THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET - ISSUE #5 - SEPTEMBER 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: Superscripts: Notes from the Editor Changes abound in the world of Superman and in The Cybernet, by Jeff Sykes A Chat With Dan Jurgens Yep! ItÕs here! The Fleischer Cartoons Episode #1, ÒSuperman (Premiere)Ó, by Neil Ottenstein Section 2: Superman in Africa Accessibility of Superman comics in South Africa, by Steve Kaplan Just the FAQs ÒHow Old Is Superman?Ó, by David T Chappell The SCU Files Absorbing information about the Parasite, by Chris Jarocha-Ernst Section 3: Reviews The Triangle Titles Action Comics #703, by Jose R. Galan Superman: The Man of Steel #0, by Anatole Wilson Superman #0, by Jeff Sykes Adventures of Superman #0, by Ben Butler Other Super-Titles, Specials, and Appearances Superboy #0, by Victor Chan Steel #0, by Shawn Aeria Section 4: Reviews (cont) Zero Hour, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Zero Hour #1 Zero Hour #0 Zero Hour Tie-Ins Section 5: Looking Back Post-Byrne Superman #22, by Mark Lamutt Pre-Byrne Superman #136, by Patrick M. Stout Superman and Clark Kent #50, by Ken McKee Villains Word-Search Section 6: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Up, Up, and Coming New season tidbits, by Jeff Sykes Lois Common Denominator Analyzing the character of Lois Lane, by Zoomway And Who Disguised As... Taking another look back at the first season, by J. D. Rummel Sex And Aerodynamic Broomsticks ÒLois and ClarkÓ vs ÒThe Wizard of OzÓ and ÒMan of Steel, Woman of KleenexÓ, by Zoomway Section 7: Coming Attractions November Comics and Merchandise, more rumors and spoilers, and throwing out a new idea Letters Resources EDITORIAL STAFF: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews Shawn Aeria Lee Keels Victor Chan Mark Lamutt Johanna L. Draper Ken McKee Pat Gonzales Jennifer L. Traver Curtis Herink Joel W. Tscherne LEGAL DISCLAIMERS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Superman and all related characters, locations, and events are copyright and trademark DC Comics. Use of the aforementioned is not intended to challenge said ownership. We strongly suggest that each reader look to the media sources mentioned within for further infor- mation. Opinions presented within this issue belong to the authors of the articles which contain them. They should in no way be construed as those of any other particular member of the editorial or contributing staff, unless otherwise indicated. This magazine should be distributed freely via e-mail. Should you desire to share this publication with other on-line services, please contact me at sykes@ms.uky.edu for permission. Feel free to advertise subscription information on other on-line services which have internet mail availability. THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is available by e-mail Ñ just send me a note (sykes@ms.uky.edu) which includes the address to which you would like the issues sent. Back issues are available via ftp Ñ see the resources section. ========================================================= SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Before I say anything else, let me apologize for the extreme lateness of this issue. Next month will appear on schedule Ñ the week of October 10. This is a promise. However, I will not promise that future issues will definitely appear on regular schedule. I will do my best to have each new issue ready by the second week of the month, but as I *am* still a student and a teacher, I have to consider that work my priority. Now to more upbeat items... Change seems to be the word of the day. IÕm certain that youÕve all noticed the abundance of changes which have been appearing in the world of the Man of Steel lately. From the comics to the small screen, nothing seems to be left alone for long. WeÕve got longer hair, new actors, vacant roles, rebuilt cities, dead imposters, new production staffs, etc. You name it and something is different about it. So what is my point? Simply this Ñ not all change is bad! Granted, when change is introduced simply for the sake of change, it tends not to work. However, when changes are made for valid purposes, they can result in an improved product or longevity. Two examples include the new incarnation of the Legion of Super-Heroes and the new Superboy. Most of the readers of the new Legion will agree that the revamp shows more promise than the Legion has shown in years. And almost everyone agrees that Superboy has been the one of the best additions to the Superman continuity in some time. Then there was the fine syndicated Superboy series a few years ago. After the first season, vast changes were made Ñ including a new actor in the starring role! What happened? The series continued on to complete a run of four seasons! Now apply this to Lois and Clark. If the series had continued this season in the same manner as last, we would have seen several excellent episodes, but the season would likely have been its last Ñ it just cannot compete in its current timeslot. (Of course thereÕs the old topic of how ABC treats the show, but thatÕs for someone else to address.) Hopefully, the changes will bring in enough viewers to prolong the show. IÕll sacrifice a minor bit of quality for quantity. And without watching a few of the new episodes, thereÕs no basis for concluding that the quality will decline. Regardless of whether or not we agree with the idea of change, it *is* something with which we must live. Instead of grumbling (and especially instead of grumbling before the changes are even witnessed), why not make the most of the situation? I still have high hopes for all versions of the Man of Steel! And finally, in keeping with the theme of change, this month marks the beginning of several changes to the Cybernet Ñ changes aimed at making the magazine more broad-based. First, the Coming Attractions section has been slightly expanded to include new Superman merchandise. Furthermore, next month will mark the premiere of our new section dedicated to the outstanding TV series, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. As a preview, this monthÕs issue offers a few articles from the sectionÕs feature writers, Zoomway and J.D. Rummel. Also, IÕve got a new format in mind for the references section Ñ IÕm hoping to turn it into more of an index. IÕll have more on that for you next month! In closing, I have a little teaser: Hero Illustrated reports that rumors are flying about a new movie in development at Warner Brothers: SUPERMAN REBORN! IÕll let you in on any news I hear! Enjoy this monthÕs issue and weÕll see you again in a couple of weeks! Jeff Sykes sykes@ms.uky.edu ========================================================= A CHAT WITH DAN JURGENS ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- For those of you who are very new to the magazine, weÕve been teasing everyone with the promise of this interview since issue #1! Well, here we go! As you read below, youÕll find that Dan was a bit cagey on a few of the questions Ñ but did you really expect him to give away a lot of advance information!? :) Thanks to all of our readers who submitted questions for the interview, and thanks once again, Dan, for taking the time to let us get to know you a little better. We look forward to seeing your work with Superman for a long time to come! PERSONAL INFORMATION: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ 1. Could you give us a brief biography of yourself? For example, what kind of child/student were you, what comics did you read while growing up, how did you get into the comic book business, etc. I grew up in the small town of Ortonville, Minnesota, population 2,500, which may as well be Smallville, Kansas. I think thatÕs helped bond me with Superman. I read lots of comics, mostly DC, and always wanted to draw. Years later, in 1982, Mike Grell saw my work and asked me to draw Warlord. I started with issue 63. 2. Our readers are familiar with your work on SUPERMAN, but may not be familiar with your earlier work. What characters/titles did you write and draw prior to Superman? I started by drawing Warlord, created, wrote and drew Booster Gold, wrote and drew Flash Gordon, and Justice League America. 3. What do you feel has been your best work to date as a writer? as an artist? overall? As a writer, IÕm proud of my accumulated work on Superman. As an artist, IÕm very proud of Superman/Doomsday and Zero Hour. My favorite scripts were Metropolis Mailbag and the drunk driving story from my days on Adventures of Superman. 4. What are currently your favorite comic books? Hulk, Bone, Concrete, Next Men, Flash, Martha Washington and others that I just canÕt think of at present. SUPERMAN SO FAR: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- 5. There have been discussions on the internet recently concerning the appearance of Superman early in your run on Booster Gold. Was this the first post-Crisis appearance of the revamped (i.e. Byrne) Superman? Few people have noticed it, but, yes, that was the first appearance of the post-Crisis Superman. 6. Superman #75 earned you the reputation as Òthe man who killed Superman.Ó Few complained about the quality of the art in the Doomsday story, but many were disgruntled with a perceived lack of plot Ñ believing that being killed by a mindless brute made SupermanÕs death meaningless. What are your opinions on that story and on these arguments? I disagree. First of all, it was one part of an ongoing story that encompassed Funeral for a Friend and the Reign of the Supermen. More than that, SupermanÕs villains have always been a babbling, non-powered lot who constantly explain their motives to excessive and non believable detail. I like the idea of Superman going up against alien brute force...something completely different than him. I want Doomsday to be something that Superman just doesnÕt understand. 7. Most readers found little, if anything, to complain about in ÒFuneral for a Friend.Ó Some would rank it among the best work done in the Superman titles ever. How difficult was it to portray the mourning period while maintaining four Superman titles without Superman? When we decided to do the Death of Superman, we all got very excited when talking about the ÒF.F.A.F.Ó storyline. For us, delving into the tragic reaction of the world was more interesting than doing the death itself. As IÕve often said, the worldÕs obsessive reaction since JFKÕs death is more interesting than the death itself. 8. ÒThe Reign of the SupermenÓ completed the saga quite strongly. How did the idea of multiple Supermen come about? And how much truth is there to the rumor that DC had planned for one of the four to become the new Man of Steel, but chickened out at the last moment? No truth to that rumor whatsoever. I believe both Karl Kesel and Louise Simonson had suggested (independently) the idea of multiple Supermen. 9. In ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #439, there is a robot Superman that is severely damaged through the course of the book. When the damaged and destroyed areas of the robot are compared to the overtly mechanical parts of the Cyborg Superman (from ÒThe ReignÓ), the similarities are amazing. Did Hank Henshaw steal the robot from Professor Hamilton? Will the secret of this be revealed in a later book? No plans to deal with this. Call it a coincidence. 10. Oddly enough, one of the more amusing controversies arising from SupermanÕs ÒrebirthÓ has been over the length of his hair! Will we be seeing a haircut anytime soon? Or is the new do here to stay? I like the long hair. Some artists draw it longer than others, but I think it adds kind of a dramatic flair. I donÕt like ClarkÕs pony tail though, and wonÕt ever draw that. 11. Since the ÒReignÓ ended, there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of action in the four titles, as well as a significant decrease in the development of subplots and of supporting characters. Many long-time readers are disturbed by this trend. Will it continue, or will there be a re-focusing on these characters and subplots? I agree. We need to get more character sub-plot stuff into the story. But we were without Superman for so long that I think we all wanted to concentrate on him for a while! 12. Superman/Doomsday: Hunter/Prey was a wonderful ending (?) to the saga of Doomsday. When compared to that of the first Doomsday story, the amount of plot surprised many readers. Was the Krypton aspect of Doomsday intended from the beginning, or was it something that you developed later? When we first created Doomsday we had lots of various ideas. I added the Kryptonian connection later when I put together Superman/Doomsday. 13. There was one small thing about Hunter/Prey that confused some of us: where exactly in the Superman continuity did it take place? I think that was recently answered in a Superman letter column. MISCELLANEOUS SUPERMAN: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ 14. How can a writer/artist get a shot at writing/drawing Superman? What steps does he/she need to take? I think any writer or artist has to be someone who catches Mike CarlinÕs eye. There also has to be an opening! 15. Why are the Òtriangle numbersÓ which index the four books not ÒS-shield numbersÓ or some such thing? ThatÕs a good idea! Maybe we should try it! 16. Was there any consideration given to using Zero Hour to retcon Superman so that he WAS Superboy as a teenager? Why or why not? No consideration at all. I think SupermanÕs history post-Byrne is exceptionally strong and consistent. As such, there seems to be little reason to change it. ZERO HOUR: ÑÑÑÑ- 17. Killing Superman wasnÕt enough Ñ you had to nuke the entire DC Universe! :) Seriously though, we know that Zero Hour is your story, but was cleaning up the continuity in the DCU something that DC decided needed to be done, or was it something that you suggested completely on your own? Zero Hour was not done to clean up continuity, although that was one aspect of the series. Zero Hour was done to give DC a good launching point for all its books, thus attracting new readers. Many people referred to it as ÒCrisis IIÓ and I always said that was inappropriate. 18. By the time we read your answers, Zero Hour should be complete. Thus, this shouldnÕt be asking for much. What effects (if any) did Zero Hour have on Superman continuity? The letter columns have hinted that the impact will be minimal, but some things Ñ such as the Pocket Universe, Supergirl, the Linear Men, Time & Time Again, and the Hawkman story from just after ACTION #600 Ñ almost HAVE to be affected. All of SupermanÕs continuity is in place just as it was before Zero Hour. 19. With the havoc Zero Hour will be playing on some of the DC characters Ñ most notably Hawkman, the JSA, Legion, and Flash Ñ will there be a new version of WhoÕs Who to help sort out the new histories? An interesting idea, but not my call. YOUR FUTURE: ÑÑÑÑÑ- 20. Rumors have been circulating for some time that you will be going to work on ValiantÕs SOLAR. Is there any truth to these rumors? IÕve been involved in ongoing discussions with Valiant for quite some time. You never know whatÕs going to happen in this business! 21. The original Bravura ads included DEUCE, by Dan Jurgens. The newest ads include you as a founder of Bravura, but DEUCE is no longer shown. Has this been either delayed or canceled? If so, why? If not, please tell us about it and when to expect it. I wish I could tell you. Malibu will not honor its contract to publish Deuce. I plan to do the series as soon as the situation is straightened out. 22. Are there any characters out there which you have not written or drawn, but that you would like to? Lots of Ôem! Batman, Firestorm, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and more! 23. Do you have any other non-Superman projects in the works? Nothing definite, but I may be able to announce something in a week or two. SUPERMANÕS FUTURE: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- 24. The letters column in ACTION #702 hints at a quarterly by Roger Stern. Do you know anything about such a project? You might very well see that! 25. We have had several discussions on the internet about ideal teams. One of the most popular ideas was to get Jo Duffy and Colleen Doran to write and draw, respectively, an ongoing Supergirl monthly. What are the current possibilities of a Supergirl series, and what is the likelihood of getting these two to do it? I think youÕll be seeing a lot of Supergirl material coming from DC, starting with an appearance in Showcase. 26. DC has teased us for a long time now with Lois and ClarkÕs engagement. Mike Carlin has assured us that the two WILL get married. WHEN?!? Is this something we can look forward to soon? And will it be as big a media event as we imagine? The amount of media coverage a story like that gets is not up to us. I do think it will be a major event within comics when it happens. 27. What other (somewhat) exclusive information can you provide our readers in regards to the future of the Superman books? (Your discretion, of course! :) Sorry! Read Ôem and see! Although in Superman 100 we...aw, I just canÕt spill the beans! Thanks once again, Dan! And one final question to the readers: What other members of the Superman team would you like to see interviews with? Send us your suggestions and any ideas for conducting such an interview. (You know, Mike Carlin is reachable via America Online now...:) ========================================================= THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Neil A. Ottenstein Episode 1: ÒSuperman (Pilot)Ó Released: 9-26-41 Running Time: 10:22 minutes Faster than a speeding bullet More powerful than a locomotive Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound The first Fleischer Superman cartoon starts off giving SupermanÕs origin. It tells of the planet Krypton with a civilization far advanced in mental and physical abilities. Great quakes threatened to destroy the planet and a child was sent away. He is the sole survivor of Krypton, and as he grows to maturity, amazing physical powers manifest themselves. The main story starts with Clark Kent and Lois Lane being called in to see a threatening note from Òthe mad scientist.Ó He is threatening the city with his electrothanasia ray and will strike at midnight. Their editor first suggests Clark to go with Lois, but Lois wants to crack the case on her own. She flies an airplane out to interview the mad scientist. [The way she does so makes it look like Lois getting into an airplane is just as natural as anyone getting into a car.] The scene shifts to the lair of the mad scientist. The clock strikes midnight and he cries out, Òthe hour has come.Ó He starts his equipment. He has a falcon with him who notices LoisÕ plane and notifies him of its arrival. She knocks on the door. They unlock it, pull her in, and tie her up. He will give her, Òthe greatest story of destruction the world has ever known.Ó He blasts the Tower Bridge sending cars and pedestrians to oblivion. Clarks hears a report of the attack, changes in the stock room, and flies out. The next target, though, is the Daily Planet building. Superman flies back to it, stops it from falling down and stands in the way of the beam. He forces it back against ever increasing power. He ultimately turns it back on its source and the machine blows. In the face of massive destruction he unties Lois and captures the mad scientist (the falcon apparently escapes). The mad scientist is thrown in jail and we see the next edition of the Daily Planet newspaper telling the story along with a separate story headlined by ÒSuperman vanishes. Public still mystified.Ó This was an amazing start to the FleischersÕ series of Superman cartoons. It wasnÕt believed that they could do it, but they pulled it off, albeit at a hefty price. The animation is stunning. Some noteworthy scenes include the shadows of the scene with Lois getting pulled into the lair and then being tied up. Superman fighting the electrothanasia ray is very powerful. Superman seems heated white by the power of the ray. One effect that is seen often in the series is the segue of the scientist in the cell to the photograph of the scientist in the cell from the newspaper. The scientistÕs falcon is there for comic effect. It mimics the scientistÕs moves quite humorously, and even has its own lock bolt to undo when they open the door to pull Lois in. All in all a great start to a magnificent series 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 ========================================================= End of Section 1 ========================================================= SUPERMAN IN AFRICA ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Steve Kaplan [kplste06@psipsy.uct.ac.za] SupermanÕs international popularity is such that, even here at the bottom of Africa, his fans have always been plentiful. Since the early 1960s, there have always been kids in red and blue pajamas with their momÕs old towels draped over their shoulders running through the back garden, pretending to fry birds and pets with heat vision (except of course when the pet has been Krypto - the SuperDog). And if that sounds like it couldÕve been you in America or Canada or England when you were young, here comes the shocker: thatÕs exactly what itÕs always been like for Superman in South Africa. There has been one difference though. By and large, thatÕs where Superman stayed until very recently. Comics are for children, and if you continue to buy and collect comics after age 14, it is frowned upon Ñ you are expected to start more serious and beneficial pursuits. As for the rest of Southern Africa Ñ Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana Ñ there is not really such a thing as Superman comics. Everybody knows who Superman is, but they have traded up their interest in comics for other more important American products like Coca-Cola and cigarettes. Superman in Africa begins and ends in South Africa. For a while in the late 1980s, they toyed with the idea of South African comics called ÒSupercomixÓ which featured Superman and Spider-Man in the same book. However, once the 14-year-olds figured out that all they were buying were old Superman stories in new covers and with the price marked in local currency, interest waned and the dealers again looked to importers. So until 1987 or so, there were only two ways to get Superman: one, from newsagents, who charged around $3.00 a comic for six-month-old issues in pathetic condition, and two, drugstore comic racks Ñ which sold two-year- old issues for 50 cents a comic. And then Superman was re-introduced after Crisis: BBBBBAAAAAMMMMM!!!!!!!!!! The comic world exploded. There were still only two ways to get comics, but all of a sudden, you could get anything Ñ except for Superman. Those of us whoÕd been waiting in the wings, saw the explosion, ran to the newsdealers, and saw miles and miles of Spider- Man, Avengers, Iron-Man, and X-Men. Clearly something unusual was going on, and although nothing official ever came of it, it was chalked up to two possibilities. First, South Africa is a Marvel market (and IÕm sorry to say it still is). Second, these were in the darkest days of Apartheid when almost every international corporation shouted Ôboycott the racistsÕ and South Africa was left (deservedly) high and dry. DCÕs slowdown (some comics continued to trickle in regardless) lasted until the early 1990s, and it was interesting because of all the companies that did pull out of South Africa because of Apartheid, DC and WarnerÕs stand probably made the greatest impact on those who it was meant to effect Ñ White South African over-privileged people. The other boycotts resulted mainly in the loss of jobs of those it was trying to help Ñ non-Whites. We, as white South Africans, hardly ever felt it, and I can honestly say that the DC boycott was the only area which really hit me. As things changed, and the government changed, DC has come back and all is normal again. But the market remains white Ñ exclusively Ñ and is still regarded as frivolous. There was not, and still is not, a `blackÕ market for Superman. Some 99% of all comics buyers in South Africa are white, and the situation is unlikely to change. This is because comics are a luxury item, and particularly expensive. Culturally as well, there is little that black South Africans can relate to in Superman. Superman is the ultimate all-American boy (the recreation of Clark Kent especially so), and there would be no real frame of reference. Books like Milestone may have an appeal to the African-American market in the USA, but those who are interested in such depictions of black Americans are more likely to be White South Africans, and occasionally coloreds (as people of mixed race are euphemistically referred to in South Africa). The recent influx of African-American characters in Superman (like Keith and Ron Troupe) are also of no real interest from a cultural African perspective. SupermanÕs influence in Southern Africa is therefore restricted to a white market. South Africa is still highly politicized and (make no mistake about it) highly stratified along racial lines. Just as an interesting topic, I asked my first year psychology class Ñ I am a tutor in the Psyche department at my university Ñ what they thought about comics. My class is pretty diverse, there are people from every and all cultural and racial backgrounds. This was about six months ago. All of them knew that Superman had died - even if most thought he was still dead. None knew how or why. Which leads me to a few conclusions: 1. SupermanÕs adventures are known - if something big happens to him, everybody knows. His influence is therefore pretty pervasive. 2. But very few people actually care. Comic freaks are the strict minority for a few reasons - most of them economic or cultural. 3. Superman has a big future in South Africa. In a country literally torn apart in the last few years and still suffering, there are still those who actually make Superman a priority. Does this mean that weÕre shallow? That we put personal pleasure above social conscience? No. What it means is that there will always be people who prioritize literature - even for itÕs own sake. And that canÕt be all bad. Who knows? Maybe Superman will soon have a few lessons to teach the people of South Africa, not that he hasnÕt said plenty already. ========================================================= JUST THE FAQs More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel by David T. Chappell This issue IÕm ready to get back to one of the original intentions of this column: expanding upon answers from the Superman FAQ. Despite the many changes in the Battle and Fall of Metropolis, I held off on updating the FAQ until after Zero Hour in anticipation of the Crisis in Time retconning some events. Now that the Crisis is over, several aspects of the ÒnewÓ universe have not yet been revealed. As the comics divulge more details about the status of Lex Luthor, Satanus, and the rebuilding of Metropolis, IÕll revise the FAQ to Version 2.00 status. For now, IÕll start improving the FAQ with simpler questions. The recent Zero Month issues inspired me to go back to some old Superman comics and establish a basic time-line. Such work in turn inspired me to write the article below and provide further details on the question: [EditorÕs Note: David is also hard at work on a new document to chronicle SupermanÕs history. Watch for the Superman Timeline, coming soon!] ÒHOW OLD IS SUPERMAN?Ó The character of Superman has existed for over 55 years. Superman was created by Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist). The two teenagers from Cleveland first submitted their creation to newspapers but no one chose to publish their work until Detective Comics, Inc. accepted it. The first appearance of Superman was in the lead feature of ACTION COMICS #1. This landmark issue went on sale in the spring of 1938 with a cover date of June 1938. Superman was an instant hit for the fledgling comic book industry and it was the success of this first super-powered character that led to the Golden Age of superheroes. As with most comics characters, Superman has not aged at a realistic rate. Occasional fantasy and Elseworlds stories show Superman at various ages. Pre-Crisis stories of Superboy showed teenage Clark using his powers in Smallville and occasional stories of Superbaby provided amusement. Most Superman stories, however, showed him at a consistent age as an adult. In 1986, John ByrneÕs revamp of the Man of Steel helped wind back the clock. THE MAN OF STEEL mini-series recounted ClarkÕs revised history from his birth to age 28. It included scenes from Krypton, ClarkÕs high school years and his early days as Superman. In the new incarnation of the Last Son of Krypton, Kal-El was conceived on the planet Krypton but was not actually born until his spacecraft landed on Earth. While the year is not mentioned (to allow for a floating time scale), ClarkÕs birthday is during winter. At age five, Clark enrolled in elementary school and met Lana Lang and Pete Ross [ACTION #655]. An accident with a bull revealed ClarkÕs invulnerability when he was eight, and his super-strength became apparent soon thereafter. The summer before his senior year of high school, Clark learned that he could fly, and that fall, Pa Kent told him of his space-ship origin [MAN OF STEEL #1]. For the next seven years, Clark secretly averted disasters and saved people. He acted as a hero in secret and did not adopt a super-hero identity. Clark traveled around the world and earned a journalism degree at the University of Metropolis. Ma KentÕs scrapbook contained many clippings from those clandestine rescues [MAN OF STEEL #1]. At age 25, ClarkÕs life took a drastic turn. When an accident threatened a spaceplane over Metropolis, Clark acted in public to save the ship, crew and observers below. After fleeing the resulting mob of admirers, Clark went home to talk with his parents. At Jonathan KentÕs suggestion, Clark adopted a costume - not unlike that of the mystery men of the 1940s - and became a public super-hero. The name given in Lois LaneÕs first article about the new hero persisted: Superman [MAN OF STEEL #1]. THE MAN OF STEEL #2-6 recount selected episodes from ClarkÕs first three years as Superman. Clark was 28 years old when he first learned about Krypton and his extraterrestrial heritage [MAN OF STEEL #6]. The post- Crisis Superman stories begin just three months after the last story in THE MAN OF STEEL. Thus, the modern continuity recounts SupermanÕs adventures beginning at age 28 [SUPERMAN #1, Jan 1987]. Superman started his exploits at age 25, and the comics detail his adventures since age 28. Unlike some comics characters - such as Dennis the Menace who is eternally five years old - Clark Kent has actually aged in the modern series of stories. Few stories specify ClarkÕs age at any time but there are occasional clues. Following the death of Superman and the disappearance of Clark, Mr. KentÕs obituary revealed his age to be 34 [NEWSTIME, May 1993]. The time-line in ZERO HOUR #0 [Sept 1994] confirms that Clark is 34 years old in the current comics. Thus, Clark aged six years in the past eight years in the real world. Due to his alien heritage, it is unknown whether Superman will continue to age and grow old at the rate humans do, but his rate of maturity has, to date, matched that of humans. Various alternate futures have revealed possibilities for the Man of Steel at later ages, but only the regular comics series will reveal what the future holds for Superman. ========================================================= THE SCU FILES ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Chris Jarocha-Ernst (cje@gandalf.rutgers.edu) File #0638-004: The Parasite ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Pre-History: Prior to the reworking of DC history as a result of the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Parasite was Raymond Maxwell Jensen, a former handyman at a government lab. Exposure to radioactive wastes from an extra-terrestrial source transformed him into an energy-eater, burning his skin a livid purple and making his face skeletal. His proximity weakened humans, as their life-energy was absorbed by the Parasite, and his touch could kill them, if he wished, or simply absorb their memories or abilities, including super-powers. In his first encounter with Superman, he overloaded from Kryptonian life-energy and was presumed disintegrated. But his body had the ability to regenerate, and he became a somewhat popular Super-foe over the years. Biography: Post-Crisis, ÒMaxwell JensenÓ became Rudy Jones, a janitor at STAR Labs in Pittsburgh. Having heard a rumor that some companies ship payrolls in containers labeled ÒToxic WasteÓ, to fool would-be thieves, Jones opened one such container at the Labs. This particular container held radioactive residue from the creature known as Brimstone, a creation of Darkseid. Darkseid kept track of BrimstoneÕs remains following its defeat by Firestorm, and, playing with super-humans as he was at the time, he interceded in JonesÕs fate, turning him into a lime-green energy parasite. As the Parasite, Jones suffered an unquenchable thirst for life-energy. He could siphon energy from anyone closer to him than 20 feet, skeletonizing their bodies in the process, as well as absorbing their memories and abilities. But he consumed that energy almost as quickly as he could absorb it, and powers gained dwindled with use and over time. He fought Firestorm, and his ally, Firehawk, who forced him to use up his stolen energy. Taken to Belle Reve Correctional Facility in Louisiana, the Parasite came under the responsibility of Amanda Waller and her covert Suicide Squad. She sent the Parasite, sealed in a container, along with Colonel Rick Flag and other Squad members on a mission to stop the Firestorm, then believed to have gone renegade; Flag had the authority to activate the Parasite as a last resort. But the SquadÕs government liaison, fearing Firestorm and seeking quick results, overrode FlagÕs authority and had the Parasite set free. As the Parasite was absorbing powers from the super-criminals who comprised much of the Suicide Squad, it took the combined efforts Firestorm, Firehawk, the Suicide Squad, and the Justice League, to end the battle. Transferred back to Pittsburgh, to Vandemeer UniversityÕs Institute for Meta-Human Studies, the Parasite was accidentally released when a researcher thought he was dying and got too close. Once again he fought Firestorm, but this time an amoral one, devoid of the guidance of its former host, Ronnie Raymond. Firestorm left the Parasite in a state akin to extreme starvation, and he was returned to the IMHS. Once again, he escaped, this time stealing a ride on an Air Force jet, which crashed in the American Southwest. He began terrorizing the local STAR Labs, run by Dr. Kitty Faulkner. Dr. Faulkner, through a radiation accident of her own, had previously fought Superman as the Amazonian Rampage, but an energy regulator harness kept her own powers under control. She became Rampage again, to stop the Parasite, and the fight drew the attention of Will Payton, the local super-hero known as Starman. After first mistaking Rampage for the menace, Starman teamed with her against the Parasite. When the Parasite absorbed RampageÕs powers, he began to grow uncontrollably, fed by StarmanÕs own solar radiation. Lacking a regulator harness of his own, he suffered a literal ÒmeltdownÓ into a protoplasmic blob. Since Dr. Faulkner knew Superman, Starman decided to ask him for some tips on being a super-hero. Superman was shown the captive Parasite, and the mere proximity of his own solar-powered body let the Parasite restore himself. Absorbing half of SupermanÕs power, the Parasite fought Starman, but, because of StarmanÕs unique makeup, he was unable to absorb StarmanÕs powers, and he quickly exhausted himself. Parasite was returned to Belle Reve for long-term incarceration. They attempted to cure him there, but simply changed the color of his skin (from green to purple) and gave him the ability to absorb electrical energy as well as life-energy. During another breakout attempt, he was assumed killed, but he survived and made his way to Metropolis, seeking another dose of SupermanÕs power. While he was intoxicated by the feeling of ÒbeingÓ Superman, he discovered he couldnÕt hold electrical energy and Kryptonian life-energy at the same time. If he was charged with one, a dose of the other caused a feedback effect and made him drain all his energy. Superman used this to his advantage by having the SCU super-charge the Parasite with voltage rifles, after which a mere touch from Superman was enough to knock him unconscious. After SupermanÕs resurrection (following his battle with Doomsday), he found himself absorbing more solar energy than before, turning the Kryptonian into a misshapen, hulking, clumsy brute. He turned to Project Cadmus for help. Cadmus had managed to obtain the Parasite for study and thought to use him as an energy regulator for Superman, but Superman was so charged up that CadmusÕs restraining devices were unable to hold the Parasite after his first taste of Kryptonian power. His power levels reduced to a point where he could attempt maneuvers of some precision, Superman waited until the Parasite was weak but still retained invulnerability. He then drove the Parasite into the ground with such force that the Parasite burned up his remaining stolen super-powers and was wedged just over 20 feet beneath the surface, unable to drain any more power from those near him. Machines then captured him. On his way back to a Cadmus holding facility, the Parasite was then freed by a group of Underworlders (a strange alliance of genetic-engineering outcasts from Cadmus and stranded aliens from BrainiacÕs Warworld), who were waging a guerrilla war against Cadmus and assumed the Parasite was another Cadmus ÒvictimÓ. The Parasite sought out the hulking Superman and became a brute of equivalent strength. He drained Superman down to his normal levels, hit him, and left him for dead, thus achieving his first actual defeat of a super-hero. The Parasite soon used up the power he stole from Superman but found that it had deformed his body, perhaps permanently. Because he retained the musculature of the brute, he now needed even more energy just to stay alive. (His mouth also now resembled the rounded mouth of a lamprey.) Unable to find Superman, he roamed Metropolis, preying on those he could catch. One of these was the young clone called Superboy, and during their battle, the Parasite was able to absorb the inertia of a car that had been thrown at him, making him more powerful than heÕd been even while fighting Superman. Before he could realize what heÕd done, the Parasite was trapped in cables that drained his energy into the Metropolis power grid, leaving him a helpless sack of misshapen skin and bones, and STAR Labs picked him up. Abilities: The ParasiteÕs energy-absorption abilities have modified over time. (It is unknown whether this is due to natural growth, to accident, or to continuing but as-yet-unrevealed manipulations by Darkseid.) At first, he drained only life-energy from living things, either through a kind of osmosis by being near them, or by a direct attack, coating them in an aura that converts their living cells into energy, leaving them clothed skeletons. In addition to their life-energies, he absorbs their knowledge, skills, and (if present) super-powers. If he fails to concentrate, he can absorb only one personÕs abilities at a time, losing one set when he gains another. However, with conscious effort, he can retain multiple sets of abilities, as demonstrated during his battle with the Justice League. In his later appearances, he has demonstrated the ability to absorb electricity and, most recently, inertia (though he remains unaware of this latter ability). His body retains a remarkable degree of cellular integrity, allowing him to exist even when reduced to protoplasm. He can rebuild his body from a weakened state almost instantly, once he has absorbed energy. While Òsuper-chargedÓ by SupermanÕs excess energy, he demonstrated an ability to reconstruct himself from a skeleton even as his body was burning up under the effects of SupermanÕs heat vision. (It is unknown whether this was a new power or simply a fluke extension of his existing abilities caused by the excess energy.) However, his body is a particularly inefficient storer of energy (unlike SupermanÕs), and he quickly uses up the energy he steals. This tends to keep him weak and hungry when not in the proximity of a super-human. The memories of his victims do not seem to be Òburned upÓ over time, the way their energies are, and he has more than once been portrayed as being ÒhauntedÓ or confused by memories not his. Fortunately, these memories tend to be fragmentary, as shown by his knowledge (gotten from Superman himself) that Superman is associated with the Daily Planet but lack of awareness that he is Clark Kent. Selected Post-Crisis Appearances: THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #58-59, ÒGambitÓ and ÒGlass HousesÓ. Origin. THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #64, ÒThrough the GauntletÓ, and FIRESTORM ANNUAL #5, ÒGround ZeroÓ. Battle against Firestorm, the Suicide Squad, and the Justice League. FIRESTORM THE NUCLEAR MAN #86, ÒHome Fires BurningÓ. STARMAN #13-14, ÒGhosts and MonstersÓ and ÒLookÑUp in the Sky...!Ó. Through battle with Starman, Parasite first encounters Superman. THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #481-482, ÒThe Big Drain!Ó and ÒThe Planet Strikes!Ó Parasite comes to Metropolis, seeking Superman. [The cover of #482 is an homage to the cover of ACTION #340, the pre-Crisis ParasiteÕs first appearance.] SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #33 and THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #512, ÒUnder Siege!Ó and ÒDeadly Measures!Ó. Parasite used in an attempt to control SupermanÕs excess energy. SUPERBOY #6, ÒChanging Realities!Ó. Parasite shown deformed by his last contact with Superman. Threat Level: 5 (out of 10). The Parasite is not very intelligent and has regularly been beaten by opponents keeping him at a distance until he burns up his energies. His stolen memories also seem to distract him. ========================================================= End of Section 2 ========================================================= REVIEWS ÑÑÑ- THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- 36. ACTION COMICS #703, ÒChronocideÓ Writer David Michelinie Artists Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS Jose R. Galan: 2 Shields Anatole Wilson: 3 Shields HeyÑI *liked* Starro the Conqueror! Arthur LaMarche: 3 Shields ÒGreat Shades of Elvis!Ó *wink* Jeff Sykes: 3 Shields A very good ending to a decent story. After defeating a Starro from another timeline, Clark comes back to the Daily Planet. He explains to Lois the actual situation about the chronal problems. Suddenly, Perry White, the oldest man in the room, disappears . Superman, thinking of ma and pa Kent, flies to Smallville as fast as possible. There, he finds himself within another reality. The Kents are still young, and they take Superman for an enemy, a Doctor ValeÕs man. They tell how Doctor Vale killed a boy in a strange crash in their field (yes, the Superman of this reality indeed), and how they couldnÕt prove anything. The Kents go to ValeÕs place and are kept prisoners. Dr. Vale has built a machine to breach dimensions. Superman enters and ruins his plans. Then, he thinks of using the machine to bring ma and pa Kent, the old ones, to this timeline, which seems save from the rifts. But, even this dimension will not be spared. A linear woman stops him and takes Superman to fight the true cause of the chornal chaos. In Metropolis, we witness Lois LaneÕs final report. She continues to report as she and the entire city disappear. The DC Universe doesnÕt exist anymore. [Well, at least for three or four pages.] WOW! Yes, a great finale. The image of Lois, alone, against the rift, condemned. And the words: Ò Clark, I love you...Ó vanishing in her mouth. What a moment to remember. But, unfortunately, the rest is not so good. The storytelling is so dull that I donÕt even care whatever happen to the young Kents and all that stuff. Although at first sight the plot seemed interesting to me, the result is emotionless and boring. I think Michelinie has not gotten the right feeling for the characters...But maybe he can get it Ñ I hope so. Anyway, I wasnÕt expecting much more of the Zero-Hour-mess crossover. Zero Hour was necessary for the Legion of Super-Heroes, for the JSA, etc., but not for Superman. All these different timelines are a difficult subject to work with, you can end up with a good drama, or the silliest story. It is like time traveling, very dangerous. If you donÕt treat it properly your story will sink like a stone. The Zero Hour mini-series has been poor as a comic, it was only a great machine to clean up the DC Universe. Everything isnÕt going to start from scratch, and marketing is marketing, not even Superman can win this battle. Jose R. Galan ========================================================= 37. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #0, ÒA Whole New WorldÓ ÒA Simonson - Bogdanove - Janke - ... ProductionÓ $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS Anatole Wilson: 1 Shield Patrick M. Stout: 4 Shields - Good origin recap, and good use of characterization to reintroduce the cast from the Daily Planet to anyone just jumping on. Johanna Draper: 3 Shields - I hate the scratchy, inconsistent art, but the storyÕs a good 0 month intro. and setup for the storyline. Love the onions! Ken McKee: 3 Shields - IÕm not a big fan of BogdanoveÕs work; however, it was nice to see SupermanÕs origins again. IÕll have to see how it ends to pass judgment on the current story line. Jose R. Galan: 4 Shields - A good mixture of legend and action, past and present. Arthur LaMarche: 2 Shields - I do not need the rehash. And I still do not know if the heroes rebuilt the city, or did it never need it? Here it is Ñ the battle weÕve been waiting for! ItÕs the Man of Steel versus the Man of Ñ um, Copper? Fiber Optics? What are those crazy wires coming out of ConduitÕs face (revealed in SUPERMAN #0) made of anyway? Alright, so nobodyÕs really been waiting for this battle. ThatÕs good, though, because it doesnÕt happen in this issue anyway. Instead we see a scanty rehash of SuperbabyÕs landing on Earth and the revelation of a childhood rivalry between Clark Kent and Kenny Braverman, who Ñ of course Ñ is Conduit. Ken-duit burns down an orphanage to lure Kent out into the open, but Òthat darn alienÓ Superman shows up instead. Ken-duit vows to get Kent the next time. I realize IÕm going to come off as the old man of comics yesteryear, but do you remember when a flashback to the past had its own adventure, like when young Clark Kent met young Bruce Wayne or when Kent met Lori Lemaris for the first time? Back then, Superman would remember a first meeting, there would be a full-scale adventure, and it would tie in to the current adventure. In the #0 issues of the Superman titles, however, we get boring flashbacks of Kent just being present while Kenny Braverman sulks. This sort of story has been done before (most notably by Cary Bates in the old ÒSuperboyÓ series), but it was done a lot better. Seeing powerless Clark excel at everything while Kenny Braverman sulks is just boring. As usual with MOS, more amazing things happen just before this issue than during it, as we learn through ClarkÕs explanation to Lois. Superman remembers Zero Hour, but doesnÕt seem to remember that Òthe villainÓ (as Clark refers to him) was Hal Jordan, one of his oldest compatriots. Does he actually not remember who Parallax was, or is he just protecting Hal Jordan from further infamy. (Hal should have such friends on the Green Lantern writing staff Ñ but I digress.) We also learn that the superheroes came back from Zero Hour and teamed up to rebuild Metropolis in record time. (Obviously, there was some sort of flux in time that allowed at least some of the heroes to develop vast architectural skills in mere moments.) So with hardly a blink of the eye, the ÒFall of MetropolisÓ storyline is over. IÕm actually glad they rebuilt the city this way, as the whole storyline was going on too long, and the creative teams were running out of ways to milk it. In the same spirit, IÕd like to call on all Superman writers to hold a moratorium on Suicide Slum stories at least until the Òbad elementsÓ in the city have a chance to run it down again. Admittedly, this is probably a lost clause, at least until the MOS staff tires of torturing their favorite orphan (I think thatÕs him in the burning orphanage). In case youÕre wondering, there *is* a similarity between this review and MOS #0. They both go on too long without making a point or telling a real story. If IÕm right, then the next issue of ÒMan of SteelÓ should be the ÒspringboardÓ for the next storyline. If MOS holds true to form, it will merely set us up for the next issue of Superman: weÕll see 20 pages of supporting characters milling about, Superman performing an anticlimactic rescue or two, then the last two pages will show someone discovering the body in the crypt. ItÕd be nice if I was wrong and the story really, truly, begins in MOS, but IÕm not going to hold my breath. Anatole Wilson ========================================================= 38. SUPERMAN #0, ÒAwardsÓ Story and Pencil Art by Dan Jurgens Ink Art by Brett Breeding $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS Jeff Sykes: 4 shields Patrick M. Stout: 3 shields - Great cover and interior art by Jurgens and Breeding; Conduit backstory took up most of the book and was generally predictable. Johanna Draper: 3 Shields - Good insight into Clark, but the Conduit bits are pointless. Ken McKee: 4 Shields - Clark wins a Baldy, I have a Baldy (personal prejudice on my part). I like anything by Jurgens and Breeding. The last page was a killer! Jose R. Galan: 2 Shields - Jurgens is too busy now-a-days...poor art. Anatole Wilson: 1 Shield - Proof that even a comic book character (Kent) can have a really boring past. Arthur LaMarche: 3 Shields - I like the idea of Clark being the target. While helping Clark move back into his old apartment, Lois finds a box of memorabilia from his high school days. Inside is a picture of Clark and Kenny Braverman. Clark recalls some of his high school memories of his former best friend, noting that though friends, he and Kenny were always competing. But Kenny was always second to Clark Ñ a fact that KennyÕs father never ceased to point out. As well, Clark remembers that Lana had refused KennyÕs invitation to the prom because she had been hoping that Clark would ask. When he and Lana were voted king and queen of the prom, Clark and Kenny began to grow apart. That night, Lois and Clark attend (along with the rest of the Daily Planet staff) the presentation of LexCorpÕs Zenith Awards for journalism, aka the Baldy Awards, where Cat Grant, the eveningÕs host, presents Clark with a special award for his report on Zero Hour. While he is at the podium, with Cat standing close behind, a bomb planted by Conduit explodes. As the smoke clears, Superman explains that he shielded Cat and Clark from the bomb. He then easily takes care of ConduitÕs assault team, which has been sent in to make certain that Kent is dead. But Conduit, watching via hidden cameras kills his own men to prevent them from talking. Clark later returns home to find a picture of himself pinned to his door by a large knife, which finally convinces him that someone is out to kill Clark Kent. And in some hidden compound, Conduit, aka Kenny Braverman, vows his revenge on Clark Kent! This issue was beautifully rendered, and its cover was the best of the four incredible #0 covers. In fact, this cover was one of the best that I can remember. ItÕs absolutely wonderful seeing BreedingÕs inks on DanÕs pencils again. These two work *so* well together. The story, though not the best that Dan has written, was quite good. To be honest, the fact that there *is* a story is a bit unusual given the past few months. Granted, the revelation that Kenny Braverman = Conduit on the last page was actually no surprise, and the motivations behind his desire for revenge are a bit weak. Or at the least, they indicate a very unstable personality. But in the rest of the story we learn more about ClarkÕs character. And there are some strong but subtle characterizations of the supporting cast. Overall, I enjoyed this book tremendously! Jeff Sykes ========================================================= 39. THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #0, Ò...With Powers Beyond Those of Mortal MenÓ Written by Karl Kesel Penciled by Barry Kitson Inked by Ray McCarthy $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS Ben Butler: 2.5 Shields - Somewhat interesting story, Kitson art not as good. Patrick M. Stout: 5 Shields - The best story in the series; great humor in the Lois and Clark painting sequence, good storytelling in the Òlost year in ParisÓ segment, and dynamite suspense in the Conduit/Superman battle scene and cliffhanger ending! Johanna Draper: 2 Shields - Cute TV-show interplay with Lois & Clark, interrupted with meaningless flashback. Everyone acts dumber than they should. Arthur LaMarche: 3 Shields - I liked the double flash back format. Jeff Sykes: 3 Shields - KitsonÕs art is not as good as usual, but the interplay between Lois and Clark is fun, and the opposing flashbacks work well. Summary: The story is the third part of ÒPeer Pressure,Ó which has ClarkÕs old high school classmate Kenny Braverman. It begins with Braverman, in armor, ready to blow up ClarkÕs apartment with some kind of energy weapon. Before he does it, Braverman and Clark both reminisce about what each of them did after high school. Clark went to Europe to learn more about journalism, and Kenny volunteered to become a covert government agent. The layout is then split, with ClarkÕs story on the top, and KennyÕs on the bottom. Clark and Kenny meet in a bar in Paris, when KennyÕs mission is to infiltrate a group of terrorists, who plan to blow up a bus. Kenny plants the bomb, but Clark uses his powers and foils the plan. Kenny is commended by his bosses, but he thinks he didnÕt do his job, adding to his frustrations. So, he fires the cannon into the apartment, but misses his target. Clark changes into Superman, and uses his X-Ray vision to find out that Conduit is Kenny. Conduit blasts Superman with his cannon, knocking him into a river. Superman thinks the blast contained Kryptonite and, as the book ends, is trying not to drown in the river. Opinions: Something about this storyline doesnÕt sit well with me. ClarkÕs old high school rival become a super villain? What are the odds that two people from a town like Smallville become super-people? That aside, this was a decent, untold story of ClarkÕs past. I like the fact that they are willing to show he has been involved with women besides Lois. And the split format was nice, and not as confusing as they usually are. Something also wasnÕt quite right about the Kitson artwork. It didnÕt have the flair or the style of his stuff in Batman/Punisher or Legends of the Dark Knight #63. Maybe it was the inking, I donÕt know. It was fine, but just not as good as IÕm used to seeing from him. Closing Remark: An average issue. Nice, suspenseful ending, but the rest was nothing spectacular. Ben Butler ________________________________________________________________ **************************************************************** OTHER SUPER-TITLES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERBOY #0, ÒSuperboy-Zero!Ó Writer: Karl Kesel Artist: Tom Grummett Inkers: Doug Hazlewood, Dennis Janke $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS Victor Chan: 4 Shields Anatole Wilson: 3 Shields - Superboy retains fun quotient, even if the goggles do make him look like a bug. Arthur LaMarche: 3 Shields - Fun, light. Superboy, better put those things away or Tana is going to sock you one. Jeff Sykes: 4.5 Shields - Still the best Super-title; and if you were a teenage boy, what would *you* do with x-ray vision? :) This should essentially be issue #8 except for the advent of the Zero Hour events with its momentous changes in the DC Universe of a magnitude of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Zero Hour is meant for many titles to take advantage of a new turning point, a new beginning. This, fortunately, is not the case with our Metropolis Kid. What starts out as a holiday for esteemed Professor Emil Hamilton becomes an encounter with Superboy battling Sidearm. Needless to say, SidearmÕs ineptitude causes his own downfall. The professor invites Superboy and Tana to visit him over the weekend at S.T.A.R. labs. Meanwhile, Rex seems to be in great debt. With a name like Mr. Gamboli, it leaves little to the imagination as to what kind of organization Rex owes money to. Tana and Superboy arrive at Professor HamiltonÕs. He performs a memory scan of Superboy, giving the readers a brief origin of him, from his emergence at the Cadmus Project to his first encounter with Sidearm. Sidearm appears to be a bad Doc Ock rip-off and gets his just desserts from Superboy. Curious, Tana inquires about some particular equipment. Refining it quickly on the spot, Professor Hamilton quickly devises a pair of lenses that most adolescent kids would kill for and presents them to Superboy. On the last page, some Silicon Dragons henchman have freed a particular inmate from the Kulani prison. Bloodthirsty, itÕs likely weÕll see this villain very soon. Seeing as how Zero Hour did not affect SuperboyÕs origin, it was interesting to see Kesel refreshed the readersÕ memories with the help of Emil Hamilton. Having a scientific advisor may push the title towards various interesting possibilities. IÕve always liked Hamilton - he has been one of SupermanÕs stronger supporting characters. The Ôport from the ÔBig FourÕ titles of Hamilton is seamless thanks to KeselÕs fine writing. The part where Superboy is trying on different headgear caused me to laugh out laugh with its in-jokes (check out panels five and seven for those), although the Guardian one I liked best. And, do I need to repeat myself from last Kryptonian Cybernet? Tom Grummett and company perform the art chores - of course itÕs good! :) Superboy is staying pretty consistent in quality and content - good for them, good for us. Victor Chan (vichan@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca) ========================================================= STEEL #0, ÒIn The BeginningÓ Written by: Louise Simonson Penciled by: Chris Batista Inked by: Rich Faber Cover by ÒBogtista-JankeÓ $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/ 70p UK RATINGS Shawn Aeria: 4 Shields - Has everything a Zero issue should have and more! Anatole Wilson: 2 Shields - Why canÕt they accept Steel as a hero on his own terms, instead of adding this metahuman garbage? Arthur LaMarche: 1 Shield - Ditto, Anatole. Jeff Sykes: 3.5 Shields - Though IÕve always been scared of Louise SimonsonÕs writing, this issue prompted me to give Steel a few more chances. The issue has all the marks of a ÒZero IssueÓ. We get a retelling of John HenryÕs origins as a ÒpersonÓ and as a ÒheroÓ. The issue starts out with a young John Henry being told the ÒInkyDooÓ story by his grandpa and then moves right into the action. Steel tries to foil an attempt on Senator Weaver only to run into Split, who teleports away the culprits. The storyline leaves Steel and focuses on his nemesis. The villains discuss SteelÕs possible motivations, which of course leads to a short flashback on John HenryÕs life. They decide that they must take down Steel but opt to do it away from his family. The assault occurs at Washington General Hospital as John Henry was going to look in on Tyke. Shellshock, Hardsell and Mainline pop out of nowhere and let Steel have it. We leave the battle scene for a moment to look in on Miss Bunny who is watching SteelÕs battle. She is revealed to be the street distributor of the new, more powerful Toastmasters. Bunny and her cronies decide to not interrupt Steel in the midst of battle. Steel is still oblivious to her survival from their confrontation in Qurac. Next, we switch to Detective Shauna Carrol. Washington DCÕs finest are becoming involved with a serial killer case. Someone makes mention of Òbringing in a psychic.Ó Looks like the beginnings of the next plot! Back to the battle. . . Just as Jem and Tyke are leaving the Hospital, Steel is hurled to the ground before them. Jem helps out his uncle by bouncing a book off of ShellshockÕs head. It is all in vain, however, as Split reappears to teleport Steel back to their base, where Steel is knocked cold by Hazard. John Henry (sans armor) is hooked up to a machine. The machine forces John Henry to reveal his past. He relates how he was saved by Superman and why he later assumed his mantle. Hazard and Shellshock discuss John HenryÕs possible motivations as Steel, which fits in nicely as Zero Hour Òcharacter descriptionÓ. John Henry is revived and given the ultimatum; switch sides or die. John Henry declines HazardÕs invitation. Just as Hazard is about to deliver his final blow, the Steel armor appears around John Henry. Taking advantage of this confusing situation, Steel busts free. Steel quite easily takes out Mainline, the latter thinking that it should have been impossible since he believed that he was traveling at Òlight speedÓ. While attempting to wreck his enemies ability to chase him down, Steel inadvertently shoots Shellshock with one of his rivets. Hazard jumps Steel for this. After their brief tussle, Hazard wonders, ÒWhatÕs that armor made of. . .if it is armor?Ó Steel is teleported away by Split, who leaves him far enough from their base to disorient SteelÕs ability to track them down. In closing, we revisit the serial-killer subplot where they have gotten a psychic to ÒscanÓ the room. The psychic is only able to sense a policemanÕs badge. This is discounted since their are plenty of badges around the crime scene. The issue ends with Steel standing on a rocky mountain that Split left him on. Steel begins to wonder about his foes, and believes that he can figure out a way to track down their base if he can locate HazardÕs spy satellite. He also ponders the mystery of his armor: how and why did it appear around him at just the right moment? This issue struck me as one of the better ÒZero IssuesÓ that arose from an already active storyline. We received the basics of John HenryÕs character and the players involved with his story. I have always liked characters who have a real and involving family life. John HenryÕs family are a very interesting bunch of people. Seeing how they deal with having a hero in the family is almost worth the admission price by itself. This issue defines John Henry Irons as a man of honor and integrity. Of the three remaining ÒreplacementsÓ for Superman, John Henry deserves the ÒSÓ shield the most. IÕm not sure if he would be better wearing the shield and continuing in that honorable tradition, or if he should be as he is, a new hero who will create his own legend. The subplotting about how the armor materialized is actually rather interesting. I had figured that John Henry would turn out to be a metahuman after he lifted up the whole pew in the issue with the funeral. Little events like that show John Henry doing some pretty amazing stuff without his armor. Plus the constant hints and questions about it in this issue makes it almost a foregone conclusion. I am not buying the suggestion that the Steel armor might somehow be sentient without John HenryÕs knowledge. When the armors appearance occurred, it looked like some kind of Captain Atom/alien-Spider-Man-costume thing. It had the appearance of the former, but the mystery of the latter. I am looking forward to seeing more of this mystery. The only thing which detracted from this issue as far as I am concerned was some of the costume designs. Lame costuming is one of my pet-peeves. All of the villains looked like they were rejected from the X-Men and Bunny was almost a direct clone of the White Queen. I am tired of women with Òcleavage windowsÓ and that whole jacket-wearing thing. You can only have so many ÒAnimal MenÓ or ÒRaysÓ before the whole thing becomes tedious. sorry. . . IÕll get off my soapbox now ;) Shawn Aeria ========================================================= End of Section 3 ========================================================= REVIEWS (CONTINUED) ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ZERO HOUR: ÑÑÑÑ- All Zero Hour reviews by ReneÕ Gobeyn ZERO HOUR #1 Story and art: Dan Jurgens Finished art: Jerry Ordway $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK One line review: Clean art, tight story - highly recommended Scene 1 (-2:12): Guy Gardner, Batgirl, Supergirl, and Steel are flying away from Coast City. The story seems to continue from Warrior, which was supposed to be this week and wasnÕt. They have apparently just been in a battle with Extant. Guy is in shock from seeing his ex-fiancee Kari Limbo die (again). An entropy rift opens near them and Steel gets pulled into it. Extant is confused by the multiple rifts that are forming. He is attacked by the mystery man, who says that ÒYouÕve forgotten whoÕs IN CHARGE hereÓ. He goes on to explain that the Zero-Hour-Effect is his doing Ñ NOT ExtantÕs. The multiple rifts are caused by obstructions in the time stream. He leaves to ÒremoveÓ the obstruction. Scene 3 (-1:58 pocket Earth, 30th century) The Time Trapper (a future Rokk Krin) is keeping the last of the Legion and Legionnaires (both Cosmic Boys, Saturn Girls, Lightning Lads) alive behind a barrier. They make the ultimate sacrifice and fade out together. The Trapper is then attacked and killed in a green blast of energy by the mystery man. (For more detail see LSH #61.) Scene 4 (-0:53 New York City 20th century) Power-girl is in labor with Wonder-Woman acting as mid wife. Impulse and Booster Gold fade away as their home times are destroyed, and the Entropy rifts arrive in our time. Scene 5 (-0:40 Gotham City) The Golden Age Flash, Jay Garrick, is feeling his ÒnewÓ old age. He ran to the JSA headquarters from New York to find the Specter. The Specter has discovered that a human is controlling the crisis. As Jay disappears the Specter promises to avenge him. Scene 6 (-0:29 New York City) Because of the heroic efforts of Captain Atom and Ray, present day New York is all that is remains of the four dimensions. They are holding the rift back, giving the others a chance to fix the timestream. Supergirl, Batgirl, and Warrior arrive in the present, while Metron uses his Motherbox to take Superman, Green Lantern, Darkstar Donna Troy and the Atom to... Scene 7 (-0:24 Vanishing Point) The heroes, arrive and find the remaining Linear Men held in stasis. Metron stays behind to free them and sends Superman and Green Lantern to get the probe launched by Vril Dox in ZERO-HOUR #3. Metron thinks he can recreate Waverider from the Matt Rider of the Linear Men. Scene 8 (-0:14 New York City) Alan Scott, and Ted Knight, the surviving members of the JSA, are in the hospital at WildcatÕs bedside. StarmanÕs (Ted Knight) sons arrive, and Ted passes his Cosmic Rod to his son David, just as the Time Rift destroys them. Scene 9 (-0:13:00 Chamber of the Leymen) Extant destroys the Leymen in the chamber (Dr. Mist is already gone). Scene 10 (-0:07:34 New York City) Batman, Robin (Tim Drake), Nightwing and Guy Gardner are directing folks away from the rifts when Extant arrives. Batman is killed by one of the fissures as Extant blasts Guy. The others attack, and Green Arrow misses Extant, but Extant is hit from behind by Waverider! Then, Atom attacks Extant and Extant tries to revert him into protoplasm. Waverider prevents this, but Atom is reduced to the age of 18. (-00:00:60) Superman attacks Extant but is punched out by the mystery man. As if we couldnÕt have guessed, the mystery man is revealed to be HAL JORDAN, who is now calling himself Parallax. Hal reveals that he is remaking the universe, and that one universe may not be enough. The countdown reaches Zero and everything fades to white. Story rating: 5 shields Art rating: 5 shields ========================================================= ZERO HOUR #0 Story and layout art: Dan Jurgens Ink art: Jerry Ordway $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK One line review: A great ending to a great story - well done! Scene - The void: The white begins to take shape as Parallax (Hal Jordan) is trying to recreate the universe in order to make everything right, the way it should be (according to him). Hal comes into focus along with Extant and the heroes he has chosen to preserve (Triumph, Batgirl, Warrior, and Alpha Centurion). Hal tells them that he isnÕt really crazy, but now has his own vision as to how to do the job he always did Ñ fight for right and justice. After his last battle with Guy on Oa, Hal slipped into the time stream and discovered energy anomalies left over from the Crisis. Hal managed to absorb some of this energy and eventually made his way to the end of time, where entropy has destroyed everything. He goes on to explain that the beginning and end of time are linked. All he needed to do was to tighten the loop and everything in between would cease to exist. Guy doesnÕt buy the explanation, but the other heroes seem willing to take the chance Ñ it seems to be the only way theyÕll ever get their worlds back. Scene - Vanishing Point: Waverider has saved Superman, Captain Atom, Hawkman, Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Damage, Atom, the Ray, Darkstar Donna Troy, and Green Arrow. He tells them that Jordan is rebuilding the universe the way that he thought it should be, and suggests that they do the same. Scene - The void: Hal is recreating the multiverse, trying hard to convince Guy that he is doing the right thing, when he is attacked by Waverider and his heroes. Batgirl and Alpha-Centurion join Hal, each believing that they are fighting for the life of their worlds. Guy and Triumph join with WaveriderÕs team as the Spectre arrives and attacks Parallax. Hal defeats the Spectre, but Kyle Rayner attacks Hal, keeping him off balance. Waverider comes up with a plan to focus the projected powers of The Ray, Superman, Captain Atom, and Darkstar (Donna Troy) through himself and into Damage. Kyle holds Hal back, preventing him from blasting Damage. Hal tries one last time to blast Damage, but Batgirl throws herself in front of Damage, sacrificing herself for him and all of existence. Green Arrow, torn between his love for Hal and BatgirlÕs sacrifice, finally reaches his decision. He shoots Hal, who doesnÕt have enough power left to overcome the arrow. The Spectre at this point proclaims that justice has been served and adds his power to that Damage has already absorbed. This triggers an overload releasing the energy all at once, the B I G B A N G, and the Universe is born anew without the influence of Parallax. Scene - Outside Reality: Waverider used his power to move all of the heroes (everyone except Kyle and Hal, whom he couldnÕt reach) outside of time. Batgirl and Alpha Centurion fade away as time reasserts itself, wiping out their alternate time lines. Scene - New York (now): Waverider merges the heroes back with the timestream just at the point where Hal destroys everything, effectively keeping it from happening. They all re-emerge and join with the other assembled heroes. Green Arrow destroys his bow, wondering if the price they paid was too high. Scene - Vanishing point: The Linear Men begin to monitor the time lines again, and in the background, a mysterious hooded figure with long hair stands, watches, and waits for answers. Story Rating: 5 Shields Art Rating: 5 Shields ========================================================= ZERO HOUR TIE-INS TEAM TITANS #24: ÒAll good things...Ó While this book is indeed a part of the Zero-Hour crossover (the plot is based on time anomalies), nothing that happens in the book is required for understanding ZERO-HOUR. Everything that happens in the book that is required knowledge is also shown in the mini-series. This book ends the Team Titans series. While it is a fitting tribute to the characters, I still recommend this book only for regular readers of the series. As a regular reader of this title, IÕm going to miss it, but the characters I liked the most will still be around. Nightwing will be showing up in the Batman books, while Donna Troy is the newest Darkstar. Tara and Mirage have moved to the Teen Titans. Who knows, maybe some of the dangling plot lines will get cleared up. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #68: ÒTriumphÓ (Return of the Hero: Part 3) This book finishes the three part ÒReturn of the HeroÓ storyline that has been playing through all of the Justice League titles this month. It ties up the loose ends from the other books and establishes TriumphÕs version of the ÒOriginÓ of the Justice league as the true one (at least until the next retcon). Nothing in this book is required reading for understanding the ZERO HOUR storyline, but if youÕre a League fan, you should enjoy it. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ DAMAGE #6: ÒThe Burning of AtlantaÓ This book is mostly one big fight scene. While not exactly my type of story, itÕs not as bad as it could be. There is at least some attempt to get the TitansÕ characters correct, and some background is given to Damage and Munro. It is more of a close to the story that has been going on for the last six issues, and it gives the promise of some interesting things to happen in future issues. Other than the ending and where a time anomaly comes into play there is no connection to the Zero-Hour story. The presence of the Titans here doesnÕt fit in with ZERO-HOUR too well Ñ at the time the anomalies hit, the Titans are in New York (not Atlanta). Except for this minor point, it was a well done story. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ DARKSTARS #24: ÒA Time for Every PurposeÓ Most of this issue occurs before ZERO-HOUR #4 Ñ SupermanÕs appeal to the heroes of the universe doesnÕt show until the last page of the story. Then there is a break while they come back to Earth and Troia joins the Heroes. The art is okay, and the story has been merged into Zero Hour nicely. While it doesnÕt add anything to the Zero-Hour storyline, it does a good job of bringing new readers painlessly up to speed. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ ANIMA #7: ÒSuddenly, Johnny gets a FeelingÓ Yet another non-crossover. This story doesnÕt have any direct bearing on Zero Hour, but we do see the fade out at the end. This issue occurs in the middle of an ongoing story, and IÕm glad they didnÕt try to force a crossover where it didnÕt really belong. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ ROBIN #10: ÒTwo Birds, One StoneÓ Still another non-crossover. It is Zero-hour related in that much of itÕs plot depends on a time anomaly. My only real problem with this story is that Robin (Tim) is shown to be in New York with the rest of the heroes when Zero-Hour hits. This isnÕt a big problem though, as Zero-Hour is based on time anomalies. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ GREEN ARROW #90: ÒHe who hesitatesÓ (Cross Roads conclusion) Finally a true Zero-Hour cross over. Told in an interesting manner (totally visual except for a single caption giving the time at the beginning and a single word balloon near the end). The story takes place in New York (even the right place!) three hours and seven minutes ago (between ZERO HOUR #2 and ZERO HOUR #1.) The story starts out with Green Arrow stopping a rape. He knocks the criminal out and is helping the woman and her son when the criminal starts to get away. At this point the story splits into two slightly different tracks. One story runs along the top half of each page. The other story runs along the bottom. In the top, Green Arrow manages to grab the guyÕs leg as he is climbing up a fire escape. The bottom story is the story if he missed it. Without blowing the entire story, the two versions converge again as the criminal runs out of the alley and takes a woman on the street hostage. She pulls a gun and the two of them start blasting away. In the bottom story, Green Arrow is shot and killed. The criminals get away as the Green Arrow from the top story stands over the body. At this point Batman shows up and pulls the surviving GA back into the Zero Hour battle. As the body is taken away in the ambulance, everything fades to white. This was one of the most interesting stories that IÕve seen in a while. In my opinion, this one is worth picking up, whether youÕre a regular reader or not. Even though this is the conclusion of an on-going storyline, it was told in such a way as to be totally comprehensible to a new reader, and it also managed to end the on-going story satisfactorily. The question at the end of the story is which (if either) Green Arrow survived? Does it matter? Only time will tell. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #61: ÒBorrowed TimeÓ (End of an Era finale) This story expands and explains the final Legion scene in ZERO HOUR #1. It goes into great detail to explain recent Legion history and to try to tie up or explain many of the loose ends that have been plaguing recent Legion continuity. Whether it succeeds or not is really a matter of personal opinion. IÕm inclined to cut them some slack. It probably wonÕt make a great deal of sense to a non-Legion fan. It is a great good-bye to the team. The remaining Legionnaires try to reach Pocket Earth before it explodes and releases Mordru again. After they land on the planet, volcanic eruptions destroy their ship. The two Brainiacs use their force fields to save them. While they are trying to decide what to do, The Time Trapper, Jo, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Live Wire, and Rokk show up (from ZH #2). The others realize that the Time Trapper was the opponent that Glorith and Mordru were worried about. As the others prepare to fight, Rokk reveals that the Trapper is really a future version of himself. The Trapper tells them that in order for him to stabilize and reconstruct things, the Legions from the two different times must become one. The Trapper reaches through time and pulls Tinya (Phantom Girl) from the past before she is lost and reunites her with Dragonmage. The remainder of the book is basically one long farewell. As each pair of duplicates unites, they disappear, finally leaving only the Saturn Girls, Cosmic Boys and Lightning Lads. ItÕs only fitting that the ones who originally founded the Legion are the final ones to go. The book closes with a few scenes from past Legion highlights, including a replay of the original saving of Brande from assassination. A lead in to next issue? The story ends as everything turns to white. For a change from prior endings of Legion stories, I canÕt wait until next month. A well done story, and truly itÕs the End of an Era. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Catwoman #14: ÒBroken MirrorsÓ Another non-cross-over that is using the time anomalies as a plot device. ItÕs a good job, and not confusing at all. It isnÕt necessary for the Zero Hour story line but a pleasant read all the same. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SHOWCASE Ô94 #10: ÒDeja ViewsÓ IÕve included this title in this review because one of the three stories included used the Zero Hour time anomalies as a plot device. While the story, which features the four ÒtimeÓ villains Clock King, Chronos, Time Commander, and Calendar Man, was entertaining, it wasnÕt important to the crossover at all. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ GUY GARDNER: WARRIOR #24: ÒKilling TimeÓ Finally a Zero-Hour story that has DIRECT bearing on the story. Guy, Steel, Batgirl, and Supergirl are at the Coast City Memorial when they are sucked into a time anomaly. They come across Extant fighting with Anthro(!). Guy and company attack Extant and he disappears. Our heroes are hit with another time anomaly, and they are transported into the Òold westÓ. While Extant and his Team Titan lackeys are facing down our heroes, all of DCÕs old west heroes show up to join the battle. Seeing all my old favorites fighting the bad guys again was worth the price of the book, even if I didnÕt collect it regularly. Things are going well for the heroes until Extant blasts Supergirl into unconsciousness. He then causes an anomaly that affects the old western heroes. Extant then shifts our heroes into the middle of a real battle between Lady Blackhawk and some aliens. Guy gets off a shot at Extant that finally affects him. Extant decides to finish it and sends our heroes to Coast City. There, Extant does something to take over GuyÕs new armor, causing it to attack Kari. Then a young Hal comes in and stops him. Guy is separated from the others when they are sucked into another time anomaly. He gets sent to the time when Mongul and the Cyborg Superman destroy Coast City. Guy tries to stop them but fails. Everything fades to white. An excellent story all the way around. This is one I can recommend to anyone who is following the cross-over. The events that take place here directly effect the action in Zero-Hour #1. ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= End of Section 4 ========================================================= LOOKING BACK ÑÑÑÑÑÑ THE POST-BYRNE REVIEW: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com) Title: SUPERMAN #22, ÒThe PriceÓ Written by: John Byrne Penciled by: John Byrne Inked by: Petra Scotese Cover Date: October 1988 Cover Price: $0.75 US/$1.00 CAN/50p UK Overstreet: $1.60 (US) The Supergirl Saga - Part III For those of you who, for some reason, have missed the last two issues of this column, this is the story thus far: Superman meets a flying Lana, dressed up in a costume, calling herself Supergirl. She transports Superman into the Time TrapperÕs pocket universe, where Superman joins forces with the resistance against three renegade Kryptonians, recently freed from the Phantom Zone. Strangely enough, this pocket universe is very similar to the Pre-Byrne universe we all grew up loving. And now, on with the story. Scanning the ultimate desolation of the shattered world before him, Superman finds no living beings other than the few remaining resistance fighters and the three Kryptonians. As the battle progresses, the situation worsens for our heroes - first Bruce Wayne falls, then Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen. The three villains tear apart all of Lex LuthorÕs brilliant technology in their quest for total destruction. Then Supergirl falls within their deadly heat vision beams and is all but destroyed. Lex then tells Superman what he must do to defeat Zod, Zaora and Quex-Ul. As Superman desperately searches the ruins of Smallville for what he must find, Quex-Ul enters the fray against the Man of Steel. Superman attempts to elude his adversary, as Quex-Ul is much faster and stronger than he is. Burrowing beneath the earth, Superman not only loses his nemesis, but also completes his search for SuperboyÕs secret laboratory. Contained within is the only thing that can stop these Kryptonians once and for all. Quex-Ul comes upon Superman again while he is searching the lab, pounding him into the ground. Luckily, what Superman is looking for just happens to be buried directly beneath him. Superman unearths the canister labeled ÒGold KÓ and exposes Quex-Ul to the rays of the kryptonite contained within. Gold Kryptonite, the only substance in this universe that can strip a Kryptonian of his powers, does its job on the former super-villain. Using the shattered remains of SuperboyÕs lab, Superman constructs a steel prison cell for the Kryptonian criminals. After exposing the other two to the Gold Kryptonite and locking them in the cell, Superman searches for Lex. This universeÕs brilliant man of science is almost dead. But before he dies, he explains SupergirlÕs existence to the Man of Steel. She is an artificial life form created from a protomatter matrix. Left alone on the remnants of this world with the three Kryptonians, Superman now faces the ultimate choice - what to do with them. They taunt him, saying they will find a way to regain their powers and destroy him and his world. SupermanÕs words describe the situation best: ÒYou have ruthlessly murdered all the people on this planet - five billion humans! That is a crime without equal! The Nazi Holocaust pales by comparison...What I must do now is harder than anything I have ever done before. But as the last representative of law and justice on this world, it falls to me to act as judge, jury and executioner.Ó With those words, Superman unleashes the power of the Green Kryptonite on the three Kryptonians, killing them where they stand. Superman finds the protomatter body of Supergirl and takes her back into his universe. He entrusts her care with his parents and with Lana, and then flies off to be alone with his thoughts and nightmares. This is one of the darkest, most morbidly intense books that had been published to date. Starting with the cover, we see Superman in a radiation suit, holding an opened lead box of Green Kryptonite, and saying, ÒYouÕre responsible for the deaths of a billion beings - for that you must DIE!Ó We see the dark side of things in the book, and it raises many questions both in SupermanÕs mind and in the readersÕ minds. Does the fact that a criminal is guilty of heinous crimes against mankind give the accuser, the state, or the victims the right to kill them? Did Superman, the defender of all that is good and just in the world, have the right or the responsibility to do what he did? If so, where is the line that cannot be crossed - and did he cross that line? Does the threat of catastrophe justify the actions taken to nullify that threat? These are all questions that Superman now has to answer for himself - and his answers eventually drive him from Earth. For he looks inside himself and he discovers that he has crossed the line. But that is another story for another time. Perhaps in a future review, we will look at his solution to his problem. As for the art, once again John Byrne comes through, as only he can. The pencils amply depict the mood of the story, and the coloring by Petra Scotese very subtly brings out the mood Byrne is trying to set. Out of a possible 5 shields, I give this book 4 shields. The serious reader may find some troubling aspects in the conclusion to this story arc, but it is very well done nonetheless. And, it leads to some very good storytelling down the line in future issues. Stay tuned next time when I will review Superman #44 - Part One of the Dark Knight over Metropolis. ========================================================= THE PRE-BYRNE REVIEWS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- SUPERMAN #136 DATE: April, 1960 TITLE: ÒThe Secret of KryptoniteÓ (An Untold Tale of Superman When He Was Superboy) EDITOR: Mort Weisinger REVIEW BY: Patrick Stout PLOT SYNOPSIS: SupermanÕs Earthday, the anniversary date of when Kal-ElÕs rocket ship landed on Earth from Krypton, is an annual day of celebration in Smallville. In addition to Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, and Perry White, Professor Stanley Halley has been invited to appear on the reviewing stand with Superman. But Halley tells Mayor Perkins that he canÕt be a guest because Superman hates him! Ò...He despises me more than any criminal,Ó says Halley as he runs away. Superman later arrives, and the guests are treated to a re-enactment of the explosion of Krypton. As luminous ÒkryptoniteÓ fragments drop from the sky, Superman recalls how he first encountered the deadly meteorite. Young Clark Kent became ill when his foster father brought home the glowing green meteorite for ClarkÕs mineral collection. The rock disposed of, the Kents kept SuperboyÕs weakness secret for years. When a new wing was being opened at the Smallville Planetarium, Superboy began to feel dizzy as a tray of meteorites was wheeled into the room. He blew the tray into the next room and made his getaway, but all this activity was witnessed by a museum attendant. Outside, Superboy encountered a replica of a szallaÑa Kryptonian creature with fire vision. The creature was part of a Kryptonian village exhibit created by college teacher Mel Evans and based on SuperboyÕs public recollections of life on Krypton. Returning to the planetarium, Superboy discovers that the meteorites have been stolen, and that the attendant was a former criminal named ÒSilkÓ Smith. Smith gets a scientist to identify seven of the mineral elements, but the eighth is unknown. He vows to try each mineral on Superboy in an effort to determine his weakness. Smith and three confederates wave a pipe bearing a molybdenum meteorite at Superboy as he flies by on patrol. He feigns weakness and falls at their feet, planting a tracer watch in one thugÕs shoe heel. The crooks beat and shoot at Superboy, but he eventually gives away his pretense when he flies away to respond to Lana LangÕs cry for help; she is clinging to a tree branch after falling from her attempt to climb Mt. Potash. After returning Lana home, Superboy fashions a pair of giant metal tongs from some old steel girders. He inhales the smoke from a factory smokestack and blows it into the criminalsÕ hideout. As they evacuate, he substitutes an imitation for the kryptonite meteor. He meets the crooks back inside and they witness him juggling, and even eating, the various meteorites. Jailing the criminals and thinking he has scotched the notion of having a weakness, Superboy is summoned the next day as guest of honor at SmallvilleÕs first Earthday celebration. Mel Evans surprises the boy of steel with a giftÑsomething that the scientist has deduced had to be a fragment from SuperboyÕs home planet. Superboy collapses from the exposure to kryptonite. A radio reporter on the scene to cover the celebration broadcasts to the world that Superboy can be harmed by fragments from the planet Krypton. SmallvilleÕs leaders seal the kryptonite in a lead box and Superboy disposes of it, thinking, ÒOther kryptonite meteors are sure to fall on Earth occasionally and, if criminals get them, my very life will be in danger.Ó Snapping out of this recollection, Superman notices the fleeing Professor Halley. As the professor passes SmallvilleÕs Roll of Honor, which sits just inside the city limits, he notices a beam of x-ray vision passing him. ÒHeÕs going to use it some way to get revenge,Ó Halley thinks. The roll of honor features Revolutionary War hero General Ezekiel Hooker, Senator Amos Morris, well-known surgeon Walter Hoyt, and Superboy. But SupermanÕs x-ray vision adds another name to the list: Mel Evans, renowned scientist (also known as Professor Stanley Halley). ÒHe...he forgives me,Ó thinks the scientist. ÒI...I must see him.Ó Evans tells Superman that he felt so guilty about discovering his fatal weakness that he fled Smallville and changed his name. ÒBut it wasnÕt your fault,Ó says Superman. ÒYou were trying to honor me.Ó Both address the celebrants as SupermanÕs Earthday concludes with the landing of a simulated rocket ship containing a doll to represent the Superbaby that came to Earth. REVIEW: I enjoyed this simple story which successfully intertwined elements of honor and injury. The irony, of course, is that Superboy can use his wits to fool the criminal element but itÕs the good intentions of his friends that go awry and take him by surprise. The issue might be raised as to why Superboy had to be nearly on top of the kryptonite in each exposure before he realized something was going on. But I think because of his infrequent, at that time, exposures to the element, his senses had yet to develop an alert system to let him know a little sooner when kryptonite is near. In later stories, most crooks were good about keeping the kryptonite in a lead-lined container and springing it on our hero. Two random notes of possible interestÑthis story features a chart done by Mel Evans for his Krypton village display, with drawings of Krypton orbiting its red sun and the size differential between Krypton and Earth, and listing the distance from Krypton to Earth as 0.317 light year. The scientist who analyzes the meteorites for ÒSilkÓ Smith is drawn to look like Lex LuthorÑeither that or all scientists drawn by DC artists of the time were either bald or hairy and, since Evans/Halley had the full beard, the bald scientist was the only stereotype left. Despite the eraÕs emphasis on action over characterization, I was touched by the character of Mel Evans. His admiration for Kal-El and the planet Krypton was evident in the depth of research and scientific recreation he displayed, as well as in his extreme sense of guilt upon discovering the effect of kryptonite on his hero. ========================================================= SUPERMAN AND CLARK KENT #50, ÒWhen You Wish Upon a PlanetoidÓ Written by Dan Mushkin and Gary Cohn Artwork by Curt Swan and Kurt Shaffenberger $0.60 Rating: 4 shields for the story - very thought-provoking but they should have left out Atomic Skull; 5 shields for the artwork because Curt Swan worked on it. ÒChaos reigns on an alien dimensional world! Havoc has been unleashed by a device whose energies can bend the very fabric of existence...The Miracle Machine. It has the power to turn thought into reality...But that power has brought disaster to the other- dimensional race known as the Controllers...A thousand years hence...in the time of the Legion of Super-Heroes...The Miracle Machine will be but a toy to that advanced species...But today, the Controllers find it...UNCONTROLLABLE! And unpredictable as well..Ó Without warning the Miracle Machine has vanished, Òclear out of our universe!Ó Cut to Superman, in the present, in our own universe, racing after a runaway planetoid before it crashes into an inhabited world. As he intercepts the planetoid, he wishes he were both Superman and Clark Kent, independent from one another, to prevent having to rush back and forth between two identities. Unknown to our hero, the Miracle Machine has hitched a ride on the planetoid and intercepts his thoughts. We jump to a crowd of citizens impatiently awaiting the arrival of Superman who is to be honored in front of the United Nations. Clark Kent is being quizzed on the whereabouts of Superman. Clark is puzzled by why three people have asked him about Superman. He even gets a call from Bruce Wayne asking him to fill in for him for a few days. Clark has no idea who Bruce is or what he is talking about. The next few panels show Superman busily averting various disasters and saving the world...all in a dayÕs work. Cut again to the Daily Planet. Clark intercepts a message from the teletype about the Atomic Skull attacking S.T.A.R. Labs. He quickly runs to an unoccupied storeroom, rips opens his shirt, stares at the white undershirt and wonders why he did such an odd thing. Superman, on the other hand, streaks into action and interrupts Atomic Skull wrecking havoc on S.T.A.R. Labs. In order to divert SupermanÕs attention for a quick getaway, he mentally projects a death ray towards a helicopter flying above the lab. Superman realizes Lois Lane has leaped out of the exploding chopper and rushes to her aid, letting Atomic Skull make his hasty escape. Lois is relieved that she is alive to report the story. Superman coldly responds by telling her, ÒSomeday if IÕm forced to choose between life and property endangered by a super-villain and one reckless individual...that individual will have to be sacrificed.Ó Lois thinks something odd has really gotten into Superman. The story switches back and forth between Superman saving the world and trying to stop Atomic Skull and Clark trying to figure out what is going on. He has mental flashes of Superman saving a planet but has no idea why. One night Clark awakens from a nightmare and stares into a mirror. Next to his reflection fades in an image of Superman. He now knows there is a connection between the planetoid and his confusing episodes with the Man of Steel. Atomic Skull is eventually stopped (a minor detail anyway) and Clark begins trying to solve the mysterious problem of dealing with Superman. This is where the story really gets goodÑat the Epilogue. Clark and Superman meet at 321 Maple Street, inside the Kent home. Clark has to somehow jar SupermanÕs memory so the two will be joined together again. Nothing seems to work until they visit the cemetery of ClarkÕs dead parents. ÒAll at once, the memories, like a lost part of himself, come rushing homeÑand miraculouslyÑSuperman and Clark Kent are again one man...Ó This was the 50th Golden Jubilee issue and one I would like to see reprinted in a modern version. The Atomic Skull installment was simply a diversion. The real action involved Clark trying to figure out how to solve the mystery of his split personality. Besides, the Miracle Machine is still out in space somewhere, and Superman knows nothing about it. Imagine if Doomsday found out about it (do you REALLY think he is dead?) and figured out how to clone himself. Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu) ========================================================= VILLAINS WORD-SEARCH ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Last month I printed the following word search, which contains the names of 32 villains (or villain teams) that Superman has battled in the post-Byrne universe. This month IÕm going to include the list of names. Hopefully, those of you who didnÕt find all 32 before will be able to do so now! T B A R O N S U N D A Y M Y R J R O G Q F A K H Z L T R S R K K R K I O T C W X C E O Y K A H X M A Y H S J H K O A W O C K Y S W L E D D A G E T A I H P N I X D I L F I E Y T R G N Q H M T E S A D S N W K T K L V L P A S H C M E A D D Q J W W C O P P E V F J Y N U O C J N J Q I K B T Y V Z Y X M I O J W N H W I U I S K R I M Q L Y S L H M V E G T G L G S T P E I A S R D X P U C V M U L E B U E A G K G N E F C I M E T A L L O N R T Q B V P R A N K S T E R S H Y B J E I S V X O V P M P P Y A D S M O O D B S F O G X U G N A A M I X A M K F T R A T E V R P I H I R O T A C I D A R E R C K Z F O W Q Q J R V C R R F H Z C A I N I A R B M V G X E F E J Q T R O P S D O O L B Y V O N O T Y N A A M S D F J T S B B U C Y W E E H S N A B R E V L I S K Y H O O K B R H K F S G W E F S R W C C O B I L W Baron Sunday Hi-Tech Parasite Blaze Jolt Prankster Blindspot Lex Luthor Psiphon Bloodsport Lobo Rampage Brainiac Manhunters Satanus Cerberus Massacre Silver Banshee Cyborg Maxima Skyhook Darkseid Metallo Terra Man Doomsday Mongul Toyman Draaga Mr. Mxyzptlk Zod Eradicator Mr. Z ========================================================= End of Section 5 ========================================================= LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ UP, UP, AND COMING: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Hello! Welcome to the newest addition to The Kryptonian Cybernet! Below you will find articles from our two featured writers, Zoomway and J.D. Rummel. You all know J.D.Õs column from our previous Other-Media sections. To those of you who have enjoyed J.D.Õs previous features, donÕt fret! He will from time to time be diverting his attention from Lois and Clark. And those of you who are familiar with ZoomwayÕs talents will agree that she is a perfect addition to the magazine! Future issues will also spotlight reviews of the new episodes as they appear. In this introductory space, we plan to provide any advance tidbits and air schedules as they become available to us. This month, a few comments about what to expect in the first few weeks of the season: The following information is capsuled from Hero Illustrated #16. The first episode of the new season, ÒMadame Ex,Ó aired on September 18. Future episodes include ÒWall of SoundÓ (September 25), starring Michael Des Barres as the Sound Man, a villain with devastating sonic weaponry, and ÒThe SourceÓ (October 2), in which Lois feels responsible for the death of one of her sources, Peter Scolari. ÒThe SourceÓ features MUCH Super-action! Other episodes to appear include: ÒThe PranksterÓ Ñ execs are trying to bag Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) for the villain, whose character is dramatically different from the one in the comics. ÒThe Edges of MetropolisÓ Ñ introducing Morgan Edge and Intergang ÒThat Old Gang of MineÓ Ñ the death of Clark Kent (?!) ÒBolt From the BlueÓ Ñ someone else gains SupermanÕs powers In addition, there are plans for an appearance by Metallo. Now, have fun reading the preview of the Lois and Clark section, and join us next month for the big debut, featuring reactions to the first two episodes of the new season! Jeff ========================================================= LOIS COMMON DENOMINATOR ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Zoomway A friend of mine wrote me a note expressing how sorry she felt for Clark Kent in his attempts to win the heart of Lois Lane. She compared Clark to a master chef preparing a wonderful feast for the woman he loves, only to have Lois turn her nose up and refuse the offering. This might be a fair assessment to some, but my question would be, did Clark ever ask Lois what she wanted for dinner before he started cooking? Lois is cast in an unsympathetic light in many of the showÕs episodes, and the reasons for this are legion. The show, for the most part, is seen from ClarkÕs point of view, and the audience sees all points of view in the omniscient sense. We know that Clark is Superman, that heÕs a sweet guy who would make Lois Lane deliriously happy, and that Lex Luthor is scum, but we forget that Lois is not given the audience advantage of omniscience. What does Lois really know from her point of view? If we take the three most important men in LoisÕ life, as depicted in the first season - Clark, Superman, and Lex Luthor - and view them through her eyes, LoisÕ perspective on things becomes a bit clearer. Clark, whom she dismissed in the beginning as a Òhick from Smallville,Ó became, with the passage of time and the proximity of the workplace, her best friend. He has become her peer at the Planet and a non-threatening confidant with whom she can share her feelings. Unfortunately for Clark, these feelings often involve Superman. Superman, much to ClarkÕs chagrin, has become for Lois Lane the antithesis of every man who has ever hurt her. He is power personified, but he never uses it to bully, or force another to his will. He could literally have any woman in the world, and yet he has singled out Lois Lane. ÒYouÕll always be special to me, Lois.Ó This would be rather intoxicating for anyone, not just Lois Lane. Add into this mix the fact that Clark doesnÕt really seem to understand how special he makes Lois feel when he interacts with her as Superman. Clark wants Lois to love him as Clark, but when he feeds into her fantasy as Superman, he comes off more as an accomplice than a victim. Lex Luthor, before he literally fell from grace, ironically shared many virtues with Superman, at least from LoisÕ point of view. He was powerful, and yet, to the public eye, he did not abuse his power, but rather put said power to magnanimous and philanthropic use. He gave generously of his time and money to charity, as well as establishing several non-profit organizations for the betterment of his city. He employed thousands of people, and seemed to be very sociable, not to mention handsome. Not knowing that the esteemed Mr. Luthor was not what he pretended to be did not make Lois Lane stupid, but rather put her on a par with millions of others who bought into a public face of respectability which Lex had painstakingly crafted. One reason Lois does not elicit any more sympathy than she does is that she no longer has a soundingboard, i.e. someone other than Clark to confide in. Lucy Lane, her younger sister fit this bill rather nicely, but she disappeared early in the first season and was not replaced. Lois now has no one with which to share her point of view when it involves Clark. While Clark, on the other hand, has his parents to confide in when he needs to talk about Lois. If you think about it, itÕs not so much what Clark has said directly to Lois that makes him so sympathetic and endearing, but rather what he says ÔaboutÕ her when talking with his parents. How much warmer might we feel about Lois if we overheard her speaking lovingly about Clark? Clark also has the advantage simply by being the one in love. Everyone loves a lover, and when the love is unrequited, we feel sympathetic toward him. Unfortunately that usually means that Lois gets to wear the villainÕs hat. We simply canÕt imagine why she wonÕt give this wonderful man a tumble, and yet Clark himself seems to have overlooked the most crucial ingredient in winning Lois, her need for unconditional loyalty. From what little we have learned about Lois, we see that what motivates her is the recurring theme of betrayal. She has been betrayed almost every time she has opened her heart. We learn in the pilot episode that Lois was betrayed by a co-worker, and in The Rival we learn that she was betrayed by her best friend. It should not be lost on Clark Kent that he now holds both of these positions in LoisÕ life. It may not be fair that Clark has to prove his worth more than he might have, had Lois never been hurt, but heÕs the one who chose Lois, and therefore, if he really wants her, he must be prepared to go the extra distance. This is not to say that Lois canÕt be infuriating at times. Unlike us, the omniscient audience, Lois has a blindspot where Clark is concerned. She does not know that this man is different (in many ways) and will not betray her, or harm her, and he will always be there for her. But, most of all, hidden beneath his ugly neckties, Clark Kent is Superman, the one person she did open her heart to in the first season. Of course, he ended up hurting her just as badly as the others had hurt her in the past. Perhaps even more deeply than the others. So we come full circle. Will Clark ever ask Lois what she ÔreallyÕ wants for dinner? ========================================================= AND WHO DISGUISED AS...: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by J.D. Rummel (rummel@phoenix.creighton.edu) Lois & Clark: The First Season of Adventures For some time I have wanted to expand the breadth of _And Who Disguised As..._ , so Mr. Sykes has kindly allowed me to offer some thoughts on _Lois and Clark_ in addition to my other viewpoints. Additionally, IÕd like to use this space to welcome Zoomway to the Cybernet. Long may you write. Because the new television season approaches, I thought IÕd share my opinions on the first season of _Lois and Clark_ as a way of introducing myself. As many of you are aware, many changes are taking place on the set for `94-Õ95. Deborah Joy LeVine, the producer, will not be returning, nor will Michael Landes and Tracy Scoggins as Jimmy Olsen and Cat Grant. I do not know the reasons for any of these situations, though both performers were certainly capable in their respective roles. For what itÕs worth, IÕm indifferent to the loss of the Cat Grant character, and while I appreciate the long standing tradition of Jimmy Olsen, neither character, despite some fine moments, seemed to have a place in the reality created by the Lois and Clark writers. However, I am actually saddened by LeVineÕs departure. She is a talented woman who brought a fresh and interesting perspective to the Superman legend. This first season, she breathed new life into the greatest American myth and attracted many new fans - folks who might not ordinarily have watched. I hope the new producers retain the many fine things she brought to the show and the characters. For all the trouble I had with the first season, and as you will see I did have some, LeVine really took a well known entity and gave it some new dimensions. Focusing on the romance was a welcome change from the world- saving heroics we all associate with the Man of Steel. Borrowing heavily from the old _Moonlighting_ series and the Byrne restructuring, LeVine and company gave us a couple that reflects what many of us might like to be a part of. I have no doubt that many women would enjoy meeting an incredibly decent guy who looks this good. I know IÕd like to have super powers _and_ spend time with a woman as attractive and intriguing as Teri HatcherÕs Lois. It really did play to the fantasy life weÕd all like to lead on some level. Yet, it also made both characters worthy of respect on a very human plane - these were more than the cartoons that were their source material. When L&CÕs first season was running on all cylinders it was fine entertainment. Scenes such as the pick-up game with Bo Jackson, or the guest appearance of Sonny Bono punning on his old hits as he addressed a crowd in Metropolis could easily have been bungled down to the level of the cameos-in-the-window scenes from the old _Batman_ series. Instead, we got well-written, tongue-in-cheek moments that hinted that the folks producing this show were having a good time and wanted the viewer to come along. One superb moment was when Lois told Superman sheÕd love him if he were just an ordinary Joe, when just moments before she rejected him in his regular guy disguise (albeit numbingly handsome and impeccably dressed). Parts of this show just made me smile. When L&C failed, it was usually because of disregard for plot logic and Superman as an heroic figure. Some episodes were essentially unwatchable because the writer bungled an interesting idea. Perhaps the best example was one written by Dan Levine, DeborahÕs brother. ItÕs about children with super intelligence, but in fact it appears to have been written for children of sub-normal mental ability. The episode was an automatic weaponÕs target of plot holes and implausibilities. Worst of all, Superman looks mightily incompetent throughout most of it. It was this treatment of Superman, that most often bothered me on this program. Sometimes his appearances were almost ancillary to other portions of the plot. One could practically picture the writer saying, ÒGeez, I better get Dean into costume somehow, I almost forgot!Ó Certainly I understand that the show is Lois and Clark, and I think the creative team does this better than anyone ever has. However, they have focused so heavily on this, that they appear to have forgotten that itÕs also the New Adventures of Superman. Unless, of course, by ÒnewÓ the writers mean boring and wildly implausible. As a fan and viewer, IÕll give them the tradition that no one can tell Kent is Superman when he takes the spectacles off, but must the show therefore eschew all logic? In the first season, Superman talks in space, breaks up a tsunami by flying into it (!), and is challenged by bionic opponents that high school physics tell us cannot be real. Additionally, the way the program is written makes Superman a wincingly ineffective champion. It takes him way too long to catch low-rent villains that even the Springfield police could nab. He needs a challenge, for PeteÕs sake! Even ÒAll Shook Up,Ó the Bryce Zabel rewrite of Jackson GillisÕ superb ÒPanic in the SkyÓ script, disposed of all thoughtfulness and introspection in favor of a kind of wandering shuffle. Because the writer never really had a point, a magnificent opportunity was lost. And I hope Zoomway is correct when she tells us that ABC is going to spend money on special effects. The flying sequences and costume are lame. In season two, Alan Brennert is coming on board to produce. Brennert is a talented writer of science fiction with a human element. He worked on the _New Twilight Zone_, and created _Alien Nation_ for the large and small screens. I hope he can retain the romantic flavor of the first season while possibly bringing some bite to the overall impact of the show. L&C has unique ingredients that, properly used, could bring out incredible potential. They have shown us they can do humor and zest. Now, can they tackle issues and feelings beyond the common desire for a perfect partner? LetÕs face it - at its very best, L&C makes us smile, but it has yet to make us think. It is flavorful bubble gum, but it could become a feast. Away. ========================================================= SEX AND AERODYNAMIC BROOMSTICKS Lex Luthor dashes to his balcony. He quotes Jimmy Cagney from White Heat, Òtop of the worldÓ, and then leaps. As heÕs falling he says, ÒWhat a world! What a world! Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness!Ó DonÕt go rushing to check your tape. I lied, Lex never delivered the Wicked Witch of the WestÕs farewell address, though he might have in light of the fact that he and the Wicked Witch were done in by young ladies who had unwittingly zeroed in on their respective AchillesÕ heels Dorothy, in an attempt to extinguish the ScarecrowÕs blazing arm, hits the witch with water, and thus the witch begins to melt. Lois Lane hits Lex Luthor in the heart with love, and thus LuthorÕs world begins to crumble. Even Lex himself knew that once he fell in love, he was doomed. Feeling that love was somehow incompatible with his corrupt lifestyle and bankrupt sense of morality. THE WIZARD OF OZ may seem an odd metaphor for Lois and Clark, but they do share some things in common. Superman seems to represent Oz to Lois; magical, powerful, beautiful, and mysterious. Clark Kent represents Kansas; reality, stability, predictability, and no mystery. Technicolor versus black and white. Lois wants to fly over the rainbow with Superman, but not be stuck in grid-lock with Clark Kent in the nine to five reality of Metropolis. Fantasy plays a big role in Lois and Clark. One of the first things Clark says in the pilot episode is that his ultimate wish is to meet someone and have a family. In other words, he wants to be a husband and father. Even if I had known nothing about the Superman legend, I would have guessed by this one statement that Clark Kent was an alien. I have never, in my life heard a man say that. Now had he said he wanted to be a millionaire before he was thirty, or never settle down, IÕd believe he was a human, American male, but to pick a role that seems to be vanishing from the landscape in an era when many kids never get to know their biological dads is truly endearing, and unfortunately a fantasy. Lois Lane lives in her own fantasy world as well. She has a romance novel in the works, and it has all the earmarks of a truly turgid tale. The heroine dies without ever knowing love. In Lois, we see a woman who has been repeatedly hurt by romantic encounters and yet she idealizes romance, and actually seems as if she is in love with the idea of being in love, but has no concept of what a sustained relationship entails. I tend to view the whole Superman legend more as fantasy than science fiction. I see it sharing more with THE WIZARD OF OZ than RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA, or even STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND. For most fantasy to work, magic has to be an integral part, and though the magic is easier to see in THE WIZARD OF OZ, it still exists in Superman. When Superman squares off against the likes of Mr. Mxyzptlk, Satanus, Blaze and the Silver Banshee, he is clearly in the realm of fantasy, and we find that Superman is very susceptible to magic. This is made clear in the television show in the ÒIllusions of GrandeurÓ episode where Clark falls into a hypnotic trance, and yet in ÒPheromone, My LovelyÓ where chemistry, and not magic, is used, Superman seems immune. The main reason I put Superman in the category of fantasy is that under this heading, he is spared the type of technical analysis which most science fiction is generally subjected. Fantasy is generally left alone by the wolves who have traded in their slip sticks (sliderules) for number crunchers (calculators). These packs of techno-babblers prowl around looking for any weakness in a given storyÕs scientific premise and will pounce on the jugular without mercy when they find the unforgivable error. Few of these pocket-protector warriors would waste their time arguing that the Wicked Witch of the West could not really fly because a broomstick is not aerodynamically sound, but with great relish they will quote Larry NivenÕs ÒMan of Steel, Woman of KleenexÓ chapter and verse as the ultimate treatise on why Lois Lane and Clark Kent could not have a sexual relationship. Larry Niven talks about the Ôpleasurable epileptic seizureÕ of intimacy wherein people lose muscle control. He theorizes that SupermanÕs Kryptonian strength would gut Lois like a trout, and that lastly, the top of her head would blow off! Not a pretty picture. This thread has become a given on any forum which discusses Superman. In light of this, it is my pleasure to put an end to this thread once and for all (or at least for ten minutes or so). I cannot reprint my interview with Lois Lane here, wherein I asked Lois about SupermanÕs sexuality, because a) it might qualify as fanfic, and b) Lois gets carried away describing intimate details of her and SupermanÕs relationship. So, I will merely point out that Larry Niven made one glaring error in his assessment of Lois and ClarkÕs love life. He treated Superman as a super powered human being, when in fact Superman is an alien. For Niven to assume that Superman, or any alien makes love exactly the same as human men, is a poorly founded theory. Again, I canÕt tell you exactly what Lois told me, but she did make it clear that Superman does not share the same maneuvers as human males, and that strength is not only counterproductive, but nearly impossible in this situation. Lastly, to put it delicately, the end of SupermanÕs love making does not manifest itself at super speed since Kryptonians are apparently capable of greater capacity. In other words, one need not use a high powered seltzer bottle to fill a glass when gentle flowing tap water can get the job done. With all of this in mind, it is not too far fetched that in the near future of the Lois and Clark TV show, when Lois finally decides to leave Superman for Clark Kent, someone may ask, ÒWhat have you learned, Lois?Ó To which Ms. Lane may respond, ÒWell, if I ever go searching for my heartÕs desire again, I wonÕt have to look any farther than my own backyard.Ó She may then put her arms around Clark. ÒBecause if it isnÕt there, I never really lost it to begin with.Ó ThereÕs no place like home. ========================================================= End of Section 6 ========================================================= 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. New Format: Since IÕve noticed more and more non-comic merchandise being offered in Previews, and because I figure that at least some of you might be interested in information about that merchandise, IÕve decided to add a new section of Merchandise to Coming Attractions. This section will include information on items such as trading cards, t-shirts, posters, etc. The new ordering of the Coming Attractions is: 1. Shipping List 2. Merchandise 3. Spoilers November Comics: November appears to be ÒSpecial GuestÓ month at DC, as many titles feature guest appearances of other DC heroes. As part of this Òtrend,Ó Superman makes an appearance in issue #3 of the miniseries XENOBROOD, Superboy shows up in ANIMA #10, and both Steel and Superman play roles in GUY GARDNER: WARRIOR #27. In the big four titles, the Òbody in the tombÓ storyline finally comes to a close with ADVENTURES #519, and then ACTION #706 features Supergirl. Speaking of Supergirl, the first week in December brings a new, 12-issue Super-title! SHOWCASE Ô95 will spotlight the Superman family of characters in the lead story of every issue, beginning with the Girl of Steel! Also, SUPERBOY faces...the Hawaiian police? Finally, STEEL teams with Maxima and Green Lantern as they go to battle in space. Rumors: Intercompany crossovers seem to be the order of the day. In addition to the Superman/Hulk crossover rumors reported last month, Dan Jurgens recently announced (in an interview on America Online) that he is going to be working on a DC/Dark Horse crossover entitled Superman/Aliens! Now IÕm a big fan of both of these, but I certainly canÕt see how the Aliens would pose much of a threat to Big Blue...unless, of course, they had gestated inside of some Kryptonian hosts. Anyway, IÕll be anxiously awaiting this one! A New Theory: IÕm following up on the rumor from last issue that Superman #100 will finally feature *the* wedding. ThereÕs a new rumor that Superman #100 is actually a red herring, and the wedding wonÕt take place until Man of Steel #50. The reason: the wedding is all set, but Lois doesnÕt show up because sheÕs been kidnapped by Conduit! Another earlier rumor: way back when the introduction to Conduit was being announced, it was rumored that Conduit would discover Superman/ClarkÕs identity. Now, so far in the comics, weÕve seen Kenny/Conduit vow to take care of Superman and Clark Kent, and in the most recent issue (SUPERMAN #94), he goes so far as to say that he will find whatever skeleton is hiding in SupermanÕs closet. My guess? Drumroll.... Conduit will discover that Clark Kent and Superman are one and the same! This would be one of the few things I can think of which would give the creative teams a chance to top some of their ÒbigÓ stories (Death, Funeral, Reign). Plus, it would give Superman a villain with a seriously dangerous upper-hand. And then thereÕs the whole issue of what would happen if his identity was revealed to the world... What do you all think? The information which follows is reprinted without permission from Diamond Previews and is in no way meant to serve as a replacement for that magazine. In fact, I strongly recommend that each reader find his or her own copy for additional detailed information on the entire DC Universe! 1. List of Titles by Shipping Date: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Shipping date: Comic title and information: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- September 6: Action Comics #0 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier PEER PRESSURE: Part 4 (of 4) $1.50 September 13: The Batman Adventures #25 (Superman, Lex Luthor) Puckett, Parobeck, & Burchett 48 pgs, $2.50 Superboy #9 K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #38 L. Simonson, Erwin, & Janke $1.50 September 20: The Guardians of Metropolis #1 (of 4) K. Kesel & Dwyer $1.50 Superman #94 Jurgens & Breeding $1.50 September 27: Adventures of Superman #517 K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy $1.50 Steel #9 L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.50 October 4: Action Comics #704 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 Aquaman #3 (Superboy) David, Egeland, & Vancata $1.50 Metropolis S.C.U. #1 (of 4) Goff, Krause, & Marzan, Jr. Covers for series by Dusty Abell & Jackson Guice $1.50 October 11: Superboy #10 K. Kesel, H. Ramos, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #39 L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.50 October 18: DC Universe Poster (Superman, Steel) by Alex Ross 22x34, $4.95 The Guardians of Metropolis #2 (of 4) K. Kesel & Dwyer $1.50 Superman #95 Jurgens & Breeding $1.50 October 25: Adventures of Superman #518 K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy $1.50 Steel #10 L. Simonson, Fosco, & Stegbaur $1.50 November 1: Action Comics #705 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 November 8: Metropolis S.C.U. #2 (of 4) Goff, Krause, & Marzan, Jr. Cover by Abell & Guice $1.50 November 15: Superboy #11 E. Berganza, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #40 L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.50 November 22: The Guardians of Metropolis #3 (of 4) K. Kesel, Dwyer, & Manley $1.50 Superman #96 Jurgens & Breeding $1.50 November 29: Adventures of Superman #519 K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy $1.50 Steel #11 L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.50 Xenobrood #3 (Superman) Moench, Hunter, & Lowe $1.50 December 6: Action Comics #706 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 Anima #10 (Superboy) Witcover & Hand, Crespo, & Blyberg $1.50 Guy Gardner: Warrior #27 (Steel, Superman) Beau Smith, Byrd, & D. Davis $1.50 Metropolis S.C.U. #3 (of 4) Goff, Krause, & Marzan Jr. Cover by Abell & Guice $1.50 Showcase Ô95 #1 (of 12) Supergirl story C. Moore, Immonen, & von Grawbadger Cover by Grummett & Hazlewood 48 pgs, $2.50 2. Merchandise: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- For more information on how to find these items, consult your local comic shop dealer. Superman Vinyl Kit A detailed vinyl casting of the Man of Steel. Stands 12Ó tall when fully assembled. Ships unpainted and unassembled in an illustrated collectors box. $55.00 Superman Statue Sculpted by Randy Bowen, based on preliminary sketches by Dan Jurgens. Made of cold-cast porcelain, individually painted, and comes with a snap-on plastic cape. Limited quantities. $150.00 Lois and Clark TV Poster From CollectorÕs Warehouse A full-color, 24Ó x 36Ó poster of TVÕs Lois and Clark. $10.00 Superman: Leap T-Shirt From CollectorÕs Warehouse Heather grey shirt featuring an image of the classic Fleischer animated Superman, along with the famous saying: ÒFASTER than a Speeding Bullet, More POWERFUL than a Locomotive, able to LEAP Tall Buildings in a Single Bound.Ó M-XL, $17.95 DC Comics Metal Signs From Tin Signs International Four-color embossed metal signs reproducing classic cover images. All measure approximately 11Ó x 8Ó, and feature gold lacquered beveled edges, heavy chipboard backing, plus easel backs and hanging cords. Choose from ACTION COMICS #1, ACTION COMICS #41, SUPERMAN #1, or SUPERMAN #15. (All Golden Age issues Ñ Batman and Detective Comics covers available as well.) $14.95 each THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SUPERMAN Paperback Roger SternÕs novelization of the issues which covered SupesÕ death at the hands of Doomsday, his rebirth, and the ÒReign of the SupermenÓ now available in paperback form. 544 pgs, $5.99 3. Spoilers: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ November 15: ÑÑÑÑÑ- Superboy #11 After killing a Superboy impersonator, the Silicon Dragons send Techno to take on the real thing. TechnoÕs mastery of virtual reality may prove the KidÕs undoing when Superboy is manipulated into attacking the Hawaiian police. Superman: The Man of Steel #40 Following the revelation of which villain is responsible for the body in SupermanÕs tomb, Metropolis seems to come under seige Ñ swarming with bizarre, unfathomable beasts! The Man of Steel stands a chance of either saving his city from the onslaught...or going mad! November 22: ÑÑÑÑÑ- The Guardians of Metropolis #3 (of 4) Seeking to reclaim one of their own, DarkseidÕs Female Furies storm MetropolisÕ police headquarters. Meanwhile, the Newsboys tell of GuardianÕs World War Two run-in with the forces of Apokolips. Superman #96 Superman fights to break free of a diabolical battlefield within a virtual reality, struggling in a last-ditch effort to prove that heÕs NOT...STILL...DEAD! November 29: ÑÑÑÑÑ- Adventures of Superman #519 The truth behind the dead body inside the Man of SteelÕs tomb is finally revealed, and the one, true Superman rises again Ñ to do battle with the madman behind his recent tortures! Steel #11 Doubting his armorÕs stability, Steel is drawn into battle against an alien invasion. Maxima and Green Lantern guest-star as Steel takes off into outer space for the first time. Xenobrood #3 Superman makes a special appearance as the aliens who have been after the Xenobrood create a new super-powered team to defeat the heroes. This ÒBestiaryÓ succeeds in trapping the ÔBrood in a cave-in, and the timely arrival of the Man of Steel may not turn out to be the rescue it appears. December 6: ÑÑÑÑÑ Action Comics #706 Coinciding with her starring role in SHOWCASE Ô95 #1, Supergirl takes center stage as she, Clark Kent, and Perry White visit KentÕs hometown of Smallville. Special Bonus: No one dies in this issue! Anima #10 Superboy guest-stars as Anima returns from the Arkana for a battle with the Nameless OneÕs hordes in Hawaii, alongside the islandsÕ resident teenage hero. But Superboy isnÕt quite himself...and the Nameless One is amok in Hollywood. Guy Gardner: Warrior #27 CAPITOL PUNISHMENT: Part 1 (of 3) Guy Gardner teams with John Henry Irons when Warrior arrives in Washington, D.C. to rescue his brother from the Quorum. But the mysterious organization has activated Sledge, a super-soldier from the past with orders to kill. And if that doesnÕt stop the duo, the Quorum has a deadly ace up its sleeve Ñ saved up for what will be a _very_ shocking ending! Plus, Superman makes a cameo appearance as Warrior asks the Man of Steel for help in coping with his new alien heritage and powers that may be going out of control. The story continues in GUY GARDNER: WARRIOR #28, and concludes in GREEN LANTERN #60. Metropolis S.C.U. #3 (of 4) As Superman heads into space to stop the satellites that have been blowing up oil platforms, Maggie Sawyer and her Special Crimes Unit race to locate the eco-terrorist behind it all. Plus, Maggie tries to cope with TobieÕs departure. Showcase Ô95 #1 (of 12) SHOWCASE launches its third annual run, this time spotlighting characters from the Superman Family of titles in the lead story of each issue! This issue: Supergirl encounters Lord Dichon, a fugitive entity from another world with plans to dominate the Earth. But to do that, Dichon needs a host body...and Supergirl is JUST what the doctor ordered in a story by Charles Moore, Stuart Immonen, and Wade von Grawbadger! The remaining two stories feature Argus and Alan Scott. [Ed. Note: I wonÕt be giving the info about the non-Super stories for each issue.] ========================================================= LETTERS ÑÑÑ- First, Mike McKean provided me with the information that the ÒSuperman Red and Superman BlueÓ story which placed in last monthÕs survey appeared in Superman #162. He also wrote: ÒSuperman Death StoryÓ by Alan Moore: IÕm almost certain the respondents were referring to ÒWhatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?Ó I can recall only two other Superman stories by Alan Moore: ÒFor the Man Who Has Everything,Ó which made the list of favorite stories, and DC COMICS PRESENTS #eighty- something, which co-stars Swamp Thing. Superman is feverish in this story and may seem on the verge of death, so it is possible that ÒSuperman Death StoryÓ refers to this story. But I doubt it. Anyway, IÕd also reccomend the DCCP story to anyone who hasnÕt read it. Also, I think Alan Moore is not a favorite for writing another Superman story because, for many of us, he has already written the best one out there. I find it hard to see how he could top himself, and IÕd just as soon not see him try. In any event, his story was a fitting capstone to the saga of the Earth-1 Superman. The current version of Superman doesnÕt need a story like that Ñ at least not yet. If DC ever decides to reboot Superman again, they might consider inviting Alan to perform the final services for the Byrne Superman. Mike McKean ********** My responses below are indicated by indentation and beginning with ***. ********** From: Curtis Herink (herink_cd@mercer.peachnet.edu) Here are my comments on issue 4 of the Kryptonian Cybernet. It was, as usual, another wonderful job. Everything thatÕs included seems appropriate, maybe even a necessary part of such a journal. (Well, maybe with the possible exception of the wordsearch puzzle. I donÕt object, itÕs just not my cup of tea. OTOH, if you could find someone to construct a good crossword puzzle with a Superman theme, I would be much more interested.) My two favorite features are JUST THE FAQs and the S.C.U. Files, so I was mildly disappointed that the latter didnÕt appear this time. IÕm not sure why I like these so much because, in theory, they are just telling me, someone whoÕs been reading the SUPERMAN titles for over thirty years, things I already know. But itÕs nice to have all those facts brought together in one place. In addition, I am impressed with the research that goes into creating these. *** If someone out there was to come up with a good crossword puzzle, then I would *find* a way to print it! I suppose that by the time you have read this statement, you have overcome the disappointment from the last issue. Seeing the return of the S.C.U. Files was a welcome sight, no? And I must agree with you, the amount of research that must be done on these columns is staggering. DavidÕs and ChrisÕs hard work is very much appreciated! As to the reviews, IÕm glad they are there because it lets me know how someone else is reacting to these stories. For the same reason, I am very interested in the ratings panel reports. Too bad they were omitted this time, but at least they will be back soon. I would like to see less space devoted to plot summaries of the current issues and more to why the reviewer liked or did not like the issue. For those who are already reading a title, summaries are not important. For those who are not, I think reasons why the title is a good read, when that is the case, would be more likely to convince them to try it out. In Retro-Reviews, of course, the plot synopsis is more appropriate. And let me encourage you to run more reviews of older issues, the older the better. *** I really like the ratings panels ideas myself, but the fact of the matter is this. Until this issue, weÕve had a bit of a problem finding enough people to participate. As you have no doubt seen by now, that problem seems to have been remedied! Actually, I wouldnÕt mind seeing more comments about what was good and bad about each issue, but there are several readers of the magazine who keep up with the comics (for some reason or another) only through the summaries in the reviews. With all of the volumes of material out there, I think that we could see several more pre-Byrne reviews. Currently, we are printing only one or two per month, because only one or two people are submitting. IÕd love to see some of the long-time fans contribute in this area. In particular, since I just missed the story (I started reading with the ÒByrneingÓ), IÕd love to see a review of Alan MooreÕs ÒWhatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow.Ó Finally, some comments on a couple of the letters: Kermit Rose is on the right track when he mentions two pages missing from the ACTION #1 story. My copy of the _Overstreet Price Guide_ mentions that there were indeed two pages omitted in ACTION #1 but restored when the story was reprinted in SUPERMAN #1. If I can dig out my copy of THE SUPERMAN ARCHIVES, I will compare whatÕs there with my copy of ACTION #1 Ñ itÕs only a facsimile reprint, donÕt get too excited. Steve Kaplan recalled an audio story from a record collection of ÒThe Superboy AdventuresÓ. Well, I recall *reading* that same story in a comic book, most likely an issue of SUPERBOY published sometime in the Ô60s. My guess would be that DC authorized the adaptation of several of its comic stories for the record collection. Keep up the good work. ********** From: wcrupe@tiber.nist.gov Jeff, I received my first issue and am quite pleased with the work that you and the others put into it. I am awaiting the ability to post to newsgroups (right now I just eavesdrop), but a couple of things are an my mind that maybe could be answered or addressed in KCN. The first is how did Superman know about the meeting between Starro and the JLA as told in Brave & Bold #28? Unless I am missing something (IÕve only been back since Death of...) then this could not have been the Byrne Superman. *** What about it readers? From what I understand, some of the pre-Crisis stories, particularly some of the early JLA tales, are still canon as far as Superman is concerned. But IÕm certainly no authority on DC continuity. (Is anybody? :) IMHO, there was originally a bigger role for Superman in the Zero Hour stories. Then someone told Dan Jurgens to Òthrow in the Hal.Ó I thought there was already set up for Zero Hour as far back as the battle in Engine City between the Cyborg and Clark. When asked why he hated Superman so much, Henshaw replied that Kal had killed his wife after the Excalibur fiasco. I remember Superman thinking that somehow Henshaw had ÒrewrittenÓ history. Too bad. Superman had no real role in Zero Hour except as a punching bag to show how powerful Parallax was (since he was filled with chronal energy and all.) *** I donÕt know about this. Superman was mostly in charge. The heroes gathered at his request, and he led the fighting forces. As to Hal, Dan Jurgens has stated that Hal was not originally planned to be the Zero Hour villain Ñ all indications point to Monarch/Extant. Then Emerald Twilight happened, and ... well .. the rest is history. Anyway, thanks for your time as well as that of the others. When I feel more comfortable with my knowledge and the KCN format I may drop in an article or two. *** WeÕre always looking for good writing! Bill wcrupe@tiber.nist.gov ========================================================= 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. The second provides information on subscribing to Superman-related mailing lists. The third 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. For those of you reading this via the Usenet or a bulletin board service, THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is available through e-mail direct to your mailbox! To join the growing list of subscribers (now 270+ readers!), drop me a note by e-mail at sykes@ms.uky.edu with a subject of KC:SUBSCRIBE and include the e-mail address to which you would like the issues mailed in the body of the message. New: Back issues by ftp Needed: 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. 1. Files Available: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Back Issues of KC Back issues of KC are available for ftp retrieval. Files are stored as KC.Month.YR, where Month is the publication month, WITH the first letter capitalized, and YR is the (2-digit) year. For example, the first issue (May 1994) is stored as KC.May.94. There is also a file titled KC.All.94.zip which contains every issue so far in a zipped archive. Site: phoenix.creighton.edu Directory: /pub/zines/kc ftp.dhhalden.no /pub/Comics/Fanzines The files are also available via gopher at both sites: IÕm also in the process of placing the issues into the Science Fiction/ Comics Library in America OnLine, and I understand that they are also being uploaded to CompuServe. I would appreciate specific information on this for the CompuServe readers. 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.* (About 12 files) Jeffery D. SykesÕ Lois & Clark episode guide and summaries. Site: ftp.dhhalden.no Directory: /pub/Comics/Film_and_TV 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. Mailing Lists: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Lois And Clark Discussion List: This list is dedicated to the new television show _Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman_, starring Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher. To subscribe, send a message to LISTSERV@TREARN.BITNET with no subject and a body of SUB LOISCLA I donÕt think it matters whether you place your name or your address in the field. I subscribed with my address there, but IÕm certain others must have used their user names/nicknames/real names/etc. Comics-L Mailing List: This is a discussion list of comics in general. It doesnÕt have much on Superman, but occasionally there is something there. It is a digest type of mailing list, so you only receive mail from it a few times a week. To subscribe, send a message to LISTSERV@UNLVM.UNL.EDU or to LISTSERV@UNLVM.BITNET with no subject and the message: sub COMICS-L With this one, they actually want a name and not an address. 3. 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 #5