECTOR'S SET
by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
The four individual issues of Mark Waid and Alex Ross' acclaimed and
best-selling ELSEWORLDS miniseries are now available in one package with
2 KINGDOM COME trading cards from Fleer/SkyBox! Quantities are limited
and orders may be allocated if they exceed available supply. The comics
in this set may not be first printings.
Scheduled to arrive on November 20
PI
SUPERMAN (SYMBOL) T-SHIRT
(Graphitti Designs)
Features the colorful "S" logo screenprinted in color on a navy blue 100%
cotton shirt.
L-XL, $14.95
XXL, $17.95
DC CLOISONNE PIN SETS
(Sanchez Enterprises, Inc.)
These beautiful pins feature a DC super-hero performing one of many
sporting events, such as baseball, karate, track and field, weightlifting,
wrestling, in-line skating, gymnastics, or the triathlon. Each pin
features graphics appropriate to the event and the logo of the USA team
prominently displayed. 6 pins per set.
CAUTION: All information subject to change, but should ship no later than
90 days past its scheduled shipping date.
Superman set, $27.00
________________________________________________________
NEW COMIC REVIEWS
-----------------
Ratings Panelists:
AL: Art LaMarche JS: Jeff Sykes PS: Patrick Stout
AW: Anatole Wilson KM: Ken McKee RG: Rene' Gobeyn
DS: Dick Sidbury MC: Matt Combes VV: Vic Vitek
JG: Jack Grimes WN: William J Nixon
As always, the first rating given after the average is that of the reviewer.
The average rating given for each book may correspond to a larger sample
of ratings than what is printed following the average.
THE SUPERMAN TITLES:
-------------------
Uniform Credits:
Colors: Glenn Whitmore
Separations: Digital Chameleon
Associate Editor: Mike McAvennie
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
37. SUPERMAN #116, "Sacrifice for a Superman"
The Bottle City: Part 3 (of 3)
Story: Dan Jurgens
Layouts: Ron Frenz
Finishes: Joe Rubinstein
Letters: John Costanza
Cover: Ron Frenz, Joe Rubinstein, and Patrick Martin
Pre-October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.3/5.0 Shields
KM: 4.5 Shields
MC: 2.0 Shields - All I can say is I'm glad this story is *over*.
JG: 3.0 Shields - Adequate ending to a so-so arc that repeated itself too
much. Superman looked pretty goofy with that "equipment", but I'm
glad they actually *remembered* the headgear. Did he or did he not
have lead gas in that gun? The managing editor subplot looks
*great*, though.
PS: 3.0 Shields - Not a bad ending to the first story of the revamped bottle
city; Jurgens begins to show us how being acting managing editor may
put a crimp in Clark's comings and goings as Superman. And, hey, the
first public pronouncement that the ponytail may have to go.
JS: 4.0 Shields - Good ending to the story, and very nice art by Frenz and
Rubinstein, though the TEEN TITANS preview was a bit disjointed. :)
But how can you dis an issue where Clark is told to lose the
ponytail!?
The demonic entity, Tolos, is determined to capture Superman as his next prized
possession for the bottled city of Kandor. By taking control of Cil Gand and
forcibly removing him from Kandor, Tolos hopes to beat Superman into submission
or kill him in the process. Excuse me for digressing, but I'm not too fond of
the way DC is trying to weave Kandor into the modern Superman storyline. I'm
from the old school and liked the old Kandor -- you remember, the famed city
that was founded on the planet Krypton.
The pre-Crisis Kandor housed a space ark which Jor-El planned to use to
evacuate the Kryptonians before the fateful explosion. Unfortunately the
Coluan android Brainiac miniaturized and stole the city before Jor-El could
finish the rescue ship. Forgive me if I am hesitant to accept this new and
supposedly improved version of Kandor.
Superman visits Dr. Hamilton to try and get a handle on the situation and we
get an insight into the history of Tolos. Superman explains that over the
centuries Tolos has traveled the universe, collecting a wide array of life
forms and placing them in Kandor. He also has the ability to pull out anybody
he wants and forcibly inhabit the body. Dr. Hamilton gives Superman a special
visor (see SUPERMAN #115) to aid him in the battle against Tolos.
Once again Tolos takes over Cil Gand and another battle breaks out. Superman
manages to slow down Gand's movements with a shot of leaded gasoline. Where
Superman is hypersensitive to Kryptonite, the Daxamites have a similar problem
with lead. Realizing Gand is not in the best of shape at this point, Tolos
forcibly abandons him and tries to take over Superman. The visor, however, has
been readjusted to prevent Tolos from getting inside Superman's head.
Tolos, now inside Tupperneep, the funny-little-duckbilled-friend of Gand,
sneaks up on Superman and removes the visor. The final battle for Superman's
soul begins. The full page spread of Tolos trying to inhabit Superman with
Kandor in the foreground is pretty impressive. As Superman is being drawn into
the bottled city, Gand slips on the visor. For the climactic ending he forces
Tolos to actually terminate his own existence, freeing Superman from his
control. Unfortunately, too much lead poisoning has penetrated Gand's battered
body, and he dies before Superman can help him. Superman vows to free the
inhabitants of Kandor as a final tribute to Gand's heroism.
This was a pretty good story. I read all three issues in one sitting which
made for good continuity. I was glad that very little was revealed in the
previous issues about Tolos' background, or how he continually forced the
Daxamites out of Kandor. That brings up an interesting point. I don't
understand why Tolos had to actually inhabit a Daxamite -- or anyone else for
that matter -- in order to take control of Superman. Why didn't he just do it
sometime before Superman had the visor? Slipping in and out of physical beings
didn't seem to be too big a problem, and he was almost successful in possessing
Superman. The artwork, as usual, was the greatest. It was interesting to note
the physical similarity between Superman and Cil Gand. By the way, did you
happen to notice the taped window in Dr. Hamilton's office on page 8?. Fans of
THE X-FILES will recognize that as a signal for help. Say, maybe there is
another Baldy for me if I send that observation in to DC! As a side story,
Clark has to take up the slack for Perry, who is on sick leave due to cancer.
Finally, in the middle of the book there is a sneak preview for the new TEEN
TITANS series.
As a side note, I would like to recommend a book that I had planned to review
but never got around to. THE KRYPTONITE KID, written by Joseph Torchia, takes
place in the late 1950s and involves a young boy, Jerry Chariot and his best
friend, Robert Sipanno.
"This unforgettable novel, at once touching and funny, presents Jerry Chariot,
an ordinary American kid who writes letters to Superman, because Jerry really
believes in The Man of Steel. He is a boy who yearns to be loved and yearns to
be Super in an everyday world so filled with unfairness that he must create his
own reality -- until the book's shattering conclusion makes Jerry realize who
Superman really is."
I don't think the book is still being published. I just happened to run across
it. You will laugh, cry, sigh, and never forget this wonderful book which was
named 1979 Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association. Try
getting it through the Interlibrary Loan program at your local public library.
Finally, this will be my last review for THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET. I hate long
good-byes, so I will try and keep this brief. The fact is, it's time for me to
move on. I won't be buying or reading Superman comics on a regular basis.
After acquiring the weekly issues every Monday for the last 3+ years, this will
be a difficult transition to make. Because I recently graduated from Sam
Houston State University, I will also be losing my Internet access. I thought
there might be an alternative to this problem but it doesn't seem to be working
out like I wanted.
I want to particularly thank David Chappell for his marvelous FAQs that helped
me accept the Superman of the post-Crisis era. You see, I was one of those old
timers who latched on to Superman after DC killed him off. Thank you, Jeff,
for allowing me to be a part of a wonderful project. I still can't believe you
chose my suggestion for the name of KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET. That is quite an
honor and I am humbled. I am proud to call you both my friends, even though we
have never personally met. It has been a real pleasure to be part of a team of
fantastic people who spend hours writing reviews and other stories in order to
put out a great monthly e-zine.
Over the last three years, I have managed to collect several hundred Superman
comics (past and present), had a letter published in one of the issues, and
even won a Baldy. I produced a TV show for the university called "Comic Book
Review" which spotlighted Superman in one episode. I also had my son play
Clark Kent and Superman in a local TV commercial. Just recently I was asked to
review the first edition of a new Superman comic, SUPERMAN ADVENTURES, which is
based on the upcoming show SUPERMAN, the animated series. As of this writing
the comic is not yet available to the general public.
The Last Son of Krypton has always been an important part of my life and that
will never change. I grew up with George Reeves and put on many a towel so I
could fly like my hero. Recently I videotaped an entire six hours of the old
"Superman" TV show and I have a pretty good collection of Superman cartoons. I
dressed up as Superman during my kindergarten Halloween party. Whenever a
rerun of a Superman movie comes on I disconnect my phone, microwave a big bowl
of popcorn, open a bottle of my favorite beverage -- Dr. Pepper -- and plop
myself in front of the TV. Superman is alive and well and THE KRYPTONIAN
CYBERNET proves it. There is no other magazine like it, on or off the
Internet, and the fact that it is regularly read by the staff and management of
DC proves it is a valuable addition to the Superman mythos. Superman
represents the best that mankind has to offer.
Let's hope and pray that his dream of a better world will somehow rub off on
each of us so we can all do our part for "Truth, Justice and the American Way!"
So for now, dear people, I bid you farewell. God bless each of you.
Up, Up, and AWAY!!!
Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu)
==================================================
38. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW #6, "Going to Extremes"
Writer: Roger Stern
Penciller: Paul Ryan
Inker: Brett Breeding
Letterer: John Costanza
Cover: Tom Grummett, Brett Breeding, and Patrick Martin
Fall 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 4.0/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - Solid and well told, complete.
Art: 4.0 Shields - Clean and well-detailed, nicely detailed.
MC: 3.6 Shields - Ever since I picked up the back-issue ACTION with the last
appearance of the Jackal, I've been waiting for him to pop up again.
Leave it to Stern to make this a great read.
JG: 4.4 Shields - Great! Looks like Franklin may be manipulating and taking
advantage of Clark...
PS: 4.0 Shields - Loved the homage to Terminator 2 with Jackal at Billy
Jack's Bar; Ryan's pencils and Stern's script are top-notch, and
would that be a caricature of John Costanza on the cover, whose
fresh lettering on the office door is about to be demolished by our
battling opponents?
VV: 4.0 Shields - I was ready to dislike this as another "Villain of the
month" story, but Roger done good <g>. While brute force is needed,
Superman also has to do some thinking, and forces the "villain" to do
some as well. Hmmm. Did this read a little like KINGDOM COME??? <g>
I would like to welcome Paul Ryan to the Super-team. His pencils worked well
with Brett Breeding's inks to give us another excellent book. I loved his
rendition of Superman, and I liked his Clark even more. My only complaint is
that there needs to be more background detail in his panels. There were just
too many solid color backgrounds for my taste.
>From all I had read I had expected this to be a fill in book, and that the
ongoing plots were going to be put on hold. I should have known better. Roger
Stern has proven time and again, that he has one of the best grasps on the
Superman cast and settings. This book was a case in point. While Lori and
Lois were missing, we did get a good view of the life at the Planet, with Clark
filling in for Perry.
As to the Jackal, well what can I say? He is a well done character, but he
just isn't in Superman's league. If Superman hadn't had to take out time to
rescue the innocent (and not so innocent) bystanders, the fight scene would
have been over in three to four panels. The Jackal was a good counter point
and introduction to a new Planet columnist, Dirk Armstrong. Dirk looks like he
could well be a new focus for subplot developments. For sure, his ultra
conservative views are going to cause some headaches for Clark and the Planet.
The book opens with Superman and Emil Hamilton looking into the problems with
the bottle city of Kandor. Superman leaves it with Emil so that he can look
into ways to free the people trapped inside.
Next we visit the Jackal, who is taking apart a roadhouse. He leaves and heads
into Metropolis on a stolen bike. The story picks up in the Planet city room
where Clark is trying to do his job, but he runs afoul of Mr. Stern, the
publisher. After a pleasant and brief 'discussion' we get to meet the Planet's
new columnist, Dirk Armstrong. When he learns of the Jackal's escape, we get a
brief glimpse of what his character is going to be like.
We break to Superman investigating the Jackal and his seeming intentions. The
Jackal is taking on a gun runner and manages to set the building on fire.
Superman is forced to let him go so that he can rescue people from the fire.
When the Jackal stops to try to kill the gun runner, Superman catches up with
him and easily captures him.
All in all, a very pleasant read and a good chance to catch up a bit on the
supporting cast. Something we see all too rarely.
Rene' Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)
==================================================
39. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #539, "Doppelgangster"
Plot: Karl Kesel
Script: Jerry Ordway
Pencils: Ron Lim
Inks: Klaus Janson
Letters: Albert De Guzman
Cover: Stuart Immonen, Jose Marzan, Jr., and Patrick Martin
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.2/5.0 Shields
AW: 2.5 Shields - Adequate story and art but nothing to jump up and down
about. I hate paying $2 for a setup issue.
MC: 3.8 Shields - Wow ... great pencils. Bad inks to accompany. But I'm
definitely interested in further Anomaly stories. Clark's tough time
as Managing Editor is handled well, but getting a little old. Let's
hope Perry returns soon. Praises to Kesel for an excellent issue.
JG: 4.5 Shields - Hmmm ... looks like these "one-shot wonder" villains may be
not so "one-shot" after all, considering the reappearance of Misa.
Some long-range plotting would be great from the Superteam. Love the
Cadmus appearance! And I can't stress this enough ... the managing
editor subplot is the best thing to come around the S-titles in a long
time. I'm actually excited about the next issue!
PS: 2.0 Shields - Anomaly is simply Marvel's Absorbing Man; is Kesel trying
out a potential Daredevil villain in this Superman book? But it was
nice to see the Newsboy Legion, again.
VV: 3.0 Shields - The only saving grace for me was the reality-check on
Clark's job -- I'm sure the people in the office are thinking "Peter
Principle" about Kent's temporary promotion about now.
When I picked up this comic, the strangely distorted Superman picture on the
cover gave me little hope for the story inside. But though this issue just
sets the groundwork for another story that will be told later -- which always
ticks me off -- the story inside is competently told and illustrated. Since
this is just a setup issue, there's not a whole lot to say (other than "I paid
two bucks for this?"), but I'll give it a try.
Misa, mischievous daughter of the "Hairy" leader Jude, is sneaking around
Cadmus headquarters -- just for fun, I guess -- but sets off an alarm which
scrambles the Cadmus security force. (I often wonder whether Cadmus hires more
security people than scientists.)
One security guard, Floyd Barstow, discovers her but is blasted by Misa's
gun-like weapon. Misa escapes -- which is about par for any Superman comic
these days -- but Floyd is distraught. It seems he is actually a clone of an
executed gangster, and is more than eager to prove that evil is not a genetic
trait. To give him a break, the Guardian suggests Barstow spend some time at
Cadmus' "halfway house" in Metropolis.
Now this part makes me wonder a little bit. Does this imply that Cadmus
considers clones their personal property who are basically created only to
serve Cadmus interests and not allowed to establish their own lives, or is this
just some sort of security measure for clones? I think the halfway house
should be explained further in the future.
Anyway, Floyd takes the opportunity to check out the original Floyd's old
hangout, a deserted hotel, where he undergoes a strange mutation, presumably
becoming "Anomaly."
At the same time, Clark Kent is having trouble dealing with the
responsibilities of Managing Editor, especially when he has to combine them
with his super-hero responsibilities. He blows off Lori Lemaris, then he blows
up in front of his staff, showing that superhuman patience isn't one of his
superpowers. Anomaly's sudden appearance at Bibbo's bar isn't any particular
help.
Clark sees the fight going on, changes toSuperman, and confronts Anomaly, who
has the ability to change his chemical composition to match whatever he touches
(can anyone say "Absorbing Man?") Superman tricks Anomaly into transforming
into energy, and Anomaly apparently dissipates. Superman is so used to his
foes disappearing in front of him lately, that he dismisses Anomaly's fate with
a disinterested "whatever." Floyd wakes up in his bed, convinced that he is
indeed genetically predisposed to evil. Needless to say, this will be
continued some time in the future, presumably after THE FINAL NIGHT is over.
Ron Lim's artwork was pretty good, and Klaus Janson has always been the
consummate inker. So while I'm completely at a loss to explain the sloppy
cover, I was very satisfied with the inside job. I must object, however, to
the depiction of Lori Lemaris. How exactly did she lose her hips and assume a
17-year-old's body? Immonen drew Lori as a fully mature woman, instead of
following the trend of drawing every woman like a fashion model. C'mon guys,
Lori's been married. Women in their twenties, with mature bodies, can be
beautiful too. Or am I just too old now?
In summary, this issue was competently done, with little to complain about, but
little to cheer about, either.
Anatole Wilson (awilson@vnet.ibm.com)
==================================================
40. ACTION COMICS #726, "Arms!"
Writer: David Michelinie
Guest Penciller: Tom Morgan
Inker: Denis Rodier
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Cover: Tom Grummett, Denis Rodier, and Patrick Martin
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields
WN: 2.5 Shields - Smash and grab revenge tale with a new Jimmy subplot.
JG: 3.0 Shields - Eh? The subplots are great, but Dave slipped into his
"form" this issue. "Begin with short setup, leading into big two-page
splash, insert subplots here, here, and here, have big fight". It
gets old after a while. And then, I don't care for his
dialogue/narration either.
PS: 3.0 Shields - Though Superman did make quick work of Barrage, this book
advanced a lot of the subplots -- Perry battling back to return to
work, Jimmy's tape of Lori, the deterioration of the bottle city, and
Clark's continuing struggle between an editor's responsibilities and
his mission as Superman.
VV: 2.0 Shields - "I know -- let's write a story where a super-villain strikes,
making Clark duck out of his new job, and making people wonder about
him." "I know -- let's write a story where someone comes to the
island, promises to rescue the castaways, but then gets off the island
and they remain trapped."
AW: 1.5 Shields - Yawn. Barrage is a loser, Jimmy's a sleaze, and Clark's
overworked. So what else is new?
Barrage, freshly sprung from Stryker's Island, is back in Metropolis and hungry
for revenge. His target: Maggie Sawyer. One of those ever useful boxes notes
that back in SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2, Sawyer was responsible in some way for Barrage
losing his arm. He's back to repay the debt with biblical precision.
I liked seeing more of Clark rather than Superman this issue and the way in
which he is juggling the demands on his time by Franklin and the Planet. His
erratic meeting attendance and inventive excuses for leaving early are
definitely giving Stern cause for concern.
Perry is looking a bit gaunt, and it was good to see him give in to Alice's
demands that he continue to rest rather than rushing back to the Planet. Clark
for all his 'erratic behavior' is getting by -- just about.
Clark also had to succumb to the pressures of his new role when he sent Ron
Troupe out to cover the SCU awards ceremony at Police Plaza. Maggie Sawyer is
being honored for her work with SCU when Barrage lays waste to the podium with
his improved firepower. He wants to begin his revenge by killing Dan in front
of Sawyer. Superman arrives to knock out Barrage. Barrage has had his armor
improved and is no longer a one punch lightweight. He grabs Maggie's arm with
his and prepares to remove it. Still with her wits about her, Sawyer shoots
him in the foot -- and the bullet rolls off. This gives Superman the chance to
see that Barrage doesn't have a shield protecting him. He aims his heat vision
at Barrage's exposed mouth and heats up his fillings -- ouch, serious
orthodontist bill approaching. Sawyer seizes the chance to get away to let
Superman take Barrage down.
Ron does an excellent write-up for Clark, while over at WGBS, Jimmy is
agonizing about a videotape he has been given. An art antiquities dealer
contacted Olsen with footage of a woman he believes is stealing antiquities.
Jimmy realizes that it is Lori. He's being pushed by Cat for a big story for
the sweeps, so Jim clenches his teeth and hands the tape over. I have to come
clean -- I am disappointed in Jimmy Olsen. He seems to be promising Cat her
big story and seems to have briefly succumbed to sweeps fever (and boss
pressure). I await to see how young Mr. Olsen deals with this decision and its
consequences. I liked the way Ron and Jimmy's work was shown in contrast with
the final "a man's gotta do" line. Funny how it can be twisted depending on
what you gotta do.
This is Tom Morgan's final issue as penciller, and I have enjoyed his work.
His renditions of the super-cast have been good. Perry was looking somewhat
gaunt in the face this issue, though. And I am glad Alice is there to keep him
on the right side.
A parting question US readers, did your issue come polybagged? Here in
Scotland it wasn't, I was just curious. [The US copies of the four Superman
titles released in August all came polybagged with an advertising supplement
from Time Warner and Entertainment Weekly. --Jeff]
William J Nixon (W.J.Nixon@lib.gla.ac.uk)
________________________________________________________
THE SUPERMAN TITLES (cont):
--------------------------
41. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #61, "Losin' It"
Story: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Jon Bogdanove
Inker: Dennis Janke
Letterer: Ken Lopez
Cover: Jon Bogdanove, Dennis Janke, and Patrick Martin
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.5/5.0 Shields
JG: 4.8 Shields - Fantastic! This is how it was done pre-Death, and this is
how things *should* be done. Lots of subplots, all linking with each
other in a subtle way, eventually being brought together in the main
plot. Riot looks interesting, mainly because he's different from the
"norm" super-villain. Great cliffhanger. Bring on the next issue!!
PS: 4.0 Shields - Look at the first panel on page 5, then look at the first
panel on page 7 -- when the villains pile onto Superman, it gives him
the same feeling he gets when the Planet staff mobs Clark. But
hooray, Perry is back on the job! Simonson's story covers a lot of
ground, and Bog and Janke's artwork looks great -- what a swell
cliffhanger at the old Fortress of Solitude!
JS: 3.5 Shields - I could come to *love* Riot, who'll make Superman *think*
a lot more than he's currently used to. But Superman's lack of
concern for Prof. Hamilton's safety really concerned *me*.
VV: 2.5 Shields - Why not just remove Riot in this issue, play Luthor up more,
and show more of the Fortress? Oh well, at least we get Luthor and
the Fortress.
AW: 2.5 Shields - At first I was annoyed by Superman trying to take on Luthor
while carrying Prof. Hamilton, especially since it was a foregone
conclusion. But then I decided this made Luthor more interesting, so
what the heck. Perry gets the best scenes again.
If you're a fan of the pre-Death Superman, you're going to love this issue.
The Super Team has finally brought back that magic that made the S-books so
great in '92.
First, we begin with an attack from Riot, a new, *odd* super-villain. Against
this guy, Superman has to pull his punches, because impact causes Riot to
double (hence the name, natch). Superman gets paged by his beeper! So he
wraps up his battle quickly with a dumpster, trapping all the Riots within.
The SCU shows up, but when Superman lifts the dumpster, the Riots are gone...
Ooooo.... (I *really* don't think we've seen the last of him.... them...
whatever)
At the Daily Planet, Clark is once again mobbed by his responsibilities.
*Nice* parallel to the page before last, were he was swamped by Riot, not his
coworkers. Just subtle enough to make the scene really neat. :) In his
office, Clark pulls out the pouch Riot was trying to steal from the BioLab to
find bone fragments of Doomsday! As he ponders the motives for such a crime,
Lex Luthor, aboard his yacht, is admiring his "acquisitions" ... yep, Doomsday
bones. Hmmmm....
The Contessa says good-bye to her husband before taking the helicopter to
Metropolis, because "an art treasure has recently 'surfaced'." She's off to
authenticate it. We'll get back to that later.
Over at Metro Hospital, Perry is just finishing up his Chemo treatment. I'm
glad Louise took the time to explain to our younger readers what Chemotherapy
is all about. We soon find out, as I suspected in MOT #6, that Franklin Stern
hired Dirk Armstrong against Perry's wishes, and took advantage of Clark.
Back at the Planet, Clark is still sorting through the daily troubles. Clark
brings up a good point here ... Clark has x-ray vision and super-stamina, yet
he can hardly keep up with the work load. How did Perry do it?
Clark laments about losing Lois, when suddenly the Prof's emergency signal goes
off....
At Professor Hamilton's place, we learn that Kandor's condition is quickly
getting worse. Prof suggests taking it to the Fortress of Solitude, but
Superman reminds him that it was destroyed (ACTION #693, thereabouts). The
Prof can shield the city for two hours, long enough for Clark to put the
evening edition to bed. After Clark leaves, Perry shows up looking to talk to
him about Dirk Armstrong (nice Whit cameo! :). Perry later confronts Franklin
himself, showing he's still got the fight in him. *Very* interesting....
Meanwhile, over at GBS, Cat Grant and Jimmy Olsen review the footage for their
expose on Lori Lemaris' art deals. *Is* she involved in something shady? Is
the Contessa more involved than we think? On a side note, Jimmy has really
been bugging me lately. Stealing stories, putting his job first before saving
lives. I hope he get set straight soon.
Over the ocean, as Superman is transporting the Prof and Kandor, he makes a
*big* mistake. Upon spotting Luther's yacht, he attacks it! Geez! Obviously
Luther's going to attack back! After skating certain death, the Prof convinces
Supes to let it go and move on to the Fortress.
Now wait a dog-gone minute here ... I know the pressure *is* getting to Clark,
but I don't want him "losing it" (which is the general theme this issue). I
want Clark to prove that he's got what it takes to rise *above* a nervous
breakdown *before* it happens.
Anyway, Superman cuts a way into the Fortress and starts taking a look around.
Things seem in better shape than when he last left. Even the statue of his
Kryptonian parents is as good as new (though I miss the symbolism of the old,
"broken into a thousand pieces and put back together" Statue from the Krypton
Man storyline). Suddenly, the caretaker of the Fortress reveals hims- er..
itself. One of those Kryptonian robot guys. But, unexpectedly, he fires on
Superman!
Great job all around this time. Lots of subplots, all linking with each other
in some way, while at the same time intertwining with the main plot, leaving us
with a great cliffhanger. Fantastic!
The infamous Pendulum of Quality seems to be in a big upswing lately. I just
hope the rest of the Super Team picks up a sledgehammer and *nails* it in
place.
Jack Grimes (lbmgmd@epix.net)
________________________________________________________
SUPER-FAMILY TITLES:
-------------------
SHOWCASE '96 #9, "Honor Bound"
Featuring Shadowdragon and Lady Shiva
Writer: Joan Weis
Penciller: Kevin J. West
Inkers: Keith Champagne and Ken Branch
Colorist: Dave Grafe
Letterer: Ken Bruzenak
Assoc. Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
Cover: Ron Frenz and Brett Breeding
October 1996
$2.95 US/$4.25 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 3.5 Shields - Interesting teaming of characters, well done.
Art: 3.5 Shields - Very good for a SHOWCASE, needed detailing.
JG: 2.5 Shields - Eh. So-so.
JS: 1.5 Shields - I liked Kevin West and Brett Breeding's pairing on the art,
though that one dude had an awfully big head... But the story here
was absolutely pointless.
Overall the stories in this book were better written than what we usually see
here. If you have any interest in any of the characters presented, you could
do a lot worse.
Coming off last month's superb issue this was a bit of a let down, but by
comparison to the average story that has appeared in SHOWCASE, it wasn't at all
bad. The teaming of a minor Superman cast (villain?) member and one of the
backup shady characters of the Batman cast wasn't at all out of line. In fact,
considering the characters backgrounds, it actually made sense.
The art in the story was a pleasant surprise considering some of the work we've
seen here in the past. It was very clean, the perspectives were well done, and
the inking wasn't too heavy. My only complaint is that the lack of backgrounds
made many of the panels seem unconnected.
The story is a simple one, but completely in character for both of the
heroes(?). Lady Shiva was hired to retrieve a disk from a Chinese smuggler and
then kill him for ripping off his boss. The disk contained the schematics for
an 'anti-virus card'. Just the sort of thing that Shadowdragon would be
interested in.
Lady Shiva performs her contract, but then refuses to give up the disk to
Shadowdragon. It was a pleasant surprise when Shiva put up such a wonderful
fight against Shadowdragon. It really seemed that all she was interested in
was a good work out. She had no fear of his high tech ninja tricks, and no
intention of giving up the disk. After a short battle, Shiva is clearly the
winner, but instead of pressing her advantage, she simply tells Shadowdragon
where she is going to deliver the disk and walks away. She has no problem with
him stealing the disk, *after* she delivers it. To her it is just a point of
honor.
* * *
"Illumination"
Starring Dr. Light
Writer: Joseph Illidge
Pencils: ChrisCross
Inks: Caesar
Lettering: Johnny Mann
Color: Tom McCraw
Editor: Alisande Morales
No "Super" content - not rated
Dr. Light comes out of retirement to deal with some Japanese techno thieves.
Not a bad story, but it didn't do much for me.
* * *
"Eye to Eye"
Starring Martian Manhunter
Story and Words: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Eduardo Barreto
Letterer: Clem Robbins
Colorist: Carla Feeny
Editor: Jason Hernandez-Rosenblatt
No "Super" content - not rated
An excellent story that brings out the 'human' side of J'onn. Very well
written. The art was too dark, and over inked. While it contributed well to
the mood, the over use of heavy shadows got old.
Rene' Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)
==================================================
STEEL #31, "Possession"
Writer: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Phil Gosier
Inker: Rich Faber
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Computer Colorist: Stu Chaifetz
Associate Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
Cover: Phil Gosier and Rich Faber
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields
DS: 3.0 Shields - Steel faces his inner fears and Natasha and Steel learn of
her mutant powers.
JS: 2.0 Shields - YAWN. Louise Simonson winds down her run on this book by
giving us an armorbeast? Come on, please. She and the art team are
both better than this.
Story:
At the end of the last issue, Steel was being pummeled by both Hazard's cronies
and a new demon from beyond. Flatline, Quake, and Hotspot discover to their
misfortune that the armor beast is not planning to quietly take Steel away --
instead he will take them out also. So they turn on the creature, but Quake's
vibratory wave and Hotspot's molten force don't seem to do any good, perhaps
because the beast has taken John Henry's armor from him and is wearing it
himself. The Armor beast grabs Hotspot in some kind of a blue field and is
killing her when John Henry takes matters into his own hands and hits the beast
with a spar, momentarily trapping the beast. The four decide to leave, and
Flatline chides Steel about his inability to teleport without his armor. Steel
tells him that he can indeed teleport but then he would have to leave Flatline,
Quake, and Hotspot to the mercies of the beast. Quake suggests that perhaps
the four could work together to defeat the monsters. Hazard's abandoned
cronies have offensive powers and Steel knows about his own armor, so they
should make a pretty good team.
Steel tells the others that the monster came from the white zone, the area into
which he teleports -- possibly an extension of his own mind. He may have
created the monster from his subconscious. Shades of The Tempest, or Forbidden
Planet, if you want a more contemporary reference. The monster gets loose and
pursues Steel's "team" until they cut a hole in the escape route, conveniently
below the Potomac River. The water plus the heat of Hotspot, and the tremors
of Quake do the villain in, apparently. Unfortunately, the water transforms
Hotspot back into human form -- although why this is bad is not clear to me.
Steel dives in to save her while the others open the trap doors, permitting
them to escape. They come up inside a warehouse on the river front.
Unfortunately, the armor beast arrives and goes straight for a gasoline truck
left over from THE TERMINATOR and promptly explodes it, knocking Steel's team
out and killing itself. News helicopters arrive on the scene, with Jane
Wallace leading the pack. The armor demon shows up again for one final (?)
confrontation, and John Henry grabs a chain saw and cuts off the demon's mask
to reveal the face of John Henry himself! A giant boulder hits the demon and
knocks him down. It was thrown by Natasha, who was supposed to have gone
quietly off with the rest of Steel's family as part of the "witness protection
program." She seems more related to Lois Lane than to John Henry Irons.
Interestingly, she did not take another dose of the killer drug, tar, to get
the power to toss boulders around like they were made of paper. Hearing on the
radio what was happening made her mad enough to, uh, turn into the incredible
Natasha. Although it wasn't clear how the radio reporters knew what was going
on, since none of them were on the scene in Hazard's secret hideout.
Steel and Natasha are arguing about whether she should stay with him when the
armor demon once again makes an appearance, sends a blue bolt of energy
straight up, and blows up the news chopper. Steel and his new troops sneak up
while the demon is watching the 'copter go down and knock a water tower on him.
As he lays on the ground, John Henry jumps on him, grabs his armor and
teleports both of them back to the white zone. John Henry teleports back, sans
armor and monster, claiming that he can keep the demon in the white zone under
control.
Amanda Quick, the physician who is probably in love with John Henry, shows up
on the scene and Steel confesses to her that the monster was him all along.
She disagrees, saying that it represented his fears and that he has removed
negativity from himself by disassociating himself from the fears and what they
represent. As the reporters come in on a second helicopter assault, she gives
him a quick kiss and sends Steel and his cohorts off while she has a battle of
wits with the news crew.
The episode ends with Quake and the other former Hazard compatriots offering to
shelter Steel until things cool down. Apparently risking his life to save
theirs has made them realize that Steel is a guy to be admired. He declines
the role of leader of the organization and promises to only be in charge of
Natasha, who is busy convincing Steel that she needs to be with him since her
new found powers will pose a threat to their family just as his do.
Art:
To my eye, the artwork for this issue is more of the same that the team has
been giving us for two years. If you don't have previous reviews handy, the
summary goes -- vivid colors sharply focused on glossy paper. Layout of panels
in different geometric patterns: some pages are vertical, some horizontal, and
some have a splash overlaid with panels in an arcing pattern. There are
several splash pages for drama, and a contrast is given by the level of
background detail among panels as the story flows from one to another.
Summary:
This story was the conclusion of Steel's stay in Washington and signals a
stretch in which his family is not involved in his day to day life. He will
probably only be around Natasha for the next several episodes. This also marks
the end of the Simonson/Gosier/Faber run on STEEL.
Dick Sidbury (sidbury@cs.uofs.edu)
==================================================
SUPERBOY #32, "So, Tell Me About Superboy."
Story: Ron Marz
Pencils: Ramon Bernado
Inks: Doug Hazlewood
Colors: Tom McCraw
Letters: Richard Starkings and Comicraft
Associate Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
Cover: Ramon Bernado, Doug Hazlewood, and Patrick Martin
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields
AL: 2.5 Shields
MC: 3.0 Shields - Hmmm ... it seems any time good pencils are put on a title,
they don't match up with the inks. I love Hazlewood's inks, but they
just don't fit Bernado's style. This was a good catch-up issue for me
since I don't usually collect SUPERBOY.
JG: 2.5 Shields - WHO'S WHO IN SUPERBOY. If you already know everything about
Superboy, you don't need to pick this up. The main plot with the King
Shark was blah, and the resolution was terrible. And why did Mr. Marz
have to insert that blatant dirty joke? I think I'm going to miss
Kesel.
JS: 1.1 Shields - If Superboy was an Image character, this is what his book
would be like. A lot of fighting and horrible T&A artwork. This
issue didn't give me much hope for the Marz and Bernado era. The
*only* positive is that SB exhibited a little maturity at the end.
AW: 3.5 Shields - Pretty much a breather issue. I liked the art, but wish
that every woman wasn't drawn and dressed like they're about to pose
for an SI swimsuit issue.
If you have read our rave reviews about SUPERBOY over the past couple of years,
but never took the plunge, this may be the time to do it. Then, again, it may
not be. This issue capsulates a lot of the old material and could bring you up
to speed, and it sets up some new plot lines that may be the focus of the book
for the next several months. On the negative side, the book has a new team of
artists, therefore I do not know how these new developments will be handled.
The book starts off with a skirmish between Superboy and King Shark. The Kid
thought King Shark was dead, but fans of the Superman Mythos know that a death
is not a certain thing even when a body is found 8 ). The fight rumbles on to
fill the conflict quota, while another plot line is advanced through text
overlays. In this plot, a reporter asks Tana Moon about Superboy. The
discussion is superficial at best. It is my opinion that just about any
average Joe in the DC Universe would know these simple facts, so why ask? But
it provides the new reader with an overview, or the experienced reader with
some pleasant memories.
The conversation moves to more personal issues as Superboy arrives
unexpectedly. The new reporter excuses herself, and Superboy and Tana get to
spend some much needed time together and hash out their differences. Superboy
apologizes for his actions and Tana accepts. Superboy also asks if they can
become a couple again. Tana agrees to this, but makes it clear that she wants
to take it slow. As the two soar off into the sky, we find that Tana's friend
may have more ominous plans than a simple story on Superboy....
As mentioned above, I have mixed feelings about this issue. It is a review of
the past and a set up for future issues. So it could be a great place to jump
on if you have not been along for the ride. But the issue just does not have
the same chemistry of past stories. Even though it takes place in Hawaii,
there seems to be a lot more skin than I remember from past books. It really
is not needed. Save the exaggerated legs and cleavage for Marvel. And what is
up with the character's facial expressions? Everyone looks angry -- even
Krypto. It took away from the light airy feel I got from previous Superboy
stories. Also, I really did not like the "humorous" lines. SUPERBOY was
always good for a laugh. But the "...kind of a fish story..." and "What's the
kid like under the costume?" did not even bring a smile to my face.
I think it is easier to take over the reigns of a book that is floundering than
it is to take control of a book at the top. I hope things will settle out in
the future, but I am probably being overly harsh. It is not a bad book, it
will just take me a while to adjust to the new style.
Arthur LaMarche (DrArt95@aol.com)
________________________________________________________
SUPER-FAMILY TITLES (cont):
--------------------------
SUPERBOY AND THE RAVERS #2, "This Ain't No Party!"
House Rules: Part 2
Writers: Karl Kesel and Steve Mattsson
Penciller: Paul Pelletier
Inker: Dan Davis
Letterer: Kevin Cunningham
Colorist: John Kalisz
Assoc. Editor: Chris Duffy
Editor: Frank Pittarese
Cover: Paul Pelletier and Dan Davis
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.8/5.0 Shields
JS: 4.1 Shields - I'm completely hooked -- beautiful art, strong dialogue and
characterization, and a focus on the new characters combine to make
this a fantastic addition to DC's new "lighter" approach to heroes!
MC: 4.2 Shields - It's definitely living up to *my* expectations. This is
such a great book! I love all the characters so far, and it's just
a fun action/adventure. I'll be collecting this book until the cows
come home.
JG: 3.5 Shields - Getting better...
AW: 3.5 Shields - Strangely compelling. A few more issues and I might
actually figure out what's going on.
When last we saw our young hero, he was staring down the forces of an apparent
intergalactic police force and had lost the ability to communicate with his
newfound Qwardian rival. And things haven't gotten any better, as Superboy and
Kaliber quickly flee the InterC.E.P.T. attack.
The battle proceeds with no casualties, as Superboy places himself between
Kaliber and the fire of one of the attackers, instantly earning the gratitude
and respect of the young warrior. Eventually, SB and Kaliber's hand stamps
begin working again, and the two teleport back to the Event Horizon, where rave
host Kindred Marx discovers and disposes of an InterC.E.P.T. tracking device
which had been placed on the Kid.
When D.C. (a.k.a. Sparx) stops to pet Rex, Hero's dog (who's yet to be
identified as *that* Rex), SB realizes he hasn't yet fed Krypto and exits the
scene. In his absence, the Khundian Red Shift comes looking for Sparx, so that
they might settle the problem which began in the prior issue. After some
posturing, and yet another intervention by the blue "stealth bouncer," DC and
Hero leave the Horizon to go exploring (the Horizon is currently on Earth).
But soon after they leave, they are attacked by the Red Shift. Aura finally
joins in the action, exhibiting some pretty impressive powers. With a flick of
the wrist, she flings half of the Shift off into the distance. She chases
after them, only to discover that they have landed by an abandoned alien space
craft which is desperately being guarded by a teen with a major skin problem --
most of it isn't there!
I'd venture that even more happens in this issue than in the first, which makes
it a little bit more confusing. Even so, there's something about it which just
leaves you wanting more. As usual, Kesel and Mattsson combine for incredible
characterization and dialogue, and Pelletier and Davis combine for more
stunning art -- this time avoiding the cheesecake factor which permeated issue
#1.
So what have we learned? Well, we don't know for certain that InterC.E.P.T. is
truly a police agency, and their methods seemed a little suspect to me. The
composition of this group of agents is intriguing -- the leader, Beta Tos,
appears to be Tamaranian (the Teen Titans' Starfire is Tamaranian). Other
members include Nightshade, who, unless I'm mistaken, used to be a member of
the Suicide Squad; Jack Nebula, a Darkstar, even thought the Darkstars have
since disbanded; Ephyra, a "trained ultramarine," whatever that is; and some
sort crustacean-looking alien.
As for some of the teens, we are reminded that Sparx can change into and out of
her electrical form at will, and that Kaliber appears to live by some sort of
honor code. Hero's still a bit of a mystery, but we begin to see some
backstory on Aura -- she seems to have formidable magnetic powers, a dynamite
fashion sense, and a sore spot concerning a past "escort" to the rave. And she
has absolutely no love loss for the Red Shift!
Kesel and Mattsson have managed to recapture the spark that made SUPERBOY such
a fun title for its first year or so. There's quite a bit of levity and
personality among these characters, but there's still an air of seriousness.
Also, given the fact that Superboy only appears in about half of this issue, it
appears that the creators plan to truly use this as a team book, not simply as
a "Superboy and his Amazing Friends." There's still a whole lot left for us to
discover with this title, and I look forward to every little bit!
Jeff Sykes (sykes@ms.uky.edu)
==================================================
SUPERGIRL #2, "Cat's Paw"
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Gary Frank
Inks: Cam Smith
Letters: Pat Prentice
Colors: Gene D'Angelo
Separators: Digital Chameleon
Editor: Chris Duffy
Cover: Gary Frank, Cam Smith, and Patrick Martin
October 1996
$1.95 US/$2.75 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.8/5.0 Shields
PS: 5.0 Shields
MC: 4.0 Shields - They wrapped up the supernatural storyline a little too soon
for me, but I loved the ending (after all, how better to get rid of a
cat?). Buzz is an excellent villain -- the kind you love to hate.
It's conflict at its almost-best, and I like reading it.
JS: 3.5 Shields - Gorgeous art by Gary Frank, and excellent writing by Peter
David when he's focusing on Supergirl's new situation. But I'm a bit
disturbed by the sinister background this book is already developing,
and the dogs and cats thing was just a bit too far out there...
VV: 3.4 Shields - I'm confused, but it is a good confusion. I trust Mr. David
will give us even more background on Linda, and hope that he doesn't
back down from having her be a bad person in the past.
AW: 3.0 Shields - First Artemis does it, now Supergirl battles demons. Hope
this isn't some sort of trend for female heroes ... decent art.
This is even better than the first issue, as writer Peter David tightens the
focus and lets out more background concerning the forces that led to the
miraculous combination of Supergirl and Linda Danvers.
Supergirl (and the reader) finds out that Linda Danvers was a screwed-up
person. The reader may have guessed this given the glimpses of the former
Linda's personality in issue #1. But this issue removes all doubt. Linda was
into sex, drugs, and cult sacrifice. No wonder she was removed from this
earth, and her body given to a deserving piece of pink protoplasm.
We learn much more this time around about the former Linda's former boyfriend,
Buzz, the guy who was burning her with cigarettes in issue #1. He's the one
who put the sacrificial knife into Linda before the fateful merge; prior to
that, he turned her on to drugs, sex, and other cult activities. As Supergirl
begins to realize: "Linda was no victim. Not at first. She was part of it.
An accomplice, a willing witness. She was ... evil."
No offense to Vertigo fans, but Buzz reminds me of a more reckless John
Constantine. Always up to no good, he's accompanied by a dwarf named Humbert.
Among their other dastardly deeds this issue, they kidnap reporter Cutter Sharp
and Humbert proceeds to slice him with a dagger to the roaring approval of the
massed cultists.
In Buzz, Peter David has created one sick arch-foe for the new Supergirl. A
strong clue to where their adversarial relationship may be heading is found on
page 12, where Buzz's astral image taunts Supergirl: "Seducing you as Linda to
the Chaos Cult was simply fun ... but seducing you as Supergirl will be the
true challenge."
Not to give away the ending for those who still haven't read it ... but
Supergirl's battle with the cultists' animal god from another dimension is not
to be missed. In fact, the ending might even be subtitled "The Truth About
Dogs and Cats" -- and those of you who have read it know what I mean.
Frank gives us some nice art touches this issue, such as Supergirl levitating
in mid-air or tilting to a 180-degree angle while reading. David gives us some
nice plot touches, such as Supergirl's costume no longer morphing into civilian
clothes when she becomes Linda -- "I can't morph clothes. I'm merged with a
murder victim, and now I've got ... parents!" We also get some great internal
dialogue as Supergirl muses at the end about the intentions of a higher power
or higher purpose in giving her Linda's identity (and vice versa).
I'm more excited about this second issue than I was with the Supergirl premiere
last month -- greater action, meatier dialogue, and unsettling evidence that
there may be spookier stuff in issues to come. The book is enjoyable on many
levels -- mystery, fantasy, superhero saga, and as a book about a young woman's
search for identity.
Patrick Stout (mfpms@uxa.ecn.bgu.edu)
________________________________________________________
ANNUALS, MINISERIES, AND OTHER APPEARANCES:
------------------------------------------
ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #8, "A World of Hurt"
David Michelinie am Writer
with a 'flip o' the cape' to Kieron Dwyer for story ideas
Kieron Dwyer am Artist
Albert De Guzman am Letterer
Lee Loughridge am Colorist
Digital Chameleon am Separator
Mike McAvennie am Associate Editor
KC Carlson am Editor
Cover am by Jerry Ordway
1996
$2.95 US/$4.25 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.4/5.0 Shields
WN: 2.5 Shields - A fun story as long as your tongue is firmly in your cheek.
I do find myself tiring of themes though as a recurring vehicle each
year.
JS: 3.0 Shields - Another nice story by Michelinie this month (gasp)!
However, someone else should have inked Kieron Dwyer, as the art was
fairly terrible. I realize that it was meant to be fairly harsh, but
this went a bit too far. And while I normally love Jerry Ordway's
art, his Bizarro on the cover just wasn't very ... bizarre.
VV: 4.0 Shields - Okay, so you could figure out the ending early. But it was
nice to see Bizarro again, and the mocking of today's "here today,
gone tomorrow" fads was good.
AW: 4.0 Shields - This issue was a lot of fun, and I'm always a sucker for
stories where people learn what it means to be a hero.
A thousand years in the future, theme parks are passe and theme planets are in.
Bizarro's World is just such a planet, and the kind of place which would rate
an entry in the "Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy": visit the "Nostrils of
Luv", dare to "Enter the Dragoon". There is something cheesily amusing about a
theme planet tale as a result of a theme Annual. The more time I have spent
reading this story, the more I have been amused by its offbeat tone and feel.
It's out of continuity and that works to its advantage. It's straightforward
and, with my tongue firmly in my cheek, I would say fun.
This is a story about what it means to be a hero as well as a sideways look at
theme parks and their shows. It's also full of daft little visual jokes --
beware Bizarro World's sani-paper and some of the rides.
In this future the legend of Superman lives on in a Bizarro incarnation around
which Bizarro's World has been established. The Annual opens with a homage to
the cover of ACTION COMICS #1. "Superman" throws a car and defeats the '40s
style bad guys. It's all playacting, though, and part of the Bizarro Action
Show -- a show on the wane. As the show ends, aliens frolic in the bleachers
and fathers and sons head off for other amusements. Were those mouse ears I
saw?!
Bizarro has been an attraction at B-World for at least a decade, but his
popularity has plummeted. P'Tee, his boss, an amiable Jabba the Hutt Barnum is
going to replace him with Quedzl -- a pink, fluffy four-armed creature. Quedzl
is seriously hip and the kind of attraction the son of an Ambassador wants to
see.
Just such an intergalactic ambassador has come to Bizarro World so that his
youngest son can meet Quedzl. His oldest son, Jube, is jaded and cynical about
heroes. Ten years before he was wowed by Bizarro and his heroics but now he
feels that he has outgrown such childish nonsense.
The ambassador is the target of an assassination plot. Jube discovers the
assassins and, with Bizarro's help, manages to evade them. Jube and Bizarro
then discover the latter's origins -- Lexcorp DNA. More important though are
the files they find on Superman. It's this information which has a profound
impact on Bizarro. They give him ideals and a role model he vows to live up
to: Truth, Justice, and the Bizarro way.
With Jube's help, Biz takes on the aliens trying to assassinate his father, and
they win the day. The publicity and notoriety of the rescue, and the
successful negotiation of the disarmament talks secures Bizarro World's future.
In the future, it will more fully celebrate the legend of Superman and the
ideals of truth and justice. Superman's image is even added to the new signs.
I have to admit that I have not been following the "Legends of Dead Earth"
annuals this year, and the ACTION COMICS ANNUAL is the first one which I have
caught up with. I guess I just haven't connected with the Legends theme.
But this was pure comic space opera with outlandish aliens, rayguns, and
Quedzl. The kind of galactic melange only comics can get away with. Bizarro
is a sympathetic character on the slide here. Slightly pot-bellied and more
actor than hero, it was good to see his transformation to real hero when faced
with his heritage and real villains.
Michelinie and Dwyer were reunited and I enjoyed the partnership. Dwyer gets a
flip of the cape for his ideas for this tale and there is always something to
look for throughout the story. Overall, I got the feeling that these guys
enjoyed telling this interpretation, and it showed. The art seemed to suit the
mood and was strong and consistent. Dwyer's solo work is certainly
distinctive. Even the page numbers got caught up in the spirit of this annual
by being reversed.
As Jeff has said, the annuals do seem to be, financially, a better value this
year pegged at $2.95. I think I would have picked this one up because of the
superb Ordway cover and the team who put it together. Bizarro is an
interesting member of the super-cast and this spin was a creative approach to
tackling the legend of Superman.
I do wonder, though, after (at least) 6 years of theme annuals, beginning with
the excellent ARMAGEDDON 2001, if it wouldn't be nice to have a "no theme"
theme. I am sure there are stories out there waiting to be told -- just a
thought.
While me am thinking me am buying ticket for "Face Mountain".
William J Nixon (W.J.Nixon@lib.gla.ac.uk)
==================================================
ERADICATOR #3 (of 3), "Matters of Conscience"
Writer: Ivan Velez
Penciller: Roger Robinson
Inker: John Lowe
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Colorist: Roberta Tewes
Editor: Chris Duffy
Cover: Roger Robinson and John Lowe
October 1996
$1.75 US/$2.50 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 3.0/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 3.5 Shields - Solid tightly plotted, sad but decent wrap-up.
Art: 3.5 Shields - Clean and well defined, lacked detailing.
JG: 2.6 Shields - Bad conclusion to what was a pretty good mini.
JS: 3.0 Shields - Interesting ideas in this series, but on the whole, it
just didn't work for me. Scratchy art and poor execution, though
perhaps the character *does* seem a bit more interesting now than
he has recently.
This one managed to surprise me with the ending. Considering how often that
happens, it's a sign as to the quality of the writing. Though much of and
about the Eradicator changes greatly, the rest of the DC Universe is largely
unaffected. If you are, or ever have been, a fan of The Eradicator, this
series should be in your collection. If not, then it can easily be skipped.
All through the series, the story has mostly revolved around the inner turmoil
in the Eradicator's mind. Is he really Dr. David Connor, or is he an
intelligent machine that has been reprogrammed many times during his existence?
These questions are answered, though the larger one of "Who is the
Eradicator?" remains. The story, as such, is much more of a beginning than an
ending.
The art in the series remained consistent, and generally good. I suspect that
the too-dark inking, and the drab look of some of the pages reflects more on
the quality of the paper than the art. I guess I've been spoiled by the look
of the new glossy paper that we see in the mainline titles.
The keeper of the Phantom Zone (Kem-L's creation from last issue) has followed
the Eradicator back to Earth. It quickly realizes that it isn't complete and
needs the Eradicator's body to remain in existence. Not knowing where he has
gone, the keeper flies off to Metropolis to attack David Connor's family to
draw the Eradicator to it.
The Eradicator, meanwhile, has gone off to visit with Superboy to ask him how
he deals with the fact that he is a clone, instead of a 'real' person.
Superboy is first upset with the question, taking it as a slam against him
personally. He quickly realizes that this isn't the case, and tries to answer
the question seriously.
The keeper arrives in Metropolis and attacks the Connors, destroying yet
another apartment building in the process. When the Eradicator arrives, they
fight and the Eradicator destroys the Keeper, but Sarah Connor is killed when
the building collapses on her. The Eradicator absorbs her essence like he did
David's, then she dies in his arms.
The issue ends with Sarah's funeral, and the Eradicator's final good-byes to
David's family. As he flies away, we know we'll see him again.
Rene' Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)
==================================================
JUSTICE LEAGUE: A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHTMARE #2 (of 3), "To Know a Veil"
Writers: Mark Waid and Fabian Nicieza
Pencillers: Jeff Johnson and Darick Robertson
Inkers: Jon Holdredge and Hanibal Rodriguez
Letters: Ken Lopez
Colors: Pat Garrahy
Editor: Ruben Diaz
Cover: Kevin Maguire and John Dell
October 1996
$2.95 US/$4.25 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 4.1/5.0 Shields
MC: 4.5 Shields
JG: 4.5 Shields - Just as excellent as the first issue. I don't like the
"buddy-buddy" relationship of Kyle and Wally, though.
JS: 4.0 Shields - Everything the first issue wasn't! We have great dialogue
and characterization to go along with an intriguing story. The cover
was fabulous, making a strong argument for a long-haired Supes, and
the interior art was much better than last month, at times looking
a lot like Immonen/Marzan.
VV: 3.5 Shields - I read comics back in the original JLA days (late 60's),
so seeing the team come back together is really fun, even with a
couple of "new" characters. I think Mark is going to pull a fast
one somewhere in here, though, that will catch most of us off guard.
I can't wait.
Well, we're finally moving along nicely. It's still a bit confusing, but
here's the deal so far:
J'onn J'onzz, also known as the Martian Manhunter, gets his first realization
that he's in a fake world: scribbled icons of the rest of the Justice League
members in the Martian cave walls.
Meanwhile, Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne, seemingly the only ones to completely
break from the haze, garner a plan to find the other members of the Justice
League and set them straight. Why just the Justice League? Apparently that's
the only people Bruce's super-high-tech computer can find. Coincidence? Only
to those that believe in it, Bruce says.
We catch a glimpse of the possible monstrosity behind the whole facade: The
same person Kyle drew into his comic book last issue. A being in a costume and
cape with a skull-shaped helmet, tubes running to and from the top. He mumbles
nonsense -- something for us to sort out in the final issue, I guess.
Supposedly this is Dr. Destiny.
Wally West, The Flash, boards a plane to find Kyle Rayner, the writer/artist of
the Green Lantern comic book that gave him a reality-shock.
Bruce meets up with Arthur Curry (that'd be Aquaman) in New Carthage to show
him how things really are. Cautious and disbelieving, Arthur turns it off as a
business deal -- so Bruce is forced to pull off a great move: He slams Arthur's
head into the fish tank and holds it there until he finally realizes he can
breathe. Not aware that Bruce Wayne is Batman, Arthur tells him there's no way
that he could be Bruce Wayne (if businessmen got that physical to prove a
point, what a society we'd have!). Arthur's told to be at the Empire State
Building later that night, as Bruce pulls off his disappearing act.
Wally arrives at Kyle's house, much to Kyle's dismay. Wally rants on about
Green Lantern and dreams and a team; Kyle just thinks he's a lunatic fanboy.
Wally keeps persisting and bugging and annoying Kyle until finally, he lets
loose with a blast of the familiar green energy. Wally also re-discovers his
power when he zooms out of harm's way.
It's Clark turn to visit someone now -- and that someone is Diana Prince, the
one and only Wonder Woman. He leads her onto the balcony for a firsthand
flight experience to draw her back to their real world, and they both smile as
she realizes where she's been.
Batman, Superman, WW, and Aquaman meet at their planned spot atop the Empire
State Building, agree that Dr. Destiny is the culprit, but are called away to
clear up a riot. After Flash and GL join in the fun, they band together to
find J'onn, who Superman's deduced to be in Roswell (y'know ... Area 51 and all
that junk). After exposing him to the truth, he refuses to accept the old
life; he's perfectly content with his new one.
A band of genetic sparkers, sent by Destiny, then attacks the JLA. Barrels are
thrown and explode, starting a huge fire, the one thing to which Martians are
vulnerable. With his wife and child dead, J'onn heads out of the damage,
looking very p.o.'ed. As the Destiny clan tells them the reason why they're
there (they've awakened too soon), J'onn tells them how things are *really*
gonna be: they're gonna feel the wrath of the JUSTICE LEAGUE.
Looking back through this issue again, I'm wishing that it really had only one
artist. Not that either artist is bad, it just seems to take away from the
story some. Waid and Nicieza continue to work their best into this storyline
-- there are some great points in this issue that make you just throw all
thoughts out of your mind and say "Cool."
This Destiny character is definitely a confusing one, though. I've never seen
him before in a comic book, so perhaps that's a part of it. [For a great Dr.
Destiny story, check out "Destiny's Hand" in JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA #72-75, a
story written and pencilled by Dan Jurgens and spinning out of the aftermath of
the death of Superman. --Jeff] But I hope his character clears up a little,
along with his grand scheme, by the next issue (that would be ideal ... after
all, it *is* the last one).
There's a lot of great pages in these two issues that have drawings focused on
one specific hero ... Superman in issue one, and Martian Manhunter here in
issue two. Leaves me wishing I could have the original drawings for those two
shots; they're classic!
If I were you, I'd keep my pocketbook open for that third issue. It's worth
it. I'm looking forward to reading (and reviewing) the upcoming JLA series
with all that's happened so far. I hope all of you are too. 'Til next ish...
Matt Combes (MrNandoX@aol.com)
________________________________________________________
ANNUALS, MINISERIES, AND OTHER APPEARANCES (cont):
-------------------------------------------------
KINGDOM COME, Book Four: Never-Ending Battle
By Mark Waid and Alex Ross
with Todd Klein
Painted Cover by Alex Ross
October 1996
$4.95 USA/$6.95 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 5.0/5.0 Shields
RG: 5.0 Shields - A brilliant ending, they don't come any better.
MC: 4.9 Shields - I expected a little more mayhem and destruction out of the
ending; after all, it was built as such an apocalyptic event. Notice
how all the main DC heroes of today survived; Superman, Batman, WW,
Flash, GL, etc. But it was still an excellent finish to a
more-than-excellent series. Something in the comic history books, for
sure.
JG: 5.0 Shields - Fantastic!! Left me wanting for more.
JS: 5.0 Shields - Not enough can be said here. I didn't think this issue
could top the third, but I was wrong. Alex Ross and Mark Waid really
work well together here, as there are important (and some not-so-
important) plot points which come only from the art. We *must* get
these two back together for a 60th Anniversary Superman project!
VV: 5.0 Shields - I can't wait until next month's issue whe... wait, this is
IT??? NO MORE??? WAHHHHHHHHHHH! This is the best series I've ever
read (I've only gone through issues 1-7 of CRISIS). A must read.
AW: 5.0 Shields - Wow.
I had tears in my eyes as I finished reading this book. It's never happened to
me before, when reading a comic. I've re-read it five times, and read it with
the other three, and it is still one of the most powerful stories I've read in
any media, not just comics. Waid, Ross, and DC comics should be commended on
putting out a story this good.
This limited series is probably the best overall comic story I have ever read.
In my opinion it is better than MARVELS, better than THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS,
and better than WATCHMEN. It is really a milestone book that is hard to
compare to anything else that has been done before. My only question is; "How
will they ever top this one"?
The fully painted artwork is a treasure. Every time I read it, I find myself
studying each panel looking for details that I missed before. I'm still
finding little things. I suspect that I will be for some time to come.
In this book, it all goes to hell. The meta powered beings that Superman and
his Justice League locked away have been set free by Captain Marvel. Superman
and the League are battling to keep them from running amok. The battle seems
to be fairly well matched, but it is pretty obvious that when Marvel finally
beats Superman, the rest of them will fold too.
This is when Batman and his allies arrive on the scene. They have only one
goal, and that is to preserve life. Wonder Woman, full of battle lust, is
fighting too hard, and finally kills Von Bach, before he can kill Johnny
Thunder (? I think). This seems to enrage the violent metas, but before they
can turn on the heroes, humanity steps in to settle the issue in its own way.
They drop a multi-megaton atomic bomb on the battle. Marvel sacrifices himself
trying to give the others a chance. He fails. Superman, thinking that
everyone else is dead, flies off to the UN to destroy it and everyone in it.
This is when Norman McCay steps in. He manages to calm Superman long enough
for the other survivors manage to reach the UN. The conflict is finally
resolved, and the story ends.
Did I leave anything out? Of course. I could go on for pages and not do this
book justice. It is hard to really describe all of the power of this book, and
of the others in this limited series. I guess you will just have to beg or
borrow a copy to read for yourself. [DC will release a collection of the four
issues in November. There will be a one-volume compilation later, rumored to
include new story pages and/or an epilogue. See this month's NEWS AND NOTES
and MERCHANDISE sections for more information. -- Jeff]
I just hope that DC makes this one available in a hard cover edition. I'll buy
several, just so I can make sure that each of my kids have one in their
collections.
Rene' Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)
==================================================
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #85, "Metropolis Now"
Guest-Starring Superman
Writer: Tom Peyer
Co-Plotter/Colorist: Tom McCraw
Penciller: Lee Moder
Inker: Ron Boyd
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Associate Editor: Ruben Diaz
Editor: KC Carlson
Cover: Alan Davis, Mark Farmer, and Patrick Martin
October 1996
$2.25 US/$3.25 CAN
RATINGS:
Average: 4.0/5.0 Shields
RG: Story: 3.5 Shields - A good, fun romp, not to be taken seriously.
Art: 2.5 Shields - Two dimensional, perspectives were off.
JG: 4.8 Shields - This Team 20 storyline looks like a *lot* of fun.
JS: 4.0 Shields - Gorgeous cover by Alan Davis, and though Moder's not my cup
of tea, I have to admit that his facial expressions are incredible.
Strong storytelling and characterization, though not quite the jumping
on point for new readers that I envisioned.
AW: 4.0 Shields - LSH is one of my favorite comics because of the youthful
enthusiasm of its writing and its clean artwork.
If you are not a regular reader (you're missing some good stuff!) then you can
probably skip this one. Superman is only in the last three pages, and two of
those are full page panels. I was really hoping for more.
This story is just a way of introducing the LSH characters to the 20th century.
Almost everything else is just a collection of misunderstandings. The scene
where Gates transports into the middle of one of Jimmy Olsen's GBS news reports
was fun. The scenes where the kids are facing down the SCU before Superman
straightens things out were even better. Watching Shvaughn (30th century cop)
face down Inferno (neither are Legionnaires) over attacking the SCU was
excellent.
All the confusion is easily straightened out by Superman, except they find out
that getting home is going to be a lot more difficult than they thought
We do find out that Zero Hour didn't erase Superman's memories of his first
(post-Crisis) visit to the 30th century (Superman's "Time and Time Again" story
line). It was interesting to see Superman with his pre-Zero-Hour memories of
the Legion, trying to make the kids more comfortable. When he accidentally
uses the wrong code name for Lightning Lad/Live Wire, he manages to figure out
most of what happened.
It's too bad that XS couldn't have been one of the Legionnaires that got
transported back. She was already familiar with 20th century culture (see past
issues of FLASH and IMPULSE) and could have been a big help. I just hope that
the time travel doesn't cause any problems that will force the DCU to be
restarted (again!).
Rene' Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)
________________________________________________________
SUPERMAN: THE SERIAL
------------------------------------
by Steven Younis (younis@dot.net.au)
Just a quick note: When I first started this review column, it was envisioned
that I'd be reviewing two chapters of SUPERMAN: THE SERIAL in each issue of the
KC, but due to space restrictions and common sense, it has been decided that
I'll only review one chapter per issue.
So... In last month's issue, I reviewed "Chapter 2: Depths of the Earth".
Without any further delay let's move straight along...
*CHAPTER 3: THE REDUCER RAY*
Narrator: "Lois Lane sent to get the story of a mine disaster is trapped by a
cave-in. Clark Kent who is trying to win a job as reporter on the Daily
Planet, goes to her aid as Superman and...
Clark and the old man arrive at the old entrance, and examine the cave in.
Clark tells the old man that he must be mistaken, that the rubble seems to have
been lying there for years. The old man, tricked into thinking that Clark also
thinks him crazy, runs off to find someone who will believe him.
Using his X-ray vision, Clark looks down into the mine and sees Lois and the
miners. "This looks like a job for Superman!" Again he races off behind some
bushes and a second later out comes Superman, who runs towards the old cave
entrance!
Lois and the miner both pass out because of the smoke and gas, and with one of
the best animation effects so far, Superman crashes through a rock wall, enters
the cave, picks up Lois in one hand, the miner in the other and carries them
outside into the fresh air. As he lays her down, Lois awakens and Superman
tells her to take care of the miner while he rescues the others.
Now, back at the Daily Planet, Lois and Jimmy walk in through the office door
only to be welcomed by the receptionist's cheeky remarks, "Heard you covered a
great story, but someone else brought it in!" They ignore her and continue on
into Perry's office, where he greets them with more of his sarcasm. Lois
whines about how they would have phoned in the story if they hadn't been
stabbed in the back. Perry defends Clark, but Lois still thinks Clark's a rat
as far as she's concerned, and then stops in mid-sentence as she notices
someone sitting in the corner reading a newspaper. She asks Perry who his
silent partner is, but before he can answer Clark lowers the paper from his
face, smiles at Lois, and says, "I'm the rat!" :)
Clark stands and apologizes to Lois for his underhanded tactics but says his
job depended on it, and inquires of Perry whether or nothe got the job. Perry
tells him he's been on the pay-roll for hours and sarcastically suggests that
maybe he'll see a bit of teamwork around the office from now on.
A warehouse explodes! The Daily Planet headlines follows, "Superman Saves 70
in Plant Blast." Superman flies through the sky and the Daily Planet boasts,
"Superman Speeds Serum to Stricken Village." Two thieves run out of a bank,
Superman swoops down from the sky, and they shoot at him. The bullets just
bounce off his chest as he stands there and smiles -- the thieves panic and
run. Superman collars the 2 men, lifts them off the ground and knocks their
heads together. The Daily Planet's page 1 reads, "Man of Steel Captures Bank
Robbers;" another headline proclaims, "Superman Breaks Smuggling Ring;"
another, "Superman Traps Killer;" and yet another, "Man of Tomorrow Foils
Prison Break".
A radio announcer announces (funny how they do that) a rumor is circling around
the city that Superman has been called to Washington for a super secret
assignment.
Two men listening in on their own radio switch it off after hearing this rumor,
just as a woman in a long formal dress, with matching face mask, walks in --
The Spider Lady! She stands there (behind her we see a shining spider web as
part of her hideout's decor) as one of the 2 men walks up to her and asks her
if she heard the broadcast. She deduces that there can be only one reason for
Superman being summoned to Washington -- that the government has perfected its
"Ray Machine" and wants Superman to protect it. She boasts that even Superman
won't be able to stop her from getting the machine. "I must have it and I
*will* have it!"
The Spider Lady sits at her 2-way radio and contacts a man called "Crandle" in
New Mexico. She asks him if he knows if the government will soon be testing
the "Relativity Reducer Ray" machine? She insist he delay them from starting
the experiment until she can get scientists down there to examine the results.
Crandle is unsure how he is to do this, but the Spider Lady suggests he use his
apparatus that produces "Negative Rays." He's unsure if he can achieve what
she's asking, but she will not take "no" for an answer and orders him to do
what she has commanded. She takes off her mask and gloats over the possibility
that "Superman has taken on a job that even he can't accomplish."
Now in Washington, in the office of the Secretary of National Security, the
Secretary introduces Superman to Dr. Graham, "a distinguished Nuclear
Scientist." The Secretary tells Superman that the Reducer Ray machine has been
perfected and explains to him how it works: "Reducer rays are constantly
bombarding the Earth in large quantities, without any serious effects. But
when concentrated in this machine, it becomes the most deadly weapon the world
has ever seen."
Dr. Graham continues that all one need to do is enter in the longitude and
latitude of the target and push a button, and the machine will "unleash a force
more powerful than the atomic bomb!" He also explains that, for test purposes,
a concrete block house has been built in the western desert, miles away from
any habitation. The Secretary points out the location of the test site to
Superman on a global map. Superman calculates that it's around 2000 miles away
and that he can be there in 30 seconds.
In a comical scene, Superman heads for the window and the Secretary says to
him, "That's the window! The door's over here!" (Does he really think
Superman is that dumb? And yet he's trusting him with National Security
information!!!) Superman smiles and answers, "Yes I know!", faces the window,
cries, "Up, Up and Away!", and flies off.
Meanwhile, Crandle and another man are setting up the "Negative Ray" machine
and decide to run a test on a passing train before using it on the Reducer Ray
machine. The Negative Ray Machine (looking like some space age gun) begins to
buzz, with lights flickering, and outside the train comes to a halt.
Superman lands near the concrete block house in the desert, but notices a
nearby cottage. Using his super vision, he sees the two men and the "Negative
Ray" machine. (Presumably) using his heat vision, he causes the machine to
malfunction, spraying sparks and smoke over the two men.
The Secretary and Dr. Graham press the button on the Reducer Ray machine and
the concrete block house is blown to bits. The Spider Lady's two men are
thrown to the ground by the blast, one of them crawling to the radio in an
attempt to call the Spider Lady. Superman flies in through their window, grabs
a wooden chair, and smashes the "Negative Ray" machine to pieces. He then
flies back out the window.
Back in the Secretary's office, the Secretary explains to Superman that they
want him to guard the machine, for if it were to fall into the wrong hands...
Superman accepts the responsibility.
The Spider Lady, disappointed over her men's failure, promises to herself and
her men around her that she'll get the Reducer Ray, and if Superman interferes
again, she'll find away to destroy him!
Perry White receives a call from a Professor Leads, who has discovered a meteor
heading for Earth. It may hit near Metropolis. Perry thanks the Professor,
excited about what a story it'll make.
At the Metropolis Museum, Professor Leads' assistant, Morgan, walks into the
Professor's office. He hands over a report he has just completed, having
calculated that the meteor is indeed heading for Metropolis, but that it is
slowly disintegrating as it approaches and will only be an "ordinary meteorite"
when it hits. The Professor disagrees that there is anything ordinary about
the meteor but that its behavior is rather peculiar. Morgan's calculations are
that it'll hit Metropolis around 8pm that night, so Professor Leads instructs
him to alert the media. Morgan begins to leave, but shyly turns back and asks
the Professor if he has heard anything about his application for a raise. The
Professor apologizes and tells Morgan that the "board" turned it down. This
sets Morgan off, complaining, "I can't get by on what they're paying me!"
Again the Professor apologizes.
The crew at the Daily Planet (Perry, Lois, Jimmy, and Clark) are watching
through Perry's office window as the meteor streaks across the night sky. The
phone rings and Perry learns from his field of "spotters" that the meteorite
landed on a farm out on highway 3. He tells Lois and Clark to get out there,
adding (with his usual dose of sarcasm) that it'll give them the opportunity to
learn how to work together. By the look on Lois' face, I'd say she wasn't too
pleased by the suggestion.
On the drive out, Clark is driving and Lois is sitting in the passenger seat.
She slyly extracts the globe out of their Daily Planet camera and while Clark
isn't watching, throws it to the road out her window, resulting in a loud
*BANG!* Clark looks back, wondering what happened. Lois suggests that they
had a blow out, but Clark (still driving on) comments that the steering appears
to be okay. Lois insists he have a look just to be sure. So Clark stops the
car, and when he's down on his hands and knees behind the rear right wheel,
Lois jumps into the driver's seat and zooms off, leaving Clark calling after
her.
Clark waves down the next car to come along, and it just happens to be
Professor Leads! The Professor tells Clark that Morgan has already delivered
the meteorite to the Metropolis Museum and offers Clark a ride there. Entering
the Professor's office at the Museum, both he and Clark walk up to a metal box
sitting on the Professor's desk. The Professor explains that he told Morgan to
house the meteorite within the lead box until they could run tests to determine
whether there was any radioactivity. He deduces that from its characteristics,
this meteor may have come from the planet Krypton, which exploded many years
ago.
He notices a card next to the box and upon reading it tells Clark that Morgan
has already run tests and found that the meteor isn't dangerous to them. He
looks up from the card to see Clark loosening his collar in discomfort and asks
him if everything is all right? Clark tells him he's fine and asks him to
continue. At this, the Professor turns off the lights within his office and
opens the lid of the lead box. A huge chunk of rock inside glows with its own
inner light. Clark starts to swoon, his brow dripping with sweat, his eyes
roll up, and he falls backwards to the floor.
The Professor turns on the lights, bends down over Clark, feeling for a pulse,
jumps to the phone, and calls for the Coroner -- "Clark Kent just died in my
office!"
Narrator: "Is it possible that Clark Kent, mighty Superman can really be dead?
What terrible power does this strange metal wield over the Man of Steel? Be
sure to see "MAN OF STEEL," the 4th action chapter of Superman at this theater
next week!"
Be sure *you* see the next review in this e-zine next month!
Chapter 3 really built on the characters and the interaction between them,
especially the interaction between Lois and Clark! It's such a far cry from
the current TV Lois and Clark relationship, but just as valid and exciting.
They act so much like rival siblings that you just have to be amused. From all
reports the upcoming animated SUPERMAN will have Lois and Clark in a similar
relationship, I can't wait!
Perry's sarcasm fits a character in his position so well. With a team of
reporters around him working together as anything but a team, you can't blame
the man. The scene where he gets the call from Professor Leads about an
incoming meteor about to hit Metropolis at first had me thinking a large
destructive meteor was on its way, and there was nothing at this stage to make
you think otherwise. But Perry just smiles and thinks about what a story it's
going to make, calls downstairs to the art department or the printing presses,
and tells them to hold page 1 for a possible change!! Perry is a man who is
totally dedicated to his paper.
Jimmy, although young, is eager to go places. He seems to have been Lois'
right hand man (or boy) and seems quite disappointed when Perry suggest Lois
and Clark team up on the meteor story. But he seems to look up to Clark, and
so shows no animosity towards him.
Upon first meeting the Spider Lady, I instantly disliked her. With her brash
confidence and sheer stubborn dominance over those around her -- what's there
not to dislike! Still, you get the feeling that this blonde woman in her
flashy clothes is someone to test Superman's might.
All the pieces are coming together, and I tell you when I first watched this
series, it was very hard to stop the video. I just wanted to continue on after
every cliff-hanger of a chapter to find out what happened next and then next,
and next...
You? Well you'll just have to wait until next month when I'll continue where
we left off. Next month: "Chapter 4 - Man of Steel"
Please don't hesitate to e-mail me at any time with your thoughts and reactions
to my column.
You'll find the SUPERMAN: THE SERIAL theme music and other Superman related
sounds for you to download (in .wav format), along with a few Superman gif
files in the BITS & PIECES section of my Web of Wonders homepage at:
http://www.dot.net.au/~younis/web_of_wonders.html
I've also designed a puzzle called "Mr. Mxyzptlk's Mix-Up Puzzle" that's
updated weekly. You'll find it in the GAMES & PUZZLES section there.
Later!
The "Superman: The Serial" Review column is Copyright (C) 1996, Steven Younis.
All rights reserved. Making copies in any format is expressly forbidden
without the written permission of the author.
________________________________________________________
AFTER-BYRNE: Reviews of the post-Crisis Man of Steel
----------------------------------------------------
BLACKOUT!
----------------------------------------------------
by Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com/mdlamut0@wcc.com)
THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #485
Written by Jerry Ordway and Dennis Janke
Pencilled by Tom Grummett
Inked by Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Jerry Ordway
December 1991
$1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK
"Blackout 5"
The story thus far: Superman and Mr. Z have lost their memories in an
accident. Stranded on a remote South Pacific island, they have encountered
island natives, strange rituals, and to top it all off, ancient dinosaurs.
Metropolis was in the midst of a total power outage until Lex Luthor II arrived
in the city to save the day. With his crews, he managed to get the power back
for most of the city. Meanwhile, Lois, Professor Hamilton, and the Guardian
have taken the Whiz Wagon in search of our lost hero. They found the island,
and Superman about to become the husband of the chief's daughter! Summarily,
Lois stepped in and stopped the wedding ceremony. And, as a last ditch effort,
fully kissed Superman, attempting to jog his memory.
Pulling back from the kiss, Lois asks Superman if that did anything for him.
He replies that even though it didn't, it sure was nice. As they discuss
departing the island, Lois, the Guardian, and the Professor all insist that
they take Mr. Z back with them to face criminal charges. Superman defends his
friend, saying that even if Mr. Z had committed those acts in the past, he
wouldn't do anything like that now. And as he likes the island, Mr. Z should
be allowed to stay. With all of the strange magnetic fields surrounding the
island, the Guardian doubts that they could find it again, but as Superman
won't leave with them unless Mr. Z stays, they reluctantly agree.
Flying over Denver at an altitude of 36,000 feet, the Whiz Wagon is heading for
home. The Guardian contacts the Cadmus Project and requests clearance to land
when they arrive. After explaining that Lois and Hamilton are also on board
with Superman, he is flatly declined -- no way were a mad scientist and nosy
reporter going to be allowed inside. So the Guardian requests that Agent "XX"
be cleared to meet them at Professor Hamilton's apartment. The clearance is
granted for Dubbilex. Meanwhile, Superman is pondering his former life,
wondering what it is. As they are flying along, Lois is asleep, laying against
the Man of Steel. He wonders if his life consists of beautiful women fawning
over him all the time, or if Lois is someone special to him. As the Guardian
finishes his communication, Lois awakens and demands to know who Dubbilex is.
The Guardian explains that Dubbilex is a telepath, and may hold the key to
restoring Superman's memory. Lois is worried about a telepath working for a
secret government organization learning Superman's secret identity.
Landing the Whiz Wagon in the street outside the professor's apartment,
Hamilton doubts the wisdom of leaving a vehicle such as this out in Suicide
Slum. The Guardian assures him that the onboard security systems will provide
adequate theft deterrents. Then, from the shadows a dark, hooded figure
approaches saying that he will guard the vehicle for a small price. Removing
his hood, a grotesque, horned figure stands before the group. Guardian
introduces the newcomer as Dubbilex, while Lois grows impatient to begin the
work ahead of them.
Arriving in the apartment, Hamilton begins setting up his equipment. Superman
asks Lois if they were romantically involved with each other before he lost his
memory. Overhearing the question, Emil exclaims that Lois is engaged to Clark
Kent, who is also a friend of Superman. Thinking to herself, Lois realizes
that with the telepath, they are all going to learn more about Superman than
they bargained for. Sensing her thoughts, Dubbilex telepathically sends to
Lois that Superman's thoughts will remain secret, and will never be revealed by
him. As they are all now ready, Dubbilex begins probing Superman's mind.
Superman's mind is filled with walls that must be broken through to get to
himself. Dubbilex guides him through each of them, smashing them out of the
way. With each one that is torn down, more of the Man of Steel's mind is
exposed and remembered. Crashing through a wall, they reach the final one
together. But this wall is a very special one. It is the wall that separates
Superman from his alter ego, Clark Kent. And those of the readers that
remember Superman in his pre-Byrne days will recognize the wall as the entrance
to Superman's Fortress of Solitude in the north Arctic region. The door is a
giant yellow steel construction that has a keyhole in the middle of it.
Sitting nearby is the airline marker that serves as the Fortress' key. After
the Byrne revamp of Superman, he no longer had a fortress in the Arctic, but
rather south in the Antarctic. This doorway serves as the final door for
Superman to cross. Afraid to cross the final boundary, Superman sees Dubbilex
become different criminals that Superman had fought throughout his career --
Metallo, Sleaze, Brainiac, and finally Mr. Z. Still urging him on, Dubbilex
convinces Superman he must go through the doorway. Superman agrees, but must
make this final journey alone. He unlocks the door and flies into the
fortress, leaving Dubbilex standing at the doorway. Inside his mind's eye,
Superman relives some of the most important moments of his life thus far.
Jonathan Kent urging his son that he needs to keep his life separate from his
work, thereby creating the secret identity. Clark saying good-bye to Lana Lang
as he leaves Smallville forever to move to Metropolis, and revealing to her
that he is Superman. Ten years later meeting Lana again, and hearing her say
that he dashed all hope of them becoming man and wife -- because Superman
belongs to the world. And finally, Clark revealing to Lois that he is
Superman, just after they became engaged.
Breaking the mental link, Dubbilex explains that the journey is over. Superman
is mumbling to himself that he works beside Lois and just then, Lois kisses him
once more to keep him from saying that he is Clark Kent. Dubbilex looks at the
man of Steel and promises him that his private memories will remain private.
Superman is back, body and mind.
Once again Jerry Ordway comes through with flying colors. The writing in this
issue is superb - possibly the best written issue during 1991. All of the
story lines are tied together nicely, and the pace keeps you reading right to
the very end. And throwing in the pre-crisis Fortress of Solitude as the final
barrier Superman had to break through was a great touch.
The art is also superb. Every panel on every page is excellent. And in the
scenes with Superman standing in front of the Fortress of Solitude, Tom
Grummett has drawn Superman more closely to Curt Swan's Superman than I have
seen done since the revamp. This is really a beautiful book to look at, read,
and experience.
I give this book 5 shields out of a possible 5. Stay tuned next month for a
special surprise review. Until then, don't miss Superman: The Animated Series!
________________________________________________________
MANUSCRIPTS OF STEEL
------------------------------
Reviews of After-Byrne Superman Special Stories
by Denes House (dhouse@itsmail1.hamilton.edu)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY
(Books 1-3)
Written and Pencilled by Dan Jurgens
Finishes by Brett Breeding
Color Guides by Greg Wright
Letters by Bill Oakley
1994
Prestige Format, $4.95 US/$6.50 CAN (each)
Rating: 1.5/5.0 Shields
--------------------------------------------------------
FIRST, A WORD about the passing of Curt Swan. I was out of touch from late June
to mid-August, and did not hear about Mr. Swan's death until recently. Those
who have read this column in the past (especially the first column) know that I
was not a fan of Curt Swan's style. But on the level of sheer draftsmanship and
drawing skill, on the basics and fundamentals of drawing and storytelling, the
man knew his stuff. Curt's work was sound and had substance, unlike much of the
popular flash and dazzle of today's artists, and he had a knack for making the
completely outlandish seem perfectly plausible. Curt's mastery of anatomy,
proportion, and perspective made aliens walk, made skyscrapers soar, and made
extraterrestrial landscapes come alive. All this is incredible, but Curt also
defined the look of the Man of Steel in a lasting way, so that every artist now
working on Superman comics pays him homage in one form or another. So long,
Curt, and thank you for your foundational contribution to the character that we
love.
AND NOW...THE REVIEW: Popular writer/artist Dan Jurgens (SUPERMAN, SOLAR,
SPIDER-MAN, ZERO HOUR) stated at the time of the "Panic in the Sky!" storyline
that he was tired of Superman being merely RE-active to crises in Metropolis. A
baddie would show up, and Superman would find a way to defeat him/her -- but
Supes was always reacting to the villain. Jurgens wanted Superman to be
PRO-active, to stop threats BEFORE they hit Metropolis. Apparently this idea
was still in his mind when he wrote SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY (hereafter
SD:HP). In it, Superman goes looking for Doomsday.
Book One opens with Superman reflecting on his fear of Doomsday. Seems the Man
of Tomorrow is having extremely bad dreams about being pounded into jelly by
the bony behemoth. Not surprising, since Doomsday actually KILLED Superman in
the critically-acclaimed and much-ballyhooed "Death of Superman" storyline.
Doomsday is the one force in the universe proven to be able to kill our hero,
and this thought is giving him the willies.
Add to that the questions remaining from the "Death" and "Return" story arcs:
Is Doomsday really dead? Why did the Cyborg throw him out into space? Where the
heck did he come from, anyway? With these questions aching in the back of his
mind, and against Lois Lane's fearful (and tearful) objections, Superman goes
hunting for information. Typically (this IS a Dan Jurgens story, after all)
Superman goes looking for Waverider and the Linear Men, that oh-so-useful team
that no writer other than Jurgens seems to want to use. Their confrontation
sets up some business about action vs. inaction (Waverider's eternal conflict)
that pays off in Books Two and Three, and incidentally highlights the main
reason these characters would be headed for the Phantom Zone if Jurgens didn't
keep dredging them up -- if you have a character who knows EVERYTHING that will
happen, it's a little difficult to set up dramatic tension for that character.
The only door Jurgens is left with as far as inner growth for Waverider is this
question of whether he should act on his knowledge or not. Not to be daunted,
Jurgens repeatedly drags Waverider out of storage and makes him jump through
that same old hoop one more time.
Waverider drops Big Blue a clue that Doomsday is on Apokolips, where he has
been wreaking havoc, taking on the malevolent Darkseid and accompanied by the
Cyborg. Seems the Cyborg's "early warning device" that he had set on the
asteroid prison he made for Doomsday was actually a receptacle for his
consciousness (the Cyborg, you remember, can transmit his consciousness into
any mechanical/technological device). The Cyborg possesses the body and armor
of a Apokoliptian trooper Doomsday messily dispatches, and through the miracle
of Kryptonian genetic manipulation transforms a new body for himself.
Superman, with the aid of a mother box, heads off for Apokolips. Doomsday has
demolished much of the planet and beaten Darkseid. Superman arrives to find the
Cyborg in Darkseid's control room. As they square off, the Cyborg gives
Superman an eyeful of Doomsday, and as Superman stands paralyzed by fear, zaps
him with heat vision. While they are thus distracted, the treacherous DeSaad,
Darkseid's right-hand-wretch, opens a boom tube and sends Doomsday on a little
journey. Superman, too late to stop it, is left wondering if his fear of
Doomsday will keep him from going full tilt against the monster.
Book Two is largely concerned with Doomsday's origin, and the story of how he
got to Earth. It seems Doomsday is a genetically engineered being with the
ability to evolve to beat any opponent. Once stopped in one way, he can never
be beaten that way again. The last time Doomsday was stopped was on the planet
Calaton, which just happens to be where DeSaad sent him in the last issue. A
recovered Darkseid has defeated the Cyborg, but it is up to Superman to stop
Doomsday.
Book Three gives us the final showdown. Outfitted with cyberpunk-looking armor
courtesy of Mother Box, Superman heads off to Calaton to fight Doomsday. The
bulk of the story is spent convincing us of how unbeatable Doomsday is, and
then at last Superman, with the help of (who else?) Waverider apparently kills
Doomsday once and for all. Using the last of her energy, Mother Box restores
Superman to health and gives him a new costume, then Superman heads for earth,
no longer plagued by bad dreams.
Lest you think I've given everything away, let me emphasize that the fun of
this story is in the clever way Superman does these things, not necessarily
what he does (What, did you really think Doomsday would beat Supes in the
end?).
Roger Ebert, arguably the best film critic in America, frequently says in his
reviews that formulas aren't necessarily bad, but that it all depends on how
the writer USES the formula. In this case, Jurgens gives the reader a
by-the-book, straight formula slugfest, decorated by a few interesting
revelations about Doomsday. Unfortunately, these revelations are only
decorations, and they cannot hide the flimsy and repetitive nature of the plot.
It is painfully obvious that Jurgens started with the revelations he wanted to
make, and then tried to bend a story around it - and it just doesn't work. Oh,
the story is serviceable, but it is also dull and repetitive.
Here I go, stepping on toes again. A vast body of Superman fans admire Jurgens'
work, and I will be the first to admit that he has done some good pieces (I'll
review one excellent piece in two months), but many of his "event" stories fall
far short of deserving "event" status. This story is one of them. There is
plenty of action, and lots of fighting, but like a booming bass drum hit loudly
again and again, the appeal of all the flash and bang fades rapidly, and
disappears somewhere around the end of Book One.
Jurgens' heavy use of captions is achingly overdone, and his dialog is stilted.
His characters speak like wooden dummies (or CHARACTERS, in bold letters)
rather than real people. If Jurgens had used his clever ideas to create fully
rounded characters, with good dialog, as he's done in other instances, this
would have been a great comic. Unfortunately, that does not happen here.
Unfortunately, if there is one thing that can be said about the artwork in
SD:HP, it is that it is consistent with the writing: wooden, poorly
constructed, and lacking in depth. Having started as a Dan Jurgens fan way back
when he was being inked by Art Thibert, I have grown extremely tired of his
work. Jurgens seems to be almost out of new ideas visually, and each pose is
tryingly reminiscent of countless other Jurgens drawings. His characters don't
seem to be living in the same world as each other, but rather seem to be cut
and pasted in from some outside scrapbook. Struggles with proportion and
perspective heighten the problem, as characters in the same room hardly look to
be standing in the same PLANE!
Jurgens occasionally comes up with some stunning layouts, and the rare new
pose, but these moments serve only to remind the reader of better days when
Jurgens' creativity was high.
Jurgens also shows a poor grasp of "looks" established by other artists for
different locales. His Apokolips does not LOOK like Apokolips, and none of the
Fourth World characters (except Darkseid) look like they should, especially the
parademons. Jurgens apparently conceives of Apokolips as merely a place of high
technology, rather than the mythical realm of the New Gods that Jack Kirby
envisioned and most artists have respected. As a result, his Apokolips looks
much like any other futuristic space-town Jurgens has ever drawn. He has this
same problem in...well, read my column in the November issue of KC for a
continuation of this discussion.
Brett Breeding is a competent inker, but I prefer the smooth, rounded inks of
an Art Thibert or Joe Rubinstein over Jurgens' pencils, rather than the blocky,
angular Breeding style. The colors are bright and vivid, almost to a fault, but
the fights between Doomsday and a character called the Radiant are a sight to
behold.
"Okay, Denes, you've bummed me out," I hear you saying, "Is there anything you
LIKED about this immensely popular series?" Yes. I thought the ending was
dynamite (though how Superman expected to PERMANENTLY STOP Doomsday (a creature
who adapts to be able to beat whatever beat him last time) without KILLING him
is beyond me. There are some dramatic scenes, like the aforementioned
Doomsday/Radiant battle, some scenes with Darkseid, and the Cyborg's new look,
and it IS good to have some closure on the whole Doomsday thing.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED:
1. This seems to be where Jurgens was going from day one with Doomsday. Given
the premises set up in this book, why then do we have scenes in the "Death of
Superman" storyline like Doomsday pounding Superman and bounding off for
Metropolis? Doesn't this book imply he headed for Metropolis to find and kill
Superman?
2. Only incidentally related to Hunter/Prey, but in the "Reign of the Supermen"
story arc, we get to see the Cyborg's thoughts. Shouldn't those thoughts have
been those of Hank Henshaw? There is really no way to harmonize the Cyborg's
thought-captions during that story with the eventual revelation that he was not
Superman. This is especially true (and here's where the connection comes in)
while the Cyborg collects Doomsday's body and heaves it into space, attaching
the transponder to the asteroid (NOT Doomsday's back, as HUNTER/PREY #1
indicates). What gives?
3. Given the way Waverider and Superman dispose of Doomsday at the end of
HUNTER/PREY, how does the restart of time during Zero Hour impact on Doomsday's
"death"?
4. Why does Jurgens keep carting out Waverider?
CAPSULE REVIEW:
Story: Formulaic and dull slugfest, but sprinkled with some very good ideas.
The characters emerge as mere sketches, however. 2 Shields out of 5.
Art: Equally formulaic and dull, with unremitting action and stock poses. 1
Shield out of 5.
Overall: I was expecting a lot out of this story, and it seriously failed to
deliver. It has proven to be popular, but I found it painful and unending. 1.5
Shields out of 5.
NEXT MONTH: Ye olde Man of Steel?
________________________________________________________
THE PHANTOM ZONE: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel
------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER FRIENDS
---------------------------------
by Joe Crowe (j.crowe4@genie.com)
My thanks go out to Tom Ochs this month, as I go back to the giant tabloids
of the 1970s one more time. This one is very cool, guys.
SUPERMAN VS. MUHAMMAD ALI
All-New Collectors Edition No. C-58, 1978
Original Story: Denny O'Neil
Adapted by: Neal Adams
Penciller: Neal Adams
Inkers: Dick Giordano and Terry Austin
Rating: 4.75 shields
Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen wander through downtown Metropolis
looking to get an exclusive interview. They find Muhammad Ali playing
basketball with street kids. Jimmy laments that, just as the interview is about
to begin, his camera is out of film. Suddenly, a tall green slope-browed alien
appears out of nowhere. Lois, ever the intrepid reporter, sticks a mike in his
face, and gets swatted to the floor for her trouble. Clark Kent has to remain
mild-mannered, but the Heavyweight Champion of the World has no such
restriction. He challenges the alien, who backhands him. Yes, the alien
backhands Muhammad Ali! What in heck was he thinking?! Ali clobbers him.
Clark sneaks away to investigate the alien. He assumes the alien wouldn't be so
brazen without backup, and he's right. A vast alien armada is in Earth orbit.
The alien is a Scrubb, a savage alien race who claims that Earth's potential
for destruction is as great to this galaxy as the Scrubb's is to their own.
They know of our warlike nature, and about Ali's reputation. They want to prove
themselves superior to us by beating our champion. Superman arrives, assuming
the alien means him. Ali, being the Greatest and all, objects, and the two guys
argue. They quickly mend their fences when the alien claims that he'll blow up
an Earth city because Ali busted him up.
Superman stops an alien missile headed toward the city, but misses one that
hits an uncharted island and incinerates it. The alien says he'll willingly
unleash lots more missiles at once unless Superman and Ali fight each other for
the right to fight the alien champ. They have 24 hours until the match.
Superman flies Ali to the Fortress of Solitude so Ali can teach him how to box.
They warp time with a handy little device, giving them more time to train.
Superman uses a red-sun lamp to even them up, and Ali drops Superman on his
butt with the first punch. Ali teaches Supes the sweet science, and the aliens
learn about the time-warping, which just makes them mad. Superman and Ali agree
that their threat shouldn't be taken lightly, so they agree to meet the aliens
on their ship. The aliens' surprise -- their planet circles a red sun. Ali, a
master of understatement, says "You in trouble!" Then they meet the gigantic
alien champion, Hun'Ya.
Superman and Ali trash-talk the aliens, as Ali taught Superman that half the
fight is psychology. They secretly make plans, until time for the main event.
Immense crowds of aliens and humans pack the alien stadium. Ali's real-life
cornermen and trainers are present, and Perry White and OJ White, US Olympic
boxing coach, handle Superman's corner.
Ali takes charge and starts pounding Superman. But Superman won't fall. Ali
gives him punch after punch, as the aliens chant "Fall Down." To save Earth,
Ali must knock Superman out, but he refuses to continue, while a beaten
Superman stands, gloves up, in the middle of the ring. The ref declares Ali the
victor, and Superman collapses, unconscious. Alien ring stewards crowd around
Supes in a chilling full-page shot of a bruised and unconscious Superman. Ali
hollers that they don't deserve to touch him, and the Earth contingent carries
Superman from the ring.
The big fight begins later, after Superman has been flown home. Then, a bizarre
happening, as the Greek goddess of wisdom, Pallas Athene, appears, declaring
that she will referee the bout. Because Ali makes the alien leader lose his
composure, the leader begins screaming that he'll blow up the Earth and demands
that Ali predict the round in which he will win.
Ali says that Hun'Ya will "hit the floor in four!" then bellows a vivacious,
supercharged double-page-spread rant. Meanwhile, cornerman Bundini Brown sneaks
backstage. He removes a mask, revealing Superman! Hun-Ya gets all over Ali,
until the alien offers him an alternative: if he quits, Earth will become a
slave world, instead of being blown up. Ali says there is one other
alternative...that Ali will whup Hun-Ya!
Ali knocks out the alien champion with a gigantic knockout blow. The alien
leader sics his armada on Earth, and Superman takes them down. The leader
continues screeching orders...and Hun-Ya turns on him! The leader has no honor,
the alien champ declares. Victorious, Superman, Ali, and their friends return
home. Later, Superman meets up with Ali to tie up loose ends. Ali says "you put
up a great fight...Clark Kent!" Ali and the Man of Steel shake hands, and they
say "WE are the greatest!"
Real people have appeared in comic books before, but most are either
utilitarian or parody. This portrayal of Ali is neither. Except Ali is the same
here as in reality -- he's bigger than life. In this story, Ali is just as much
a superhero as Superman. I'd like to know the details behind the making of this
story. I don't know if Ali's camp had any input, and I don't know how much hard
research Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams put into it. But it works.
The plot is plain good superhero storytelling. Everything heroic about either
of the two principals is on display here. Muhammad Ali steals the show. I
think he should've had his own series, bad-mouthing and beating up
super-villains every month. Neal Adams captured Ali in movement and dialogue.
You can hear Ali's voice when he rails against the alien, you can see the champ
floating like a butterfly as if it was on film. Remember, 1978 was a time when
Superman had just been given physical form in Christopher Reeve. Both of these
men were dominating popular culture back then -- it seemed only natural that
they meet.
And what better forum than the tabloid comic? If you've read my column before,
you remember that I unabashedly love the giant tabloid books. I've not been
disappointed in any made-for-tabloid story that I've read. A big story didn't
mean a year-long miniseries or a 20-book crossover. A big story was, literally,
just that -- BIG. In tabloid books, fights spilled across double-page spreads.
Head shots were almost life size. In this book, a double-page wraparound cover
depicts almost 200 celebrities in the audience, from Raquel Welch to Plastic
Man to Jimmy Carter to the cast of WELCOME BACK, KOTTER.
Superman's 60th anniversary is approaching. Muhammad Ali's place in history, as
if there had been any doubt, has just been reaffirmed by his appearance at the
Olympics.
Understand that I'm not trying to deify Muhammad Ali here. He's a famous
athlete. And Superman is a work of fiction. Christopher Reeve and Muhammad Ali,
whether they intended to or not, at one point embodied dreams. Reeve's injury
and Ali's Parkinson's disease remind us that they are human.
But the modern myth of these two characters has inspired so many people, me
included. Ali's real accomplishments are captured on film, and Ali's myth is
captured here. Ali and Superman are the most colorful athlete in history and
the most colorful character in popular culture. DC should re-release this gem.
Every fan should own a copy.
________________________________________________________
INTO THE ARCHIVES
-------------------------------------------
by Neil A. Ottenstein (otten@gluon.umd.edu)
SUPERMAN #8, Jan./Feb. 1941
There are four 13-page stories in this issue. Only the fourth story opens with
a full page splash panel, while the other three have half page panels.
Strangely enough, the cover is a slight modification of that splash panel.
Each story also has a quick description of the action that is to follow.
1) Superman fights giants. More on this below.
2) Clark Kent gets framed while investigating the acts of traitors and needs to
use his powers as Superman to clear himself and destroy the spies. Clark acts
surprisingly aggressive in spots.
3) Clark acts like a wimp again in getting ripped off by a crooked carnival,
but Superman returns to put the thieves away.
4) A gang of drug-addicted bandits threaten Metropolis. Superman sets a trap
for them and Clark must cut short a rare date with Lois Lane in order to catch
them. They escape through manipulation of the law, but when they murder one of
their own Superman is able to bring them to justice.
In between the stories there is another "Supermen of America" page with a
letter from Clark Kent talking about loyalty; a 2/3 page "Laffs" feature with
assorted gag cartoons; a half page "Nature News" set of cartoons; a page
advertising assorted Superman licensed products (from toys to moccasins);
"Knotty Problem" by Ed Carlisle in which a sea scout's knowledge of knots helps
unmask a spy; "Snapshots with our Candid Cartoon Camera" by Ray McGill
featuring the antics of children; and assorted advertisements including a full
page endorsement of the Baby Ruth candy bar by Coach "Red" Dawson of the Tulane
University football team.
The first story begins with Professor Zee and Dr. Cardos. Having succeeded in
producing giant animals, they now want to try the process on human beings in
order to launch "a new, a great civilization." Months later, it appears they
are successful as giants cause havoc, looting the US Mint, smashing trains, and
destroying forests. Hearing about this in the editorial office of the Daily
Planet, Clark changes into Superman and thinks he might "get some real
opposition for a change!" Lois hears another news bulletin and pays for a
flight out to the West Coast to investigate.
Arriving out west, Superman spies giants building homes within an almost
extinct volcano. Meanwhile, Governor Carlson and his daughter Lillian are
taken captive by a giant. On the way to the volcano, Superman saves a car from
a giant cat. Superman is soon attacked by the giants but manages to evade
their clutches until Lois' plane comes into view. Distracted, he is caught in
the hands of a giant and pulled beneath an avalanche of ice from a nearby
glacier which he had been using to trap the giants. Under the ice he uses his
X-ray vision to see Lois taken captive and her plane destroyed.
Superman breaks free of the ice to spy on the laboratory. Therein Governor
Carlson is warned to stop all interference or his daughter will be turned into
a giantess. Superman tries to leap through the side of a laboratory, but is
surprised to find the walls elastic. He is dazed enough to be grabbed by a
giant. Cardos and Zee ask him to join forces with them and then they will free
Lois and Lillian unharmed. Superman refuses and the girls appear to increase
in height. Superman notices, though, that they don't seem concerned with their
new size. He escapes from the giant's grip and throws a giant boulder into the
volcano causing a great explosion. The lava melts the glacier causing a great
flood.
The giants flee in panic and crush Cardos and Zee under their feet. Barely
beating the flood, Superman frees Lois and Lillian and flies off with them and
the governor. All of the giants perish under the flood. The governor wonders
how the girls were restored to their normal size, and Superman explains that
their size change was merely an illusion from a magnifying glass on the wall of
their room.
This story has more science fiction elements than have been usually seen in the
Superman stories. It is also a showcase for Superman's powers as he arrives
out west "in record-breaking time," uses telescopic vision, uses super-acute
hearing, races "faster than the wind," shouts loudly "without the aid of
mechanical contrivances," uses X-ray vision, leaps high, and of course uses his
"amazing strength." The story is quite a contrast from many others of the time
in that Clark Kent appears in only two panels throughout the story.
________________________________________________________
THE GIRL FRIEND AND THE PAL: LOIS AND JIMMY IN THEIR OWN COMICS
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Jon B. Knutson (jonknut@eskimo.com)
Continuing the reviews of the JO stories reprinted in JIMMY OLSEN GIANT #104...
"The Super-Lad of Space!" is as uncredited as any of the other stories in this
issue, but I'd have to guess the artwork is by Wayne Boring, judging from the
flying positions... possibly Swan, though (any readers out there know for
certain?). Jimmy is attending a missile launching in his role as president of
the Superman Fan Club (membership has its privileges, eh?), wearing his
Superman uniform. Jimmy sneaks into the nose cone to take photos and write up
its design, even though the countdown is under way already. Shortly, on the
launching pad, Superman hurls the missile into space, Jimmy still aboard (his
watch stopped). Days pass (there's oxygen inside the missile, fortunately),
and it eventually crash-lands on a distant world. Jimmy is delighted to
discover he has super-powers on this planet, the same powers as Superman! He
decides to adopt a secret identity, and borrows some clothes from a scarecrow
to disguise himself.
He's quite surprised when he meets a group of riders who greet him by name!
Jimmy considers it might be a strange coincidence, and is about to check it out
when he spots a meteor shower threatening the city.
Changing into his Superman uniform, he deals with the disaster and lands in the
city to the cheers of the population. He's given the keys to the city, and
Jimmy asks how come they speak English (oh, I should mention that everybody
wears a sign identifying their occupation). He learns that the Zolium people
have been listening to Earth's radio signals (and other worlds) for
generations, and adopted English as their tongue because it's the "universe's
most efficient language!" (obviously they didn't do much research, eh?) They
ask Jimmy about Superman, but Jimmy just says that he's a friend of Superman's,
and to call him Superlad.
Jimmy soon learns being a superhero doesn't always mean saving lives, as every
citizen asks him for super-favors all the time! Redisguising himself, Jimmy
takes a job, but at every occupation he tries, disaster strikes, and he has to
deal with it as Superlad. Plus, everybody still keeps calling him Jimmy Olsen!
Jimmy's at his wits end when Superman arrives on the planet to bring him back
to Earth ... where he reveals that the reason the Zoliums always knew who he
was is that they are a race of telepaths!
Yuk yuk yuk. Well, the story was okay, but the really bad science (Jimmy
surviving in space for so long without food or water, for example) and that
"English being the universe's most efficient language" bit kind of ruin it for
me. Two shields out of five for the writing, but four out of five shields for
the artwork, which was really quite a treat, almost reminiscent of Simon/Kirby
work in spots.
"The Wolf-Man of Metropolis" features one of the famous Olsen Transformations,
and once again, it's difficult to identify the artist's work. Jimmy and Lucy
Lane kiss after a date, but when Jimmy asks for another one, Lucy calls him a
wolf ... clairvoyant, isn't she? The next day, Superman brings a small chest
filled with potions he found in an ancient crypt -- potions which were
apparently created by Merlin. Only one of the potion bottles has anything left
in it, one labeled "Ye Wolfman Potion," and good ol' Jimmy -- who *never*
remembers magic is real in the DC Universe -- tries to prove it's superstition
by drinking from the bottle. That evening, Jimmy becomes a wolfman ... but
manages to keep his own mental state (such as it is). He decides since he and
Lucy are going to a costume party that evening, he may as well go as a
werewolf! He and Lucy make a perfect pair, as she's dressed as Red Riding
Hood, and they win the contest that night (others are dressed as Superman,
Batman, Robin, Green Arrow, and Speedy). After the party, Jimmy remembers that
the bottle's inscription said a beautiful maiden's kiss would break the spell,
and tries to get Lucy to kiss him... but she wants to remove his mask first.
Of course, he can't, and pretends it's stuck. Lucy tells Lois about this, and
Lois tells Lucy about the Wolfman Potion.
The next day, however, Lois thinks she may have been wrong to suspect the
potion worked, but we discover Jimmy changed back at dawn. Later that day,
Jimmy is assigned to interview the producer at Mammoth Studios about his new
film. Jimmy plans to duck out on it, but Lucy and Lois offer to give him a
ride, arriving at the Studio just as the moon starts to rise that evening.
Jimmy changes into a wolfman again, but he luckily gets mistaken for one of the
actors in the movie "The Hundred Horrors!" He's offered a contract to stay on,
but refuses because he doesn't want anybody to know he's a real wolfman ...
especially Lois and Lucy, who think he's put on his wolfman costume again. The
next day, Jimmy withdraws his life savings and, that evening, offers it to any
woman who will kiss him while he's a werewolf. Finally, he calls in Superman,
and asks for help in solving his dilemma. Superman says he'll try to help, and
flies off.
The next day, Jimmy is out in the Flying Newsroom when sudden winds kick up,
keeping him from landing until after dark, but he eventually lands on the roof
of Lois and Lucy's apartment building! Fortunately for Jimmy, he's able to
convince them that he's earning extra money doing promotional work for a new
play that's just opened.
Superman flies back and tells Jimmy that he's got the antidote -- a pretty girl
is waiting for him in his apartment to kiss him, but the lights are turned off,
so neither will know who the other is. They kiss, and Superman flies "Miss X"
home. Jimmy's cured, and we learn that "Miss X" is really Supergirl, whose
existence was still a secret at the time. Jimmy's free to keep his next date
with Lucy, but he can't help but wonder who "Miss X" was.
Well, we got an Olsen Transformation, but it's somewhat ruined by even more
coincidences than usual for a Silver Age story. But still, guest-starring
Supergirl was a nice touch. I'll give this story three shields out of five,
but the artwork only earns two shields.
The third story in this giant, "The Boy in Superman's Body" is definitely Wayne
Boring artwork, no doubt about it! Well, okay, it could be Plastino. Just a
quick rundown on this one, though. Superman and Jimmy switch minds thanks to a
"mentality exchanger" and then discover it'll take 12 hours to recharge it to
switch them back. Jimmy has to cover Superman's duties, while Superman has to
do Jimmy's job. Superman is concerned that Jimmy will discover the Clark Kent
clothes in the secret cape pouch. Superman, in Jimmy's body, learns about
human things like pain, whereas Jimmy, in Superman's body, seems to always do
things the hard way. For example, a man slips and falls from a building, but
instead of catching him, Jimmy stacks old mattresses underneath him. Other
events demonstrate that Jimmy hasn't seemed to be paying much attention during
Superman's past super-feats, at all! Eventually, Jimmy finds the Clark Kent
clothes, and puts them on, realizing the dual identity. As Superman, he tells
Lois that he's really Clark! Jimmy keeps acting as Superman until he's trapped
by Kryptonite. Finally thinking fast, he uses super-pressure on the Clark Kent
glasses to create a signal mirror, and Superman (in Jimmy's body) saves him.
Superman enjoys touching Green K without harm. Later, Lois tells Jimmy (in
Supey's body) that she didn't appreciate his joke -- if he's really Clark, how
come the handwriting doesn't match? Jimmy doesn't realize that handwriting is
part of a person's personality and mentality, and he's fooled into thinking
Superman isn't really Clark. They finally get their own bodies back and have a
good laugh about it. The end.
Not really such a great story, IMHO. As I alluded above, Jimmy's written so
many stories about Superman, he should've been able to think like Supey would
in a crisis, doing what Superman would've done. Heck, as a kid, I could've
told him what to do! Two shields for story, three shields for art.
I'm going to skip the next story for now (leaving it for next month) and jump
right to the last one in the book, "The Boy Witch Doctor," featuring Curt Swan
artwork. Jimmy, Clark, Lois, and Perry are flown to Meteor Island, where
Jungle King, a white man who has been a castaway on the island for many years,
is starring in a movie based on his life. They quickly find that Lucy Lane has
garnered a part in the movie, as well! Jimmy hopes Lucy doesn't fall for
Jungle King. (Gee, would Lucy *really* find another man attractive after dating
Jimmy? Yes, I'm being sarcastic here.) Mbongu, the natives' witch doctor,
wants them all to leave before they bring misfortune, which worries Lucy until
Jimmy assures her there's no such thing as Voodoo magic (do I have to say it
again?). Later, as Jimmy showers, someone steals his signal watch.
The next day, the witch doctor falls ill from a jungle fever, and after he's
taken away to be treated, Jimmy enters the hut, finding voodoo dolls of himself
and his fellow Planet employees. He also puts on Mbongu's witch doctor attire,
because he can't help himself, I guess. Sticking a needle in the Perry
figure's foot, the real Perry cries in pain! Jimmy tells his friends, but Lois
doesn't believe it really works, but Jimmy seems to prove her wrong when he
sticks a needle in the Lois effigy and she feels pain! Jungle King doesn't
believe it until Jimmy demonstrates on his own doll. All seem convinced of
Jimmy's voodoo power, and later Jungle King forces Jimmy into plunging a needle
in a Superman voodoo doll after the Man of Steel is summoned on the stolen
signal watch. Jimmy is forced to do so (thinking it can't work, since
Superman's invulnerable to everything but Kryptonite -- guess he forgot about
magic, eh?). It does seem to work, though! Jungle King reveals he's really a
wanted murderer who's been hiding out for years but feared Superman would
expose him. He plans to kill Jimmy too, but Superman suddenly gets up and
stops him. Superman then reveals that he secretly used his heat vision to make
it seem that the voodoo worked, all in order to get Jungle King to confess.
Just because I went quickly on this story doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it,
though. For once, Jimmy isn't portrayed as a complete idiot (well, save for
forgetting the magic vulnerability), and we get all the regular cast members in
the story, as well -- plus Swan artwork! Four shields out of five story-wise,
with five shields for the art.
Next month: The remaining stories from that JIMMY OLSEN GIANT, including the
first-ever story with Giant Turtle Boy Olsen! Plus, Elastic Lad and the
Superman Emergency Squad! If you have any issues of JIMMY OLSEN or LOIS LANE
you'd like to see me review in future issues of KC, or just want to offer some
comments on this or other reviews, feel free to e-mail me at
jonknut@eskimo.com.
________________________________________________________
TELEscopic VISION: Superman on the Small Screen
------------------------------------------------------------------
By the time you read this, the fourth season of LOIS AND CLARK will have
already premiered. This season looks to be shaping up well. I certainly hope
it lives up to its hype.
For this issue, we are closing out our reviews of the third season with an
appropriate review -- "Don't Tug On Superman's Cape". For those who don't
watch the Bears ;-), the lightning at Soldier Field got a little too intense
and the last Thursday night pre-season football game was called -- so ABC
filled in with that LOIS AND CLARK episode. As Brad Buckner put it, ABC
"filled it (the empty airtime) with 'Tug', which was one of their favorites."
nancy in chicago
________________________________________________________
"WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH..."
---------------------------------
By Zoomway (Zoomway@aol.com)
Before I launch into the article, I wanted to note an anniversary that may mean
nothing to anyone else, but September 96 marks just over 2 years since Jeff
Sykes, Editor of the Kryptonian Cybernet, asked me to write the monthly LOIS
AND CLARK column (yes, you have Jeff to blame ;) I was very flattered by his
invitation, and have had a lot of fun writing the articles. So, thank you,
Jeff.
1996 also marks an important Superman anniversary. Ten years ago John Byrne
revamped Superman with the MAN OF STEEL mini-series. This revamp undid an old
part of the myth by making Clark Kent the real guy and Superman the disguise.
The disguise of Superman allowed Clark to use his special powers while at the
same time granting him a private life. The revamp resurrected Clark Kent's
parents, gave Clark his powers gradually, and best of all, created a man who
was more in touch with his human upbringing than his Kryptonian heritage. This
not only allowed Clark Kent to be a believable suitor for Lois Lane, but a
successful suitor as well. Lois and Clark became engaged in SUPERMAN #50 (Dec.
90).
Their long engagement has weathered some very hard knocks, not the least of
these being the death of Superman himself. After Superman returned from the
grave, there was the destruction of Metropolis, Superman going a little whacko
when there was a shadow of doubt that he might not be the real Superman after
all, the "death" of Clark Kent, Superman on trial, and for good measure, Lois
breaking off the engagement with Clark because she felt he was spending too
much time in the cape and that she was losing her edge by becoming too
dependent on the cape. However, love apparently triumphs.
Several wire services have reported that DC Comics will finally take Lois and
Clark to the altar to coincide with the wedding of their TV counterparts in
October. Sure, it's a money making, publicity grabbing "event", but ... so
what? For me, it is historic. For the first time in nearly sixty years, one of
the longest running unrequited love stories becomes requited. It won't be a
dream, a fantasy, "Elseworld", or alternate universe. It will be real and
forever alter a part of Superman's history.
The comics and the TV series diverge at many points in many ways, but none so
much as in the "destiny" category. I believe the television show has actually
made Lois and Clark's love more mythic and fated than in the comics. This is
hard to explain, but in the comics I never got the feeling that there was the
same spiritual or supernatural bond between Lois and Clark, but the TV series
has made that bond real. The feeling that there can never be anyone else for
either of them is very strong. It is, as H.G. Wells said, "that one true love."
It may be that because the series places an added emphasis on Lois Lane's role
in the mythos it creates an urgency and inevitability to their destiny that the
comics can't quite match with its emphasis placed more on Superman than either
Lois or Clark.
I think the series really moved into this unexplored ground with the third
season. The bond, hinted at in first season, all but forgotten in second
season, returned with a vengeance in third season. It remained elusive to both
of them, at least as something graspable, something they could put into words,
but there was no denying it existed. I'm hoping that in fourth season more of
this is explored. I was happy to see it happen in the first place because I had
written an article way back wondering if there was something other than a kind
of enhanced human quality to Clark. Here is part of what I wrote:
"Without pointed ears, green skin, or some other outward indicator, Clark
simply sees himself as a human withdifferent abilities than the other humans
who surround him. Is this truly a case of nurture versus nature? Were
Kryptonians so like us that there was nothing uniquely alien about them? By
this I do not mean philosophically, or politically, but something endemic to
them as a species. Vulcans, for example, have to go through the Pon Far mating
drive every seven years. It is as much a part of them as their green blood, and
it cannot be ignored, or pretended away. Is there anything similar for
Kryptonians? Do they bond emotionally or mentally to a mate long before any
physical contact takes place? Is that why Clark was instantly attracted to Lois
despite all of her attempts to dissuade him?
If there is no fundamental difference between humans and Kryptonians, other
than some neat powers acquired under a yellow sun, then Clark has every right
to feel like an enhanced human. But if there are influences of an alien nature
working on him, let's see them, and let's see how he deals with them, and
perhaps even more interesting will be watching those who know and love him,
deal with the alien notion."
Third season not only made clear that which had been ambiguous about Clark's
sexual history, but it also showed something of the toll that bad relationships
had taken on Lois, making her "skittish" about crossing the intimacy threshold.
This too, while I'm waxing nostalgic on my anniversary, was a wish I had
expressed back in December of '94:
"This show can even break ground sexually. Unlike MOONLIGHTING where the couple
gave in to their hormones, Lois and Clark could actually discuss their feelings
on the subject. This may sound funny, but given that impromptu sex has become
the norm, and therefore boring, having a couple consider each others feelings
on the matter might be a welcome change. What if Clark were depicted as a
virgin?"
Will we get some sense of the cosmic when they cross that intimacy threshold?
(And no, I don't mean the universe shifting or shockwaves felt for miles away
:). That is, will some new facet to the bond reveal itself? Is the bond capable
of doing some "rewriting"? By this I mean, is the bond more than spiritual, and
if so is part of its function to create a "physical" environment in which Lois
could become pregnant with Clark's child? I don't mean I want Lois to slowly
morph into a Kryptonian, but rather have it provide some explanation of how two
separate species can produce an offspring (you know it'll be asked). I know
it's far-fetched, but so is the very existence of the guy in the cape.
A couple of extra notes, since this seems like the year of Superman. The new
animated series of SUPERMAN debuted this month, and there is word that the
latest Superman movie will start filming in 1997. What's awkward about the new
Superman film is that it will be a Warner Brothers product, and so won't that
mean two different versions of Superman will be filming simultaneously at that
studio? Both Dean and Teri have expressed no interest in doing a big screen
version of what they do currently. So will Dean come face to face with someone
else in the famous costume, or will it shoot in England? Even if the movie was
to shoot in the summer, LOIS AND CLARK stops shooting in the middle of April
and they go back in front of the cameras in early July. It seems a meeting of
some type is inevitable.
Of course Teri said she could see doing the series for only one more year, and
that would be 4th season, and there is also no guarantee that LOIS AND CLARK
would make the ratings that would even guarantee a 5th season anyway. However,
given that actors have been known to change their minds, especially if the
price is right, then there could be the very real possibility of two Supermen
having to share the same green screen. I don't envy the movie makers. They'll
have to fight the image of Chris Reeve's portrayal of the film SUPERMAN, and
Dean and Teri playing the definitive Lois and Clark, and having done so for
four straight years. This also makes me wonder how the animated series will
fare.
The show and the comics will both have a loving and married Lois and Clark, and
yet the press releases for the animated series talk about Lois and Clark
behaving like "squabbling siblings". It will be interesting to see how children
react to this take after seeing Lois and Clark/Superman in love on the series.
Will the kids live up to the stereotype of being happy there's no "mushy stuff"
or will the kids want and expect them to fall in love? Certainly other animated
superhero shows have crossed the romance barrier so long avoided in the old
days. Perhaps kids have become a bit more savvy than they're being given credit
for. Time and the ratings will tell. I'll leave you with the quotation that
inspired the title of this article:
"We have been through so much just to get to this place, but none of that
matters. It's perfect." Next month I hope to be able to cover the premiere and
the wedding.
________________________________________________________
Episode #3-06: "Don't Tug On Superman's Cape"
---------------------------------------------------
by Marta Olson (molson@raisinets.den.mmc.com)
US Airdate: November 5, 1995
Special Guest Stars: Genie Francis and Jonathan Frakes
Guest Starring: Kenneth Kimmins and Michael Harris
Written by: David Simkins
Directed by: Steven Dubin
Have you ever wondered how well Dean would do in a couple of different roles?
Maybe as a James Bond type character or as a certain Cuban band leader? Or
what if Teri took on the role of a meddling housewife or maybe a Bond woman?
This episode gives you the perfect chance to find out. Because of the stress
regarding marriage -- which they have agreed NOT to talk about -- both Lois and
Clark are having nightmares. Clark dreams that he is a Cuban band leader
(Ricky Ricardo from I LOVE LUCY) and a superhero. He comes home to find Martha
and Jonathan not only looking and sounding like Ethel and Fred Mertz, but also
tied up by Lex Luthor with a bomb attached. In walks Lois looking and sounding
very much like Lucy. She insists that she wants to be part of the act.
Clarkie says "but I'm Superman" and Lois replies "well I'm Superwife!" In
typical Lucy and Ricky fashion, they argue, the bomb goes off and Martha and
Jonathan disappear. This is complete with Ricky's "you've got some 'splainin
to do" and Lucy's usual "eeeeeehhhhh".
Lois' nightmare comes a little bit later, and while driving down the street.
She envisions Clark as a James Bond type -- the name is Man, Superman. She is
Miss Goodbottom. Clark Kent is starring in the movie "The Spy who Left Me"
with Bad Brain Johnson chasing after them. As they get in the car Clark says,
"Unless you want to be shaken, not stirred, I suggest you strap in." Lois
says, "Speak English." When Clark tells Lois that Bad Brain is behind them,
she replies, "Let me take care of this -- I'll give him a migraine!" Clark
ejects Lois from the car.
Clark has another nightmare that has Perry playing the role of Joe Friday from
DRAGNET with Jimmy as his partner. Clark is being charged with marital
non-participation and is constantly being challenged with things he missed,
like the birth of a son, little league games, etc. These dreams sum up the
anxieties each has regarding their continuing relationship.
The villains are Tim and Amber Lake, who would make even Mary Poppins a little
sick of all the sugar. They seem to be too good to be true. They never argue
and they pepper their conversation with comments such as "my pet" and "light of
my life". They are collectors and as they put it, "Next to each other,
possession is our passion." To collect the next item they want -- Superman --
they break Bad Brain Johnson out of prison to use his thirst for vengeance on
Klutz Kent, Nosey Lane, and Super Dupe. One cute scene is when they display
their collection to Bad Brain. The collection features a block of cement with
a hand sticking out -- Jimmy Hoffa, the arms of the Venus de Milo, and a car
that is one of a kind -- that they are kind of 'batty' about. Using Bad Brain's
own "Electro-Whammy" to eliminate him, the Lakes embark on their quest for
Superman. They attempt to kill Clark, and then successfully fake Lois' death
to capture Superman.
There is a scene between Lois and Clark that I really enjoyed. They are
researching the Lakes and have been watching an episode of a show similar to
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS. Clark takes his glasses off, and moves into
the kitchen. Lois puts his glasses on. Lois makes the comment, "What do I
know, these glasses fooled me for 2 years. Oh boy, what a dope." Clark
replies, "Is it your fault I picked such a brilliant disguise? Wait a minute,
where's Lois Lane? She was just here." They begin to discuss their nightmares
when a toy helicopter flies by and shoots up Clark's apartment. As a side
note, Suen's statue from Borneo can be seen on the bookshelf in this scene.
[For those of you who don't know, during the filming of the beginning of the
third season, a group of FOLC's went to Warner Brothers Studio and got to meet
the cast and the writers of the show. Suen, currently living in Australia, was
unable to attend, but sent a statue from Borneo to be given to Dean, if the
opportunity came up. Not only did the opportunity come up, but they said they
would try to put it in one of the shows. They did.]
If you haven't seen this episode, it is really worth seeing if not just for the
nightmares. Martha and Jonathan Kent are here when Lois and Clark go to
Smallville. The Lakes fake Lois' death very well and are successful in
capturing Superman. I'm not going to tell you how he gets out of this one, but
there is some good communication between Lois and Clark. If you like the
relationship aspect of the show, this is a must-see. Genie Francis and
Jonathan Frakes, real life husband and wife, play Tim and Amber Lake. Although
the first time I saw this episode, they drove me crazy because of the
campiness, it seems a little less campy every time I watch it. Although this
is not my favorite episode from the third season, it is certainly not on my
least favorite list either. I hope you will enjoy it.
________________________________________________________
COMING ATTRACTIONS!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A List of Upcoming Comics Featuring The Superman Family of Characters
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.
Descriptions courtesy of PREVIEWS catalog, copyright 1996, Diamond Comic
Distributors. Diamond is the exclusive distributor of DC Comics!
NOTES
---------------
Changing content on the notes this month. Because the list is getting
so long lately, I'll pass on providing the synopsis of what's new below.
Instead, I'll provide additional comments pertaining to the list itself
and reasons for listing or omitting certain items from PREVIEWS.
First thing to note is that with the inclusion of SUPERMAN: THE WEDDING
ALBUM, three titles from last month were bumped and resolicited.
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #541, ACTION COMICS #728, and SUPERMAN: THE MAN
OF STEEL #63 have all dropped one week down the list, and the content
descriptions provided last month have changed. SUPERMAN #118, offered
last month was not resolicited, and no new information was made
available, but the description given last month is no longer correct.
The descriptions provided last month for these four issues have been
transferred to their subsequent issues. For example, the description
of SUPERMAN #118 appearing last month is now the description of SUPERMAN
#119. Confused yet? Because of this, I'm including the descriptions
below for all of the main Superman titles appearing in October and
November.
Two other minor notes: Though participation by Superman is not
specifically indicated for the second and third issues of DC/MARVEL: ALL
ACCESS, I have chosen to include them. Since he figured prominently
in the first issue and will almost certainly be involved in the
concluding fourth issue, it is highly likely that he will at least make
some sort of appearance in these middle issues. Finally, note that
SILVER SURFER/SUPERMAN is published by Marvel Comics, and the
information about that title is taken from MARVEL VISION.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST OF TITLES BY EXPECTED ARRIVAL DATE
---------------------------------------------
Arrival Date: Comic title and information:
------------ ---------------------------
September 5: The Final Night #1 (of 4)
Written by Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
The Power of Shazam! #20 (Superman)
Written by Jerry Ordway
Art by Peter Krause and Mike Manley
Painted Cover by Jerry Ordway
$1.75
Showcase '96 #10
Bibbo
Written by Paul Castiglia
Art by Denis Rodier
Cover by Denis Rodier
48 pgs, $2.95
Steel #32
Written by Darren Vincenzo
Pencilled by Roger Robinson
Cover by Phil Gosier and Rich Faber
$1.95
Superman #117
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art and Cover by Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein
$1.95
Superman Adventures #1
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
Cover by Bruce Timm
$1.75
September 11: Adventures of Superman #540
Written by Karl Kesel and Jerry Ordway
Art by Terry Dodson and Karl Story
Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
The Final Night #2 (of 4)
Written by Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare #3 (of 3)
Written by Mark Waid and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Jeff Johnson, Darrick Robertson, Jon Holdredge,
and Hanibal Rodriguez
Cover by Kevin Maguire and John Dell
48 pgs, $2.95
Supergirl #3
Written by Peter David
Art and Cover by Gary Frank and Cam Smith
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #5
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art by Paul Ryan and Josef Rubinstein
Cover by Jerry Ordway
48 pgs, $2.95
September 18: Action Comics #727
Written by David Michelinie
Art by Tom Morgan and Denis Rodier
Cover by Tom Grummett and Denis Rodier
$1.95
The Final Night #3 (of 4)
Written by Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
Parallax: Emerald Night #1 (of 1)
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Mike McKone and Mark McKenna
48 pgs, $2.95
Superboy #33
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Ramon Bernado and Doug Hazlewood
$1.95
September 25: The Final Night #4 (of 4)
Written by Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
Superboy & The Ravers #3
Written by Karl Kesel and Steve Mattsson
Art and Cover by Paul Pelletier and Dan Davis
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #62
Written by Louise Simonson
Art and Cover by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
$1.95
October 2: DC/Marvel: All Access #1 (of 4)
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Jackson Guice and Josef Rubinstein
48 pgs, $2.95
Showcase '96 #11
Brainiac, Vril Dox II, and the Legion of Super-Heroes
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Derec Aucoin and Jason Minor
Cover by Steve Lightle
48 pgs, $2.95
Steel #33
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Jim Aparo and Dick Giordano
Cover by Roger Robinson and Dennis Janke
$1.95
Superman #118
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art and Cover by Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein
$1.95
Superman Adventures #2
Written by Scott McCloud
Art and Cover by Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
$1.75
October 9: Supergirl #4
Written by Peter David
Art and Cover by Gary Frank and Cam Smith
$1.95
Superman: The Wedding Album
Written by Various
Illustrated by Various
96 pages, Collector's and Standard Editions, both $4.95
Superman/Wonder Woman: Whom Gods Destroy #1 (of 4)
Written by Chris Claremont
Art and Cover by Dusty Abell
48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95
October 16: Adventures of Superman #541
Written by Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
Superboy #34
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Ramon Bernado and Doug Hazlewood
$1.95
October 23: Action Comics #728
Written by David Michelinie
Art and Cover by Tom Grummett and Denis Rodier
$1.95
Superboy & The Ravers #4
Written by Karl Kesel and Steve Mattsson
Art and Cover by Paul Pelletier and Dan Davis
$1.95
October 30: Superman: The Man of Steel #63
Written by Louise Simonson
Art and Cover by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
$1.95
World's Finest: Superboy/Robin #1 (of 2)
Written by Chuck Dixon and Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Tom Grummett and Scott Hanna
48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95
November 6: DC/Marvel: All Access #2 (of 4)
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Jackson Guice and Josef Rubinstein
$1.95
JLA #1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and Cover by Howard Porter and John Dell
$1.95
Showcase '96 #12
Brainiac, Vril Dox II, and the Legion of Super-Heroes
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Derec Aucoin and Jason Minor
Cover by Steve Lightle
48 pgs, $2.95
Steel #34
Written by Christopher Priest
Art by Denys Cowan and Tom Palmer
Cover by Dave Johnson
$1.95
Superman #119
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art and Cover by Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein
$1.95
Superman Adventures #3
Written by Scott McCloud
Art and Cover by Rick Burchett and Terry Austin
$1.75
November 13: Adventures of Superman #542
Written by Karl Kesel and Jerry Ordway
Art by Paul Ryan and Jose Marzan Jr
Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
$1.95
Superboy Plus #1 (of 1)
Written by Ron Marz
Art by Andy Smith
Cover by Gary Frank and Cam Smith
48 pgs, $2.95
Supergirl #5
Written by Peter David
Art and Cover by Gary Frank and Cam Smith
$1.95
Superman/Wonder Woman: Whom Gods Destroy #2 (of 4)
Written by Chris Claremont
Art and Cover by Dusty Abell and Drew Geraci
48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95
November 20: Action Comics #729
Written by David Michelinie
Art and Cover by Tom Grummett and Denis Rodier
$1.95
DC Universe Holiday Bash #1 (of 1 -- Superman)
Written by Various
Art by Various
Cover by Rodolfo Damaggio and Robert Campanella
64 pgs, $3.95
Silver Surfer/Superman
Written by George Perez
Art by Ron Lim and Terry Austin
Published by Marvel Comics
48 pgs, $5.95
Superboy #35
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Ramon Bernado and Doug Hazlewood
$1.95
Superman's Metropolis
Written by Jean-Marc and Randy Lofficier, and Roy Thomas
Painted Art and Cover by Ted McKeever
64 pgs, Prestige Format, $5.95
November 27: The Batman Chronicles #7 (Superman)
Written by Jerry Ordway
Art by Lee Weeks and Jesse Delperdang
Cover by Lee Weeks and Jerry Ordway
48 pgs, $2.95
DC/Marvel: All Access #3 (of 4)
Written by Ron Marz
Art and Cover by Jackson Guice and Josef Rubinstein
$1.95
Superboy & The Ravers #5
Written by Karl Kesel and Steve Mattsson
Art and Cover by Paul Pelletier and Dan Davis
$1.95
Superman: The Man of Steel #64
Written by Louise Simonson
Art and Cover by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
$1.95
The Teen Titans #4 (Supergirl)
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art and Cover by Dan Jurgens and George Perez
$1.95
World's Finest: Superboy/Robin #2 (of 2)
Written by Chuck Dixon and Karl Kesel
Art and Cover by Tom Grummett and Scott Hanna
48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPOILERS
------------------
October 2:
---------
Superman #118
Leads into next week's SUPERMAN: THE WEDDING ALBUM!
October 9:
---------
Superman: The Wedding Album
Retrosolicited to arrive in comic book specialty stores the same month
that ABC-TV airs the eagerly anticipated "wedding episode" of Warner
Brothers' LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN -- this may well
be the biggest comics-related media event since the "Death of Superman!"
It's all here under one cover, written and illustrated by a host of past
and present Superman creators: the resolution of the Lois/Clark breakup;
the proposal; the plans; the tux; the dress; the shower; the bachelor
party; the bachelorette party; the trouble with in-laws; the big fight;
the visit from the Dark Knight ... And, oh yes, they get married, too!
Both editions of this Special feature gatefold back covers that open to
reveal the final story pages, similar to SUPERMAN #75. The Collector's
Edition of this Special features -- at no additional cost -- a cardstock
cover whose front features an embossed cardstock cover showing the
Superman "S-shield," metallic silver ink printing, and both matte and
gloss varnishes. The Standard Edition has standard cover stock, different
front cover art, and no enhancement.
October 16:
----------
Adventures of Superman #541
Immediately following their long-awaited nuptials, Lois and Clark embark
on a Hawaiian honeymoon. But the quiet time they seek is anything *but*
that when the newlyweds run into Superboy, Tana Moon, and the ancient
menace known as Kekona!
October 23:
----------
Action Comics #728
Some Honeymoon! The gang that almost stopped Lois from returning to
Metropolis has caught up to the newlyweds, and they've set their sights
on Clark! Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman prevents Suicide Slum
from going ablaze! But how? Good question....
October 30:
----------
Superman: The Man of Steel #63
Still without powers as a consequence of the events in THE FINAL NIGHT,
Clark is kidnapped and forced, under truth serum, to tell his abductors
that he's Superman. This is a job for Lois Lane!
November 6:
----------
DC/Marvel: All Access #2 (of 4)
X-Man Jubilee from the Marvel Universe convinces Access to transport
her to the DC Universe so she can catch up on unfinished business with
Batman's partner, Robin! Also in this issue: the high-wire heroism of
Daredevil and the double villainy of Two-Face!
JLA #1
Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. The Flash. Green Lantern. Aquaman.
Martian Manhunter. They're DC's flagship heroes, together at last under
one cover in the ultimate dream-team. JLA is the explosive, all-new
ongoing series by writer Grant Morrison, with art by Howard Porter and
John Dell, capturing the mythic grandeur, the unparalleled excitement,
and the supercharged fun of comics' greatest super-team, the Justice
League of America! The new League's first mission brings them into
conflict with the Hyperclan, a contingent of metapowered extraterrestrials
who have come to Earth hoping to find a haven to replace their destroyed
homeworld. But the Hyperclan's seemingly good intentions become suspect
as they turn public sentiment away from the JLA with their controversial,
proactive "betterment" of the planet. One day they're irrigating deserts,
the next they're publicly executing known villains. All the while, these
strangers harbor a dark secret that will profoundly affect one member of
the League!
Showcase '96 #12 (of 12)
The battle of the Brainiacs continues, as Superman's foe unleashes his
full psionic power upon Brainiac 5 and the Legionnaires stuck in the 20th
century ... and Vril Dox of R.E.B.E.L.S., son of the evil Brainiac, may be
their only hope! Also in this issue, a Jesse Quick story by Mark Waid,
Brian Augustyn, Oscar Jimenez, and Jose Marzan Jr. And Sarge Steel and
King Faraday team up in a story written and pencilled by ADVENTURES OF
SUPERMAN artist Stuart Immonen.
Steel #34
DC begins a new era for its armored champion with a new direction and a
new creative team! Christopher Priest, writer of THE RAY, teams with
artists Denys Cowan (HARDWARE) and Tom Palmer (UNCANNY X-MEN, AVENGERS)
and cover artist Dave Johnson to bring you the all-new adventures of Dr.
John Irons, the man called Steel! Irons and his niece Natasha have
relocated to Jersey City, where Steel takes the position of Head of
Research and Development at a major medical complex. But there's more
to this new life than meets the eye -- and even the forging of a new suit
of armor may not prepare him for the battle he's being set up to fight!
For more information, see this month's feature article!
Superman #119
The time-lost Legion of Super-Heroes guest-star! In the aftermath of THE
FINAL NIGHT, during which Superman's powers were depleted with the
darkened sun, the Legion moves into the Lexcorp Building, where they meet
Lex himself, and Brainiac 5 searches for a way to restore the Man of
Steel's powers.
Superman Adventures #3
As the light from the explosion that destroyed Krypton reaches Earth, the
humanoid supercomputer Brainiac sets out to make sure he's the only
possessor of Kryptonian knowledge ... by destroying Superman!
November 13:
-----------
Adventures of Superman #542
Misa of the Outsiders returns, trapping the Man of Steel in a strange
virtual nightmare while Project Cadmus attempts to restore Superman's
powers.
Superboy Plus #1 (of 1)
Captain Marvel Jr. and Superboy are drawn into a web of danger by a
mysterious foe, and all hell breaks loose when the two super-powered
teens find themselves battling Superman and Captain Marvel!
Supergirl #5
Supergirl travels to Smallville to seek the counsel of Superman's parents
-- Ma and Pa Kent -- about her new life as Linda Danvers. Her inner quest
for identity is interrupted by the mindless destructive behemoth known as
Chemo, stirring in Supergirl new questions about her soul.
Superman/Wonder Woman: Whom Gods Destroy #2 (of 4)
The search for Lana Lang takes Lois and Clark to the heart of the Third
Reich, where their true foes reveal themselves... and where each discovers
his/her true destiny. For one, triumph; for another, tragedy; for the
third...truth!
November 20:
-----------
Action Comics #729
Once Guardian uses his Whiz Wagon to transport Superman to the Fortress of
Solitude, the Man of Steel encounters a bizarre new alien life-form of
unknown origin and intent!
DC Universe Holiday Bash #1 (of 1)
Need some good holiday reading for those cold winter nights? Curl up with
the DC UNIVERSE HOLIDAY BASH #1, a special collection of Yuletide tales by
a host of creators, including writers such as David Michelinie, Dennis
O'Neil, Walter Simonson, Mark Waid, and others, as well as artists such as
Jim Aparo, Sal Buscema, Jesse Delperdang, Graham Nolan, and Roger Robinson.
The BASH is attended by Superman, Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern,
Catwoman, and The New Gods, each featured in a moving short story that
revolves around the Season of Peace.
Silver Surfer/Superman
Marvel's star-soarer meets DC's Man of Steel! One lost Krypton, a planet
destroyed soon after his birth. The other lost his humanity to save
Zenn-La, a planet he would never know again. They won't lose another
world! It's a 48-page crossover of cosmic proportions!
Superboy #35
An assault team attacks and abducts Superboy, taking him to a secret base
where he's to become the genetic template for an evil army of supermen.
This issue sets in motion an odyssey that will alter the Kid's life
forever.
Superman's Metropolis
ELSEWORLDS. The boyhood dreams of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster combine
with the vision of renowned filmmaker Fritz Lang in SUPERMAN'S METROPOLIS,
a remarkable Elseworlds graphic novel setting the Man of Tomorrow in the
City of Tomorrow. Ted McKeever's beautiful painted art superbly evokes
the powerful imagery of Lang's film and the classic heroism of the
Superman comics in the story adapted by frequent Moebius collaborators
Jean-Marc and Randy Lofficier, and comics legend Roy Thomas. Starring
Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and others,
this science fiction parable celebrates the triumph of the human spirit
against an oppressive ruling class, in which only the promise of a
superman yet-to-come gives hope to the workers slaving in the bowels of
the city.
November 27:
-----------
The Batman Chronicles #7
Superman and Batman are at odds over a woman on death row; the Man of
Steel sees a chance for her redemption, while the Dark Knight believes
justice must take its course. This tale of conflicting moralities comes
from writer Jerry Ordway, with art by Lee Weeks and Jesse Delperdang.
Also, Nightwing teams up with Donna Troy, and an untold tale of Batman
and the original Green Arrow.
DC/Marvel: All Access #3 (of 4)
With the traffic between the universes increasing, Access enlists the aid
of the DC Universe's greatest detective to solve the mystery. But when
Batman and Access encounter Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel
Universe, the stakes go through the roof, leading to a showdown between
the X-Men and the JLA!
Superboy and the Ravers #5
The origin of Hero is revealed when the Ravers return to Earth to spend
the holidays with his family. But Hero is being pursued by one of
Superboy's most dangerous foes -- Scavenger! Plus, Hero finds the "H"
Dial (as in DIAL "H" FOR HERO)!
Superman: The Man of Steel #64
In a final desperate attempt to restore his lost powers, Superman heads
for their source: the sun itself! Will it prove to be his salvation ...
or a suicide run? Only New Gods Metron, Barda, and Mister Miracle may
hold the answer!
The Teen Titans #4
It's guest-stars galore when Nightwing enlists Robin to investigate the
new team. Meanwhile, Supergirl and a strange creature are kidnapped by a
mysterious organization; and Risk, Joto, Prism, Argent, and the Atom blow
up their headquarters during a training exercise, leaving Captain Marvel
Jr. the task of saving Risk!
World's Finest: Superboy/Robin #2 (of 2)
Superboy is under Poison Ivy's spell! Metallo is on the rampage! And now
Robin stands alone in trying to save Hawaii from being destroyed -- and to
do that, he may have to destroy Superboy first! The Kryptonite signet
ring is Robin's only weapon, and heaven only knows what effect it will
have on Superboy!
________________________________________________________
*******************************************************
End of Section 10/Issue #29
