THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET - ISSUE #2 - JUNE 1994 AN ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE FAMILY OF SUPERMAN CHARACTERS All characters and locales are copyright and/or trademark DC Comics CONTENTS ÑÑÑÑ Section 1: From the Editor News on the Dan Jurgens interview and musings on Lois & ClarkÕs comic book intimacy, by Jeff Sykes THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SUPERMAN A review of Roger SternÕs novel, by Ken McKee The S.C.U. Files A look at Brainiac, by Chris Jarocha-Ernst Section 2: A Matter of FAQ Nailing down the chronal location of Hunter/Prey within current continuity, by David Thomas Chappell Coming Attractions August brings Zero Month - each issue is #0! What lies in store for the Man of Steel? Section 3: Reviews The Triangle Titles Action Comics #700, by Jose R. Galan Superman: The Man of Steel #35, by Anatole Wilson Superman #91, by Brian Petro Adventures of Superman #514, by Arthur LaMarche Worlds Collide Hardware #17, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Superboy #6, by Victor Chan Icon #15, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Steel #6, by Mauri Casano Section 4: Reviews (cont) Specials and Guest Appearances Superman/Doomsday: Hunter/Prey Book 2, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Superman Annual #6, by Brian Petro Green Lantern #53, by Jeff Sykes Guest Art An ascii logo/picture, by Ronald Evry Contests Contest #1 results Contest #2! Section 5: Looking Back Post-Byrne Superman #11, by Mark Lamutt Pre-Byrne Superman #135, by Patrick Stout Superman #416, by Ken McKee Death Before, by J. D. Rummel Section 6: Other-Media And Who Disguised As... Revisiting the Christopher Reeve movies, by J. D. Rummel The Fleischer Cartoons Episode #15, ÒJungle DrumsÓ, by Neil A. Ottenstein Letters Resources EDITORIAL STAFF: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews Mauri Casano, Reviews Victor Chan Patricia Gonzales Ken McKee ======================================================== FROM THE EDITOR ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- A Chat with Dan Jurgens: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Dan has agreed to submit to an interview for the magazine. Here are the groundrules. If you have a question, send it to the magazine address, KryptonCN@aol.com. Please use the subject line to indicate that the message is a question for Mr. Jurgens. If there are too many questions, I will choose the best ones. I will then mail him the list of questions. Naturally, he is not obliged to reply to any question whose answer is either too personal or would be giving away too much of a spoiler for upcoming stories. ANYTHING ELSE GOES!! I also told him that he could take his time with the questions, so the interview may not be in next monthÕs issue. Try to keep in mind hom much work he has on his table right now! Get me those questions! Super-Sex in the Comics: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Recently, IÕve been pondering some of the myriad internet discussions on the topic of whether or not Lois and Clark could and/or are having sex. I donÕt want to get into a discussion of Larry NivenÕs exposition on the subject, but rather on the topic of the comic books indicating that the deed is occurring. IÕve been reading the Superman titles since John ByrneÕs MAN OF STEEL revamp, which I fondly like to refer to as the Byrne-ing. And to be honest, the idea that Lois and Clark have engaged in intercourse had never entered my mind until someone claimed that the comics had hinted at it. Granted, my being a conservative Christian has a lot to do with this, but a discussion on the virtues of Christianity is not what IÕm after here. IÕm not naive Ñ I realize there are many more non-marital relationships which include sex than donÕt. But that doesnÕt change the fact that there are people who donÕt believe in extra-marital sex, and who would probably be offended if DC chose to indicate that it was going on between Lois and Clark. First of all, this is not a vertigo book. The stories are code approved and available to anyone with $1.50 to blow. As a future parent (WAAAYYY in the future), I know that I would not like my young children reading materials that seem to approve of this. I am more open minded than many people who share my faith Ñ I would want my children to make their own (informed) decisions on the subject, but not until they are old enough and mature enough to do so. Second, this is an issue of respect. As a publisher, DC should respect the beliefs of all of its readers. In particular, I find it hard to believe that anyone would be offended if the topic were simply never approached. And if DC keeps its word that there WILL be a wedding, the point will become moot. However, if a story was to clearly indicate that the act has occurred, it would definitely offend some readers. Finally, itÕs not important to the saga. Whether or not Clark and Lois sleep together before their wedding day has little or no bearing on whether or not we the readers are going to enjoy the stories. So why risk offending longtime readers by addressing the topic? Personally, I hope that DC has the sense to never indicate that such activity is happening. If others want to read ÒhintsÓ from some of the subtext, thatÕs okay. I would prefer to see Superman in another light. Of course, any other opinions on the subject are invited! Jeff Sykes sykes@ms.uky.edu ======================================================== THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SUPERMAN Written by Roger Stern Published by Bantam Books, 1993 $19.95 Hardback A review by Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu) When I first contemplated reviewing Roger SternÕs novel, _The Death and Life of Superman_ for the _Kryptonian Cybernet_, I never realized what a monumental task it would be. Even though I enjoy writing as a hobby, I still agonize over something as simple as a 500-word English research paper. But bear with me as I try and do justice to a classic piece of literature. I decided to review the book from the viewpoint of a 40-year-old baby boomer. I grew up with the Superman of the 1960s, I didnÕt even know about the Crisis situation until just over a year ago, and I just recently jumped back on the DC band- wagon only after finding out Superman had been terminated. I mean, Superman was REALLY dead! NO WAY! Okay, so I was feeling guilty at leaving Superman behind with all my other ÒchildishÓ memorabilia. Also, I am keenly aware of the events that have transpired since the book was written. I donÕt DARE miss an issue. With that in mind, if you can, put all the recent events on the back burner for the time being and allow me to share my own personal reflections. The most striking thing about the book is the cover. The dense, black background coldly contrasts the striking red and yellow ÒSÓ symbol dripping with still-warm, human-like blood. You know what is going to happen between the pages. And yet, you are compelled to buy it. You just HAVE to read it. Also, this is no small book. Enclosed within the 400+ pages is the post- Crisis history of Superman (in detail), his relationship with Lois, descriptions of all the major characters (who still leave me dizzy with all their strange identities), and of course the shocking chronicle of how Doomsday viciously murders Superman as well as all the events that transpire afterwards. Most of the faithful followers of Superman already know the basic plot. A horrifying monster of unknown origin named Doomsday is found causing death and destruction on earth; no one can stop him, not even the Justice League of America. He is, of course, eventually brought down by Superman, who tragically loses his own life in the massacre. Soon, four new characters arrive on the scene claiming to be Superman resurrected. However, one of them, the half-man, half-machine Cyborg, reveals his demented conspiracy to take over the earth. Green LanternÕs Coast City is destroyed and Metropolis is almost leveled; the real Superman emerges to stop the Cyborg in the nick of time and he and Lois live happily ever after. No doubt about it, this book is great and a blast to read! Roger Stern has done a remarkable job of transforming the novel from the images of multi- colored panels and frames to a theater of the mind. You get different perspectives of the events as they unfold on the pages from those in the comics. You meet characters that were not alive in the 1960s when Superman was just a little too god-like. You experience the great battle scenes firsthand and actually feel the terrible anguish of Lois realizing her fiance has died in her arms. You are there, on the streets of Metropolis witnessing the whole unbelievable, tragic event. You are at the funeral march of the fallen comrade and a feeling of dread rushes over you at the realization that Superman is NEVER coming back. (Try to imagine this from the perspective of the citizens of Metropolis). This time, he really is dead. When the world is introduced to the four new Supermen, you actually hope one of them is the reincarnation of your fallen hero. However, in the back of your mind, you know, as does Lois and the rest of the world, that the real Superman is gone forever. ItÕs almost like the whole universe perishes with him. DonÕt be surprised when a tear begins to trickle down your cheek. This was especially traumatic for me because the pre-Crisis Superman was virtually indestructable as long as he stayed away from the pet-rock from home Ñ Kryptonite. Suddenly, when you think all is lost, Superman dramatically returns; you let out a cry of joy and soar heavenward with him once again to help save the world...just like the good old days. Believe me, even if you have read the entire story in comicbook format you wonÕt be disappointed by the narrative. This is an indication of a great novel. Stern takes you on a heartstopping roller coaster ride with the initial introduction of Doomsday pounding away in his underground cell. I found myself reading in a paradox. I wanted to relish every event by reading slowly and yet at the same time I found myself almost skipping words in order to see what would happen next. I had to pause several times and chew on what I was absorbing. To be honest, until I had read the novel, I really was not that familiar with most of the characters. I knew about them from the weekly comics, but frankly, they were all strangers. They certainly werenÕt in the stories I read as a kid. And I certainly wasnÕt familiar with all the changes that occurred due to the Crisis. Fortunately, Stern gives a detailed history of characters like the Guardian, Professor Hamilton, Supergirl and even the new Justice League of America; this, in my opinion, is the bookÕs strongest attribute. It is a marvelous reference guide to the characters and the details that makes Superman such great entertainment. I found myself writing down the page numbers of important individuals and situations so I could refer back to the book on a regular basis. Until last year, I always thought Lex Luthor was the squatty little bald man with the Gene Hackman mask. Now I find out he has died in a plane crash and has been replaced by his son who has fallen for Supergirl who is NOT EVEN SupermanÕs cousin. (Again, I am quite aware of the recent developments between Supergirl and Lex. But when the book was published this is all we knew). If I had to rely strictly on the comics to solve all these confusing problems I would still be lost. The only character that does not appear in the book is Green Lantern. Stern gives a different ending for the demise of the Cyborg which some readers may find a little disappointing. I also wondered how difficult it would be to make a movie out of this book. Someone call Steven Spielberg. This would not be an easy task to say the least. Most people, not familiar with all the changes in the Superman story line, still see the Man of Steel disguised as Christopher Reeves. So much has changed since the movie premiered in the 1970s. For one thing, the Fortress of Solitude is different and there is no large yellow key; in fact, the Fortress is completely GONE thanks to the Eradicator (another post-Crisis figure)! However with the success of the ÒLois and ClarkÓ television show and the wonders of modern cinema technology, it wouldnÕt be such an impossibility. Hmm, Arnold Schwzenegger cloning into Doomsday...Nah! As an aside, I have had many people ask me if a trade paperback is going to be made about the ÒCrisis on Infinite EarthsÓ series. Perhaps a hardback novel should be written instead. This would make a great prequel to SternÕs book. I do know that SternÕs book should be read before the upcoming ÒZero HourÓ hits the shelves. ÒCanÕt tell the players without a program!Ó Darkseid is even briefly mentioned! By the way, there is a smaller paperback version for younger readers by Louise Simonson called _Superman: Doomsday and Beyond_. I predict _The Death and Life of Superman_ will become a classic. It has all the ingredients of a terrific story Ñ passion, love, sorrow, action, mystery, and a great climactic ending. For the many who have faithfully followed Superman over the years, this book will be a wonderful addition to any collection. For those of you just starting out, having this book will continue to fire up your enthusiasm and make you glad you are a part of the worldÕs greatest superhero. ÒUp, up and AWAY!!!Ó Rating: 5 shields Ken McKee is a 40 year old student at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He plans to attend graduate school and major in library science. As indicated in his review, KenÕs recent interest in the Superman comics originated with DCÕs decision to kill the Man of Steel, leading him to begin a search for as many back issues as he could find. KenÕs wife builds doll houses and his 7 year old son is a big fan of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Batman: The Animated Series. Ken is also a collector of Superman memorabilia. Contact him at stdkrm01@shsu.edu if you have anything in which you believe he might be interested. ======================================================== THE SCU FILES ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Chris Jarocha-Ernst (cje@gandalf.rutgers.edu) File #0638-002: Braniac ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Pre-History: Prior to the reworking of DC history as a result of the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Brainiac was an android, a humanoid computer. He first appeared on Earth as an alien invader, attempting to shrink the city of Metropolis and keep it in a bottle, alongside similar trophies from other worlds. (He had once appeared on Krypton and done the same to the city of Kandor.) Subsequent stories revealed he was actually a robot created by computers on the planet Colu. Lex Luthor managed to capture him and, attempting to rewire him to be under his own control, accidentally gave Brainiac free will. Luthor and Brainiac teamed up on many occasions against Superman and was SupermanÕs second most dangerous foe, after Luthor. Biography: The planet Colu, located over 100,000 light years away on the other side of the Milky Way galaxy, was ruled by artificial intelligences called the Computer Tyrants. Vril Dox, a Coluan scientist, willingly cooperated with the Tyrants in order to do research for them. As a reward, he was permitted to father a child, who also was named Vril Dox. But Dox was a poor parent, more interested in his son as a research assistant, and despite Vril Dox JrÕs obvious intelligence, he constantly berated the child for not reacting in a logical manner. Thus the child grew to hate his father. Dox schemed to overthrow the Computer Tyrants and install himself as dictator of Colu, but he was discovered. As punishment, the Tyrants discorporated him, destroying his body and sending his disembodied intelligence out into space. (His son continued the fight against the Computer Tyrants and, eventually destroying them, founded the interstellar police force known as L.E.G.I.O.N.) DoxÕs mind reached out across the galaxy and, on Earth, stumbled across the mind of Milton Moses Fine, who performed a mentalist act for the Farnum and Beatty Circus under the name ÒBrainiacÓ and who was actually a latent telepath. Telling Fine he was a benevolent scientist who fell victim to a failed experiment in teleportation, he got Fine to lower his defenses and slowly possessed him, bringing out FineÕs latent powers. As ÒBrainiacÓ, he fought Superman but was defeated when Fine reexerted control. For several months, Fine mentally wrestled with Dox. When Dox finally gained control of FineÕs body again, he dressed in a manner similar to that he had used on Colu and attempted to maintain his control by stealing spinal fluids from innocent victims, but he was again thwarted by Superman and was taken away by Metropolis authorities. Doctors discovered Fine had a brain tumor and, believing his story of possession by a disembodied alien to be a delusion, thought removing the tumor might cure the delusion. Lex Luthor, having seen BrainiacÕs battles with Superman on TV, wanted his power for himself and offered to have FineÕs tumor removed as a public service. His surgeons removed the tumor but implanted a device that pained Fine, and would eventually kill him, if he disobeyed Luthor. However, removing the tumor somehow also enabled Dox to destroy FineÕs personality completely. Fine was no more; only Brainiac survived. At LuthorÕs command, he fought Superman again. In the course of battle, Brainiac faked his death, and thus gained time to have LuthorÕs implants removed. Brainiac returned to Luthor for access to his facilities but now had the upper hand in the ÒpartnershipÓ. When Superman was himself suffering from a temporary split personality and masquerading as Gangbuster, Brainiac attacked Gangbuster but, unprepared to face a Kryptonian mind, suffered a psychic backlash and fell comatose. Luthor thought he could keep Brainiac imprisoned by keeping him sedated, but the treatment simply permitted Brainiac to turn his thoughts inward and master FineÕs mental abilities. However, his body was wasting away from disuse. Gaining control the minds of others, and with the help of another Superman foe, Metallo, Brainiac reshaped a facility of LuthorÕs and reconstructed FineÕs former body, making it more like DoxÕs green-skinned body on Colu, but enhanced. The reborn Brainiac fled from Superman in a skull-shaped spaceship, seeking allies among the stars. He found them on the Warworld, a planet-sized spaceship once controlled by the tyrant Mongul, now subject to internecine warfare among its leaderless inhabitants. Brainaic took control and led Warworld on to further conquests, with an ultimate goal of conquering Colu. Holding the planet Almerac for ransom, he forced its ruler, Maxima, to aid him in gaining revenge on Superman. Finally, he brought the Warworld to the Sol system and attacked Earth. It took an army of heroes, including Superman, to beat Brainiac, and the effort left him comatose once again. Superman turned Brainiac over to the New Genesis scientist called Metron for imprisonment and study. Abilities: Vril Dox has an intelligence higher than any humanÕs, whether he turns it to science or conquest. His knowledge of alien science aids him in developing many kinds of weapons currently beyond our ability to contruct. Because he now owns Milton FineÕs body, he also has FineÕs considerable telepathic abilities. He can become a disembodied mind, take control of others, induce illusions, read minds, telekinetically manipulate objects, and create a mental force field. Selected Post-Crisis Appearances: L.E.G.I.O.N. #26, ÒI, DurlanÓ. Background on Vril Dox Sr. and Jr. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #438, ÒThe Amazing BrainiacÓ. Dox possesses Milton Fine. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #445, ÒHeadhunterÓ. Brainiac gains control of FineÕs body SUPERMAN #25, ÒHead TripsÓ. Luthor and Brainiac Òteam upÓ; Brainiac fakes death. SUPERMAN #27, ÒOf Course, You Know, This Means War!Ó Brainiac goes comatose, captured by Luthor. SUPERMAN #35, ÒVisions of GrandeurÓ. Brainiac begins mastering FineÕs powers. ACTION #647-649, ÒThe Brainiac TrilogyÓ. Brainiac takes over a Lexcorp facility and uses it to reshape his current body. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2 and L.E.G.I.O.N. ANNUAL #1. Vril Dox II confronts his father. ACTION #674-675, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #9-10, SUPERMAN #65-67, and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #488-489, ÒPanic in the SkyÓ. Warworld comes to Earth. Threat Level: 8 (out of 10). While BrainiacÕs mental powers are considerable, they are too easily beaten by SupermanÕs strong will, and his need for agents he can control for physical challenges provides a weak point in his schemes. ======================================================== End of Section 1 ======================================================== A MATTER OF FAQ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by David Thomas Chappell (davidc@leland.stanford.EDU) A Time to Hunt, and a Time to Prey [Warning: The article below contains spoilers for the SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY mini-series.] In recognition of our own mortality, many people wonder just when the end of the world will come. Whether through religion, science, or personal opinion, there are several opposing views. Some say the apocalypse will arrive around the year 2000 A. D. Others claim that the universe will be destroyed in millions of years, while still others claim that the cosmos will continue indefinitely. A minority of doomsayers insist that we have only a few days left before the coming of the end, yet they have thus far been proven wrong. Despite the evidence from religious teachings and scientific investigations, there is yet another strong theory: some say that Doomsday arrived on a fateful day in 1992Ñthe day a beast killed Superman. As shocking as the Death of Superman was, we in the real world had been prepared for the event for months. The news media spread the word to the millions of people worldwide who knew and loved the Man of Steel. Fans and distant admirers alike flocked out to see the final battle, and we all knew just when it would occur. Right on schedule, in the last panel of SUPERMAN #75 Ñ cover date January 93 Ñ 1993 triangle number 2 Ñ the worldÕs greatest superhero met his demise. A year and a half later, history seemed to repeat itself, but we were in for much more than a time loop. Through a series of fateful coincidences, Superman survived his ordeal with death, and his spirit returned to Earth to inhabit a rejuvenated body. The Man of Steel once again did his best to preserve ÒTruth, Justice, and the American Way.Ó The joy of SupermanÕs miraculous recovery was diminished, however, by the return of the cruel monster that had set these events into motion: Doomsday was back, and a rematch was inevitable. We knew the resulting fight would be bloody, we knew it would be horrible, and we wondered how Superman could survive another fight with the one creature capable of killing him. Yet it was this danger, this thrill, that made us fans look forward to the rematch in eager anticipation. The recent conclusion to the three-book mini-series has brought happiness to some, disgust to others. While I enjoyed SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY and thought the story did an excellent job of filling in details about Doomsday that seemed overtly missing from the first encounter, many other fans were disappointed by the events. Whether they loved it or loathed it, however, all fans debate the big question about HUNTER/PREY: when did it take place? In stark contrast to the Doomsday and Death of Superman story lines, the story of the rematch is not told in the regular Superman comics. HUNTER/PREY is a separate mini-series with no triangle numbers to reveal its placement in Superman chronology. Continuing events in the regular series leave no obvious placement for the mini-series and seem to ignore it altogether. The editors could have easily inserted a simple ÒHUNTER/PREY goes hereÓ caption in one frame or explained the series placement in the letters page, but they remained sternly silent. Thus, I took it upon myself to gather what evidence I could as to the temporal placement of the HUNTER/PREY story. Not only did I want to know for personal satisfaction, but IÕd like to know where to place it in the Superman Comic List IÕve been keeping on Internet. I read the mini-series, I re-read the relevant regular comics, and I found that it was remarkably easy to place HUNTER/PREY within a three-issue span. ThereÕs a limit to how early it could take place and a limit to how late it could be, with little space in between. The early limit is easy to place. In ACTION #696 (Feb 94), Doomsday is seen passing Superman through a wormhole with neither aware of the other. Doomsday is shown still attached to his asteroid ÒtombÓ and obviously hasnÕt reached Apokolips yet. At the end of the comic, Superman returns to Earth from his sojourn in outer space. HUNTER/PREY clearly takes place after this comic, and there is no debate over this first starting mark. While the early limit for HUNTER/PREY is not a matter of debate, the last possible point is a hotbed for fans. Some say that it had to be before the Battle for Metropolis, others claim it had to be long after the Fall of Metropolis. In a major West Coast comic convention, executive editor Mike Carlin admitted to fans that HUNTER/PREY does occur before the Battle for Metropolis, but some fans insist on ignoring his statement. One set of evidence from the comics is based on physical buildings on Earth. The end of HUNTER/PREY shows the LexCorp tower standing tall over a fully intact city of Metropolis. Recent events in the regular series (ACTION #700, Jan 94), however, strongly imply that it will be many days before we see such a scene again. Superman visits LoisÕ apartment in Book One, and thus the story must occur before Luthor had her place destroyed (ADVENTURES #512, May 94). The Justice League headquarters that Superman visits in Book One appears to be the New York office that was destroyed in recent JL comics. The clinching evidence, however, is based on the increase in SupermanÕs powers. After his return from death and battle with the Cyborg, SupermanÕs powers increased due to an exposure to a form of Kryptonite that Professor Hamilton termed Òkryptonium.Ó Ever since the Byrne revamp of Superman in 1986, the Last Son of Krypton has been unable to fly through space without at least some form of breathing apparatus. In the space-travel story that ended in ACTION #696, Superman learned that his increased powers enabled him to travel unaided in space: his cells absorbed enough solar energy that he did not seem to need to breathe oxygen. Similarly, in HUNTER/PREY Book One, Superman says that ÒI can travel in space these days.Ó Furthermore, in Book Two, Superman boasts that ÒIÕm better than before, too! Stronger.Ó Superman goes on to prove his claim of increased powers with a powerful blast of heat vision that blasts through the Cyborg and the wall behind him. Therefore, HUNTER/PREY clearly must occur while SupermanÕs powers are at increased levels. While the build-up of SupermanÕs energy was spread over a number of comics, the drop in power was sudden and distinct. It was in ADVENTURES #512 (May 94) that the Parasite finished draining Superman of his extra power level. In the following comic, ACTION #699 (May 94), Professor Hamilton says to Superman, ÒThereÕs not a trace left of the exotic energies I detected in you the other day. By my reckoning, youÕre back to normalÑor, should I say, super-normal?Ó The aforementioned displays of super-super-powers show that SupermanÕs second fight with Doomsday occurred while he was at an enhanced state. Thus, HUNTER/PREY must have occurred before the aforementioned issue of ADVENTURES. After narrowing down HUNTER/PREY to this span, weÕre still left with a broad time during which it could have occurred. Examining SupermanÕs exact power levels, however, narrows us down quite a bit more. It was during the BizzaroÕs World story that Kal-ElÕs powers became quite strong. In SUPERMAN #87 (Mar 94), Clark accidentally breaks a light bulb and gives the first hints at his increasing size. ADVENTURE #510 (Mar 94) includes a scene wherein SupermanÕs super-senses overwhelm him: ÒI canÕt fine-tune my super-senses anymore! Those powers have increased too much!Ó Two issues later in MAN OF STEEL #32 (Apr 94), Superman admits that ÒMy super-vision , like my super- hearing, is now useless.Ó Soon thereafter when a blow to Bizarro causes much damage, Superman confesses ÒMy powers are out of control.Ó Light taps to Bizarro result in strong blows, and a casual flight with Lois almost hurts her as SupermanÕs powers continue to grow. By the end of BizarroÕs World, Superman can barely use his powers around normal humans without overly harming them. A perusal of the first and last pages of each of the five chapters of BizarroÕs World reveals that each issue takes place immediately after the previous with only seconds in between. Since HUNTER/PREY shows a Superman who is in complete control of his powers, it must occur before the BizarroÕs World story begins. If HUNTER/PREY were after the return of Bizarro, Superman would have been even stronger than shown in the mini-series fight, and he would not have been able to safely hold Lois in Book One. Hence, various story elements of HUNTER/PREY allow an astute reader to determine when the events took place. The great rematch had to occur after ACTION #696 and before SUPERMAN #87, a span that includes only one other issue, MAN OF STEEL #31. It doesnÕt take a Linear Man to look through the pages of history and find where the story must occur. Issue Date Tri.# Event ACTION #696 Feb 94 8 Doomsday last seen, Superman returns to Earth MAN OF STEEL #31 Mar 94 9 Underworlders, clone disease SUPERMAN #87 Mar 94 10 BizarroÕs World, Chapter 1 Despite my presentation of evidence herein, there may still be doubters who insist that HUNTER/PREY is still a story set in the future. While Metropolis may one day be fully rebuilt and other required elements restored to the status quo, while Superman may one day regain the ability to travel unaided in space and have increased power levels, one can not remove the strong role the Linear Men played in HUNTER/PREY. After this summerÕs major Zero Hour event, I strongly suspect that the Linear MenÕs role in history will be irrecoverably changed, and it is even possible that the end of time Ñ at which Doomsday was destroyed Ñ will not be the same. HUNTER/PREY is not a future story, but a near-contemporary story set in the recent past. SupermanÕs two battles with Òthe Armageddon CreatureÓ have brought us some very special stories. We have seen the death of EarthÕs greatest protector, but we have also witnessed events in the DC Universe that many people ponder in the real world. The first battle brought us Doomsday and death, the second showed us the destruction of the universe and the end of time. ======================================================== COMING ATTRACTIONS ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ A List of Upcoming Comics Featuring The Superman Family of Characters Assembled by Jeffery D. Sykes This monthly section is dedicated to giving you official information concerning which comics you should watch for in the near future in order to keep up with Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, and all the rest of the Superman family of characters. The information given in this section is reprinted without permission from Diamond Previews and is in no way meant to serve as a replacement for that magazine. In fact, I strongly recommend that each reader find his or her own copy for additional detailed information on the entire DC Universe! August brings ZERO MONTH to the DC Universe! All DC Universe titles will be an issue #0. The focus of most of these will be to inform readers of the (possibly new) origin of the character within. In the Superman titles, we will find a new villain whose origin ties in with Kal-ElÕs arrival on Earth. Superboy #0 will finally address the time in between his escape from Cadmus and the day he arrived in Metropolis. And in Steel #0, we find that John Henry IronsÕ talents may not have as much to do with his armor as we thought! More info below the list! Finally, some Supergirl information. According to some net rumors, Supergirl may be joining either The New Titans or one of the Justice League teams in the near future, so keep your eyes on those titles! 1. List of Titles by Shipping Date: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Shipping date: Comic title and information: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- June 14: Adventures of Superman Annual #6 K. Kesel, Hor, & Shoultz SUPER SEVEN: Part 1 (of 2) Cover by Mike Mignola. 64 pgs, $2.95 Superboy #7 Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 8 (of 14) $1.50 Hardware #18 McDuffie, Cowan, & Rollins WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 9 (of 14) $1.75 Superman: The Man of Steel #36 L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 10 (of 14) $1.50 June 21: Icon #16 McDuffie, Bright, & Gustovich WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 11 (of 14) $1.75 Superman #92 Jurgens & Rubinstein MASSACRE IN METROPOLIS: Part 1 (of 2) Cover by Dan Jurgens & Jerry Ordway! $1.50 June 28: Adventures of Superman #515 Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy MASSACRE IN METROPOLIS: Part 2 (of 2) $1.50 Steel #7 Bogdanove & L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 12 (of 14) $1.50 Blood Syndicate #17 Velez Jr., Chriscross, & Quijano WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 13 (of 14) $1.75 July 5: Action Comics #702 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 Static #14 Washington, III, Leon, Martinbrough, & Various WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 14 (of 14) 48 pgs, $2.50 Superboy Annual #1 K. Kesel, Luzniak, & Wiacek SUPER SEVEN: Part 2 (of 2) 64 pgs, $2.95 July 12: The Spectre #22 (Superman appearance) Ostrander & Mandrake $1.95 Superboy #8 (ZH) K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #37 (ZH) L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.50 Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #4 (to 0) Jurgens & Ordway $1.50 July 19: Action Comics Annual #6 John Byrne Cover by Mike Mignola. 64 pgs, $2.95 Superman: Faster Than A Speeding Bullet Poster Joe DeVito 22x34, $4.95 Green Lantern #55 (ZH - Superman) Marz, Aucoin & Banks, & Tanghal $1.50 Superman #93 (ZH) Jurgens & Rubenstein $1.50 Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #3 (to 0) Jurgens & Ordway $1.50 July 26: Adventures of Superman #516 (ZH) K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy $1.50 Steel #8 (ZH) L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.50 Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #2 (to 0) Jurgens & Ordway $1.50 August 2: Action Comics #703 (ZH) Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 Guy Gardner: Warrior #24 (ZH - Steel, Supergirl) Beau Smith, Byrd & Various, & D. Davis $1.50 Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #1 (to 0) Jurgens & Ordway $1.50 August 9: Superman: Time & Time Again Trade Paperback Softcover, 208 pgs, $7.50 Zero Hour: Crisis in Time #0 Jurgens & Ordway $1.50 August 16: Superboy #0 K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #0 L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke PEER PRESSURE: Part 1 (of 4) $1.50 August 23: Superman #0 Jurgens & Breeding PEER PRESSURE: Part 2 (of 4) $1.50 August 30: Adventures of Superman #0 K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy PEER PRESSURE: Part 3 (of 4) $1.50 Steel #0 L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.50 September 6: Action Comics #0 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier PEER PRESSURE: Part 4 (of 4) $1.50 2. Spoilers: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ August 16: ÑÑÑÑ- Superboy #0 Revealed at last Ñ the story of SuperboyÕs first three days out of Project Cadmus, as well as his first adventure in battle against the menace of Sidearm (first seen in Superboy #1)! Plus, a visit from Professor Hamilton leads to the KidÕs acquiring a totally NEW super- power. Superman: The Man of Steel #0 This issue begins a 4-part storyline running throughout the Superman zero issues. This issue: SupermanÕs arrival on Earth is revisited in a story set both in the Smallville of yesterday and in present-day Metropolis. Plus, this storyline introduces Conduit, a new villain with a mysterious connection to SupermanÕs origins... and a LETHAL vendetta against Clark Kent! August 23: ÑÑÑÑ- Superman #0 What had been a high school rivalry years ago in Smallville becomes a deadly conflict in present-day Metropolis when Conduit, the new villain with a mysterious connection to SupermanÕs origin, makes a blatant attempt on Clark KentÕs life. August 30: ÑÑÑÑ- Adventures of Superman #0 A glimpse of Clark KentÕs Òlost years,Ó between his departure from Smallville and his arrival in Metropolis, is revealed. And in the present-day, Superman confronts Conduit face-to-face, learning the villainÕs unsettling identity... and its connection to KentÕs early life. Steel #0 Dramatic changes occur in the life of Steel when his armor suddenly appears to take on new and astonishing capabilities. But there may be even more to this development than meets the eye when Hazard raises the question: Is John Henry Irons a metahuman? Cover by Bogdanove, Batista, & Janke September 6: ÑÑÑÑÑ- Action Comics #0 Clark KentÕs earliest adventures as Superman are revisited, while in present-day Metropolis, Superman goes all out to take down Conduit. Plus, something really weird is found under the Superman Memorial... the Man of SteelÕs dead body! ======================================================== End of Section 2 ======================================================== REVIEWS ÑÑÑ- THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- 24. ACTION COMICS #700, ÒSwan SongÓ Writer: Roger Stern Artists: Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier and Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson $2.95 cover In Smallville, we attend the wedding of Lana Lang and Peter Ross at Jonathan and Martha KentÕs place. Peace and joy. In Metropolis, however, the battle is on. Dr. Gretchen Kelley, personal physician to Lex Luthor for many years, finally decides to betray her boss. She helps Lois, revealing the truth about Luthor to the police and on TV, including the faking of his death. This information helps Superman discover the place where Luthor is hiding. Lex Luthor faces Superman with an ace-in-the-hole: sonic torpedoes targetting Metropolis. Superman talks about how the citizens of Metropolis respect Luthor, and how they will hate him if he destroys the city. Luthor hesitates. He realises he loves Metropolis. He wants to own the city, not to destroy it. But then, Happersen presses the button. Who can stop the torpedoes now? Superman, Superboy and Supergirl do their best, but there are too many torpedoes and too many targets. Lord Satanus decides to help Metropolis, guiding the torpedoes to make SupermanÕs job much easier. But The Daily Planet building, Lexcorp tower, and most of the city has already been lost. It must be rebuilt. But with Lex Luthor in jail? Additionally, the longest-ever title in comics history celebrates its 700 issues with great work. Action, emotion, and homage. These three words define the spirit of this anniversary. Non-stop-action (because you demanded it). Life is a river for the Man of Steel in comics, as it is for us in the real world. Superman tries to save what he loves the most, but he canÕt. And that gives us a chance to approach the character in a deeper way. Roger Stern says good-bye with this issue. WeÕll miss him. He has contributed in the last years to make Superman one of the best-written characters. Guice gives us an incredible lesson in the art of movement. And Guice offers the best Supergirl I have seen in years. Emotion. The Man of Steel is not only a Super-hero. He is not only a cultural icon, he is something in our hearts. Somebody who has made us suffer, thrill, and worry for more than 50 years. And this issue is full of moments to remember, many of them with that magic touch. For example, the fall of the Daily Planet. Perry White staring at a destroyed Metropolis. And Luthor, showing one of the first signs of love when he hesitates, and finally decides not to destroy the city. Homage. More than 50 years and so many people. From the very first dream of Jerry & Joe to our present dreams. And to be reacquainted with Curt Swan again, as well. Although some people will say, ÒHis style is out,Ó I completely disagree. He is, doubtlessly, one of the definitive Superman artists. And, for sure, THE Superman artist in the last pre-crisis days. Great artists are never out! Thank you Mr. Carlin for bringing him back. In addition, Swan draws for Lana and Peter one of the best wedding performances in comics. We see a lot of Superman history and legend in this issue. That is the best thing I can say. Thank you for #700, while I wait, anxiously, for #1000. WE WANT MORE !!! Rating: 5 shields Jose R. Galan ======================================================== 25. SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #35, ÒAfterburnÓ (WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 1) Written by Louise Simonson Pencils by Jon Bogdonave Inks by Dennis Janke $1.50 cover (The triangle number on this issue was misprinted as #28) IÕm beginning to think the reviews of Superman, Man of Steel should all be subtitled ÒSo WhereÕs the Steel?Ó Part of the continuing saga of the Fall of Metropolis, this issue doesnÕt add too much to the on-going storyline. Superman battles yet another robot intent on killing the remaining inhabitants of Metropolis. More innocents get hurt. And although this issue bills itself as the first part of the DC/Milestone ÒWorlds CollideÓ series, thereÕs little more than a couple of teaser pages with Static at the end of the comic. So what can we make of the events going on in this issue and in the entire Superman line? Perhaps itÕs best summed by the opening scene from this issue. After scaring away some thugs who trying to steal food from children, Superman, with bulging muscles larger than most of the childrenÕs heads, wonders, ÒAt least I can still scare off punks like that! But IÕm beginning to ask myself...is that all IÕm good for?Ó And thus we see a summation of the super-hero angst of the Ô90s. Superheroes donÕt help people anymoreÑthey simply try to survive, and all us plain folks are just caught in the middle of their super-human struggles. The best a ÒheroÓ can do is try to minimize the death of innocents. And lately, the greatest hero of them all hasnÕt been doing that too well, either: eight million or so dead since Henshaw and Mongul came to Earth. The post-Byrne Superman, lobotomized and de-supered, just isnÕt up to the task anymore. Superman used to be the guy who could do just about anything. Now, in an age where itÕs more important to show a heroÕs flaws than a heroÕs virtues, weÕre constantly reminded that SupermanÕs just a big, fairly strong guy, but otherwise pretty much like the rest of us. So, Superman merely reacts to one threat after another, sometimes with little effect. (He was, after all, pretty much a bystander in the Underworlder/ Cadmus/LexCorps war.) As Officer Maggie says, ÒMetropolis is a war zoneÑmore than even *you* can handle. More than any of us can handle alone!Ó Now, I do like the idea of a super-hero helping civilians recover from a disaster, something Superman hasnÕt really done in the past few years. (Makes you wonder why the Justice League hasnÕt come over to help, though.) And I admire the Superman teams for wanting to take on an extended storyline like this and try to focus on characterizations. I am tired, however, of shelling out $1.50 and getting little story in return. The robot Superman battled was just another throwaway monster used for some obligatory fight scenes. Another civilian dies. The storyline goes nowhere. Bogdonave does an excellent job with his layouts, though his overly-muscled Superman seems at odds with the helplessness conveyed in the writing. A dynamically drawn Superman paradoxically wishes he could do more. And the feeling we get from this issue is ÒGee, Superman really canÕt do much here, can he?Ó So, I continue to wonder, whereÕs the Steel in the Man of Steel? When will they put the Super back in Superman? Rating: 3 shields, mostly for BogdonaveÕs layouts. Anatole Wilson ======================================================== 26. SUPERMAN #91, ÒMy Life!Ó Written by Dan Jurgens Guest Pencils by Brent Anderson Inks by Joe Rubinstein Cover by Jurgens & Rubinstein $1.50 cover THE PLOT: Superman deals with the menace of the newest threat to Metropolis, LuthorÕs war robots. Luthor can no longer do anything by himself, not even blink. Nothing really deep here. There was also a very human theme throughout the whole book on how different people deal with loss differently. THE REVIEW: I thought they had told us they were never going to kill the Man of Steel again. THEY LIED! This plot is killing Supes in a way that Doomsday never could. All we see is Clark running like a chicken with his head cut off, trying to best LuthorÕs robots and harping on the fact his cityÕs destruction is his fault. The art was poor, and there wasnÕt much story to keep my interest. Even the ÒhumanisticÓ subplot of the greedy business man was a yawner, not offering any surprises. All in all, nothing I would want to read again. Ever. RATING: 1 shield Brian Petro ======================================================== 27. THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #514, ÒDangerous VisionsÓ Written by Karl Kesel Guest Pencils by Pete Krause Guest Inks by Ron McCain Cover by Kitson & McCarthy $1.50 cover Just like clockwork, another of LuthorÕs fail safe devices is released on Metropolis. Instead of a weapon of mass destruction like the sonic torpedoes or the robots, LuthorÕs next weapon is much more terrifying. A smoky haze shrouds Metropolis and all but one of her citizens enter an hallucinatory state. The gas summons a personÕs deepest fear from the depths of the subconscious, but our hero finds a cure. Face your fear and overcome it. Luckily for Metropolis, there is a much more passive return to reality Ñ a synthetic enzyme designed by Professor Hamilton mixed with water. Professor Hamilton gives a supply of the antidote to Superman, and the remaining inhabitants of Metropolis are rid of the toxin. But, wait there is more! From deep in the rubble of LexÕs ruined empire the last fail safe device is activated Ñ the Kryptonian battle suit. Who will prevail, Superman or supermachine? I really enjoyed the colors of the comic. Especially the background colors which set the mood nicely. The art work was OK, but the lines seemed too smooth and low in detail, and Pete Krause should brush up on SupermanÕs powers if he is to draw again. He drew SupermanÕs heat vision as if it were laser beams coming from the eyes. Maybe he has been watching too much Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. The plot was OK, but I do not care for the magnitude of destruction going on. It seems that destroying a city has become an annual event for the Superman writing team. Last year it was Hal JordanÕs Coast City. This year it is Metropolis. I thought the Doomsday rampage was devastating enough, and I do not see how Metropolis can recover from LuthorÕs fall from grace any time soon. But, concentrating on this weekÕs issue, I enjoyed seeing SupermanÕs worst fear, and his ability to overcome it. I did not mind that it was predictable, because it was well executed. It was very much in character. Some of the other characterÕs fears were also interesting, but nothing spectacular. All in all, the comic was entertaining, but not a classic. Rating: 3 shields Arthur LaMarche ________________________________________________________________ ************************************************************* WORLDS COLLIDE: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #35, ÒAfterburnÓ (WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 1) (See Above) ======================================================== HARDWARE #17, ÒNo Rest for the WearyÓ (WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 2) DCÕs Milestone Imprint Written by Dwayne McDuffie Pencils by Denys Cowan and J.J. Birch $1.50 cover Review Summary: Good story, art is Òsketchy,Ó feels unfinished As a crossover book between the DC/Superman universe, and the Milestone/Dakota universe this story is far better than what I was expecting. I wasnÕt sure how a crossover between the two companies was going to work out. I was expecting senseless brawls between the main characters of each universe tied together with a forced and drawn-out plot. Thankfully that doesnÕt seem to be what the writers have in mind. A lot of thought seems to have gone into this plot line. So far it has tied in very well with the ÒFall of MetropolisÓ storyline in the Superman books. It has been carefully crafted so that it will bring a reader who knows little or nothing about the Milestone universe up to speed, while still keeping up enough action to keep them interested. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of characterization that is presented, and how few expository lumps there are. ItÕs a real pleasure to read a crossover that isnÕt just one boring fight after another. The story opens with Fred Bentson in a nightmare. Curtis Metcalf (HARDWARE) and Edwin Alva, his employer (Alva is to Milestone what Luthor is to DC, a brilliant but manipulative, evil man) are watching him sleep. Fred is beginning to think that he is going crazy and has admitted himself into a Dakota City sleep research lab, a subsidiary of ALVA Industries. On his last trip, Fred brought back a flier from a sleep research lab in Metropolis. This has gotten Alva interested in FredÕs potential ability to act as a bridge between the dimensions, and asks HARDWARE to monitor or go with Fred the next time he falls asleep and travels to Metropolis. After they arrive in Metropolis Hardware rescues a woman from an attempted gang rape. When he get back, he tries to get Fred to return them to Dakota. After a very brief dream sequence where the reader is exposed to much of what makes the character HARDWARE, Fred wakes up and they are both back in Dakota. This time HARDWARE has brought a copy of the Daily Planet back with him, and we begin to get a feeling for what Alva has planned when he is able to bridge the dimensions to Metropolis. As crossovers go this was well done. HARDWARE does not directly meet any of the main characters of the SUPERMAN books, but as readers we get to see Metropolis from his perspective while also being introduced to HARDWARE and the DAKOTA universe. My only real complaint with this book is that I donÕt really care for the artwork. To me itÕs rough, the inking is a little too angular. It appears a little ÒsketchyÓ for my taste, with far too many shadowy black areas. It feels rushed and unfinished. Story Rating: 4 Shields Art Rating: 3 Shields ReneÕ Gobeyn ======================================================== SUPERBOY #6, ÒChanging RealitiesÓ (WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 3) Written by Karl Kesel & Steve Mattsson Pencils by Tom Grummett Inks by Doug Hazlewood & Dennis Janke $1.50 cover With most of the clone-plague under control, it would almost seem that Superboy would be heading back to Hawaii. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case. The Guardian is in stable but critical condition. He had donated much of his blood to create the cure for the clone-plague. Superboy chose to be the guinea pig in order for them to realize the cureÕs effects. While helping to clean up the devastation in Metropolis, Superman splits up with Superboy in order to patrol the city. ItÕs not long after that Superboy encounters Parasite. After a knock-down fight, Superboy takes him out with DubbilexÕs guidance and some ingenuity. Although this issue is part 3 of the ÒWorlds Collide,Ó the saga of the X-over between the DC and Milestone Universe, Kesel and Co. do a good job of keeping this a ÒSuperboyÓ comic. The primary action is between Superboy and Superman RogueÕs Gallery inductee, Parasite; the actual crossover portion of the plot is minor and actually continues into Icon #15. Superboy is showing great strides as a team player. Although he is the title character, the story revolves around his companions as well. As IÕve said previously, the character interaction is sometimes the best part of the story. It was also fun to see Superboy raving about his triumph over one of SupermanÕs nemeses. The best in-joke that IÕve seen in this title has to be the one and only scene where Krypto is flying in proper attire. It sure brings back pre- Byrne memories. As usual, another fine effort from the Superboy creative team. Rating: 4 shields Victor Chan (vichan@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca) ======================================================== ICON #15, ÒLiving in a DreamlandÓ (WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 4) DCÕs Milestone Imprint Written by Dwayne McDuffie Pencils by M.D.Bright $1.75 cover As this cross-over continues, IÕm feeling better about it all the time. When it was first announced, I wasnÕt too sure if the DC/Milestone writers would be up to the task of merging the two very different universes into anything coherent enough in which to write a good story. I shouldnÕt have worried. As the storyline continues it is becoming stronger as the worlds come closer together. The continuity between the books is tight, with very few gaps to distract the reader from enjoying the story. Each of the books is maintaining tight internal consistency, and as the cross-over gets more involved, tight consistency between the books as well. This is more important with the Superman side, because of the regular numbering and story continuity between all of the Superman triangle titles. Continuing the story from Worlds Collide #3 (Superboy #6), Superboy and Fred Bentson appear in the air above the Tenth Ave. Bridge (the Paris Island side of which was destroyed in the Big Bang) in the city of Dakota, where they are ÒrescuedÓ by Rocket (Raquel Ervin) who believes that they have fallen from a plane. Fred and Superboy try to explain things to Rocket, while Rocket tries to explain to Superboy where they are. All in all, a very amusing bit of writing that just happens to bring the reader up to speed with the storyline. It is also beginning to look like Fred has more control over his powers than he first thought. After Rocket and Superboy battle the monsters that Fred creates, they team up with ICON (Agustus Freeman, an alien disguised as a human) to destroy the final apparition. They take Fred to Edwin Alva (MilestoneÕs answer to Luthor) who has been working with Fred (see HARDWARE #17). Alva sedates him and sends Fred and Superboy back to Metropolis. As the story ends we get to see the Tenth Ave. Bridge of Dakota and the Hobsneck Bridge of Metropolis merge, joining the two universes together for the first time. It is interesting to note that Superboy is the FIRST character to actually meet a character from the other universe. The writers have gone above and beyond maintaining his personality (girl-crazy teenager with an attitude) between the books. The humorous interplay between Rocket and Superboy alone was worth the price of the book. I really like the artwork in ICON, the coloring is more muted than in the majority of the Superman titles, perhaps because the colorist is painting over the inks. This allows for much more subtle shading and blending than what you usually see. Story Rating: 4 Shields Art Rating: 4 Shields ReneÕ Gobeyn ======================================================== STEEL #6, ÒCollision CourseÓ (WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 5) Written by Louise Simonson Pencils by Chris Batista Inks by Rich Faber $1.50 cover STEEL #6 moves quickly through a lot of action-packed sequences, and the transitions in the book become most important as we are whipped from from scene to scene, city to city, world to world. The art is fun here, and I think Steel becomes sharper and more impressive when drawn with other Superheroes. The frames with him and Hardware are great to look at, and the pages where he is flying with Superman are striking, as well. Notable: The ColonelÕs REALLY green suit takes over the page in the worst way, and the matching green uniform worn by Mr. Alva makes the parallel not only obvious, but garish. So much for fashion anaysis. ;-) The story picks up with Steel delivering Jem to the hospital, torn up from fighting and entering Tar withdrawl. SteelÕs pumped up to get the Colonel, and he does. Steel manages to scare some info out of him: the Colonel screams ÒBlack Ops...MetropolisÓ as Steel drops him from several yards above the pavement. Never fear, securing his Ògood guyÓ status, Steel catches him and delivers him safely to Leiutenant Shauna Beryl. Steel engages in an aborted conversation with Beryl about Black Ops, which leads us to turn the page into Metropolis. A more complete conversation with Steel leaving Beryl wouldÕve been a smoother transition, and wouldÕve let a little more of the relationship between these two characters develop. But IÕm not complaining...much. The next thing we know, Steel in is wartorn Metropolis, where Hazard plots to both destroy him and get Fred Bentson, who is currently being tested in the Metropolis sleep labs. HazardÕs monitoring of Bentson takes us to the sleep labs, where Fred is solidifying (returning from his dream state). Fred has become *hot* property: Alva, Hazard, and Mr. Cabral all want him. I love Fred Ñ a stroke of genius making him so unremarkable, yet having his unconscious (?) activity yank entire worlds around. (He also makes a wonderful foil for some very successful, even subtle, humor!) Anyway, Fred pulls Superboy, Rocket, and Hardware back into the sleeplab with him, and then they quickly relocate to downtown Metropolis. Superboy (Superletch?) is trying to put moves on Rocket, who is *far* from impressed. (I wish Supergirl was more like *her*, quite honestly.) Rocket is a great character, and she brings out an edge in Superboy that makes him even more delightful than he already is. The pages following are the best of the issue, where we get to see lots of great drawing (I love the slanted frames), while Steel, Superboy, Hardware, and Rocket all contend with various challenges. Then, Steel and Hardware, who (recognizes Steel from a previous ÒvisionÓ), meet up and go at it until Rocket breaks them up. Beats me why these two donÕt recognize each other as good guys, or at least try to identify themselves as such. I imagine it can all be excused by the chaos and confusion that has taken over both worlds, but it seems like this battle ensues without much rhyme or reason. Of course, just like in the old Westerns or in contemporary buddy-action films (LETHAL WEAPON comes to mind), characters often beat the heck out of each other for no reason except to give the viewer some fun, fast-paced action. Hardware starts it, being unreasonably hostile toward Steel, and Steel reacts accordingly. ThatÕs all we need. For me, I think there mustÕve been a better way to get these two guys together for the first time, and Rocket as the woman who breaks up the fight is a bit cliched. But, oh well. Regardless of some choppy transitions and overly- contrived match-ups, itÕs fun to read, and more interesting than some previous STEEL issues. Just as Rocket breaks up the fight (Steel is getting his *^*% kicked), Hazard is getting to Bentson and Superboy, and some of the gang teleport away, while Fred and company apparently head back to the other side of the line. Supes shows up to greet Steel, and is happy to see him helping out in Metropolis, (*great* line here when Steel tells Supes, ÒFunny thing was, the scrap seemed to be over possession of a *mailman*!Ó). Steel tells Supes about the disappearances of the others, which throws us back to the Alva labs, where Fred is having a hell of a time as his brain becomes contested territory between Hazard and Alva, both thinking that they each have control of FredÕs energies. Who knows? Not me. Not yet. But thatÕs whatÕs fun here. Whatever Fred is going through has had some extended effect, and the issue ends with Supes and Steel being led toward Hobsneck Bridge (heavy symbolism here or *what*?) which has mysteriously been restored, amid Òroiling airÓ and all. (Somehow I am hard- pressed to imagine Steel describing the air as Òroiling...Ó) We are left with SteelÕs ominous prediction that Òthings are gonna get bad real fast.Ó Hmmmm. This is a good issue, but that is largely due to the opportunities afforded by the Worlds Collide plot. There isnÕt a whole heck of a lot of Steel in this book, but itÕs obviously set-up for stuff down the line, and thatÕs good. What we do see of him, works. The pacing is good, and the reader, much like Fred and the rest, feels appropriately thrown around between the pages. Not that some of the transitions couldnÕt have been a bit more careful. But all in all, on a good roller-coaster ride, you have to expect to be knocked around a bit! Rating: 4 shields Mauri Casano ======================================================== End of Section 3 ======================================================== REVIEWS (CONTINUED) ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- SPECIALS AND GUEST APPEARANCES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY Book 2 (of 3) Story & Layouts by Dan Jurgens Finished Art by Brett Breeding $4.95 cover One Line Review: Great visuals, but story didnÕt go anywhere. While stranded on Apokolips Superman shows his mercy and compassion for Darkseid, one of his most dangerous enemies, by carrying him to shelter and using the Motherbox to aid him in recovering. While Superman is waiting for Motherbox to heal Darkseid, Waverider of the Linear Men shows up, and Superman convinces him to give him information that will help him destroy Doomsday. Waverider responds by showing Superman DoomsdayÕs origin. To me this was the weakest point in the whole story. DoomsdayÕs origin involved an ancient scientist working on an extremely hostile planet. While attempting to develop a ÒperfectÓ life form he repeatedly exposes a baby to the planetÕs harsh conditions and then taking the remains and cloning a new infant. The cycle is repeated for years, eventually the clones begin to live longer. After many more years the being Doomsday is created. Doomsday is such a survivor that even if he is defeated and killed, he will adjust to the new conditions and live again, never to be defeated in the same way again. About the only saving grace of the origin is that it does explain how Doomsday winds up on Earth. While it usually is not my way to complain about the science used in a comic book, this whole sequence goes against every theory of evolution and genetics that I have ever heard. While it does explain the how and why of Doomsday, (as well as point out why Superman will most likely not be able to stop him again) it doesnÕt advance the story line much. After the Motherbox has healed Darkseid, he uses SupermanÕs sense of duty to force him to try to stop the Cyborg from completely destroying the populace of Apokolips. Superman flies off to battle leaving Darkseid alone to more fully recover. The contrast comes to the surface when Darkseid is predicting the CyborgÕs actions, and dismisses the knowledge as being what he himself would do in the same situation. He continues to use SupermanÕs compassion against him by getting him to fight the Cyborg until he is recovered enough to destroy it easily. Overall I liked it, but the story wasnÕt as good as the first. I will freely admit that it was Brett BreedingÕs strong clean art that carried the book for me. If I have any complaint with the art, it would have to be the large number (7) of pin-up pages and the large panel sizes that made up most of the book. While the art and story worked well together, I canÕt help but feel that the book might have been better with few more pages of story to move things along. Story Rating: 3 shields Art Rating: 4 shields Overall Rating: 3.5 shields ReneÕ Gobeyn ======================================================== SUPERMAN ANNUAL #6, ÒThe Feral Man of SteelÓ Written by Darren Vincenzo Pencils by Frank Fosco Inks by Stan Woch Cover by Mike Mignola $2.95 cover THE PLOT: Superman is rocketed to a jungle in Africa, sometime in the late 1800Õs. He is raised by the wolves, all the while having to deal with Khan, the lead tiger of the clan. That is his life, until a ÒgameÓ kills his mother. KÕLÕL is forced into a leadership role of the pack when Jahd Bahlja convinces him to fight Khan for the leadership of the pack. He kills Khan, and cuts his skin off to wear when he goes to hunt the men who killed his mother. He also finds the symbol he is famous for on the ÒeggÓ which brought him to Earth. He gets involved in the affairs of humans when he falls in love with Lois Lane, intrepid adventurer. This puts him at direct odds with Lex Luthor, a wealhty industrialist. The feud ends when Cl ÒClarkÓ is captured, with the help of the Star Gem Luthor found (a piece of Kryptonite). He is taken to England where he becomes a circus act for Luthor. Luthor orders him to kill the queen at one of his performances, but instead he goes after Luthor, who now has a sword lined with pieces from the gem. The ensuing fight between Clark, Luthor, and Richard Burton, a man who Luthor left in the jungle to die after getting Clark, results in the death of Luthor, Clark saving Lois, and everyone but Luthor living happily ever after. Clark is knighted and marries Lois, and they produce a long line of defenders of England. All this was told for the benefit of the young writer, Rudyard Kipling. THE REVIEW: The Jungle Book was better done by Disney. This is what I feared the most when Elseworlds annuals came up. Mediocre stories based on other stories, nothing original abut them. This is what we got, a bad rewrite. It tries to be charming, but fails very badly, portraying KÕLÕL (Kal-El. How fresh.) as he is in the comics, not as the savage he would be if raised in the wild. Having wildly fluctuating art (I liked some panels, but others were lacking badly in quality.) did not help the story at all. But, to be fair, I LOVED the cover. Mignola is a really great artist. His art on the inside would have done the story more justice. Oh, well. Rating: 1.5 shields (The cover won me over.) Brian Petro ======================================================== GREEN LANTERN #53, ÒRematch!Ó Written by Ron Marz Pencils by Darryl Banks Inks by Romeo Tanghal $1.50 cover To be honest, IÕve kind of enjoyed the new Green Lantern to now. The idea of a fresh-faced young adult trying to learn how to be a super-hero is quite intriguing. And on top of that, Kyle Rayner is having to learn how to use a GL ring. However, this issue was little more than a slugfest. It seems that our friend Mongul has escaped his prison, hell-bent on revenge against Superman and Green Lantern for their taking him at Coast City. In the previous issue, Mongul Ñ unaware that this is not the same GL Ñ has taken to pounding GL. Here, as Mongul is about to finish off poor Kyle, Supes flies in to enter the fray. After taking a moment to recover, Kyle joins in the tussle. During the course of the fight, Kyle lets Supes in on the fact that heÕs the new guy in the green suit. However, as he tells Superman, he doesnÕt have much else in common with what Superman knows about the Corps. Eventually, after discovering that KyleÕs ring doesnÕt have the usual Lantern weakness against the color yellow, the two subdue Mongul Ñ mostly due to Kyle. Superman flies off to deposit Mongul in a more secure prison. ThereÕs a little bit more which sets up future GL stories, but IÕll ignore that. The art here is not bad, and the story seemed fairly well written. But itÕs difficult to be sure when most of the story is a fight. As far as Supes is concerned, we actually get to see him use his head in the fight, rather than the recent swing-first-and-think-later action weÕve seen him involved in. ThereÕs nothing here to indicate where this story falls in Superman, but I suspect that it might fall within the FALL OF METROPOLIS. The reason for this is that though Superman is quite confused as to what is happening with the GLC, he doesnÕt bother to take the time to investigate. Of course, if Metropolis is in shambles, why would he have gone to tackle Mongul hinmself? There are plenty of other heroes out there. Anyway, my recommendation is that you save your money unless you already buy Green Lantern. Though it is not a bad issue, it really does nothing to advance the Superman stories. Rating: 3 shields Jeff Sykes ======================================================== ======================================================== GUEST ART ÑÑÑÑ- The following ascii art was submitted by Ronald Evry. Your display needs to support a full 80 columns to be able to view the logo/picture properly. I have also found that it looks best when shown as light characters against a dark background. If anyone else has some art to submit, please do! 00 00 00 ================00====================================================== ==============00======================================================== 000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0 0000000 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0 00000 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0 000 000 000 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 000000 000000 00 000 0 00000 00 000 00 00 00 0000 0000 00 00 0 0 00 00000 0 00000 0 0 000 0 000000 00000 000 0000 0000 00 00 00 00 0000 000 0000 00 000 0 00 0000 00 0000 0000 0000000 0000 00 00 000 00 000 000 000 000 0 0000 00 000 00 00000 0000000 0000 00 000 00 00 0000000 00 000 000 0 000000 000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0 00000000 00000 0 0 0 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 00000000000000 0000000000000 000 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 000 0 000 00 0 0 00 000000000000000 000000000000000 0 0 0 0 0 000 0 000 0 00 00000________00 00000000000000000 00000 000000000000000000000000000000000000/ /00 ===================00=======================================/ June /=== =====================00====================================/ /==== 00 / 1994 / 00 /_______/ 00 ========================================================| |00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000| | 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000| |0 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000| |0 0000000000000000000 __ 000000000000000000000000000000000000000| |00000000000000000000000 / | 00000000000000000000000000000000000000| |000000000000000000000 / / 00000000000000000000000000000000000000| |00000000000000000000 __ / / 000000000000000000000000000000000000000| |000 000000000000 /| 00000000000000000000000000000000000000| |00 0 0000000000 ~~~ \| 000000000000000000000000000000000000000| |00000 000000000000 ~~ 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000| |00 00000000000000 ~ 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000| | 00000000000000 000000000 00000000000000000000000000000000000| | 00000000 00000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000| | 00 000000000000000 000000000000000000000000000000000000| | 000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000| | 0000000 00000000000000 0000000000000000000000000| | 00000 0000000000000000 000000000000000000000000| | 0000000000000000000 000 0000000000000000000000000| | 000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000000000| ======================================================== ======================================================== KC CONTEST #1 RESULTS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- First, the answers to the questions: One of the best Eighties Superman stories is ÒFor the Man who has Everything.Ó Answer the following questions about this story: 1,2. Name the famous writer and artist on the story, best know for their work together on a classic reworking of the Charlton heroes. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons 3. Who is the villain in this story? Mongul 4-6. What three heroes, other than Superman, appear in this story? Batman, Robin (Jason Todd), and Wonder Woman 7. Which of these heroes saves the day by defeating the villain? Robin 8. Which of the heroes gives Superman a rose for his birthday? Batman We only received 15 entries, 9 of which had the correct answers. Those answering correctly were Daniel Cruz, Tom Galloway, Joev Dubach, Tim Tjarks, Andrew Gould, Mark Semich, Jim Murdoch, Brian Morris, and Lorrie Murphy. Daniel Cruz responded first, so according to the rules explained last month, he is the winner of the Limited hard copy edition of The Kryptonian Cybernet Issue #1! Watch for it in the mail, Daniel! KC CONTEST #2: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- To increase the number of entries, and to make it more fair for those readers whose mail systems tend to be slower, weÕve changed the rules for selecting the winner. For this monthÕs contest, the winner will be selected randomly from all of the correct entries received. The winner will receive his or her choice of a first printing of SUPERMAN: THE EARTH-STEALERS, SUPERMAN: SPEEDING BULLETS, or SUPERMAN: UNDER A YELLOW SUN! As before, staff and regular contributors are ineligible for prizes. (If a staff member was to win the prize, we would be open to accusations of dishonesty.) One final note about contests - future contests will probably not involve prizes, since any such costs come out of my pocket - IÕm not charging for the Ôzine, after all! However, should I get an autographed book at a show or something of that nature, such an item might be used as a prize. For example, if I go to the big con in Ohio in November, I might be able to get John ByrneÕs autograph on a copy of Superman #1. You get the idea. Just donÕt be expecting prizes to be offered in every issue. On to the second contest! This monthÕs topic (post-Byrne) was suggested by David Thomas Chappell. Everyone is very familiar with the Death of the Man of Steel in Superman #75, and with the funeral which followed. However, there was another post-Byrne story in which Superman was believed dead and a funeral was held. Answer the following questions about that story: 1. In what post-Byrne (i.e. after the Man of Steel miniseries) issue was this story told? 2. Who was the writer of this issue? 3. What villain was responsible for the believed death of Superman? 4. What startling occurrance happened at the Man of SteelÕs funeral? 5. Which other superhero helped to defeat the villain? HINT: The last page of this issue was a lead-in to a MAJOR DC event! You may use the entry form below to enter the contest: Simply type your responses in the appropriate blanks. Then mail the entry form along with your name and e-mail address to KryptonCN@aol.com To be considered, your entry must have a subject line heading of KC:Contest! XÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑENTRY FORM - CUT HERE ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-X 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. XÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-X ======================================================== End of Section 4 ======================================================== LOOKING BACK ÑÑÑÑÑÑ THE POST-BYRNE REVIEW: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com) Title: Superman #11 Written by: John Byrne Pencilled by: John Byrne Inked by: Karl Kesel Cover Date: November 1987 Cover Price: $0.75 Overstreet: $1.60 ÒGood afternoon, Miss Lane,Ó says the tall dark stranger as he enters the newsroom. He is dressed in the classic ÒDon JohnsonÓ style, with the silk suit and the five-oÕclock shadow included. Literally sweeping Lois off her feet, the man, Ben DeRoy, takes Lois to lunch, ignoring the fact that Clark and Lois have a lunch date. Confusion reigns supreme in the newsroom at LoisÕ unexpected behavior. The unlikely couple have a lovely lunch together, except for the fact that there is a man smoking a cigar at a nearby table. When Lois complains, the manÕs hand bursts into flames. Entranced with Mr. DeRoy, Lois fails to notice. As they leave the establishment, something appears to be very wrong. Although it is raining very hard, Lois states that she would like to walk the 40 blocks back to the Daily Planet building since it is such a beautiful day. As they walk, a childÕs toy monkey springs to life, mutating into a six-foot tall yellow gorilla smashing everything in sight. Once again, Lois fails to notice. At a nearby diner, Jimmy Olsen, young reporter extraordinaire and SupermanÕs pal, hears the commotion caused by the gorilla and calls for Superman using his signal watch. Superman arrives on the scene and takes flight with the gorilla in tow. All of a sudden, the fierce monster reverts back to its toy form. Bystanders inform the Man of Steel that the toy sprang to life when a couple walked by - the woman being Lois Lane. The scene shifts to Lois and Ben DeRoy sitting on a park bench. DeRoy proposes marriage to Lois, and with no hesitation, she accepts. But then, Ben DeRoy spots a mannequin in a store window. He comments that it is much more beautiful than Lois and reaches out for its hand. It springs to life, stepping through the store window. Lois stares on with bewilderment. Superman is still searching for Lois when he hears a scream coming from the department store. He swoops down to the scene where he finds that Lois has been turned into a mannequin, replacing the one that DeRoy took with him. Outside the store window, a truck springs to life, attacking everything in its path. Superman saves the driver and, while looking on, Ben DeRoy comments, ÒFinally!Ó, and reverts to his true form - a white haired imp from the 5th Dimension. The imp confronts Superman, turning him into several forms, while the Man of Steel tries to get the imp to reveal his identity. The prankster claims to be the most powerful being in this dimension, and all Superman has to do to get him to leave is to stop him. A game is proposed - all our hero must do is to get the imp to say or spell his name backwards. When Superman asks what his name is, a huge typewriter appears in the sky and the imp types it out - Mr. Mxyzptlk. If Superman can get Mxyzptlk to say or spell his name backwards, he will return to the 5th Dimension. Of course, things start getting serious when Mxyzptlk causes the Daily Planet building to come alive - with the mentality of a child. Mxyzptlk taunts Superman, spelling his name backwards with smoke - except for the last letter. Superman disappears for a moment, and returns with the typewriter Mxyzptlk created earlier. He dares Mxyzptlk to type in the same sequence of letters on the typewriter as he had before, and when he does, the letters come out backwards, sending our favorite 5th Dimensional imp back home, threatening that he will be back. Later, Superman and Lois discuss the events that took place. All of the things that had happened had returned to normal, and according to the theoretical physics department at the University of Metropolis, Mxyzptlk cannot return for at least 90 days. Superman reveals that he had rewired the keys in the typewriter to spell the name backwards when Mxyzptlk typed it correctly. The issue ends with Lois going over to ClarkÕs apartment to make dinner for him because she had skipped out on their lunch date. When she arrives, she is greeted by Cat Grant, who is doing the same for Clark. Lois leaves, and the issue ends. To be perfectly honest, I was very disappointed with this issue when I read it the first time. I was expecting Mr. Mxyzptlk to be the way he had been before the revamp - full of fun and mischievousness. John Byrne didnÕt write him that way at all. Mxyzptlk became a devilish little creature, bent only on making Superman look bad. He didnÕt really appear until well into the issue, at which point things had to be tied together very quickly to get it all into 22 pages. The characterizations were just barely two-dimensional, much less the required five. The issue just wasnÕt as much fun as it should have been. On the other hand, the artwork was excellent - as it usually is with John Byrne. Karl KeselÕs inking was also very well done, especially in the frames where it was raining hard. The story is not anything to write home about but the art makes this issue worth reading. Out of a possible 5 shields, this issue rates 1.5 shields. Stay tuned next time for my review of Superman #21, introducing the all-new Supergirl. One last note - I am not forgetting the other two Super-books from the time period. In upcoming reviews, I will look at books from both The Adventures of Superman and from Action Comics as well as books from the Superman series. ======================================================== THE POST-BYRNE REVIEWS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERMAN #135 DATE: February, 1960 TITLE: ÒSupermanÕs Mermaid SweetheartÓ EDITOR: Mort Weisinger REVIEW BY: Patrick Stout PLOT SYNOPSIS: Passing through a fishing village on the way back to Metropolis, Clark Kent hears the locals talking about a mermaid sighting. His mind flashes back to when he was a student at Metropolis University and met the wheelchair-bound Lori Lemaris; later, as Superman, he rescued her from an underwater mishap though he felt she was communicating with the sea creatures. After several dates, Clark proposed to Lori but she turned him down, later revealing that she was a mermaid. Superman and Lori rescued flood victims, and she later told him of her peopleÕs life in Atlantis, their mastery of telepathy, and of her need to spend eight hours a day in salt water in order to be able to function on the surface. ClarkÕs final memory of Lori was her goodbye kiss when she returned to Atlantis. Though most of the crowd laughs off the mermaid story, Clark asks the seaman to describe the mermaid. The description matches that of Lori. At dusk, Clark stands out on the rocks projecting his thoughts, begging Lori to return to him. He switches to Superman, diving after a tailfin that turns out to belong to a dolphin, and finds Lori waiting for him when he surfaces. Reading his mind, she gives him permission to kiss her; he proposes again and, though she once again refuses, he begins to court her. They take in a Broadway show and later dine at a nightclub; he proposes again, swearing to leave the surface world and dwell in Atlantis forever if thatÕs what it takes. Lori says she needs permission from the elders of Atlantis to accept the proposal, and tells Superman sheÕll return the next night with an answer. Unknown to them, the seaman who described Lori to Clark is watching in the shadows. When Lori returns to tell Superman that sheÕll marry him, the seaman emerges to throw a harpoon at her pet dolphin; Lori intercepts the weapon and falls onto a jagged rock. Superman flies her back to Atlantis for treatment but must abandon her when he encounters a radioactive sea monster; he lures the monster into an active volcano, where it perishes. Returning to Atlantis, Superman is told that Lori will be permanently paralyzed from her injuries. He searches the universe for a surgeon who can restore her to normal; on a water world, he meets a merman who offers to help. After Lori recovers, Superman uses his X-ray vision to discover that she and the merman have fallen in love. Angered by this turn of events, Superman suffers in silence as Lori tells him his feelings for her are motivated by pity and not love. She gives him a final kiss goodbye. Days pass and Clark Kent, finally accepting the situation, asks Lois Lane if sheÕll go out with him. REVIEW: This was the second Lori Lemaris story to appear in the Weisinger books. The first appeared as an Òuntold tale of SupermanÓ and was set entirely during ClarkÕs college days. This story allowed Superman to encounter Lori again in the ÒpresentÓ and to attempt to rekindle their romance. Any sense of duty to the surface world is apparently not given a single thought by Superman, as he offers to throw his life aside to become a citizen of Atlantis if Lori will only marry him. He dispatches the sea monster in four panels, a battle that would take half a book the way stories are written today. His search through the universe occupies the equivalent of three panels - writing is tight when the book has to include two other stories! This story is early to mid-Weisinger before Lois, Jimmy, Luthor and all the other characters and kryptonite types started to influence the title. SupermanÕs power plays second fiddle to his emotions in these early stories. ======================================================== SUPERMAN #416, ÒThe Ghost of Superman FutureÓ February, 1986 Written by Elliot S. Maggin Illustrated by Curt Swan and Al Williamson Edited by Julius Schwartz Colored by Gene DÕAngelo Lettered by Ed King This was one of the most bizarre and intriguing stories I have ever read in a comic book. It took several readings to comprehend the plot, and IÕm still not sure I completely understand it. Actually, the book is composed of two stories tied together. The cover has Superman standing in front of his Fortress of Solitude (the pre- Crisis model). Though he has long gray hair and a flowing gray beard, physically he is in the prime of health. On the surface the first story (ÒThe Einstein ConnectionÓ) reads like any other Superman story. Lex Luthor (Mr. Baldy himself) is trying to outsmart Superman, but gets caught anyway. The date March 14 plays an important part of the story, but the significance is unknown until the end. There are confusing symbolic scenes throughout the book, like an archway of water hanging in the air with a boat on it. Luthor created this as a diversion for a crime he is committing, as well as a realistic flying hologram of himself in an attempt to distract Superman long enough to make his escape. Suddenly, a man is knocked into the water by a speeding boat. Luthor sees this and exclaims, ÒI...I canÕt let someone drown because of me Ñ not today...not on HIS birthday!Ó Luther saves the man but is captured by Superman in the process. Superman figures out the riddle of March 14 and flies Luther to the feet of a statue of Albert Einstein, LuthorÕs idol (whose birthday is on that date). The villain tearfully wishes the scientist a happy birthday. The first story wraps up with many loose ends. The second story, which is the actual title of the comic, shows a 130-year-old Superman talking to a group of intergalactic news reporters. Superman has apparently been doing the Howard Hughes routine and keeping himself out of the public eye for several years. In fact, this story takes place about 100 years after ÒThe Einstein Connection.Ó Luthor mysteriously disappeared at the same time as Superman and one of the reporters speculates aloud that Luthor was SupermanÕs secret identity. After the elderly Superman shows the reporters a holographic machine invented by Luthor, the story switches back to ÒThe Einstein Connection.Ó Superman is taking us back in time, and we see some of the same scenes from the first story repeated. Then, just as suddenly, the modern-day Superman meets his elderly counterpart at the Fortress of Solitude. The young Superman thinks this is just another trick of LuthorÕs. The elderly Man of Steel declares that this is no trick and warns the younger Superman, ÒYou must let Luthor go, then catch him again later...Ó Then he tells him, ÒIÕll see you in a mirror in a hundred years or so.Ó We go back to the scene where Luther created the suspended water archway. As before, a man is knocked into the water by a speeding boat. Luther saves him. He is captured by Superman. The last scene of the second story shows the elderly Superman explaining what happened to the reporters. The man saved from drowning was Calvin Anderson, the criminal rehabilitation genius who cured Luthor of his criminal obsession. Superman #416 is filled with many twists and turns. It is not a simple story to read, and I have left out so many details that make this comic really fun. The presentation of a past, present, and future Superman, the paradoxical plot of two interconnected stories, the cunning genius of Lex Luther (bald and all), and the old familiar Fortress of Solitude makes this book a real gem. Rating: 4 shields Ken McKee stdkrm01@shsu.edu ======================================================== DEATH BEFORE ÑÑÑÑÑÑ by J. D. Rummel My mother used to read comic books to me. She had two things she preferred to avoid. She was not fond of long narrative blocks, nor was she entertained by that Òlittle guy that goes through the phone line.Ó (the Silver Age Atom) One story she read to me was in a twenty-five cent Òeighty page giant.Ó I canÕt remember the cover anymore, but I remember the first reprint was a three-parter called, ÒThe Death of Superman.Ó You see, DC has killed Superman before. God knows how many times during the course of an imaginary or alternate reality story they have killed Big Blue (One of the quaint aspects of stories from this period is that the grief- stricken invariably had a word or thought balloon punctuated with the word ÒchokeÓ). Anyway, the most recent death, the long, drawn-out one, got a lot of publicity as the real end of Superman (yeah, and McDonaldÕs is gonna stop selling hamburgers), and was definitely aimed at the wallet of fans. Written in 1961 by Jerry Siegel and drawn by the classic Swan and Klein team, the earlier ÒDeathÓ admitted from the beginning to be one of the clever Òimaginary talesÓ invented to give the series some creative room. It told of Lex LuthorÕs apparent desire to reform and the incredible demonstration of human faith Superman gives to his most lethal foe. Luthor wins the trust of the world, and then lures Superman to kryptonite doom. No multi-issue Marvel-age-inspired endless fight scene here. Superman is murdered, not by a galactic maniac unaccountable for his own actions, but cruelly and willfully by a criminal who, for all his brilliance, chooses to do wrong. The story reflects the difference in the times. For instance, when Luthor is brought to justice he is tried in a Kandorian court but smugly believes he can cut a deal. When he attempts this he is told before the sentence is executed, ÒWe donÕt make deals with murderers.Ó Talk about an imaginary tale. Make no mistake, it has many of the story problems of its period, including fast, simplistic solutions to complicated issues, and shameful female characterization Ñ wherein women are simply window dressing for male figures (although Supergirl comes out of hiding to take over for the deceased Action Ace). But ÒDeathÓ is still a tale essential to understanding the heart of SupermanÕs character. ÒDeathÓ showcases the inner goodness of Superman that was so much a part of the pre-Bryne stories. Unlike many comics today, it has a message to impart: If you are going to try and do right and take a chance on trusting someone, you may lose. As near as I could tell, the only moral that the most recent death hinted at was: You canÕt really die if you are a cash cow. When my mother finished reading the story I was crying. I remember she assured me that it was just a story, that it didnÕt really happen as the final narrative box explained. But that day, I was young enough to believe in stories, and that my friend could die, and I missed him. Today, I am older and wiser. For reasons both corporate and ideal, I know that Superman can never die. Away. ======================================================== End of Section 5 ======================================================== OTHER-MEDIA ÑÑÑÑÑ- AND WHO DISGUISED AS...: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by J. D. Rummel SupermanÑThe Movies Almost everybody has seen the Christopher Reeve Superman. Movies I and II are still in the top 100 of the highest grossing films of all time. Great sums of money were spent, and seriously talented folks were engaged to bring their gifts to the Man of Steel. I would, in fact, offer my own opinion that Reeve provides the best Superman portrayal to date in any medium requiring an actor, but more on that later. Why then, with these factors considered, do I believe the movies are all failures when it comes to honoring the last son of Krypton? Because the creators do not respect the source material, nor the audience, thatÕs why. The producers were the epitome of businessmen working in an art form, never interested in anything other than a fast buck. LetÕs look at each of the four Reeve vehicles. I. It is painfully easy to see the touch of multiple writers with vastly different perspectives in this film. From Mario PuzoÕs earnest, epic American myth rendering with its loooooong hour before our hero shows up, and BrandoÕs soporific wandering with the inexplicable ÒSÓ on his chest, to David and Leslie NewmanÕs demeaning and puerile efforts to convince us that their clownish Lex Luthor is anything other than insulting, this is a desperately confused movie. What redeems this mess? Christopher Reeve, pure and simple. Without him, there would have been no reason other than curiosity to see this movie, and in all likelihood it would be on MST3K today. Watching him is the only time I have ever believed that Kent and Superman are not the same guy. He makes me recognize the nerdy Clark as the guy we all are, and when he says he is here to fight for truth, justice and the American way I believe in him. Furthermore, I believe in ideals and my cynicism melts. Oh, there are some good moments that work. Glen Ford on the farm, and the wheat field cinematography are moving; Gene Hackman is superb, brilliantly rising above the foolishness he is asked to read, but ultimately it is a movie that belongs in the burgeoning Richard Donner Hall of Shame. II. The best of a lame lot. In it, the issues addressed are so powerful that they bench press the movie above the Madison Avenue thinking which corrupted the first, third, and fourth films. Superman must face the awesome responsibility of his power and forsake things that he really wants, because he has a destiny and a mission. It offers true heroic characterization. Superman cares about everybody all right. Once again, Reeve is magnificent, and this time, at last, he faces a real menace in Terence Stamp. Great fight scene. III. The people responsible for this should be caned. A more accurate title would be: Superman three, Richard Pryor, four, because Superman is the loser in this crap-fest, as are we. The opening Mack Sennett sequence during the credits redefines disregard for the audience, making true fans of Superman feel positively homicidal when forced to watch it. The film rarely rises above this nadir. While PryorÕs place in the pantheon of American humor cannot be denied, the use of his then box-office clout to hedge the money making bet degrades the value of the Superman legend and reveals the film makers for the grubby businessmen they are. The fact that they have produced nothing but box-office A-bombs since III (_Supergirl_, _Santa Claus_, _Christopher Columbus_) proves to me there is justice left in the world. May they never make a dime again. The saddest part of it all is that the concept of Superman discovering his dark side is vastly interesting and could have rendered an introspective masterpiece of entertainment. IV. This is really grim stuff. Cannibalism is never pretty. The writers actually pirated the first two, financially successful films and repeated what they must have deemed the Ògood parts.Ó In IV, Superman again flys with Lois, he again loses his powers, and is again rescued by a green, illuminated piece of wind chime. Additional slaps to the Super fan are his talking in space, and perhaps the worst bit of film story editing since the invention of the medium, when, near the end it is obvious to even the numbest of skulls that a significant portion of plot remained on the cutting room floor. Well, IÕve harangued enough for this month. Maybe next time IÕll discuss the earlier films with Kirk Alyn and George Reeves. The guys who made those seemed to respect us. Away. =========================================================== THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Neil A. Ottenstein Episode 15: ÒJungle DrumsÓ Released: 3-26-43 Running Time: 8 minutes Faster than a streak of lightning More powerful than the pounding surf Mightier than a roaring hurricane This 15th cartoon in the series starts with drums pounding in the jungle. We discover that Nazi forces have hidden themselves there, with their base as a temple and their men as priests to the natives. They pass on news of an American convoy to their submarine fleet commander, and shoot down a plane flying overhead. Lois Lane was on this plane, and her companion gives her important papers. The natives converge on her, but she manages to hide the papers before being brought onto the base. Under interrogation, she refuses to talk about the papers, and is to be sacrificed. But her silence is in vain, as the natives have found the papers. We learn that LoisÕs plane was to meet the American convoy, as Clark is getting onto a plane himself for the same purpose. As ClarkÕs plane flies over the jungle, the sacrificial fire below is spotted, and Clark notices the wreckage of a plane. He parachutes down, changes into Superman on a cliff, and rescues Lois. The natives are shocked to see him come out of the fire with her in his arms, and jungle drums stop. The Nazis strike back. During the battle Lois puts on one of the nativesÕ costumes and enters the base to warn the convoy. Once again she falls into peril, but Superman saves her and she warns the U.S. forces in time to save the convoy and cause an entire fleet of Axis submarines to be destroyed. Though the Superman cartoons dealing directly with the war have had the weakest plots, this one was more sophisticated. Key features in the animation include the dancing of the natives, ClarkÕs transformation to Superman (his shadow changing against the cliff), and his walking out of the fire holding Lois. ClarkÕs conversation with his pilot before getting on the plane carried a slight bit of humor. Overall, the cartoon was very well done, but the constraints of being a war film brought it down a notch. The two Fleischer Superman cartoon volumes are available for $19.95 each directly from Bosko Video or from anyone who carries high quality animation. A catalog is available from Bosko Video 3802 East Cudahy Ave. Cudahy WI 53110-1234 ======================================================== LETTERS ÑÑÑ- HEY EVERYONE! We REALLY want to see some reactions from you! (And I think that some of this monthÕs articles may spur you on! :) We only received a few letters this month, so I answered most of them personally. Here are a few: From: David Reinen Congratulations on a fabulous first issue! I really enjoyed everything in it. The post-Byrne column (and the pre-Byrne one) are destined to be my favorites because my collection, interest, and readings stretch from the 1960Õs thru today. Superman is THE greatest comic book character ever, for reasons too numerous and hopefully too obvious to mention. Your electrozine seems like a fitting vehicle for bringing that point to the many new comic readers in this computer-oriented age. I canÕt sign off without saying thanks to two people connected to KCN that have been doing great work on the net, in racm and alt.superman, providing information for those of us who read those groups: David ChappellÑthe Superman faq and storylines, and Jeffery SykesÑL&C episode guides. Again, congratulations. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAISE DAVID! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE PRE-BYRNE REVIEWS IN THIS SECOND ISSUE. AND WE HOPE OUR MAGAZINE DOES SOME JUSTICE TO THE GREATEST COMIC BOOK CHARACTER EVER. ************************************************************* From: Marc Singer (marcs@wam.umd.edu) Congratulations on the first issue of Kryptonian Cybernet! The columns and reviews were all enjoyable, and the pre-Byrne review should be a real treat once it gets started! Will future issues have Òlead storiesÓ? And have you considered having theme issues Ñ an issue devoted to Krypton, another to Smallville, another to all of SupermanÕs classic ÒdeathsÓ (real and imaginary), etc? Or perhaps an issue on his supernatural experiences for Halloween, and one on his many loves for ValentineÕs Day? Whatever course the future issues take, I hope theyÕre all as good as the first! To borrow a little Stan-Lee-ish hype, Keep KryptonCN CominÕ! YOU WANT LEAD STORIES? HOW DO THESE SOUND? UPCOMING WEÕLL SEE THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED INTERVIEW WITH DAN JURGENS AS THE FEATURE OF ONE ISSUE. A COUPLE OF OUR REVIEWERS ARE GOING TO WRITE A KIND OF POINT/ COUNTERPOINT ON THE PRE-BYRNE SUPERMAN VS THE POST-BYRNE SUPERMAN. AND ANOTHER REVIEWER IS PLANNING ON AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE SUPERMAN CLASS SHE IS TEACHING THIS SUMMER! I ALSO LIKE THE IDEA OF THEME ISSUES, SO WEÕLL HAVE TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO WITH IT! ************************************************************* From: FERNANDO M LOPEZ This is just a quick note about erinÕs review of The Ray #1-2...(s)he states that these issues probably take place between Superboy #1 and #2, but it specifically states in Superboy #4 that he had just recently come back from fighting Brimstone with Ray, placing The Ray #1-2 between Superboy #3 and #4. THANKS FOR THE SHARP EYES. WEÕLL TRY TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME! :) AND BTW, ERIN IS A HE. :) *************** I hope to hear from some more of you. If you have a letter, send it to KryptonCN@aol.com and IÕll make certain that it gets sent to whomever it might be addressed to. Jeff ======================================================== RESOURCES ÑÑÑÑ- This section of the magazine supplies information concerning how to obtain Superman files via different Internet resources such as ftp, e-mail, and WWW. The first section lists known files available at different ftp sites and via the WWW. In the near future, we will also include a list of relevant mailing lists and how to subscribe to them. The second section gives a brief tutorial in how to use ftp and, for those of you whose systems doesnÕt support ftp (AOL and CompuServe, for example), how you may obtain ftp files via e-mail. New: Information on additional pictures at the hyperion site. Info added on three other ftp commands. Needed: Could someone please send me information concerning how to subscribe to the Lois and Clark discussion list and the Comics-L list? Also, if you know of any other Superman-related Internet resources, please let me know. I would also like to find one site at which we could archive all of the files below as well as past issues of KC. I already have a site lined up for archiving past issues - more on that next time. But I would like a site for EVERYTHING. 1. Files Available: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Superman.FAQ The latest version of David T. ChappellÕs Superman FAQ. Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/FAQ ftp.catt.ncsu.edu /pub/misc Superman.ComicList The latest version of David T. ChappellÕs Superman Stories List. Site: ftp.catt.ncsu.edu Directory: /pub/misc LC.EpGuide.txt, LC.Summ1.txt, LC.Summ2.txt Jeffery D. SykesÕ Lois & Clark episode guide and summaries. Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/Film_and_TV ftp.catt.ncsu.edu /pub/misc Superman_in_Songs_Index.txt A list of Superman references in popular music. Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/Reference In addition, there are the following gif and jpg files available: Site: ftp.hyperion.com Directory: /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark Files: There are now more than 40 files at this site. See the information below on using the ÒlsÓ command to get a list of these pictures. Site: ftp.catt.ncsu.edu Directory: /pub/graphics/images/comics Files: Action_Comics644.gif, Adventures_of_Superman431.gif, Super_Cyborg.gif, Superman.jpg, Superman18.gif, Superman60.gif, Superman9.gif Mosaic users can access the catt and dhhalden sites via the following WWW pages: ftp://ftp.catt.ncsu.edu/pub/misc and ftp://ftp.dhhalden.no/pub/Comics. 2. Basics of ftp and ftp via e-mail: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ FTP Ñ- The following easy steps will allow you to obtain any of the files listed above. First determine the site at which the file is located. Type into your terminal: ftp This will log you into the ftp system. At the login prompt, enter ÒanonymousÓ and for your password enter your e-mail address. Then determine the directory in which the file is located. Type: cd This will place you in the correct directory. To list the files available in the current directory, use the ÒlsÓ command. There may be more files than can fit on the screen at once. IÕm sorry, but I really donÕt know what to do about this. Any help? Finally, to obtain a given file in the current directory, type get If you want files in another directory, start over with the ÒcdÓ command. If you want to transfer to another site, type ÒquitÓ and then start over from the beginning. Alternately, you may use the ÒcloseÓ command to exit the current site. Then you can type open to move into a new site. The remaining steps are the same as above. The only advantage to this is that you do not exit the ftp shell. If you want more information about ftp, search your system manuals or contact your sysadmin. FTP BY E-MAIL ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- If your system does not support ftp, you may still obtain these files via e-mail. Select the files that you wish to obtain and note their directories. You will need to repeat the following procedure for each directory in each site. E-Mail a message to either ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com or ftpmail@sunsite.unc.edu with the body of the message consisting only of the commands between the lines of dashes below. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- connect chdir get get . . ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Do not include the lines of dashes, and do not include anything else in the body of the message. You may use as many ÒgetÓ commands as is necessary, but all files you get must be within the directory specified by the ÒchdirÓ command. You will receive a message telling you that your request has been queued. Then, about a day later, you will receive the files themselves. Each file will be contained in its own mail message. ________________________________________________________________ ************************************************************* End of Issue #2