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Mild Mannered Reviews - Annuals

This year the Annuals throughout the DC Universe are themed: "Planet DC". With our favourite heroes meeting fellow heroes from all around the world.

Superman Annual 12

Superman Annual #12

Scheduled to arrive in stores: June 28, 2000

Writer: Oscar Pinto, Fancisco Haghenbeck, and Brain K Vaughan
Penciller: Carlo Barberi
Inker: Marlo Alquiza and Juan Vlasco

"Whispers Of The Earth"

Reviewed by: Nick Newman (Nnewman8283@yahoo.com)

In Mexico City traffic is at a standstill, due to a small girl standing in the middle of the road, her eyes glowing... Three heroes, Iman, Acrata, and El Muerto; arrive on the scene.

Back in Metropolis, Lois talks to Clark, who is currently in Mexico covering a story. Clark has to leave suddenly to assist the trio of heroes. Inside Mexico's World Trade Center, the three rush to try and save the people from the collapsing building. They momentarily subdue the girl, but then Superman comes to their rescue. He approaches the girl, but she attacks him with magic. The other three stop her and teleport away with the unconscious Man of Steel, leaving the girl alone. Atop the roof, the four review the battle and Iman's computer recognizes the symbol that the little girl was wearing. Acrata says that she knows what it means, but then teleports away. The remaining three visit a scientist to learn what it means instead. He identifies it as an ancient symbol associated with a nearby temple. The three leave.

Inside of Duran's stronghold, Acrata finds the girl sleeping. She touches her and the small girl screams, bringing guards running. EL Muerto breaks through the wall to save Acrata. The other two fly in as well, but the three novices are quickly subdued, and Duran uses magic to stop Superman. The four are thrown in a cell. Inside they talk about their origins, and El Muerto tells why he hates Superman. Superman apologizes, and then Iman finds his skeleton key. In the streets, Duran rampages, using a giant fiery claw to destroy the streets. Acrata grabs Duran's pendant, but that doesn't stop the fire. They need a "visitor from the stars" to stop the evil girl. They realize that the visitor is Superman. Acrata summons the ancient god, and Superman's body is taken over. The god-Superman stops the fire creature, before the pendant shatters and the god vanishes. Having triumphed over evil, Superman returns home to his parents' house for a nice meal.

"Special Report: Justice Across the Border"

A reporter interviews people on the street about the Mexican heroes, and visits the scientist to learn some of Mexico's folklore. He also interviews Iman, and talks to Clark Kent on the street. Suddenly, the small girl attacks again. The reporter is almost killed, but the three heroes save him. However, during the fight a falling statue flattens him. The End.

1Story - 1: I'm sorry, but there is nothing good I can say about this issue, which is probably why this is the shortest review I have ever written. It was just a pointless theme-story that had no substance. The three heroes were lame and stereotypical and Superman was written horribly. This issue was not worth US$3.50, I'm not sure if it would be worth fifty cents.

3Art - 3: The art was decent. I've seen better but I've also seen worse. That's about it.

3Cover Art - 3: Again, mediocre at best. Definitely not something that is going to make me pick up the issue and read it.

Mild Mannered Reviews

2001

Note: Month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic was on sale.

January 2001

February 2001 March 2001 April 2001 May 2001 June 2001 July 2001 August 2001 September 2001 October 2001 November 2001 December 2001 Annuals

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