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"Ask Eddie" Fan Forum Archives
Here are Eddie Berganza's answers to questions fans put to him in May 2004:
Eddie's Answers
Sam Johnstone (andramus@dodo.com.au) asks:Thanks for answering all our questions. I've always believed that Superman's power of flight involved the manipulation of an energy field around his body but others claim that his dense molecular structure is the basis of Superman's power of flight in current continuity. Now I can see the dense molecular structure explaining strength, invulnerability and even the ability to leap tall buildings but to actually fly? I don't think so. I was under the impression that the dense molecular structure was a Pre-Crisis explanation and that since the Byrne revamp Superman's power of flight was considered to be telekinetic or something along that line. I would be grateful if you could clear this issue up for us.
Eddie: You could apply both in that his unique physiology affects how gravity affects him, and how his personal body aura interacts with it. For more in-depth explanations let me point you toward the SCIENCE OF SUPERMAN by Mark Wolverton.
Andrew Prouty (a.p.prouty@comcast.net) and David M. Sutton II (Soliddragon6@aol.com) ask:
Eddie is there any chance that Kara will have a supporting role in one of the Superman books besides "Superman/Batman"? Or will she get her own title? She is my favorite female hero, and I would love to see her on a regular basis.
Eddie: Kara's story is not yet done in SUPERMAN/BATMAN. You'll have even more questions when it's done.
Max (Sonixnfire@aol.com) asks:
If Superman brought down the Lex Luthor presidency in "Superman/Batman", what was the use of going undercover for the Daily Planet in the regular comics? Did finding Hope matter at all?
Eddie: All the pieces that Clark Kent put together against Lex Luthor helped to contribute to his downfall. Mind you, putting on a purple and green warsuit didn't help any. And getting Hope was an important part that led to Lex getting more drastic with Superman and Batman. He needed something to draw attention away from him.
Omar (Email address withheld by request) asks:
"Birthright" has really thrown you a bone! For instance, in issue #10 Lex uses a "phantom/kryptonite web" to weaken Clark/Superman. Why hasn't he used it before or since then? There's also the use of Internet and Camera-equiped cell phones... Isn't this just a little advanced for an "origin" series... where's the progression, I say? Where's the continuity? How are we going to explain 15-16 years of history with "Birthright" being the "new origin"? I love the idea of interweaving all the Superman era's, i.e. Golden, Silver, pre and post-Crisis, but this story is confusing us fans!
Eddie: Just enjoy it as a modern retelling to make it more current for new readers. We apologize to the old timers, but we will make it up to them too.
Jason Lavigne (jslavigne@yahoo.com) asks:
Hey, Eddie thanks for answering our questions and being gracious even in the face of sometimes harsh criticism. It takes a big man to answer his critics with the grace and patience that you have. Anyway, my question is this: is BIRTHRIGHT the actual reality of Superman's origin or is it just that his memories have been changed due to what happened in Superman 200? Is it going to be that BIRTHRIGHT was ALWAYS his origin or did the events of "Superman #200" either change those events or his memories of them?
Eddie: As noted we'll be clarifying this at some point in the future.
Carey Lester (track13d@yahoo.com) asks:
Is there any chance to have the birthing matrix survive the new continuity? Seeing how it affects the rest of the DC universe it should... Example #1 - The manhunters. #2 - The Cyborg, what was done to Coast City, and Green Lantern. #3 - The Eradicator. Why change so many things to repeat the silver age that was wiped from continuity with Crisis? The birthing matrix is essential to the modern age Superman mythos. Putting Lex in Smallville and the S from Krypton while improbable, don't change as many things in continuity as does the birth. Please blend "Birthright" and MOS in the regular books, using the birthing matrix, the landing during the blizzard and rescue of the new born Kal-El. Let continuity stand!
Eddie: We never said there wasn't a birthing matrix on that new ship.
Rick (rczz2001@yahoo.com) asks:
Thanks for taking time to read questions from fans. From what I've read, Superman is again going up the sales charts (yipee!), so, how do you respond to critics (in other news mediums) and naysayers who question Superman's relevance to today's modern (some would say cynical) fandom?
Eddie: It's difficult. It seems that sometimes articles are written with a specific point of view and the authors of these articles just use certain pieces from the comics to justify their position. Superman is a tough sell - period. He's optimistic and offers a bright future. Sadly, it's the stuff we have the most difficulty accepting. How else do you explain the summer movies and reality TV?
Freddie Crespo (crespof@prtc.net) asks:
Hi Eddie, thanks for answering all these questions I know it's really hard... but as I was reading your last batch of answers, the last one got me thinking. It was regarding the New Supergirl/Kara... you answered very clearly but you finished with this "And what do you all think of "Kara" on Smallville?" Now here's my question is this you teasing, making conversation or is this a hint to state that Kara in "Superman/Batman" isn't the real deal either? This had me doing a lot of thinking!!!
Eddie: Oh, that was just a harmless tease. I was very curious about the reaction that SMALLVILLE's season 3 ender would get. Kara's true story, as I said, awaits in the pages of SUPERMAN/BATMAN #11-13.
hakavon (hakavon@yahoo.com) asks:
In a previous question on the BIRTHRIGHT Krypton's gravity and mass (and the effect on Superman's physical nature and powers) you said "Lois was never on Krypton in "Return". So she was in no gravity danger." The thing is, both the faux Jor-El and Krypto came to Earth and have been shown to have the same powers as Superman. Wouldn't we have to assume that the R2K Krypton was a double for the real one? (Including in its mass and gravity?) And yet Lois was there and had no trouble. Doesn't it really make more sense for Superman's powers to be fully solar in nature? If he loses his solar-based powers, any gravity/mass based ones (strength? durability? speed?) would remain! PLEASE make it solar only!
Eddie: Both are in effect and you are talking about a planet that existed in the Phantom Zone.
Juan Martin Ponce (juanmartinponce@aol.com) asks:
Why does Superman not recognize Gog in "Action Comics #815"? He fought a very similar version in "The Kingdom" (1998-99), so at least, he should have thought: "Hey, this guy looks familiar!"
Eddie: Two possibilities: 1) He was being beat very badly, and didn't have a chance to consider that. 2) Not clear what the events of The Kingdom did to reality. Did Superman really face that Gog?
Thanks Eddie! We really appreciate your continued involvement with the Superman Homepage!
Eddie: Always fun. Just ease up on the "Birthright" questions. :)
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