THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET - ISSUE #10 - FEBRUARY 1995 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 News from KC, the comics, and Hollywood Got a question for Mike Carlin? Read further! And Who Disguised As... The Essence of Superman, by J.D. Rummel Hooked on the Man of Steel A lifetime of Superman comics, by Jon Knutson Section 2: Reviews The Triangle Titles Superman: The Man of Steel #42, by Anatole Superman #98, by Arthur LaMarche Adventures of Superman #521, by Patrick Stout Action Comics #708, by Arthur LaMarche Other Super-Titles Superboy #13, by Victor Chan Steel #13, by Arthur LaMarche Section 3: Reviews Other Super-Titles (cont) Showcase Ô95 #2, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Miniseries and Special Appearances Metropolis S.C.U. #4, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Superman: Kal, by ReneÕ Gobeyn The Fleischer Cartoons Episode #6, ÒThe Magnetic TelescopeÓ, by Neil Ottenstein Looking Back AfterByrne: Post-Crisis Reviews Panic In the Sky Second and Third Strikes, by Jeff Sykes Section 4: Looking Back (cont) Legacies: Pre-Crisis Reviews The Silver Age Superman A review of the Silver Age of Superman comics Ñ a new column by Bill Morse Superman: The Virus-X Serial A review of a serial running from Action #362 through Action #366, by Jon Knutson Action Comics #343, by Ken McKee KC Contest!!! Win a copy of Superman: The Man of Steel #1, autographed by Louise Simonson! Section 5: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Up, Up, and Coming News and Notes, by Jeff Sykes and Jennifer L. Traver You CanÕt Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd Futility and sexual tension, by Zoomway Episode Reviews: ÒThe Eyes Have It,Ó by Jennifer L. Traver ÒThe Prankster,Ó by Jennifer L. Traver Coming Attractions Section 6: Super-Crosswords Crossword #5 and Answers to Crossword #4 Resources Classifieds The Mailbag EDITORIAL STAFF: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews Jennifer L. Traver, Lois & Clark Shawn Aeria Lee Keels Victor Chan Donald MacPherson Pat Gonzales Ken McKee 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 to subscribe, send the commands subscribe kc [
] end in the body of an e-mail message to Òlists@phoenix.creighton.eduÓ (without the quotation marks). The address field need not be used when the address being subscribed is the same as that from which the request is being sent. The program ignores the subject line of the message. Back issues are available via ftp Ñ see the resources section. ========================================================== SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ KC News: The new mailing list is operational! The big plus here is that I wonÕt have to spend nearly as much time in maintaining the list of subscribers or in the actual mailing of the issues. In addition, the new list makes it possible for subscribers to receive back issues and any files stored at the KC archive site by e-mail! Just as a reminder, to subscribe, send the commands subscribe kc [
] end in the body of an e-mail message to Òlists@phoenix.creighton.eduÓ (without the quotation marks, of course). The address field need not be used when the address being subscribed is the same as that from which the request is being sent. The program ignores the subject line of the message. I have recently obtained the current list of North American Superman licensees, and I plan to print the addresses of these licensees, bit by bit, over the next few months. In addition, in the coming months, the merchandise section of Coming Attractions will separate from the new comic previews (which will soon be provided directly by DC Ñ no more going through Diamond Previews to get the info!) into its own section. I will be inviting each of the licensees to advertise new products in KC. This month marks the debut of the new classified section of KC. Check out what Superman merchandise other readers are selling or looking for. You can also find information there about submitting your own ad. We are *still* looking for a writer for THE SCU FILES, our (intended) monthly column spotlighting SupermanÕs greatest villains from the post-Byrne era. I am also entertaining the idea of such a column to focus on the many supporting characters in the Superman universe. If you are interested in writing one of these columns, contact me at KryptonCN@aol.com or by replying to this issue. Finally, weÕve been tossing around some ideas for a few special features in our first anniversary issue, which will be ready in May. One such special will be an interview with Mike Carlin, the editor of the Superman comics! If you have any questions to ask Mr. Carlin, send them to me by March 10th at the latest. With the number of questions weÕve already received since our announcement of the interview, I need to remind you that we canÕt logistically ask every question submitted, so *please* donÕt get angry if your question is not asked. Comics News: In April, during the middle of the big ÒDeath of Clark KentÓ storyline, all of the Superman titles, including SUPERBOY and STEEL are being given a face lift. Beginning with those issues, each of the six titles will be upgraded to DCÕs new Miraweb format, featuring coated (aka glossy) paper. I expect this to be somewhat similar to the type of paper used in MarvelÕs X-Men line, as well as many of ImageÕs books. This upgrade has been partially spurred on by an ongoing paper shortage in the printing industry, and it will unfortunately result in higher prices. Each book will now sport a $1.95 cover price. As well, all other DC books (except for ending limited series) will also be facing price increases. This will affect SHOWCASE Ô95, which will see its current $2.50 cover price raise to $2.95. Supergirl officially joins the New Titans in April, so this adds an additional book to the get list for all of you Superman completists. After the price hike, THE NEW TITANS will sell for $2.25. Her involvement as an official member of the Titans begins with a four-part crossover involving DEATHSTROKE and THE DARKSTARS. Each of these books will also sell for $2.25 per issue. Hollywood/Other-Media News: IÕve now heard that the Superman animated series is a go, and episodes should begin airing in 1996. However, I still treat this as rumor, as I have yet to see it in print anywhere. Should anyone have any information on this, please contact me! The February/March issue of ÒRememberÓ magazine has a fascinating article on the death of George Reeves, the actor who played Superman on TV. It offers alternatives to the suicide theory. It also has some great photos of Reeves as Superman. A Òmust-haveÓ for all Superman fans. Thanks to Ken McKee for alerting me to this information! Enjoy the new issue! Jeff Sykes sykes@ms.uky.edu ========================================================= AND WHO DISGUISED AS... ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- By J.D. Rummel (rummel@phoenix.creighton.edu) The Essence of Superman Recently, through circumstances I am unclear about, an e-letter appeared in my e-mailbox reprinting an article that supposedly appeared in the Pasadena Star-News. I wonÕt reprint the letter or article here (if enough of you want it, contact Mr. Sykes and he could probably reprint it in the next issue), but the authorÕs general thrust was that Superman should be put to sleep. He concluded that this was the most expedient means of allowing SupermanÕs audience an escape from the pain of witnessing the various marketing campaigns that Warner Communications has designed to sell Superman merchandise. The author argues that the Death of Superman, Return of Superman, and now the death of Clark Kent story lines are simply insulting, and The Man of Steel deserves a decent retirement. He appeared to be serious, expressing that Superman has run his course and neither we nor he should be put through the embarrassing travails he currently endures. Now, I am certainly the last guy to argue that SupermanÕs adventures in any medium over the last few years have been good, or even interesting for that matter. Anybody who has read my column lately knows how I feel about this issue, but I gotta take exception with the authorÕs remedy. Based on my intimate association with Greatest Hero of All, I know something that the writer may have forgotten. Draw around and listen, Ôcause you see, that one thing I learned from all those adventures is this: Superman does not quit. ThatÕs the whole point of a Superman isnÕt it? I mean, sure _we_ quit, _we_ fail, but Superman doesnÕt. Superman rises above, literally and figuratively. When the rest of us give in, when the boss is on our backs, when the responsibilities of getting up, and moving down the hall to the next task are just too painful and heavy, sometimes we throw in the towel. After a while it wears us down and we just expect to lose. As we put in yet another day we get pushed a little lower, until we begin to expect the madness and disappointment surrounding O.J. SimpsonÑwe expect to pick up the paper, turn on the tube and be let down by our fellow man. On some level weÕre conditioned for it. _ThatÕs the way things are_ we tell ourselves. So we learn to just nod and say, Òokay.Ó That disappointment, that feeling of defeat, of loss, thatÕs why we created SupermanÑwe donÕt like it. We know down in our hearts that it should be better, that _we_ can be better. That feeling of Òmaybe,Ó Òsomewhere,Ó Òwhat if,Ó Òit has to be better,Ó Òthis is wrong,Ó thatÕs where Superman was born. Superman is the best of us. He is the part that stands up and says, Òthis must change.Ó He champions folks who canÕt always stand up, who maybe need to stay down, if only to catch their breath. Superman will always be there, fists on his hips, to tell us not to quit, to try again tomorrow. He is a fantasy figure who fights for real things, things that most of us lose sight of when weÕre pissed that we canÕt find a parking spot. Yes, Superman lately has been badly served by those charged with managing him, but trust me on this one. He is mightier than they are. The artists who think _this is just a job_ will be replaced by those who know what a responsibility it is to be his custodian, his raconteur, and sooner or later, the Action Ace will ascend to his rightful place. A kid in an awful movie once said: ÒYou can do it, Superman, show Ôem, youÕre just in a slump, youÕll be great again.Ó Believe it. Away. ========================================================= HOOKED ON THE MAN OF STEEL ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By Jon B. Knutson (jonknutson@aol.com) IÕve recently had the chance to do some reminiscing over how I got interested in the Man of Steel... and IÕm sure many of you will find it to be a familiar story... It started when I was much younger... IÕll be 32 by the time this gets published in the KC, so it mustÕve been... oh, letÕs see, third grade... that would be 1971 or so. This was a great time to be a kid who loved to read comic books. You could find Ôem at garage sales and junk sales for a nickel each, and I grabbed up many, many comics that way. At my elementary school, the sixth graders used to have a junk sale every year to raise money for camp, and there were plenty of silver age Superman titles there. I remember voraciously reading the annuals, featuring collections of great stories, including the all-Supergirl Action annual, as well as many, many Legion collections. I loved this stuff, and ate it up with a fork. As if this werenÕt enough to get me started on this already, one of my next-door neighbors one day gave my family a big box of comic books. This neighbor worked for Flying Tigers, and said he collected them from a few flights... apparently, someone left them on board, or they were purchased for kids to read on the flights. One of the issues was an Action Comics... this was probably the first Imaginary Story I ever read... it took place in the future, and had Superman in a wheelchair. The cover had Supey in the wheelchair racing away from a crowd of people trying to find out why the Man of Steel was begging for change. I begged my mom to help me find the second half of this story... we went to every place in Tacoma, WA where comics were sold... including many stores that are no longer in business.... with no luck whatsoever. Other childhood memories include watching the Filmation Superman and Superboy cartoons... I recall the theme music (one of the great animated series themes from that era), as well as some specifics here and there... such as a Superboy cartoon that had Superboy breaking the time barrier by flying in a tight circle. Later, of course, there were the Super Friends, but at this point, IÕd started to discover Marvel Comics. However, this didnÕt stop me from wanting the Mego WorldÕs Greatest Super-Heroes figures when they came out! Sure, the line concentrated on Batman, but I had the Superman figure (actually, I sort of had a Superman figure before... IÕd taken a G.I. Joe figure, tied a handkerchief around his neck, and voila! Superman!... more on this later), among others. Unfortunately, this was one of the many items from my childhood IÕve since invested a lot of time and money into re-acquiring in my adult life. This was about the same period of time I got heavily into puppetry, which taught me how to sew (a good talent for a bachelor to have, anyway). I wasnÕt aware of ÒCaptain Action,Ó but that didnÕt stop me from making homemade superhero costumes for my 12Ó Joes. DonÕt recall making a Superman outfit for these, since I was in my Marvel phase at the time. I do recall one other Superman memory from that time... OK, actually several. The first was at the beginning of a family car trip to visit relatives in the midwest. To help pass the time, my parents bought my brothers, sisters and myself several items to keep us busy. My choice, of course, was comic books, and one of them was the first part of the special anniversary issue of JLA, which was the annual JLA-JSA team-up where the Seven Soldiers of Victory were recovered from when they were lost in time. This was my first exposure to Earth-2, but I donÕt recall having much of a problem understanding this, especially after seeing a Superman with gray hair on his temples, like Reed Richards had. While in the midwest, I passed a lot of time making paper action figures of the JLA and JSA, as well as a few of the Soldiers. I also recall seeing for the first time ÒThe Adventures of SupermanÓ when a local independent station started running the show. I loved watching these, as well... but unless my memoryÕs playing games with me (and it probably has, given that IÕm probably including these memories entirely out of order), those episodes werenÕt run for very long... and I didnÕt see them again until Nick at Nite started showing them a few years ago. Also around this time (or probably earlier... I canÕt really tell anymore), I remember seeing ÒThe Steranko History of ComicsÓ for sale at a variety store that no longer exists. I begged my mom to buy these for me, but she wouldnÕt. I also begged her to buy me the Golden Records album-sized book and record sets, to no avail. When Power Records did 45 rpm book and record sets, however, we got all the Marvel ones we could find, as well as the Planet of the Apes ones. I began a period where I was primarily into Marvel, as I said before... and when ÒSuperman the MovieÓ came out, I decided to see ÒLord of the RingsÓ instead, not seeing Chris Reeve as the Man of Steel until some time later. It was about this time that I wouldnÕt be caught dead reading a Superman comic... the character just didnÕt appeal to me any longer. Fast-forward to high school... 1980-81... senior year. I had long been interested in the history of comics, having purchased copies of ÒAll in Color for a DimeÓ and ÒThe Great Comic Book Heroes.Ó I had begun to really note the difference between artists, and had developed definite preferences. Gil Kane was one of my favorites. Also at this time, IÕd managed to pick up the FF #1 Golden Record (without comic) at a garage sale. Anyway, Kane was a favorite of mine, and IÕd started picking up fanzines such as the RocketÕs Blast/Comic Collector (RBCC) and The Comics Reader. In 1981, I also managed to pick up the first issue of Amazing Heroes. Hence, I was not surprised when the Superman Special came out with Gil Kane artwork, originally published in Germany, I believe. As I read this, loving every page of it, I thought... ÒThis is the kind of Superman stories I want to read!Ó But I still didnÕt get back into Superman. In the fall of 1981, I worked at a bookstore, where I picked up a copy of ÒSuperman Ñ From the 30Õs to the 70ÕsÓ... so there was still some interest in the Man of Steel, it seems. In 1983, I started a five-year stint in the Navy. John ByrneÕs Fantastic Four was my favorite title, although IÕd started buying more DCÕs now, including Batman, Detective, and All-Star Squadron. I even bought ÒThe Daring New Adventures of Supergirl,Ó but still stayed away from Superman, DC Comics Presents (unless there was a guest-appearance by a character whose book I was reading, such as Arion, Lord of Atlantis or Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld) and Action. This was fine while I was in school, but once I went out to sea, where new comics were hard to come by, I actually started picking up a few Superman titles. It was also at this time that I was fortunate enough to see the Fleischer Superman cartoons. I picked up Superman 400 (I think this was the one... painted cover, a cast of thousands, including the strangest Steranko story IÕve ever read, bar none), and wondered when the book would be readable every issue. Then, it happened: It was announced that John Byrne would be taking over Superman! I was overjoyed... even though it meant he wouldnÕt be continuing on the FF. I was getting hooked again! I pored over ÒMan of SteelÓ and ÒLegends,Ó and couldnÕt wait for the next issue of each book to come out. Of course, having Jerry Ordway drawing ÒAdventures of SupermanÓ didnÕt hurt, either, having been familiar with his artwork from All-Star Squadron. Even after Byrne left the book (shortly after the anniversary... and yes, I was one of the people who hated the TV anniversary special!), I continued to buy it... and believe me, it helped me get through some of the worst times in the Navy. When I got my honorable discharge, I continued to buy Superman and the related titles... although something strange happened a few years ago that I can only blame Fred Hembeck and Don Rosa for. You see, while I was in the Navy, Fred HembeckÕs comic books (Bah, Hembeck!, and Abbot and Costello Meet the Bride of Hembeck, among others) took several opportunities to talk about the Silver Age Superman Family titles... and I admit, my interest was getting piqued here. Don RosaÕs share of the blame comes from his column ÒInformation CenterÓ in the RBCC (see how this stuff starts tying together?)... where he would answer questions about these books as well. It started slowly... I was at the local swap meet looking for figures to add to my action figure collection (which also started after I got out of the Navy), but couldnÕt find any. I found someone with books at 1/2 off Guide. I looked through the Silver Age stuff (I told myself it was to find out what was modified from old continuity to current continuity, but I was really just suffering from nostalgia, wanting to read some of the stories from my childhood). I donÕt recall specifically what I bought that day, but I went by there week after week until I cleared that dealer out of Silver Age Superman titles. Then I started at the conventions... sometimes spending $50+ at a single dealerÕs booth. I wasnÕt very systematic about this, though... IÕd primarily look through a dealerÕs dollar box, picking up what I wanted there... and getting a lot of duplicates in the process. Having been disappointed in the latter Chris Reeve Superman movies, and only having seen one episode of the one-season Superman animated series of some years past, I was beginning to wonder if weÕd ever see a good Superman series on TV or in the movies. Sure, the Superboy series was OK, but I never managed to find the time to watch it, no matter how sexy Lana Lang (portrayed by Stacy Haiduk) was, until fall of 1993... when ÒLois and Clark: The New Adventures of SupermanÓ premiered, and I immediately fell in lust with Teri Hatcher. I continued by hitting the comic shops between conventions... and my collection grew. A little over two months ago, I knew there was a major comic book con happening in Portland, OR, and planned to drive down there and find some of the books I was missing. Since money was a little tight, I decided it was time to list what I needed... but I still ended up buying two copies of one book while I was there (made the mistake of not checking off an issue number once I found it). Also at this time, I subscribed to the KC, and began to work on a project that IÕm sure will take me a long time to complete: The Silver Age Superman Index (now you know where my articles for the KC have come from). I also discovered that IÕd managed to absorb a lot of info from these books (as well as jogged my memory about things IÕd read from childhood), and could answer questions from people... like the origins of Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Pets (these from the old Superman folder on America On-Line)... and later, a multi-part post on the super-kids of Superman (serialized in the KC). IÕd received some e-mail from people suggesting that I write for the KC, and I decided to follow through on that. So, here I am, 1994, 32 years old, with several comic book boxes full of nothing but Superman comics and a lot of information crammed into my brain. What has it got me? Well, the boxes of comics, for one, which I enjoy reading over and over, for starters. Also, since I went on-line, IÕve made some pen-pal friends all over the US, as well as got to know a few people from Internet newsgroups and AOL comics folders. IÕve subscribed to the Lois & Clark mailing list, and made more on-line friends that way, and been published here in the KC. And you know what? ItÕs been a great ride all the way! Long Live the Man of Steel! ========================================================= End of Section 1 ========================================================= REVIEWS ÑÑÑ- Ratings Panelists: AL: Art LaMarche PS: Patrick Stout AW: Anatole Wilson RG: ReneÕ Gobeyn JG: Jose R. Galan SA: Shawn Aeria JS: Jeff Sykes VC: Victor Chan KM: Ken McKee WN: William J Nixon As always, the first panelist rating is that of the reviewer. THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- 9. SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #42, ÒLock and KeyÓ Writer: Louise Simonson Pencils: Michal Dutkiewicz Inks: Dennis Janke $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: AW: 1 Shield - This issue leaves me asking not only ÒwhereÕs the Steel?Ó but also, ÒwhereÕs the story?Ó AL: 2 Shields - I thought the story was below average. DutkiewiczÕs pencils were okay, but I like Bog a lot more. JG: 1 Shield - A pretentious but silly story, I think no one can understand. Completely senseless. I know this stuff is mainly for kids sometimes, but I am not, and this is my opinion. About the drawings, well, I even missed Bog...... JS: 2.5 Shields - Okay Simonson writing, hideous art. IÕve decided Ñ itÕs Janke who has to go (DutkiewiczÕs art looks much better than this in Psyba-Rats, which is not inked by Janke). KM: 4 Shields - Not a bad story and even the artwork was nice. I kept looking for Tom Cruise to pop in for a cameo, though. PS: 3 Shields - A better finish to ÒLove BitesÓ than I expected; a lot of action in this one with great ÒwhirlwindÓ art by Dutkiewicz and Janke. As I predicted, the Babe/Lock storyline led to a clicheÕd and predictable conclusion. In a nutshell, LockÕs dimensional vortex goes out of control. Babe, whoÕs almost totally under the control of an old vampire Superman has battled before, turns out to be the ÒkeyÓ that can help Lock close the vortex before it sucks up all of Metropolis. Babe and Lock jump into the vortex, have some feeble attempt at a struggle with the vampireÑwho losesÑand then itÕs over, with lots of talk about all that Babe was willing to sacrifice. Where was the Steel? As usual, mostly an observer in his own comic. He hardly gives a second glance to a helicopter that gets sucked in to the vortex. ÒWhoops! Guess thereÕs nothing I can do about that one!Ó {in Kal-ElÕs defense, he was carrying the ÒLove BoatÓ at the time ÑArt} If Lois had been on the helicopter, you can bet he would have followed her in there. Of course, then they would have had to stretch out this rancid story an extra issue or two. Frankly, thereÕs nothing to recommend this comic. I not only resent having wasted an entire issue reading a clicheÕd story with no real conflict or suspense, I resent that last issue was wasted setting up this story. Ten years ago, both issues would have been told in an eight-page backup story. I also resent the deceptive cover that showed a demonic Lock holding Superman in a strangle hold. This doesnÕt even come close to representing the story inside. The nicest thing I can say about this issue is that the inside art by Dutkiewicz is passable. The layouts show potential, but his work needs refinement. The artwork, though, is the only thing that pulled my rating up to one shield. I wish I could find something good about MOS 42. How about...at least I didnÕt pay $1.95 for it. Yet. Anatole ========================================================= 10. SUPERMAN #98, ÒChangesÓ Writer: Dan Jurgens Pencils: Dan Jurgens Inks: Joe Rubinstein $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: AL: 4 Shields - Great art, powerful story, but I am not sure if I liked it. AW: 3 Shields - Nice art, but ToymanÕs psychoses? And people thought Pre-Byrne LuthorÕs psychosis was a stretch... JS: 2.5 Shields - Pretty good art, and the smaller stories (foiling the jail break and the look at Shadow Dragon) were okay. But I just did not buy the Toyman story at all. KM: 5 Shields - Love the cover! I love any issue where Cat is featured. Bring her back! PS: 4 Shields - A dynamite ÒgenericÓ cover by Jurgens & Breeding graces this well-told (JurgenÕs again) story of how a severe toy fixation turned the Toyman into a murderer; thereÕs a deeper message here about fan-boys and toy tie-ins. WN: Art: 3 Shields - Striking Cover Story: 1 Shield - Nice opener, but IÕm with Cat Grant on this one. Ping, ping! PING! This story opens with a jail break as three stooges fire uzis at our hero. Superman quickly disables their now-empty guns and knocks each unconscious with a flick of his finger while wearing a smug grin. He delivers the trio to the Warden just in time to meet Cat Grant. The two of them are meeting Winslow Schott; the Toyman. The Toyman is sitting in a dark, solitary cell, entertaining himself with one of his creations. As Cat and Superman enter, they are greeted by the Toyman and we ÒhearÓ his motherÕs voice echoing in his head Ala. ÒPsychoÓ. The scene shifts to one of Shadow DragonÕs martial training sessions Ñ which is over in seconds. He then returns to his computer and we see the missing Superman files diskette in his hand as he says that this noble obstacle must be *removed*. Back in the cell, the interview continues in an addition to a flashback to Superman 13 and Action 657, where we see the ToymanÕs first conflict with Superman and his later attempt to ÒprotectÓ children by kidnapping them. Then, we see where SchottÕs psyche is further fractured. It seems that in the post-Doomsday-rampage, a toy manufacturer is creating a line of action figures of the foes of Superman and they need SchottÕs okay to make a figure of him. He never hears from them again. Schott continues to develop new toys, but he is unable to give or market his toys to children. Eventually, Schott is able to get a work release as a janitor in a toystore where he finds his likeness is not selling and has been marked down numerous times. Berserk, he strangles the night watchman with a slinky, and arrives at the house of the toy developer who visited him in prison. He finds that the children were not interested in him, but marketing indicated that ÒheÓ would have sold better if he looked like a homicidal maniac viewing an artist sketch similar to the present Toyman. He quickly kills the businessman and begins his transformation with the help of some scissors and a razor. The scene fades back to the present where we see a shocked Cat Grant. She has learned that the Toyman is way out there. Originally, she thought he was faking it. Superman and Cat leave with solemn good-byes and part company with nothing to ease the pain caused by the murder of her son. Back in the cell, a guard delivers a present to the Toyman. When he opens it, he finds dozens of Toyman toys... The cover was cool. In the back of the book, it states that Android Images separated their flying ÒSÓ shield cover. I hope we can see more of these abstract ÒCYBER-typeÓ covers. The art in the issue was well done. The lighting of the cell when we first see the Toyman set the tone for the story very well. I also liked the highlights in CatÕs eyes and hair. There were also some very interesting perspective shots. Another nice touch was the light snow on the ground and the very overcast skies in the opening scenes. {AOS starts with a nasty storm Ñ Art} It was a great piece of subtly-done continuity that plays very well with the overall tone of the story. This was a really heavy story, and I have mixed feelings about it. It really needed the lightness provided by the three jail breakers. I can really feel CatÕs pain, but I can feel the pain of the Toyman, as well. Granted, what he did was terrible, but he could have been given better treatment. Every child deserves a toy for Christmas {I work hard for the Toys-For-Tots every year Ñ Art} and the Toyman is very child-like. I think the story they developed for the change in his personality is as good as any that could have been developed. This was a powerful story Ñ I think it was well done, but I am not sure if I liked it. Arthur LaMarche ========================================================= 11. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #521, ÒCold as IceÓ Writer: Karl Kesel Penciller: Stuart Immonen Inker: Jose Marzan $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: PS: 4 Shields AL: 3.5 Shields - I do not care much for the Thorn character or the Riot Grrrls, but I really like the attention paid to the lighting by Immonen. JS: 3.5 Shields - Very good pencils, though MarzanÕs inks have been better. A decent story, but I really donÕt see a need for the Riot Grrls. WN: 4 Shields Kesel uses the first three pages to memorialize our harsher than usual winter weather this year, showing Superman blocking, separating, and straightening out cars caught up in an ice storm. ItÕs a nice touch and one of the ways in which Kesel excels in portraying how a Superman might impact our ordinary human lives. The story transitions to Rose watching a news story about SupermanÕs icy escapade and an update on the worsening winter weather. SheÕs pessimistic Ñ ÒSo many ways to get hurt in this townÑa hundred ways.Ó The next TV news story is about the court aftermath of ÒThe Night of 100 ThievesÓ (#520). The newscasterÕs repetition of the word Ò100Ó causes RoseÕs head to throb as she thinks about the death of her father at the hands of the criminal cartel known as ÒThe 100Ó Ñ RoseÕs personality regresses as her alter ego, Thorn, emerges; a being dedicated to the destruction of that criminal group. ImmonenÕs expert portrayal of light and shadow works especially well here, as Rose starts out as a couch potato bathed in the glow of the TV tube and her Thorn personality dynamically glides into the walk-in closet in search of her costume (page 5 is strikingly beautiful). As in two other issues this month, there is an interlude in which a computer disc labeled ÒSuperman FileÓ makes an appearance; Shadowdragon delivers it in this issue to someone whose face we donÕt see. He pulled the disc out to deliver in Superman #98, and Conduit has a copy in Action #708. WeÕll have to stay tuned to see how this all pulls together. The story in AOS continues with a visit by Lois and Clark to a Metropolis night spot to interview the Riot Grrrls for an article Lois is writing on women in rock. Thorn enters and starts busting her way into a backroom office; searching for a link to the 100. When the battle causes the club owner to fall out an upper-story window, Superman makes his appearance with a timely save. Kesel and ImmonenÕs fascination with winter driving crops up again, as Thorn pits her motorcycle against a red sports car in an iced-up alley. A car crash and ensuing explosion tips Thorn and the cycle, and Superman saves her body from a collision with a city snowplow. She tells him of her theory that the Ònight of 100 thievesÓ was meant to send the message that the 100 are re- exerting their gang control in Metropolis. The conversation between the two heroes is interrupted when Superman goes off to answer a call for help. ÒWe both have our never-ending battles, Superman, donÕt we?Ó muses Thorn. ÒSomething that wonÕt let us sleep at night....when those weÕve sworn to protect are touched by fear as cold as ice.Ó KeselÕs look at the crime element in Metropolis over the last two issues has been an enjoyable read. ItÕs like taking the Gotham atmosphere from Batman and transferring it to SupermanÕs Metropolis. And ImmonenÕs blend of light and shadow provides the perfect graphic portrayal of KeselÕs script. While aliens, vampires, and super-villains are fun to read about, KeselÕs work reminds us that itÕs the person walking down a dark street in the middle of the city who might be most in need of Superman. Patrick M. Stout ========================================================= 12. ACTION COMICS #708, ÒMoving MiracleÓ Writer: David Michelinie Artists: Jackson Guice and Denis Rodier $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: AL: 3.5 Shields JS: 1.5 Shields - Guice & RodierÕs art was a bit better this issue than in the past few, but still lacking. While the story was okay, the writing was bad. Michelinie has a tendency to make the characters tell us what weÕre seeing Ñ weÕre not morons, we can *see* whatÕs happening! PS: 3 Shields - The colors in this book just leap off the page, starting with the striking Jack Kirby tribute cover by Jackson Guice; MichelinieÕs story starts up the Superman/Mr. Miracle versus Deathtrap arc with some nice romantic bits for Clark and Lois (pp. 7-8) and some romantic questions regarding Scott and Barda (page 5). This issue opens with very strong foreshadowing. A young man is apparently holding Superman in a headlock. We quickly find that the ÒSupermanÓ is really a cardboard cut-out being carried by two custodians. Eventually the scene changes to Clark KentÕs bathroom where he shaves with his heat vision and then flies off as Superman, thinking about his love of Lois on his way to the Planet. Before arriving, he makes a ÒshortÓ detour to Kauai to pick a flower for Lois. Lois and Clark talk a while and we learn that the serial killer case is really heating up. We are shown a note that states ÒDeath to all Deceivers is at hand! Vengeance is Mine!! Saviour.Ó One of these notes has been delivered to the Planet before each murder. Then, Superman leaves to open a new social services building. As he cuts the ribbon, it springs to life and wraps around his arms and draws him in and slams the door. He breaks free, but more ribbons quickly mummify Superman. Light years away, Scott is feeling depressed on New Genesis even though he has Barda bouncing around with no clothes on. Then, the monotony of New Genesis is broken as ScottÕs Mother Box clads him in his Mister Miracle outfit, draws him into a Boom Tube, and brings him to aid Superman. With Mister MiracleÕs and Mother BoxÕs help, Superman is quickly freed. Scott tells Superman and us that it was Apokolipsian technology that was holding him and that the attack signals were originating in the basement. Superman breaks through the floor, and he and Miracle investigate. Scott is quickly trapped in a power grid, but Superman escapes by use of super speed. Mother Box saves the day again, and Miracle escapes as Superman unsuccessfully tries to destroy the machine which regenerates itself as quickly as it is destroyed. Then, Superman and Mister Miracle are trapped in some sort of shackle rack that looks like it would have given Houdini a hard time, even if he did have the key in his mouth. The trap is then rocketed up and out of the building. As the page is turned, so does the scene. We are taken to StrykerÕs Island maximum security prison, where there is also an explosion. Someone has escaped holding the Superman File diskette, and vows to Òpay back that two- faced fiend called *Clark Kent!*Ó Back at the trap, our heroes have been unable to escape. The rocket carrying them is headed to a volcanic island somewhere in the pacific. Mister Miracle is able to pick the lock and free himself, but Superman is still trapped and hurtles into the volcano. The trap is unable to survive the impact, but of course our hero does. Then, a holographic image of Deathtrap tells Superman that he wonÕt escape alive next time. I enjoyed this issue a lot! The art was great. I can not think of anything off the top of my head that I disliked about the artwork. I also enjoyed the story. I have been intrigued with the Death Trap character since the first time we met him. I hope The Super-team will do more with this character and give us more of his development. This is a great character to show up for a couple of issue that could always be interesting. I would really love some intellectual traps. I think the development of the subplots over the last few issues has been great. I love the way this is handled. Just a couple of pages here and there that show important developments as the story approaches, not dropping the story on you with the first issue with some ÒprequelÓ garbage Ñ ÒOh, by the way folks, while you were away...Ó This shows how well thought out the Superman stories are. On alt.comics.superman, I saw one poster point out how much Apokolips has been playing in the recent DC Universe. I only follow the Superman books and a couple of others, so I had not noticed. The poster pointed out that he thought something big was going to happen. I have had the same thoughts from reading the Superman books. I do not recall the posterÕs name, but I tip my hat to him for pointing out the Apokolips events in the rest of the DC Universe. Arthur LaMarche ========================================================= OTHER SUPER-TITLES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERBOY #13, ÒSuicidal TendenciesÓ (Watery Grave: Part 1 of 3) Writer: Karl Kesel Artist: Tom Grummett Inker: Doug Hazlewood $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: VC: 4.5 Shields - Only because IÕm giving Karl and Tom room to wow me with an even better issue in the future! AW: 4.5 Shields - Always well done, this has become my favorite Super-title. AL: 4.5 Shields - Have to agree with Anatole here. These guys seem to have a lock on 4+ Shield stories. JS: 4.5 Shields - Great characterizations and pacing. Fantastic art. It doesnÕt get much better than this! As Knockout is leaving ÔworkÕ, she encounters Deadshot, who recruits her for a mysterious mission. In the meantime, Superboy is taking his placement exam. In the midst of it, he hears a loud and suspicious noise and departs, in spite of Mack HarlinÕs warning that the KidÕs grade depends only on what heÕs written so far. Shortly, Superboy saves Captain Boomerang from a couple of Silicon Dragons thugs. Superboy notices agent Makoa as the three are being taken into custody and deduces that something has to do with the Silicon Dragons. Superboy immediately pledges his help to Makoa, who reluctantly agrees to take him on. During a brief respite, it seems everyone except Superboy and Roxy are in a jovial mood. Superboy appears uneasy for misleading Tana about his exam, while Roxy calls for a taxi to take her to the airport to leave Hawaii. Later, Superboy and Makao proceed below deck on a naval ship at sea. Inside the hold, Superboy is surprised by the appearance of the Suicide Squad formed of Knockout, Sidearm, Deadshot, Capt. Boomerang and even King Shark, much to MakoaÕs horror. They have all been assembled there by Amanda Waller to infiltrate and take out the Silicon DragonsÕ central base. Needless to say, they have a hairy ride getting to and inside the cartelÕs fortress, only to be met with a formidable opponent. I highly recommend this issue: relationships take a back seat to danger and intrigue for this start of a three-parter. I like KeselÕs idea of having SuperboyÕs foes (since the first ish) join forces (unwillingly in some instances) with him. This will undoubtedly lead to great tension and much paranoia - something I look forward to in the next couple of issues! :) Art is by Kesel and Hazlewood - some of the most consistent work from DC that I know of. IÕm sure Tom must be having fun, getting the chance to draw diverse characters for these three issues. Victor Chan ========================================================= STEEL #13, ÒThe Great EscapeÓ (Maximum Orbit: Part 3 0f 3) Writer: Louise Simonson Pencils: Chris Batista Inker: Dan Davis $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: AL: 2.5 Shields JS: 3 Shields - Not quite as good as the first two parts Ñ the ending seemed a bit rushed. BatistaÕs art is strong Ñ detailed & clean (once you get used to his silicon lips and boxersÕ noses). The story opens were the last issue left off Ñ a fight between Steel and the gun-toting-western-cyberpoke. Steel quickly dispatches him and rushes to free Maxima. Steel announces his presence with a thrown hammer that takes the ÒpriestÓ square in the stomach. He quickly frees Maxima and the two of them flee to DeÕcineÕs yacht. There is some suspense as BÕaad arrives with armor- piercing bullets. Steel is able to defeat him by placing a rivet in the barrel of the gun. In the firefight, Steel takes a round in the shoulder but is able to escape with Maxima. They flee in the ship to Earth, but are followed. Maxima sets the ship to explode just after they leave the ship in an escape pod. But some of the debris from the explosion damages the pod and Steel is forced to don a space helmet and hope Maxima can bring him to her ship, which they left in orbit two issues ago. Unfortunately, her ship is not there. Steel will never survive re-entry, nor can he survive the vacuum of space for much longer. Luckily, some of the other members of Extreme Justice arrive and save Steel and Maxima. The team then goes to investigate the satellite that Steel originally hoped to in the opening issue. The satellite explodes before they are able to gain much information. Not really much here. The fight scenes were not too spectacular, but done okay. I thought the art was strong, and there was little artistic license taken with MaximaÕs and the other membersÕ of Extreme Justice renderings. I enjoyed the issues of this story, more so than the drug and gang related stories that have often been the plot for Steel books. But, I do not think this is the strength of the Steel books. Although, I find it much easier to relate to these types of stories than inner city problems, I still think the city problems are important. I hope this does not seem racist. I feel it is important for everyone to have heroes to look up to, and some people may find it as hard to have a hero who was a farmboy from Kansas as I do with someone from Washington DC. I think Louise Simonson does a great job of mixing interesting story and raising public awareness and consciousness. Arthur LaMarche ========================================================= End of Section 2 ========================================================= OTHER SUPER-TITLES (cont): ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- SHOWCASE Ô95 #2, ÒPerfect FormÓ (Part 2 of 2) Starring Supergirl Written by Charles Moore Pencils by Stuart Immonen Inks by Wade Von Grawbadger $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN/L1.50 UK RATINGS: RG: Story 2.5 Shields - Overall, I wasnÕt impressed. Supergirl deserves better Art: 3 Shields - lack of detail, looked rough and unfinished AL: 2.5 Shields - Average ish. This is not a bad thing 8 ) JS: 3 Shields - Very little in the way of story Ñ I especially hate it when SG Òpunks out.Ó Good Immonen art, but Marzan inks him better. Beautiful final panel, though! Supergirl has been captured by the alien entity Dichon who wants to take over her body for his own use. She is able to resist him, and break free. She proceeds to destroy his aspect drones as fast as he can build them. Meanwhile, the boys from Bonedagger Labs are trying to investigate the ship. They get knocked out of the sky and Supergirl has to break off her fight with Dichon to save them. Dichon has informed Supergirl (off panel) that he intends to try to build himself a new body using the crystals that were found under the city. The only problem with this is that the process he intends to use will destroy the city and everything in it. Supergirl comes up with a plan to defeat Dichon. Bailey (one of the Bonedagger scientists) then joins Supergirl on the ship and helps her to defeat Dichon. The story continues in New Titans #120. Supergirl is one of my favorite Superman supporting characters. IÕve always enjoyed her appearances in the past, even when she was completely under LuthorÕs control. This story upset me. The way she carries herself, the (non) use of her abilities, and the lack of personality was depressing. {The second story featured Argus, and has nothing to do with Superman, so it will not be reviewed. The final story was about the Metal Men, who are connected to Superman via their writer, Mike Carlin, and by an appearance in the story by Prof. Hamilton. A brief review follows. ÑJeff} ÒShreddinÕ MetalÓ Written by: Mike Carlin Pencilled by: Paul Pelletier Inks by: John Stokes Following shortly after the Metal Men mini-series of last year we find the original Metal Men and the newest Metal Man, Veridium, undergoing testing by none other than Professor Hamilton. After the testing is completed, they are attacked by Shrapnel, an assassin who has been hired by the Metal MenÕs enemy, Tonegawa. The Metal Men easily defeat Shrapnel learning more about VeridiumÕs abilities in the process. This story was almost worth the price of the book by itself. We got a complete, self-contained story that competently introduces new readers to the established characters. Enough detail is given, both visually and in dialogue, to bring someone who didnÕt read the mini-series up to speed. We get a chance to see the Metal Men back in action in a story that reminded me of the old pre- Crisis group. Admittedly, they all know who they really are now and have real personalities. IÕm looking forward to getting to know them all better, either here, or perhaps in another self-contained series. The Metal Men were one of the most off-beat and interesting set of characters in the old pre-crisis DC universe. IÕm glad to see them back. The art in this story is quite a bit better than what I had expected. While not quite as good as what was in the mini-series, it still had the attention to detail that shows in a more experienced team. My only complaint with the art was in the lack of backgrounds that (to me) detracts from the story. Story: 4 shields - good example of exposition in a short story Art: 4 shields - more background details would have gotten a 5 ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= MINISERIES AND SPECIAL APPEARANCES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ METROPOLIS S.C.U. #4 (of 4), ÒBlack PlagueÓ Writer: Cindy Goff Pencils: Pete Krause Inks: Jose Marzan Jr. $1.50 US/$2.10 Can/70p UK RATINGS: RG: 5 Shields - a great ending to the yearÕs best mini-series so far. AL: 4.5 Shields - Well done, I hope it sold well, so we can see more. JS: 3 Shields - This story never caught my interest, though IÕll admit that the writing was decent. KrauseÕs art was quite lackluster during this series Ñ check Power of Shazam! for a better indication of his talent. All told, though, the final issue was the best of the four. As the story opens, Maggie Sawyer and the SCU are trying to break into the Ark that Dr. Noah Brazil has built. Brazil is planning to unleash nerve agents that will kill every breathing animal on the face of the Earth. Dr. BrazilÕs wife, Felicity, opens the door to the dome to get her cat. Naturally, the SCU grabs her just as Brazil locks down the dome, trapping Maggie inside. The SCU team manages to keep the balloons (containing the nerve agents) from escaping the dome. Maggie manages to defeat Brazil, free the animals from the dome, and trap the nerve agents inside, saving everybody. Maggie is shot and badly injured during the fight with Brazil, and Brazil is accidentally killed by the very animals he built the ark to save. At the end of the story (two weeks later), Maggie is surprised with a welcome home party. Lois resigns her position on the SCU, Toby and MaggieÕs ex-husband, Jim, are getting along better, and Maggie and Toby are back together again. A true ending to the story, tying up all the various plot lines. To me, this is the must have mini-series of the year. It has it all. An interesting and detailed plot with several sub-plots that tie together well. Solid consistent art, well done layouts that convey the feelings behind the dialogue. We get a good inside view of the job that the police play in a super-powered universe. Perhaps more importantly, we get to see the characters reacting to the pressures of the story. The main character of the story is Maggie Sawyer of the Metropolis SCU. We are given a close up of her life in such a way that we can feel her pain and anger as her life and career choices come into conflict. We feel her pain when Toby leaves her and her joy when Toby comes back. We also get to view TobyÕs reaction to the pressures of living with a FULL-TIME cop, as well as her dealings with MaggieÕs daughter and ex-husband, Jim. Everything about MaggieÕs and TobyÕs relationship, with all the stresses and strains are brought out into the open and handled well. When I first started reading this series, I was a bit afraid that the story was going to follow Lois as she worked to gain a position on the SCU. Cindy Goff could easily have followed this path for the story, and I think it would have worked. I am however glad that she chose to follow Maggie instead. Lois (and Superman) show up enough in the series to maintain continuity and the interest of the Superman readers without forcing the story to follow their actions. This series shows more of the Superman supporting cast than we have seen in the main triangle books since he came back from the dead. I, for one, have missed the by-play and insights that the cast brought to the books. I really hope that this series and the Guardians of Metropolis have sold well enough to convince the DC management to put more of the old cast-driven sub-plots back into the triangle books, or (dare I hope) that at least one of the stories in the upcoming Superman Quarterly will focus on the supporting cast the way the old pre-crisis Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Superman Family books did. ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= SUPERMAN: KAL An Elseworld Superman graphic novel Written by:Dave Gibbons Art by: JoseÕ Luis Garcia-Lopez $5.95 US/$8.25 CAN RATINGS: RG: Story: 4.5 - nicely handled, but a little obvious in places Art: 5 - one of the nicest books IÕve seen recently, excellent JS: 5 Shields - Incredible artwork, and a very intriguing (though a bit disturbing) story. KM: 5+ Shields - Outstanding story and nice artwork. This is what Elseworld stories are all about. The stuff of legends. Great work. The story opens with KalÕs ship crashing in the middle of farmer JohnÕs field. He and his wife adopt the baby, raising him as their own. John is constantly afraid that someone is going to find out about where Kal came from and that he and his wife will be burned as witches. One day, the village smith arrives to shoe the farmÕs horse and the bull breaks loose. Kal saves Jamie, smith OllÕs son, from being trampled. The smith, seeing KalÕs super strength, offers to apprentice him, so that his strength will not seem so unusual. Shortly after this, Baron Luthor announces that he will be holding an open tournament in honor of his ÒwardÓ LoisseÕs sixteenth birthday. Kal and many of the townsmen enter the various events, but through trickery and better equipment, LuthorÕs men win every event Ñ until Kal tries his hand in the strength event. He easily wins this event, even though LuthorÕs man tries to cheat. Kal wins the purse, and LoisseÕs heart in the bargain. Kal has his first experience with Kryptonite at this time, as Baron Luthor wears a necklace of it around his neck. This weakens Kal until he is ready to pass out. Nobody, not even Kal or Luthor, connect the necklace to KalÕs weakness. Later, while hunting, Luthor and his men find the ship that Kal arrived in. Not knowing what it is, but finding that the metal is extremely hard, Luthor has Kal forge it into a suit of armor, making Luthor nearly invulnerable. For his service in forging the armor, Luthor announces that he will give Kal whatever he wants as a reward, and Kal chooses to ask to marry Loisse. All seems well except that Luthor chooses to exercise his right of Òdroit de seigneurÓ on Loisse. He and his men capture her, and Kal is knocked unconscious while weakened by the Kryptonite gem that Luthor is still wearing. Loisse refuses to accept LuthorÕs advances and he beats her to death. When Kal regains consciousness, we find that the armor was not the only thing that was forged from the shipÕs metal, he also made a sword. Kal attacks the castle, and the peasants rise in revolt behind him. For the first time Kal uses his powers and defeats Luthor and his men, but he dies in the process. This is really the end of KalÕs story, but I wonÕt spoil the slight twist that end the book. This book, like most of the other Superman-based Elseworld stories assumes that much of SupermanÕs life would remain somewhat similar to his current incarnation. I have always (at least so far) enjoyed the alternate Superman stories, but I am starting to get a little tired of always finding Luthor as the villain. Superman has a great supporting cast of both friends and foes. More use should be made of them. Other than this I can find nothing to really complain about in the treatment of this story. There are (as could be expected) a fair number of similarities between this story and that of King Arthur and other folk legends told of the time. The art in the book is clean and sharp, richly detailed, and a pleasure to look at. The visual layout is finely done and carries the pace of the story well Ñ smaller panels where the story slows down, larger panels where the pace of the story is quicker. All-in-all, this one is definitely a winner and highly recommended. ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= ========================================================= THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Neil A. Ottenstein Episode 6: ÒThe Magnetic TelescopeÓ Released: 4-24-42 Running Time: 7:38 minutes Faster than a speeding bullet More powerful than a locomotive Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound The cartoon starts with a view of the night sky. We then see a telescope with a horseshoe magnet attached to it pointing into the sky. There are pulses coming out of the magnet. The scene switches to the Daily Planet where Perry, Lois and Clark are discussing the experiment. Clark says, ÒHope nothing goes wrong,Ó just before parts of a flaming comet hit the city. The Daily Planet headline is ÒMagnetic Telescope Endangers City,Ó with another headline of ÒAstronomical Experiments Must Cease Says Mayor.Ó In the observatory the astronomer explains that he will not cease his experiments no matter what the possible cost. He will bring a comet within a mile for study and then send it back again. He tells the policemen there, ÒAny interference may prove disastrous,Ó which we soon see. A wall goes up isolating the astronomer so he can perform his experiment. The police, unable to get to him turn away. The astronomer powers up the magnetic telescope, pulling a comet in. The police break in the dynamo room and manage to stop the power much to the astronomerÕs distress - Òthe pull of gravity will bring it crashing to Earth any minute!Ó The comet comes crashing into some other body which causes destruction. Everyone but Lois leaves the observatory. Lois calls the situation in to the Daily Planet just before parts of the observatory crash in on her. Clark is driven towards the observatory, but is abandoned by his driver after they see more destruction. He changes in the car and soon arrives at the observatory as Superman. Superman frees Lois and while Lois watches through the telescope, he flies up to try to send the comet back through his own power. He is unsuccessful and falls back to Earth as pieces of the comet hit the city causing more damage. He tries again and falls into the observatory. He starts the power up again and must conduct the electricity through his body to connect power wires. He calls out to Lois to adjust the telescope controls. She puts it in reverse and the comet is repulsed. We see silhouettes and LoisÕ cry, ÒOh, Superman you were wonderful.Ó She kisses and he says ÒYouÕre pretty wonderful yourself.Ó The lights go on to reveal Clark as the one whom Lois has kissed. She asks him how he got there. It ends with Clark saying, ÒThanks to Superman.Ó There were some quite interesting aspects to this cartoon. When the title was first shown, the word ÒMagneticÓ as flickering with a sound effect as if energy was pulsing through the word. ClarkÕs changing just in a car was a bit different from other times. The identity confusion was an amusing touch. As opposed to many in the series there was no Daily Planet headline heralding that Superman saved the day. The most dramatic scene of the whole cartoon is that of Superman with the electrical power being conducted through his body. It is an amazing image which would make a magnificent poster. I donÕt know why the obvious scientific implausibility of this episode disturbed me more than the fantastic scenes in other cartoons, but it did. Still, accounting for 1942 it is not unreasonable and the cartoon as a whole is most enjoyable. 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 ========================================================= ========================================================= LOOKING BACK ÑÑÑÑÑÑ AFTER-BYRNE: Reviews of the Post-Crisis Man of Steel ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ PANIC IN THE SKY! ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Reviewed by Jeffery D. Sykes (sykes@ms.uky.edu) SECOND STRIKE ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- SUPERMAN #65, ÒHead ManÓ March 1992 Written by Dan Jurgens Art by Dan Jurgens & Brett Breeding Cover Price: $1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK Overstreet Price: $1.00 US Almerac. Metron, of the New Gods, has arrived to inspect the destruction wrought by Warworld. As he prepares to warn those planets in WarworldÕs path, Metron is suddenly debilitated by a vicious psychic attack from Brainiac. In a last-ditch effort, Metron manages to send his Mobius Chair away as a warning before falling to Brainiac. Cadmus. While aiding Dubbilex and Guardian in cleaning up the projectÕs facilities, Superman is surprised by the sudden materialization of the Mobius Chair. With his own psychic abilities, Dubbilex ascertains the chairÕs ownership and purpose, but he is interrupted by the explosive arrival of Orion and Lightray, who have come looking for Metron. When Superman explains that they believe Metron has been captured by Warworld, the two New Gods rush off to Warworld to rescue their comrade. Metropolis. Rather than joining Orion and Lightray, Superman travels to LoisÕ apartment, where he waits to see how the two fare against Brainiac. However, he is quickly psychically contacted by Brainiac, who shows Superman that his forces, including Maxima, have easily dispatched the New Gods. Brainiac is still careful, however, to conceal the presence of Supergirl from the Man of Steel. Enraged, Superman decides to take the fight to Brainiac, and flies off in search of his own army. LexCorp Tower. After quick trips to enlist the aid of Professor Hamilton, Deathstroke, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, Superman gathers the heroes at LexÕs tower to organize a plan of attack. {Roll Call: The Metal Men, Gangbuster, Guardian, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Batman, Flash, Valor, Guy Gardner, Fire, Ice, Elongated Man, Rocket Red, Crimson Fox, Kilowog, Captain Marvel, Agent Liberty, Thorn, Starman (Will Payton), the Forever People, Mister Miracle, and Big Barda join Superman, Deathstroke, and Wonder Woman.} Several of the lesser-powered heroes join to organize an Earth-Defense squad, while the others will proceed to Warworld. But before they can act, the meeting is interrupted by the arrival of BrainiacÕs headship from the bottom of the bay, where it has captured Aquaman! To be continued... This story is a very fast read, but quite a bit happens during the read. Once again, as in the previous chapters of this tale, there is a bit of focus on the supporting cast and the background relationships. But the primary focus of the story Ñ the assembling of the heroes Ñ is not slighted. There was a small continuity problem. Orion and Lightray depart from Cadmus, and Superman fails to warn them about Brainiac being in control of Warworld. Yet when they are in battle with WarworldÕs forces, Lightray mentions that they should direct their wrath at Òthe man Superman spoke of...Brainiac!Ó Oops! :) The art is Jurgens & Breeding. Generally speaking, that means Òenough said!Ó But itÕs interesting to note that the style here is noticeably different from their current style. It may simply be that the art process is a bit different than it was even three years ago, but it seems that the drawings were a bit softer back then. This can especially be seen in the depictions of the other heroes Ñ including a fabulous rendition of Captain Marvel! As well, the heroines werenÕt quite as, ahem, loaded as they tend to be illustrated today. Like the ÒFirst Strike,Ó this issue features larger panels than the prologue, but this helps to show off the dynamic art. This part of the story isnÕt quite as meaty as the first two, but it is very thorough and solidly written. Combining this storytelling with the beautiful artwork, this chapter rates 4 shields! ========================================================= THIRD STRIKE ÑÑÑÑÑÑ THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #488, ÒCounter Strike!Ó March 1992 Written by Jerry Ordway Art by Tom Grummett & Doug Hazlewood Cover art by Tom Grummett & Jerry Ordway Cover Price: $1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK Overstreet Price: $1.00 US Our heroes spring into battle against the reactivated headship, careful not to injure the captured Aquaman. Organized under a battle plan executed at pre-arranged Kryptonian commands, the heroes manage to fell the ship and break inside with the help of Dubbilex and the Mobius Chair. Amidst the inane jibes propagated primarily by Guy Gardner, as was the style of the Justice League in those days, the heroes find their way to core of the ship. There they find a large cylinder which Dubbilex informs them is holding Aquaman, and Superman frees the King of the Seas with a careful blast of heat-vision. As Warworld nears Earth, Maxima becomes restless, itching to join the fray. Brainiac refuses to involve his ÒspecialÓ troops, but he transports many of WarworldÕs combatants to Earth. Fortunately, some of the gathered heroes remained behind for just such an emergency, and Batman leads them into battle against the Warworld forces. Meanwhile, Dubbilex has used the Mobius Chair to increase his abilities and take control of the headship. He and SupermanÕs team proceed on course for Warworld, and their arrival surprises even Brainiac Ñ he is impressed with the fact that someone has been able to wrest control of the ship *and* cloak its arrival. He tries to regain control, but Dubbilex manages to resist, revealing himself to Brainiac in the process. Angered, Brainiac takes MaximaÕs suggestion and tractors the ship in to WarworldÕs arena. Superman exists the ship to find Draaga waiting for him. When Gardner jumps into the mix, Brainiac teleports Maxima onto the playing field, where she promptly blasts Superman. Amidst some squabbling between Maxima and Draaga over the rights to kill the Man of Steel, the other heroes emerge and engage the combatants. This prompts Brainiac to play his trump card, unleashing Supergirl upon the unsuspecting heroes. While the three pawns of Brainiac focus squarely on Kal-El, the other heroes begin to move upon a shouted command from Superman. Miffed at his warriorsÕ refusal to obey his commands, Brainiac unleashes the denizens of Warworld upon the other heroes. With his attentions split, Brainiac begins to lose his control of Supergirl and Draaga. Eventually, Superman manages to knock some sense into Supergirl, and she forces Draaga to release the Man of Steel. At this turn of events, Maxima teleports back to Brainiac, who gloats that things are essentially proceeding according to plan. On the condition that Superman agree to a final contest, Draaga joins with the heroes against Brainiac. Unfortunately, we lose the supporting cast side-stories in this issue, but itÕs necessary to the relating of all the battle action. And Jerry Ordway is a master at writing action sequences! The most striking thing to notice is that not every little action is blatantly described to the readers in dialogue and picture. A good example is the latest issue of Action Comics. Notice how when Superman is first drawn into DeathtrapÕs snare, we are given redundant thought balloons as Superman describes what we are seeing. Come on! WeÕre not that stupid. With OrdwayÕs writing, we see the action and we read the charactersÕ reactions to these dilemmas. For example, when Superman frees Aquaman, we see the blast of heat vision, and we read *why* the heat vision is being used. We donÕt simply have a thought balloon telling us Superman is using his heat vision! The art. What can I say about the art? The fans all agree that Grummett & Hazlewood are about as good as it gets. As a reader in this issueÕs letter column wrote, Ò...he is the top DC penciller right now....His work is very detailed, easy to follow, clear, precise, and of course, very, very consistent.Ó ThatÕs G&H to a tee. And in this issue, their Superman, Batman, Brainiac, and Maxima renditions are killer. The cover is inked by Jerry Ordway over Tom GrummettÕs inks, and though this is a nice combination, I must admit that his covers IÕve seen inked by Karl Kesel and by Hazlewood are much better. Yet another great issue, and a *prime* example of what action-packed fight scenes should be like! It really doesnÕt get any better than this! 5 Shields! See you next month, as the panic reaches a fevered pitch! Jeff ========================================================= End of Section 3 ========================================================= LEGACIES: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ THE SILVER AGE SUPERMAN ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Bill Morse (BillMorse@aol.com) I became conscious of Superman in the mid-fifties, when I was about five years old. The George Reeves show was on television, as were the Fleischer cartoons. Superman was appearing in Superman, Action, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, WorldÕs Finest, Superboy, and Adventure comics. Superman was a favorite game among all of my neighborhood friends. (Since DisneyÕs Zorro was also on TV, our games were crossovers between the DC universe and the Zorro universe.) The secret identity aspect of both Superman and Zorro was a big attraction. I had made costumes for both characters, out of old pajamas and underwear. My coup was that I had a red cape and a black cape. My mother had let me have two old skirts, the big flowing fifties type. I slit them and voila! Instant capes! The comics fascinated me, especially the artwork, and particularly Wayne BoringÕs artwork. It was highly stylized and other-worldly. I had missed SupermanÕs first decade-and-a-half, during which the artwork had progressed from Joe ShusterÕs often crude drawings. Boring had first been brought in by Siegel and Shuster, to copy ShusterÕs style. But Boring soon developed his own distinctive style. As with all of the artists of the Silver Age, Superman was not rendered like todayÕs ideal of a slim, muscular man. He was very thick-waisted and thick-necked. An artist of our era would use that sort of body to indicate a brutish character, along the lines of the Hulk. But this was another eraÕs heroic ideal. BoringÕs art didnÕt appear as frequently in the sixties. Curt Swan became THE Superman artist. But Boring continued to draw occasional stories even through the seventies. His last published artwork was a short story about Jor-El in Metropolis, which was inked by John Byrne! This was in the last few months before Byrne re-invented Superman. It was a fitting collaboration. Can anyone identify that issue for me? When I look at BoringÕs artwork today, it evokes a feel of the fifties, and also a feeling of strangeness and alienation, in the way that DitkoÕs work did on Spider-man and Dr. Strange. So does the musical score of the George Reeves TV show. (The score, as opposed to the theme song, was not heroic music so much as it was haunting and evocative, much like Bernard HerrmannÕs scores for the Hitchcock films of the era. I have done my best to try and track down any information on the composer and availability of the score, to no avail. If anyone has any information, please let me know.) At that time, the artwork, music, and legend were all part of one gestalt. Superman wasnÕt just another superhero, he was THE superhero. Batman was around, and Wonder Woman, but the revivals of Flash, Green Lantern, and other icons of the Silver Age such as the Justice League, were still a couple of years in the future. Nostalgia doesnÕt blind me to the shortcomings of the Silver Age comics. They were quite definitely aimed at children, ages 5 to 12. Editor Mort Weisinger didnÕt believe in writing above their heads, to put it kindly. He got many of his story ideas by asking the kids in his neighborhood what theyÕd like to see. ÒMake Superman an Indian Chief!Ó ÒHow about Giant Superbaby meets Super-Gorilla?Ó The scripting and plot devices were contrived beyond all reason. Lois Lane was an annoying snoop, always trying to unmask Clark, or alternately, detesting him as a weakling. She was not very likable. The last panel of each story would frequently depict Clark winking at the reader as he stammered out an extremely implausible excuse to Lois: ÒI...er..suppose that Superman must have...um...disguised himself as me to teach you a lesson, when I...er, that is, he...caught you falling from that plane, Lois.Ó Yeah, thatÕs the ticket! On the plus side, even though the plots and scripts were implausible, they held far more story content than todayÕs stories. TodayÕs scripts are far more realistic, but the plots are still contrived. In the Silver Age, Superman had three complete self-contained stories in each issue. The writing was more dense than todayÕs, in terms of moving the story along and covering a lot of ground in just a few pages. Conflicts with super-villains were not the main topic in the majority of stories. Some of the common themes of the Silver Age Superman stories were: the secret identity issue, including Lois and Lana as snoops; red kryptonite, Mr. Mxyzptlk, or magic causing strange or comical transformations in Superman or his friends; unlikely time-travel meetings between members of the supporting cast (Jimmy meets Superboy, Perry White on Krypton, Ma and Pa Kent adopt Supergirl, Lex Luthor trying to steal Lara from Jor-El, Bruce Wayne in Smallville); every member of the supporting cast having a shot at super-powers; numerous survivors of Krypton, including people, animals, books, technology, artifacts; Superman look-alikes or other super-heroes who were the Superman of their planet/dimension/era; unlikely freak coincidences such as a doctor from Earth being whisked back in time to save Jor-ElÕs life on Krypton, or Jor-El observing Earth and helping to bring about the marriage of Jonathan and Martha Kent; L.L. as the initials of all of SupermanÕs female friends, and many males as well; Batman, Green Arrow, and Aquaman frequently popping up to help out by disguising as Clark or Superman, or helping to teach Lois a lesson; the wackiness of the Bizarro world; and Lois LaneÕs constant scheming to get Superman to marry her. Many stories in LoisÕ own book featured her having a romance with a super-hero from another planet, to make Superman jealous. Some over-used themes that got old fast were: ÒJimmy OlsenÑSupermanÕs EX Friend!Ó, ÒEVIL Superman, GOOD Clark!Ó, ÒMa and Pa KentÕs FIRST Super Child!Ó, ÒSmallvilleÕs NEW Super-Hero!Ó, ÒThe Perry White of Steel!Ó, and ÒJor-El and LaraÑALIVE?Ó Other Krypton survivors featured prominentlyÑthere was the bottle city of Kandor, which had been captured and shrunk by Brainiac before Krypton exploded, then rescued by Superman and kept in his Fortress (no one ever thanked Brainiac for saving their city from destruction); there was the Phantom Zone, a form of ghostly exile invented and imposed by Jor-El (too bad he saved all of the criminals and didnÕt think to use it to save everyone else); and there was Krypto and Beppo the Super-Monkey, who were placed in experimental rockets by Jor-El. And of course, there was Supergirl, and her whole Argo City, which was thrown off of Krypton and survived for years after KryptonÕs destruction. For several years after Supergirl was introduced, she kept her existence a secret, and that plot device generated many stories. There was an interesting series of stories that involved SuperboyÕs friend Pete Ross, who found out ClarkÕs secret identity by accident, decided not to burden Clark with that knowledge, and secretly helped protect ClarkÕs identity. There was a series in which Superboy invented a memory enhancer, since there were some Kryptonite-induced gaps in his super-memory. He would sit under the helmet and re-live his early days on Krypton. It appeared that he was three or even four years old before he was sent to Earth, definitely not an infant. There were countless stories about SupermanÕs Fortress of Solitude, and the many trophies therein. The majority of these stories were lightweight, throwaway entertainment. It was very rare for a story to actually cause a permanent change in the whole mythos. Some exceptions were the introductory stories of Kandor, Phantom Zone, etc. The Legion of Super-Heroes were introduced at this time, and they have become a cornerstone of the DC Universe. The exceptions to these disposable stories were the book-length ÒThree-Part NovelsÓ. Once in a while, a book would feature a long story in three chapters, instead of three unrelated stories. These were generally much better plotted, and dealt with some more fundamental aspect of SupermanÕs life. There was more romance and tragedy in these stories. One Three-Part Novel contained as much storytelling as five or six issues of a story ÒarcÓ in a contemporary comic. There was a story about an exact duplicate of Superman who was found and raised by criminals. This wasnÕt an issue-length battle, it was a sympathetic story of this other potential Superman, twisted into something dark. He only confronted Superman once, at the very end, and instead of a slug-fest, he realized what he had missed all of his life, and sacrificed himself in one final, heroic act. This story gave a lot of insight into the role the Kents had played in creating Superman. An intriguing concept arose out of the Three-Part Novel: the imaginary story. This concept allowed writers to bend and re-invent some of the constrictions of SupermanÕs legend. The format was very successful and survives today in the Elseworlds stories and MarvelÕs What If...? series. There were stories such as ÒLuthor Kills Superman!Ó (the first Death of Superman story); ÒSuperman Red and Superman BlueÓ (Superman is permanently split into two identical selves, who pool their resources and solve all of their problems, marry Lois AND Lana, and reap the rewards of an extraordinarily heroic life); and my personal favorite, ÒWhat If Krypton Had Never Exploded?Ó Future articles about the Silver Age Superman will go into some of these outstanding stories in depth, particularly stories (real and imaginary) in which Superman finds himself back on Krypton. ========================================================= SUPERMAN: THE VIRUS-X SERIAL ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By Jon B. Knutson Anyone who is of the opinion that DC Comics didnÕt publish multi-part stories in the 60Õs has obviously not read many of the Superman titles from that period. There were several serialized stories, and this is one of them, in digest format. This serial, which IÕve called ÒThe Virus X Serial,Ó is noteworthy for several reasons, the first of which is how well it can serve as a primer for the Silver Age Superman lore. As you read onward, youÕll encounter many facets of this lore, which enriched the story immensely. YouÕll also note the number of Òguest starsÓ that were involved with the story, which is fairly unusual for a 60Õs Superman storyline. Readers of Action Comics and Superman in the 60Õs may well have reasoned that these stories took place on their own world (which some have called Earth-Weisinger, named for Mort Weisinger, usually credited for most of the lore because he edited the line), where Batman and the rest of the Justice League didnÕt seem to exist, especially since there were times where it must have seemed to the readership that Superman could have used their help, but they were nowhere to be seen. As DC tried to ÒMarvelizeÓ their line, more and more continued stories were seen, as well as more and more appearances by other DC characters, most prominently Batman (which makes sense, as Metropolis and Gotham were often noted as being close, and the two were good friends at the time). This story is also noteworthy for the style of the plotting. When you get to the last chapter, youÕll be amazed at how it was plotted... but I wonÕt spoil it for you by telling you anything too early. The serial began in Action Comics #362, Apr 68, with ÒThe Head of Hate!Ó Ventor, the ventriloquist, is secretly a crime boss, who also believes his brother, Bruno, is still alive (although he simply provides a voice to a Bruno dummy). Ventor supervises making up an armored truck that isnÕt armored, which is exchanged for a real armored truck Clark Kent will accompany on a delivery of charity funds to the bank. Just outside Metropolis, the truck is ambushed, and Clark manages to prevent the guards from being injured, but must let himself be captured to protect his secret identity. At VentorÕs headquarters, a giant Superman head is revealed, built from components of a defective Superman robot, which is used to brainwash Clark into hating Superman. Clark balks at actually killing Superman, but when heÕs shown dummies of Lois, Jimmy and Perry and told Superman beat them, he uses self-hypnosis to convince himself to kill Superman, attacking the giant head in the process. The serial continues in Action Comics 363, May 68, with ÒThe Leper from Krypton!Ó In prison, Lex Luthor re-creates Virus X, which can kill Superman. He passes this on to Ventor the ventriloquist during VentorÕs prison show, and Ventor passes it on to Clark Kent, who has been hypnotized to kill Superman. Clark, at his apartment, infects himself with Virus X, and remembers heÕs Superman. He recalls the stages of Virus X - Panic syndrome, followed by the Òmummy effect,Ó and destruction of the immune system. Luthor announces on TV that he was the person who re-created Virus X, and taunts Superman with that knowledge. Superman has to stay away from people, as he could spread Virus X to all of humanity. He makes one last task... to clear out his office at the Planet as Clark Kent. As he is clearing his desk, he realizes the leprosy symptom has spread to his face, leaving him with a Two-Face-like appearance. Lois enters the office, and Clark tries to keep the ÒcleanÓ side of his face to her, as well as keeping her from being infected. Part three appears in Action Comics #364, Jun 68, with ÒThe Untouchable of Metropolis! Clark is in his office at the Daily Planet when he realizes that the Virus X symptoms have spread to his face, when he notices Lois is entering the room. Moving at super-speed, he changes to Superman before Lois can tell Clark was there. Superman leaves, discovering the Gimmick Gang is raiding a gold shipment. The Gang gives up, fearing theyÕll be infected by Virus X. Meanwhile, the UN puts together an emergency medical conference to try to cure Superman, with no luck. They do, however, provide him with a germ-proof fiberglass suit to keep him from infecting anyone else. Luthor announces on TV he can cure Superman, demonstrating by using his cure on a cat infected with Virus X. He demands one million dollars and freedom to cure Superman, but when the money is raised, Luthor reveals he didnÕt have a cure, and if he did, he wouldnÕt give it to Superman... announcing he faked the cure of the cat. Superman flies to the Fortress, where Supergirl suggests sending him to the Phantom Zone. However, the Phantom Zone villains use their mental power to keep him out, fearing heÕll somehow infect them. Superman tricks Supergirl into going into Kandor, where he traps her there until he leaves, then he destroys all the advanced weapons in the Fortress. Superman then boards a spaceship and launches himself towards the hottest sun in the universe. The penultimate chapter of the story appears in Action Comics 365, Jul 68, in ÒSupermanÕs Funeral!Ó The rocket carrying the Virus X-afflicted Superman is tracked as it speeds towards the sun Flammbron. Superman witnesses rituals on many planets to show their respect for Superman. Superman recalls his own history as the ship approaches Flammbron, finally passing the Bizarro World, where Bizarros throw Red K and White K at SupermanÕs rocket coffin. Before entering the corona of Flammbron, Supergirl brings Lois, Lana and Lori to say a last goodbye, then SupermanÕs rocket coffin enters Flammbron. The final chapter appeared in Action Comics 366, Aug 68, ÒSubstitute Superman!Ó When SupermanÕs rocket coffin enters the sun Flammbron, the Flammbronians create a thermionic sheath to protect the ship. They bring Superman to a crystalline world to discover heÕs been cured of Virus X. Superman realizes when the Bizarros threw White Kryptonite at him, it mustÕve destroyed the Virus X bacteria, since White K is deadly to all plants. Superman returns to earth, but discovers that no oneÕs reacting to his presumed death. Switching to Clark, he goes to the Planet, where Lois tells him Superman told her Clark would be back soon. Hearing a message for Superman, Clark changes and goes to the scene of a construction accident, where he sees Batman and another Superman pulling off the rescue. The second Superman leaves before the real Superman can question him. Changing back to Clark, he checks the files at the Planet, and finds a story saying he was cured. Another disaster occurs, and Superman flies to the rescue, only to find Supergirl and his super-double already accomplishing the rescue. Other emergencies follow, and Superman observes his double pulling off the rescues. Suddenly, he realizes whatÕs going on. He flies to the JLA Secret Sanctuary, to find Supergirl presiding over a meeting of Supermen. The other Supermen are revealed as JLA members who used their own powers and abilities to sub for Superman, since Kandor was taking too long to choose a new Superman. Superman thanks the JLAÕers. So, there you have it! So far, in my research, I only found one additional mention of Virus X, which appears in a serial I like to call ÒTime After Time,Ó which will be the next serial in this series of articles. Jon Knutson jonknutson@aol.com ========================================================= ACTION COMICS #343, ÒEterno the ImmortalÓ November 1966 $0.12 Rating: 3.5 Shields I decided to review this one because it is the oldest issue in my collection. It doesnÕt even reveal who wrote it or inked it. But considering the age, it is in pretty good shape. The cover has Superman getting hit in the chest by a gigantic orange arm with a brown glove on the hand. He is suspended above a group of terrified onlookers who fear this may be the end of their hero. The story starts out with a starship out in space heading toward the Sol planetary system, the home of planet Earth. Inhabiting the ship are members of the Superman Revenge Squad. Despite their being beaten by Superman numerous times in the past, (anyone ever heard of them?) one of the leaders, Arl, has a plan that will eliminate the Man of Steel once and for all. Arl explains to Garan that about a billion years ago there existed on earth, the XAN, a Òsuper-civilization of tall, handsome people, who lived in mighty sky-cities built by their super-science.Ó The scientists also created a 50-foot immortal half-robot, half-android, creature called Eterno. Using his immense strength and heat vision he was able to assist the XAN in their daily tasks. He was also able to store knowledge and power in his artificial brain which made him too wise and too powerful for his own good. He decides to take over Earth and enslave the unsuspecting subjects. Unfortunately another disaster overtook the XAN in the form of a cloud of space gas, which drifted to earth. The XAN discovered the menace and instructed Eterno to dig up the element Absorbium to absorb the deadly gas. However, the AbsorbiumÕs strange power paralyzes Eterno 4,000 miles beneath the center of the Earth. Since he canÕt move, the Xan slowly die out. Back to present day. Garan plans to free Eterno with a cyclo-ray and use him to destroy Superman. ÒThe searing ray spurts from the side of the ship...and cuts a swath through space...it enters our atmosphere...then cleaves the oceanÕs waters...slicing through the earthÕs crust and the rocky mantle beneath, it reaches the inert Eterno and vaporizes the Absorbium at his feet.Ó After thousands of eons Eterno emerges from an exploding volcano to wreak havoc and chaos on an unsuspecting planet. Cut to the Daily Planet where Clark Kent detects some earth tremors. A helicopter hovers outside the window with a broadcast for Superman. He is being summoned to the Metropolis Science Institute. He rushes over to the institute and is briefed with the details of the rampaging Eterno from a scientist who saw the monster emerge from the volcano. Coincidentally, Eterno just happens to be entering Metropolis. He realizes that this is not the race that constructed him, but what the heck, heÕll conquer them anyway. The next few panels show Eterno and Superman battling it out in the streets of Metropolis. Superman is amazed at the sheer strength and willpower of the android. Superman decides to use the Daily Planet Globe to try and stop his opponent. Of course, it does no good; Eterno is just too tough. He grabs Superman in midair and they both use their heat vision to try and stop each other. High above the battle the Superman Revenge Squad is carefully monitoring the activities. Without realizing the loudspeaker has been switched on, one of the Squad members proudly announces that Eterno is merely their puppet. Well, Eterno doesnÕt take that too kindly and switches his attention from Superman to the space ship. Eterno uses his heat vision to disable the ship, forcing it to crash. The disabled crew uses their atomic transmuter to change some nuclear capsules to Absorbium which they fire at the approaching Eterno. Paralyzed once again, he falls on top of the trapped ship, killing them instantly. Superman investigates the damage, discovering how the Revenge Squad managed to release Eterno. ÒHow ironic,Ó he states. ÒBy destroying him, they destroyed themselves.Ó Well, the story is a little cheesy, but I enjoyed it. One of the best scenes is during the battle. Eterno tells Superman, ÒI will end your petty interference.Ó Superman replies, ÒIn a pigÕs eye you will!Ó ThatÕs classic. The writers didnÕt have to worry about being Òpolitically correctÓ in the 1960Õs. The drawings are crude and the comic reminded me of the Superman Fleischer cartoons. In a lot of ways it had some Doomsday residue mixed in it. Eterno, being immortal, rises from the depths of earth to do battle with Superman. He is created by a race of creatures billions of years ago who themselves are destroyed before they are enslaved by Eterno. The only problem I had was Superman letting the crew of the Revenge Squad die. TodayÕs Superman would have pushed Eterno out of the way before he crushed the ship. Not a great comic, but not a bad one either. One more nostalgic momentÑthe inside front cover had an advertisement for Punt, Pass, & Kick. Smile if you remember those days (before 1968). I was 13 years old. I never wanted to enter; I just wanted the PP&K pin. Ken McKee stdkrm01@shsu.edu ========================================================= ========================================================= KC CONTEST!!! ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ItÕs contest time again readers! Put your thinking caps on and answer the following question: Which Supes comic featured the first post-Byrne appearance of red Kryptonite? Be careful, it might not be as easy a question as it sounds! :) Send your answers to me at KryptonCN@aol.com or at sykes@ms.uky.edu, and be certain to include your name as well as your e-mail address. KC staff *are* eligible for this contest (except for David Chappell, who provided the question, and myself), because... One winner will be selected from all correct entries to receive a copy of Superman: The Man of Steel #1, autographed by Louise Simonson! So dig through those collections and get me those answers! ========================================================= End of Section 4 ========================================================= LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ UP, UP, AND COMING: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Jennifer & Jeff News: Things are looking good for a third season! First, several sources report that Lois & Clark has garnished a solid second in its time slot so far this season. And John Shea, in an interview on America Online, has reported that he may be coming back to play Lex Luthor in a cliff- hanger season finale! Sounds like a third season to me! Welcome back FOLCs! I hope you are ready for another installment of our Lois and Clark section. This month, along with the usual excellent articles that appear, we will be reviewing ÒThe Eyes Have ItÓ, a January episode. In February we will finally get some relief from three weeks of L&C pre-emptions with what promises to be a wonderful episode: Lex Luthor is back... This episode also promises romantic development for our darling duo. Also coming in February, ÒThe Return of the PranksterÓ with Bronson Pinchot as Kyle Griffin. So to refresh your memory, this month we offer a never before seen review of the original episode ÒThe PranksterÓ. Next monthÕs issue will contain reviews of ÒMetalloÓ and ÒChi of SteelÓ also. So here we go..... ========================================================= YOU CANÕT ROLLERSKATE IN A BUFFALO HERD ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- By Zoomway This article will be dedicated to futility as the title implies. I canÕt comment on the upcoming romantic arc between Lois and Clark because we go to press even before the first installment of said romance gets underway. Ah, futility. Speaking of which, IÕve discovered, or I should say rediscovered, that sexual tension does not have to be lost once Lois and Clark actually fall in love. The futility of unrequited love in this instance would not be frustrating however, but actually....amusing. While reading a friendÕs fanfic, I was reminded of a comic; Superman in Action Comics #681. My friendÕs story had nothing to do with what went on in that comic issue, in fact, that comic, like the Lois and Clark program itself, illustrates how we fans enjoy the characterization better than the actual plot. The plot was pretty forgettable, but the characterization of L&C in that issue was wonderful. Why? Sexual tension. I donÕt mean the bad kind that TV shows like Moonlighting used to keep a couple from ever falling in love and ever having a romance. A different kind of Sexual tension that comes from already being in love and wanting to be together, but circumstances conspire to prevent the ÔconnectionÕ from happening. The comic had Lois in proximity to Superman throughout this long ordeal in the previous issues. She knows Superman is Clark, but she canÕt be with Clark when heÕs Superman. This in itself creates a sexual tension between the two of them. A deep longing to be close, but knowing they canÕt be, at least not while heÕs Superman and they are surrounded by onlookers. Later, when the crisis is over, Clark is able to approach Lois as himself. ItÕs a wonderfully illustrated picture which expresses the relief and quiet satisfaction of being able to hold each other in public again. But they still are not in a position where they can be alone together, they have to get back to the Daily Planet. As Perry White is ranting on and on to the city editor, Lois and Clark are whispering to each other. The dialog doesnÕt hint at anything at all romantic, but itÕs the way the couple are interacting that sells the moment. Even though their whispered conversation is business as usual, Clark has LoisÕ face tipped up towards his, and their mouths are very close together. They donÕt dare kiss while PerryÕs on the warpath, so the tension builds. In the next panel, Jimmy is talking to Clark, and Clark is responding to Jimmy, BUT Clark never takes his eyes off Lois while heÕs talking, and Lois is in this rather seductive but restless pose. Finally, as if they canÕt stand it any longer, Lois and Clark say theyÕre stepping out for some air (tee hee) they rendezvous inside the giant globe atop the Daily Planet building. Even here, everything is wonderfully understated. They still canÕt share a romantic moment because Clark has to change back into Superman and take care of some business elsewhere, but their brief time alone in the globe is very well handled. Clark changes very slowly back into Superman, and we get to see Lois from his point of view as heÕs changing. Lois is appreciatively watching Clark as he changes, but we do not see him change, we only see LoisÕ riveted attention. Clark makes some clever statement and Lois ÔwagglesÕ her hips (yes waggle, not wiggle) and says, ÒYouÕre so clever. Brainy as well as brawny.Ó Clark (fully changed into Superman now) wraps his arms around her from behind and presses his lips to her ear, and he has a great ÔI want youÕ expression on his face. BUT he has to go and do the Superman bit. As heÕs soaring into the sky, his thought bubble says, ÒThat woman is an absolute jewel. Asking her to marry me was the smartest thing I ever did. ItÕs good having someone to share life with.Ó Now thatÕs GOOD sexual tension. ========================================================= EPISODE REVIEWS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Episode #12: ÒThe Eyes Have ItÓ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- By Jennifer Traver (ksq3@maristb.marist.edu) US Airdate: January 22, 1995 Guest Starring: Farrah Forke, David Bowe, and Gerrit Graham Teleplay by: Kathy McCormick Story by: Kathy McCormick & Grant Rosenberg Directed by: Bill DÕelia In this episode, the Superman/Clark dichotomy becomes ever clearer as it becomes hard for Clark to separate his two lives. Superman becomes blinded by an evil eye doctor and is incapable of carrying out his responsibilities. His duties as Clark are also compromised. He canÕt very well present a blind Clark; his true identity would become clear to his friends too quickly. So what is he going to do if the blindness is permanent? This episode actually had some suspense in it. An evil eye doctor and his henchman kill a brilliant scientist who has just created a device that can send knowledge on a beam of light through the eyes and into the brain. But before they can kill him, the scientist breaks into LoisÕ apartment and shines the beam in her eyes, transferring the knowledge to her brain and leaving the device in her apartment. Lois unknowingly takes the device, disguised as a ball-point pen, to the Daily Planet. The evil eye doctor, Dr. Harold Light (haha), hatches a plan to neutralize Superman by blinding him. They plan to use Lois to lure Superman to them where they shine a purple beam into his eyes, blinding him. He flies with Lois back to her apartment, crashing through her window. Superman stays the night on LoisÕ couch, clearly uncomfortable with his dependence on someone else. Lois tries to help Superman by calling a doctor from Star Labs to see him. But Dr. Light overhears the conversation and impersonates the Star Labs doctor. So Superman is still blind and Clark is missing, much to the dismay and anger of Lois. The subplot, meanwhile, reintroduces Mason Drake, ClarkÕs almost love interest. She has asked Clark to come away to her cabin in the mountains for the weekend and Clark sort of agrees. So when Clark is missing from work, everyone thinks he has left early for his weekend with Mason. However, when Mason shows up at the Planet looking for Clark, she, Perry and Jimmy can hardly believe Clark has stood her up. Lois gets kidnapped at this time (Twenty minutes until the end of the episode, as usual) and Superman can do nothing to help her. The Kents come in to try and help Superman figure out what to do. At about the same time, Lois and Superman realize that the device is at the Planet. So Lois, accompanied by Dr. Light and his henchman go to the Planet to retrieve it. Superman is one step ahead. A scene ensues in the dark (got to even the score a little...) where Superman hands over the device only to the doctor in return for LoisÕ release. At this moment Lois breaks free, grabs the doctorÕs light instrument and shines infrared light into SupermanÕs eyes to counteract the effects of the ultraviolet light that originally blinded him. Superman regains his sight just in time to destroy the device and blind the doctor and his buddy. Back at the Planet, ClarkÕs return causes much misunderstanding, Perry is disappointed in Clark, Mason is humiliated and hurt and Lois is angry. Lois demands to know where Clark has been and for once, he doesnÕt have anything to say. As a proponent of Clark disclosing his true identity to Lois, I loved how this episode made it hard for him to integrate his two lives. Sooner or later Clark is going to have to tell Lois, and its becoming sooner. ========================================================= Episode #4: ÒThe PranksterÓ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- By Jennifer Traver (ksq3@maristb.marist.edu) US Airdate: October 9, 1994 Guest Starring: Rick Overton, Harold Gould, Leonard Termo, John Fleck, J.D. Cullum, and Special Appearance by Bronson Pinchot as ÒThe PranksterÓ Written by: Grant Rosenberg Directed by: James Hayman ÒThe PranksterÓ was not a bad episode; it was representative of the standard of quality in the episodes of this season. It was peppered with some comedic scenes, yet the plot depended too heavily on SupermanÕs superpowers. I actually counted how many times he used his powers (eight). Most of these examples were valid uses, and some were even amusing (Clark spinning a basketball over his head using only his breath), but I hate to see these kinds of devices become common and have dialogue suffer as a result. This episode opens with the Daily Planet staff at a museum art exhibit. Here Lois received a package: an opera jack-in-the-box from a Òsecret admirer.Ó At first she is delighted as the Pavarottiesque device sings a glorious aria to her. But the pitch of the song rises higher and higher, until people are covering their ears and glass is shattering. It is at this moment that we first see the Prankster, Kyle Griffin (played by Bronson Pinchot). He takes advantage of the distraction to steal a huge diamond from a display case that has shattered. Clark uses his heat vision to melt the jack-in-the-box and silence it. The next day Lois receives a diamond ring from her secret admirer (The Prankster) and is enchanted with it until it gives her an allergic reaction. Throughout the episode, Griffin causes disturbances in Metropolis in the name of love for Lois Lane. He replaces the stadium scoreboard with a picture of Lois and a message of love. He also plants a fake bomb and interrupts the news to say he has done it in LoisÕs honor. Meanwhile, Griffin is stealing parts from all over Metropolis to assemble a nuclear weapon. Griffin is harassing Lois because five years previous, she wrote an expose on illegal high tech weaponry that led to GriffinÕs arrest and imprisonment. So he has two things on his agenda: to assemble his nuclear weapon and to get revenge. Midway through the episode, Lois really starts to get rattled. In a funny scene, she arrives home and is afraid to turn on the TV, open the refrigerator or answer the phone, fearing all are rigged to kill her. She tries to answer the phone using piggy potholders and long wooden spoons, only to find Perry on the other end of the line. But their call gets interrupted by Griffin, who threatens Lois openly. At this point Lois is so frightened that she shows up at ClarkÕs apartment with a stack of Lethal Weapon movie videos and pizza, to his surprise. Lois confides in Clark about her fear, and he comforts her. She snuggles next to Clark in front of the TV and falls asleep. Lois and Clark continue their investigation of Griffin. Consequently she is kidnapped by Griffin and his idiot helper, Victor. Griffin has put together his weapon and is going to demonstrate it by eradicating the Daily Planet. Superman thwarts his plan by stopping the nuclear ray with his chest. He then goes to save Lois, only to find that she has saved herself (for a change). This is a happy moment for those of us who wish Lois would save herself once in a while. Griffin is apprehended, and everything returns to normal. Back at the Daily Planet, Lois receives a delivery of a dozen yellow roses. Reading the card Òfrom a special friend,Ó she gets mad, thinking it is another joke, and promptly dumps coffee all over the flowers. Clark watches in anguish, commenting ÒThose cost me fifty bucks.Ó Realizing her mistake, Lois sheepishly grins. In my opinion there are a few things that signal a good episode: witty dialogue, action that is truly suspenseful, and romantic tension. This episode was not particularly original in its dialogue, though there were a few zingers. The action wasnÕt all that great because it never seemed as if Lois was in real danger. ÒThe Prankster,Ó by the nature of the episode, did not focus on romantic tension either. So this episode was fair, but not one of the best. ========================================================= COMING ATTRACTIONS ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ A List of Upcoming Comics Featuring The Superman Family of Characters Assembled by Jeffery D. Sykes This monthly section is dedicated to giving you official information concerning which comics you should watch for in the near future in order to keep up with Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, and all the rest of the Superman family of characters. The information 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! Notes: The story arc involving Supergirl and the New Titans continues next month in THE DARKSTARS. THE RAY annual that is scheduled to ship on April 4 features Ray battling Superman in a Òconfrontation ...that may not be what it seems.Ó The LOOSE CANNON miniseries does not appear to be important to Superman continuity, but it takes place in Metropolis and features Maggie Sawyer. Finally, THE NEW TITANS annual will probably have a ÒYear OneÓ story about Supergirl. 1. List of Titles by Shipping Date: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Shipping date: Comic title and information: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- February 7: Action Comics #708 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 Showcase Ô95 #3 (of 12) Eradicator Story K. Kesel (no info on art) 48 pgs, $2.50 February 14: Blood Pack #2 (Superboy) C. Moore, C. Taylor, & Lanning $1.50 Legends of the WorldÕs Finest Trade Paperback Walt Simonson & Dan Brereton 160 pgs, $14.95 Superboy #14 WATERY GRAVE: Part 2 (of 3) K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #43 L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.50 February 21: The New Titans #120 (Supergirl) FOREVER EVIL: Part 2 (of 3) Wolfman, Rosado, & Champagne $1.95 Superman #99 Jurgens, G. Kane, & Rubinstein Cover by Jurgens & Breeding $1.50 February 28: Adventures of Superman #522 K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr. $1.50 Steel #14 L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.50 March 7: Action Comics #709 Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.50 Guy Gardner: Warrior #30 (Superman, Supergirl) Beau Smith, Byrd, & Davis $1.50 Showcase Ô95 #4 (of 12) Thorn story (Part 1 of 2) Stern, Simpson, & Stegbauer 48 pgs, $2.50 March 14: Primal Force #7 (Superman) Seagle, Choles & Larocque, & Kaalberg $1.95 Superboy #15 WATERY GRAVE: Part 3 (of 3) K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.50 Superman: The Man of Steel #44 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Prologue L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.50 March 21: The New Titans #121 (Supergirl) FOREVER EVIL: Part 3 (of 3) Wolfman, Rosado, & Champagne $1.95 SUPERMAN #100 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 1 (of 7) Jurgens, with Breeding & Rubinstein 64 pgs, $3.95 (Coll. Ed.), $2.95 (Stan. Ed.) Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 L. Simonson, Leon, & Janke Cover by Walt Simonson 56 pgs, $2.95 March 28: Adventures of Superman #523 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 2 (of 7) K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr. $1.50 Steel #15 L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.50 April 4: Action Comics #710 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 3 (of 7) Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.95 Guy Gardner: Warrior #31 (Supergirl) Beau Smith, Byrd, & D. Davis $1.75 April 11: Deathstroke #48 (Supergirl/New Titans) THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 1 (of 4) Wolfman, S. & O. Cariello, & Blyberg $2.25 Loose Cannon #1 (of 4) Jeph Loeb & Adam Pollina $1.75 The New Titans Annual #11 Wolfman, Land, Champagne & Blyberg 64 pgs, $3.95 Superboy #16 K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.95 Superman: The Man of Steel #45 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 4 (of 7) L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.95 April 18: The New Titans #122 THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 2 (of 4) Wolfman, Rosado, & Champagne $2.25 Showcase Ô95 #5 (of 12) Thorn story (Part 2 of 2) Stern, Simpson, & Stegbauer 48 pgs, $2.95 Superman #101 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 5 (of 7) Jurgens, G. Kane, Breeding & Rubinstein $1.95 April 25: Adventures of Superman #524 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 6 (of 7) K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr. $1.95 Steel #16 L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber $1.95 2. Merchandise: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- For more information on how to find these items, consult your local comic shop dealer. Superman & Batman Magazine #8 Welsh Publishing DC ComicsÕ super-hero magazine for kids of all ages proudly presents an all-new, 24-page Justice League comics story, ÒLet Justice Be Done,Ó written by Roger (Action Comics) Stern and illustrated by Ty (Batman Adventures) Templeton and Rick (Batman Adventures) Burchett. When Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash investigate a series of mysterious disturbances, they find a collection of unstoppable monsters from outer space. Only DCÕs greatest heroes can team up to take on this deadly threat. Plus, take a look behind the Dark KnightÕs cape and cowl, as the ÒHero FileÓ focuses on Batman! Magazine, 32 pgs, $1.95 The Adventures of Superman Hardcover Applewood Comics Written by George Lowther and originally published in 1942, THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN was the first full-length novel to star the Man of Steel. This facsimile copy is an exact reproduction of the original novel, complete with both color and black-and-white illustrations by Superman co-creator Joe Shuster. Also comes wrapped in an exacting reproduction of the original dust-jacket Ñ which is in many ways ever more rare than the original book itself! Introduction by modern-day Superman novelist Roger Stern. Hardcover, 6x9, 228 pgs, $17.95 For more information, see the latest issue of Previews or your local comic store. 3. Spoilers: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ April 4: ÑÑÑ- Action Comics #710 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 3 (of 7) - The Man of Steel rockets back to Metropolis to find Lois Lane before the enemy who knows his secret identity can strike. But just as he arrives, a bomb is detonated... and Superman is devastated when he realizes heÕs failed to save his one, true love. Guy Gardner: Warrior #31 Supergirl and Sentinel (Alan Scott, the former Golden Age Green Lantern) guest-star to battle Dementor when the villain arrives to claim the berserk Warrior. If they fail, Guy GardnerÕs humanity is lost. April 11: ÑÑÑÑ Deathstroke #48 THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 1 (of 4) - The New Titans guest-star as Deathstroke and the Titans join forces to stop a deadly power struggle Ñ a war that will change the face of EarthÕs criminal underworld. Plus, Slade Wilson rejects his daughter, and Rose is placed into protective custody within the Titans. Loose Cannon #1 (of 4) ÒNew BloodÓ metahuman Loose Cannon is making a mess of Metropolis, and Police Captain Maggie Sawyer has had enough. She assigns officer Eddie Walker to apprehend the vigilante, not knowing that Walker is Loose Cannon! But when circumstances conspire to make it seem that Loose Cannon has killed Walker, a team of super-powered bounty-hunters goes after Cannon to take him down Ñ dead or alive. The New Titans Annual #11 The Year One Annuals continue, exploring pivotal events and untold stories of the DC UniverseÕs greatest heroes. Writer Marv Wolfman and artists Greg Land, Keith Champagne, and Will Blyberg zero in on the individual members of the current Titans team, offering readers the perfect introduction to each character, as well as revealing looks at the current team dynamic. Superboy #16 Superboy is tricked into battling Loose Cannon when RexÕs ÒpalsÓ decide Superboy must be eliminated. Plus, Krypto is released from quarantine. Superman: The Man of Steel #45 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 4 (of 7) - Clark Kent is no more... and Superman is forced into hiding as the threat to his family and friends increases to unbearable degrees. April 18: ÑÑÑÑ The New Titans #122 THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 2 (of 4) - Supergirl officially joins the Titans as the team accompanies Deathstroke on a mission to stop the warfare between the CrimelordÕs forces and the alien Syndicate. Showcase Ô95 #5 (of 12) While Thorn tries to take down a Metropolis crimelord, her actions lead Maggie Sawyer to find a connection between Thorn and Rose Forrest. Superman #101 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 5 (of 7) - As the intrigue intensifies, both Clark Kent and Superman are gone, and Metropolis is without a protector. But of more immediate concern are the new threats that await Lois and the Kents at every turn. April 25: ÑÑÑÑ Adventures of Superman #524 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 6 (of 7) - Superman draws out the villain behind his nightmare ordeal... and the Man of Steel may not be able to control himself when he faces the man who has destroyed *both* his lives! Steel #16 RabbitÕs plan to arm everyone in America with super-weapons takes off. Plus, Steel gains control of his armor and a member of the Irons family disappears. ========================================================= End of Section 5 ========================================================= SUPER-CROSSWORD #5 ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By Jon Knutson (jonknutson@aol.com) For best results, print this out in a monospaced typeface. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |1 | |2 |3 | |XXX|4 |5 |6 |XXX|7 |8 | | | | | | |XXX| | | |XXX| | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- | |XXX|9 | |XXX|10 | | | | | | | | |XXX| | |XXX| | | | | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |11 |12 | | | | |XXX| |XXX|XXX| |XXX| | | | | | | |XXX| |XXX|XXX| |XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |13 | | |XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|14 |15 | |16 | | | | |XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX| | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |17 | |XXX|18 |XXX|19 |20 |21 |XXX|22 | | | | | |XXX| |XXX| | | |XXX| | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |23 | |XXX| |XXX|24 | | |XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | |XXX| |XXX| | | |XXX|XXX|XXX| | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |25 | |XXX|26 |27 |XXX|28 | |29 |30 |31 | | | | |XXX| | |XXX| | | | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- | |XXX|32 | | |33 |XXX|34 | | | |XXX| | |XXX| | | | |XXX| | | | |XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- | |XXX|35 | | | |XXX|36 | | | |37 | | |XXX| | | | |XXX| | | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |38 |39 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |XXX| |XXX| |XXX| |XXX| |XXX|XXX|40 | | |XXX| |XXX| |XXX| |XXX| |XXX|XXX| | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |XXX|41 | | | | |XXX|42 | | |XXX|XXX| |XXX| | | | | |XXX| | | |XXX|XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ACROSS: 1 Ms. Faulkner 4 Goal 7 In an episode of L&C, he found something he didnÕt know 9 Moon of Mars 10 Captain America, Namor or the Torch 11 Reaction to a tasty treat 13 Pacific Land Enterprises (abbr.) 14 Have oneÕs attention focused 17 Don and Dawn Allen (abbr.) 19 The Joker or Prankster might pull one 22 KalÕs dad 23 Conjunction 24 Mammal 25 What you should put on a form where it doesnÕt apply 26 BeatlesÕ Film: Let It ___ 28 DNA project 32 Captain Marvel villain 34 Building in disrepair 35 What Morgan and Lex were 36 Mr. Kitchen of Comics 38 Professor 40 Bond villain 41 Mon-ElÕs homeworld 42 Half of what Bugsy said to Shifty in ÒJailhouse RockÓ DOWN: 1 It came in Jewel, Red or Gold, for example 2 A form of travel for the Silver Age Superman 3 Superman villain: ____man 4 Article 5 Creator of Amazo 6 Martha, to Clark 7 Super-Monkey 8 Conjunction 10 Antithesis of good comics? 12 One of two Earth-Prime heroes 15 Mr. Jamal, of stand-up fame 16 Three, in Espanol 18 A DNAlien 20 Movie theater chain 21 Security chief at 28 Across 27 Individual 29 Battle between two people 30 How you like to keep your comics 31 The kind of suit super-heroes wear? 32 Immortality Research Institute (init.) 33 A kind of school 39 A magazine also published by DC =============================================== ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD #4 ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |A|R|D|O|R|A| |B| |P|O|L| |T| |O|R| |M|O|R|G|A|N| | |L|E|G|I|O|N| |I| |L|T| | |A| | |G|R|E|E|N|K| |H|E| |N| |K|I|D|S| | |R|E|E|P| |T| | |N|E|I|N| |U| |C|I| |I|D| | |A|U| |A| |L|O|S| |S|P|E|L|L|M|A|N| |I|V|O| | | | |A| | |S|T|O|N|E|D| | |S|I|N|C|E| |I| |D|R|E| | |E| |A| |M| | | |A| |S| | |M|A|S|Q|U|E|R|A|D|E| | ========================================================= RESOURCES ÑÑÑÑ- Instructions for obtaining the complete resources file can be found below. This monthÕs new information: WWW Homepages: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Kal-ElÕs Superman Homepage http://web.syr.edu/~ajgould/superman.html Victor ChanÕs L&C Homepage http://gpu2.srv.ualberta.ca/~vichan/cyn.html FTP Availability: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Kryptonian Cybernet Files: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- phoenix.creighton.edu /pub/zines/kc KC.Resources (20754) - This file KC.January.95 (133357) - Issue #9, January 1995 ftp.hiof.no (158.36.33.3) /pub/Comics/Fanzines Mirrors (contains exactly the same files as) phoenix.creighton.edu Comics Files: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ ftp.hiof.no (158.36.33.3) /pub/Comics/Superman Superman.ComicList (37989) - David T. ChappellÕs List of Superman Stories Superman.FAQ (49671) - DTCÕs Superman FAQ Superman.TimeLine (5320) - DTCÕs post-Crisis Superman Time Line Lois and Clark Files: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Text: ftp.hiof.com /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark LC.EpGuide1 (9545) - Jeffery D. SykesÕ first season episode guide for Lois & Clark LC.EpGuide2 (8478) - Second Season episode guide for L&C LC1.zip (117213) - a zipped file containing the first season episode guide and all summaries LCSumm1.01 (19463) - Premiere LCSumm1.02-03 (23013) - Strange Visitor & Neverending Battle LCSumm1.04-05 (19738) - IÕm Looking Through You & Requiem For A Super-Hero LCSumm1.06-07 (23143) - IÕve Got A Crush On You & Smart Kids LCSumm1.08-09 (28925) - The Green, Green Glow Of Home & The Man Of Steel Bars LCSumm1.10-11 (28303) - Pheromone, My Lovely & Honeymoon In Metropolis LCSumm1.12-13 (31310) - All Shook Up & Witness LCSumm1.14-15 (29957) - Illusions of Grandeur & The Ides of Metropolis LCSumm1.16-17 (31896) - Foundling & The Rival LCSumm1.18-19 (24190) - Vatman & Fly Hard LCSumm1.20-21 (20871) - Barbarians At The Planet & The House Of Luthor ftp.dhhalden.no (158.36.33.3) /pub/Comics/Film_and_TV Mirrors the episode guides and summary files from ftp.hyperion.com. Pictures: ftp.hyperion.com /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark Index.jpg (165962) - a 840x810 thumbnail index of all pictures in the directory excluding Òsmiley-chickÓ {Note: a thumbnail index displays every picture indexed at a reduced size} TH-Idx-1.GIF (186383) - a 640x512 thumbnail index of the Thatch pictures (good quality for an index) All of these pictures are high-resolution screen captures Ñ 18 are head shots THatch01.GIF (251797) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri Hatcher from a talk show appearance (?) THatch02.GIF (237239) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri Hatcher from a pre-L&C program (long hair) THatch03.GIF (239960) - a 640x512 picture of Lois showing Clark some leg (from ÒPheremone, My LovelyÓ) THatch04.GIF (197761) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch05.GIF (176284) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch06.GIF (225188) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch07.GIF (239674) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (in the car in ÒThe Green, Green Glow of HomeÓ) THatch08.GIF (221563) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch09.GIF (199705) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (the bottom part of the picture is missing) THatch10.GIF (229228) - a 640x512 picture of Teri in red outfit with a little bit of her black bra showing (from ÒWitnessÓ - two full length shots) THatch11.GIF (235007) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (from ÒWitnessÓ - same outfit) THatch12.GIF (235014) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (almost the same as #11 - most of picture missing) THatch13.GIF (215336) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (from ÒWitness - on phone before attacked in apt) THatch14.GIF (231534) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch15.GIF (225426) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch16.GIF (223933) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch17.GIF (216558) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch18.GIF (226925) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C THatch19.GIF (209485) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (from end of ÒStrange VisitorÓ) THatch20.GIF (217443) - a 640x512 head shot of Teri from L&C (from end of ÒStrange VisitorÓ) kc.smiley-chick.jpg (36041) - a 704x480 photo of K Callan wearing the LOISCLA listserv t-shirt How to obtain the complete Resources file: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Note that the file also contains information about how to use ftp and ftp e-mail. The file will be located at phoenix.creighton.edu in the directory /pub/zines/kc and at ftp.hiof.no in the directory /pub/Comics/Fanzines. For those of you who do not know how to use ftp or donÕt have ftp access, e-mail a message to either of the addresses given below. For the body of your message include only the lines between the dashes below. Addresses: ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com or ftpmail@sunsite.unc.edu Body: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- connect phoenix.creighton.edu chdir /pub/zines/kc get KC.Resources ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Do not include the lines of dashes, and do not include anything else in the body of the message. You will receive a message telling you that your request has been queued. Then, about a day later, you will receive the file itself. ========================================================= CLASSIFIEDS ÑÑÑÑÑ- From: David T. Chappell SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL PLATINUM EDITION trading cards for sale or trade. Prices listed are postage paid, though IÕll also consider trades for listed wanted cards as well as sets of Doomsday or Return of Superman cards. For Sale: FS4 (Forged in Steel) 20.00 ppd Extra singles: CollectorÕs set- 3 4 7 9 13 16 18 23 32 40 44 45 46 55 57 63 64 70 71 72 74 76 81 82 88 89 90 DonÕt need any so they are .10 each or 2.00 for the lot (which brings it down to .07 each). Premium set- 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 12 14x2 17 18 20x2 23 24x2 25 28 32 36 37 38 41 42 44 45 47 48 49 50 53 54 56x2 60 65 66 67 68 71 74x2 75 77 78 79 81 82 83x2 84 85 88 89 90 Need- 1 4 9 11 13 15 16 19 22 26 29x2 31 40 46 51 52 55 58 61 63x2 64 70 Anyone who can provide me with ALL 24 cards I need can pick out 50 from the extras! The cards were collected by and belong to David Chappell. However, sales are being conducted by Loretta Jackson. Contact Loretta via e-mail as lmj@crl.com. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ From: Jeff Sykes (sykes@ms.uky.edu) SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL trading cards wanted/for sale or trade. Prices listed include postage (contact me for details). I will consider a trade for the cards that I need: WANTED: CollectorÕs Edition - #41 FS2 (Forged in Steel - randomly inserted in Premium Ed. packages) FOR SALE: Premium Ed. Sets(2) - $30.00 each CollectorÕs Ed. Set - $12.00 FS1 - $20.00 FG1,FG2 - $20.00 each (Forged in Gold - randomly inserted in Pr. boxes from SamÕs & Wal-Mart) S1,S5(2),S6 - $7.00 each (Spectra-Etch - randomly inserted in Coll. Ed. packages) I also have extra singles of most cards from each edition. Contact me for details. Contact me (Jeff Sykes) via e-mail at sykes@ms.uky.edu. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ From: Ken McKee New Usenet POG group! As well as collecting Superman, I am a big POG collector (especially Superman POGs). This has led to the formation of the newsgroup alt.games.milkcaps Ñ designed for people to buy, sell, trade, or just talk about POG collecting. Drop by! ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ If you would like to place an ad, send it to one of the following addresses: Arthur.E.LaMarche@Dartmouth, sykes@ms.uky.edu, or KryptonCN@aol.com. We ask that you follow these three simple rules: 1. No dealers or businesses. This is meant to be more of a trading post for fans of the Man of Steel, not an outlet for people to operate a business. 2. Superman merchandise only. Anything not related to the Man of Steel will be edited out of the ad. 3. Try to keep your ads short. All advertisements must be received by the first Monday of the month to be included in the next issue of the magazine. Be certain to include your e-mail address in the ad. ========================================================= THE MAILBAG ÑÑÑÑÑ- From: Denes House To the Editor: I have only been a fan of the ÔBogÕs work since shortly before ÔPanic in the Sky,Õ but I have found his artwork more creative and fresh than anything by Mr. Jurgens, especially when inked by Breeding (IMHO the *worst* inker for Jurgens). Let me explain (or at least sum up): Bogdanove has always excelled in the caricature of action and anatomy. His Superman has always been a brick wall of muscle and rippling action. Is Dennis Janke the best inker for him? The recent Klaus Janson performance shows that others can make Bog look very fresh. The most recent fill-in art by Mr. no-name guy shows, I think, how talented Bog is at caricature. This other guy couldnÕt pull it off, and turned in one of my least-favorite pencilling jobs in recent memory. Jurgens annoys me for some reason. He seems to fall back on pre-made poses, almost traced from his previous work. BreedingÕs dark, angular blacks are the last thing Jurgens needs. His team-up with Art Thibert back in the ÔDark Knight over MetropolisÕ days was some of the best inking IÕve seen over JurgensÕ work (followed closely by Rubenstein, the always-able Giordano, and the always-perfect Ordway). Perhaps itÕs that, as a (admittedly amateur) comicbook artist, I see more originality, vitality, and drive in BogdanoveÕs work than Jurgens. Whatever, I donÕt think that the Bog is getting a fair shake from his critics. Long live Bogdanove! *** First, in *my* defense, I did admit last issue that BogÕs art may not be as bad as I had previously thought. As you mentioned, Klaus JansonÕs inks were a dramatic improvement over those of Dennis Janke. And to BogÕs credit, I donÕt dislike his art Ñ itÕs his current style that I donÕt like. As I pointed out last issue, before ÒReign of the Supermen,Ó BogÕs style was much less angular. This style I much enjoyed (see my review of the ÒFirst StrikeÓ of ÒPanic in the Sky!Ó And I think that Bog has done some of the best painted artwork of the Man of Steel I have seen Ñ for a cheaper example, check out the cards he painted for the recent Skybox series. Dan Jurgens has been writing and drawing various Superman titles for at least six years now. The best art heÕs produced (in my opinion, of course) was in this yearÕs ÒZero Hour.Ó Jerry OrdwayÕs inks complemented DanÕs work *very* well. But I have always thought that BreedingÕs inks were very good for Dan as well Ñ Hunter/Prey was beautiful. I do believe that over the past year or so, *all* of the artists (with the exception of Grummett on Superboy) have suffered from hastily produced work. The art in the monthly titles has degraded a bit as a result. (An exception is Guice on Action Comics Ñ his work has degraded a *lot*. I was just reading Action #681, after reading ZoomwayÕs column, and itÕs amazing how much more pleasant his art was to the eye back then!) Of course, much of what we decide about who we do and donÕt like is based on personal taste Ñ what styles of drawing we find appealing. Most of us donÕt have any professional background upon which to base our likes and dislikes. Since the pros out there all seem to think that Bog is a great artist, I have no reason to dispute their claims. However, I can state the fact that his current style simply doesnÕt appeal to me. (Maybe we could get him to paint each issue! :) Jeff _______________________________________________________________ ************************************************************ End of Issue #10