THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET - ISSUE #11 - MARCH 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 With A Little Help From My Friends... Ma and Pa Kent, by Denes House The Fleischer Cartoons Episode #7, ÒElectric EarthquakeÓ, by Neil Ottenstein Section 2: And Who Disguised As... Choosing to Believe, by J.D. Rummel Just the FAQs ÒWhy doesnÕt anyone realize that Clark Kent is Superman?Ó by David Chappell The Adventures of Superman A review of an audio dramatization of the early years of SupermanÕs career, by William J Nixon Section 3: Reviews The Triangle Titles Superman: The Man of Steel #43, by Anatole Wilson Superman #99, by Ken McKee Adventures of Superman #522, by Patrick Stout Action Comics #709, by William Nixon Other Super-Titles Superboy #14, by Victor Chan Section 4: Reviews Other Super-Titles (cont) Steel #14, by Jeff Sykes Showcase Ô95 #3, by ReneÕ Gobeyn The New Titans #120, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Miniseries and Special Appearances Blood Pack #2, by ReneÕ Gobeyn Guy Gardner: Warrior #30, by Jeff Sykes Looking Back AfterByrne: Post-Crisis Reviews Panic In the Sky Fourth and Fifth Strikes, by Jeff Sykes Section 5: Looking Back (cont) Legacies: Pre-Crisis Reviews The Silver Age Superman SupermanÕs Return to Krypton, by Bill Morse Superman: Time After Time A review of a serial running from Action #385 through Action #387, by Jon Knutson Superman #398, by Ken McKee KC Contest Winner!!! Section 6: From Superman to Wonder Woman An interview with John Byrne, by David Chappell Coming Attractions Section 7: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Up, Up, and Coming News and Notes, by Jennifer L. Traver The Agony of the Ecstasy Looking at the new romance arc, by Zoomway Episode Reviews: ÒTop Copy,Ó by Marta Olson ÒThe Return of the Prankster,Ó by Patrick Stout Section 8: Super-Crosswords Crossword #6 and Answers to Crossword #5 Resources Classifieds The Mailbag EDITORIAL STAFF: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews Jennifer L. Traver, Lois & Clark Victor Chan Donald MacPherson Pat Gonzales Ken McKee Curtis Herink Joel W. Tscherne Lee Keels 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: We are *still* looking for a writer for THE SCU FILES, our (intended) monthly column spotlighting SupermanÕs greatest villains from the post-Byrne era. If you are interested in writing this column, contact me at KryptonCN@aol.com or by replying to this issue. This month also marks the addition of another new monthly feature. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS will spotlight the numerous supporting cast members from the Superman comics. Welcome Denes House, the writer of this promising new column! Comics News: The new on-going Superman title begins in May! SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW will essentially be a quarterly, filling in the four skip weeks each year. Written by Roger Stern and illustrated by Tom Grummett and Brett Breeding, this new title will fit seamlessly within the four current titles and will sport a triangle number. The first of several inter-company crossovers appears in May as SUPERMAN VS ALIENS debuts from Dark Horse Comics and DC. Future projects include rumored crossovers with MarvelÕs Thor and Silver Surfer. Though Gil Kane is not the artist who will be taking over the art chores on SUPERMAN, he will be filling in for several issues beginning with issue #101. As weÕve reported here before, we have word that Ron Frenz (see the post-Byrne SUPERMAN ANNUALS #1 and #2) will be the new artist. There are also hints in the just-released SUPERMAN #100 that Dan Jurgens has at least one more Superman project in the works after the above- mentioned SUPERMAN VS ALIENS. I read quite some time ago about a possible crossover with the Hulk, I believe... WhoÕs that bald guy popping up in Metropolis in a few months? More rumors say that with his new art chores at Valiant, Jackson Guice will be leaving ACTION COMICS. No word on a replacement, though... Hollywood/Other-Media News: Hero is now reporting the Superman Animated Series, slated to appear in the Fall of 1996. In fact, DC has indicated that after the Batman hype this year to accompany BATMAN FOREVER, 1996 will be the year of Superman! A first draft of a script for a new Superman movie is supposed to be in the works as we speak. This movie is to be a complete new start. It will not be a new Christopher Reeves movie, and it will not be a transportation of ABCÕs Lois & Clark to the big screen. Speaking of L&C, the first date episode managed to finish 13th in the Nielsons, winning its time slot! Add this to solid ratings in the February sweeps, and it would seem that L&C is well on its way to renewal for a third season! Enjoy the new issue! Jeff Sykes sykes@ms.uky.edu ========================================================= ÒWITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS...Ó ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- a column about the supporting cast in the Superman family of books by Denes House Before I begin, let me just say what an honor it is just to be nominated. Er, what I mean is, to be able to write this column. For as long as IÕve subscribed to the Kryptonian Cybernet, IÕve been a fan of writers such as Zoomway and Jeff Sykes, and am honored to be a part of such a talented team. One of the things that makes the Superman family of comic books so special is the way that they flesh out supporting cast members, making them fully-realized characters that the reader becomes attached to. They seem like *people*, like friends, and we care about their lives. I have been convinced of this since I started collecting Superman comics in 1987, and remain convinced even now. While many of us may gripe that the Man of Steel sometimes seems to be a guest-star in his own titles, we cannot dispute that the supporting cast adds a richness and depth to Metropolitan life that is a refreshing change from the entirely hero-driven books published and consumed at an alarming rate. ======================== JONATHAN and MARTHA KENT a.k.a. ÒPa and Ma.Ó I thought IÕd inaugurate this column by profiling, in my opinion, the most important supporting cast members in the Superman mythos, Jonathan and Martha Kent. Jonathan Kent and Martha Clark both grew up in the town of Smallville, Kansas. It was a quiet town in the heart of the United States. People lived close to the land, and many were born, grew up, got married, grew old and died within its town limits. Jonathan grew up on his parentsÕ farm, and became a farmer himself when he reached adulthood. MarthaÕs family ran the Clark General Store. The two were childhood friends, and grew to be teenage sweethearts whom everyone assumed would get married. Jonathan, however, did not propose. Instead, he served in World War II, and was reported Missing In Action, assumed dead. The richest man in Smallville, ÒOld ManÓ Fordman, attempted to take over the ClarkÕs store, but was thwarted by his son, Dan. When his father died, Dan proposed to Martha. Dan was dying of lung cancer, and Martha felt sorry for him. She accepted his proposal and the two were married. Jonathan Kent returned to Smallville, and learned of MarthaÕs marriage. DanÕs cancer had gone into remission, but Fordman knew it would eventually kill him. Knowing that Martha truly loved Jonathan, he asked Jonathan to take her away from him. This proposal shocked the deeply moral Jon to the core. In the meantime, Fordman died, leaving Martha the only thing she requested, a ten-acre section of land. A year later, Jonathan and Martha were married.[1] The happiness of their marriage was evident to all, marred only by their inability to have children. MarthaÕs three miscarriages made any more attempts unwise, and her doctor warned her not to try any more. It was at this point that the KentsÕ lives were changed irrevocably by a strange young visitor from another planet. Jonathan and Martha were battening down the hatches of their home for the worst snow storm in recent memory, when a Òfalling starÓ landed in one of their fields. Investigating, they found it to be a space vessel. Intrigued, and fueled by the many pulp-science fiction magazine stories he read, Jonathan descended into the crater left by the falling ship. Inside, he found a newborn baby, and the two took him into their home. Jonathan suspected that the childÕs origin was extraterrestrial, but Martha convinced him that the human-looking child was an Earth-born child used in some evil experiment. The storm hit with ferocity, dealing the Kents in their home for many months. When the weather brightened and the roads cleared, they announced the baby as their own child, Clark Kent. As Superman fans know, Clark was actually sent to Earth from the dying planet Krypton by his real father, Jor-El, a prominent scientist, to avoid perishing in its explosive demise. The spacecraft was a Òbirth matrix,Ó or artificial womb, attached to a star-drive. Thus, Clark was ÒbornÓ on earth the moment Jonathan opened the matrix. As the child grew, he exhibited strange abilities. Once, when cutting across a field on the way home from school, Clark was stampeded by a prize bull. Witnessing the event, Jonathan rushed to his aid, expecting to see his adopted son dead, trampled. Remarkably, the child was unharmed. Throughout his youth and adolescence, ClarkÕs powers grew to include superhuman strength and speed, Òx-rayÓ vision that enabled him to see through walls, and perhaps most spectacularly the ability to fly. As each new power manifested itself, the Kents taught Clark not to use his abilities to make others feel useless. He was Òspecial,Ó but he must not make others feel that they were worthless. One Saturday evening during ClarkÕs high school years, riding home from a party, he was involved in an automobile accident that left his close friends in the hospital, the driver in a coma. ClarkÕs unique metabolism prevented him from getting drunk, but the driver was not so blessed. Clark took his friendÕs coma very seriously, and Ma and Pa reminded him that he needed to act responsibly, even when others failed to do so.[2] It was strong moral instruction like this that eventually gave the world its greatest hero. Clark became a high-school football hero, often winning big games almost single-handedly. It was after the biggest game of his senior year that Pa took Clark aside and pointed out to him that he had made his teammates feel worthless. He then revealed to his son the spacecraft in which he had come to Earth. For the first time, Clark was told that he was not the KentsÕ natural son. While they still knew nothing about his extraterrestrial origins, this new insight convinced Clark even more strongly that his destiny was to use his powers to help people. Shortly after this, he left Smallville.[3] For the next few years, Martha followed ClarkÕs adventures in the local paper, realizing that stories of averted disasters and miraculous occurrences were in fact the clandestine activities of her son. She clipped every article and pasted them in a scrapbook that she kept, against JonathanÕs advice. One morning while reading the paper, Jonathan read of his sonÕs first public display, saving the experimental space plane, the Constitution, from crashing in Metropolis. The story was written by Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane, who was aboard the Constitution, and who dubbed her mysterious savior ÒSuperman.Ó[4] Lois and Clark would later become colleagues, then friends, and eventually grew to love each other. Clark returned home confused by his experience, ashamed and angry at all of the people wanting him to endorse products and enter into business deals. Jonathan and Martha helped him work through his pain, and devised a way for him to have a private life in the future. From then on, Superman would operate in a bright costume, helping people, and Clark Kent would wear street clothes and glasses to hide the fact that they were the same person. Clark and Jonathan devised the ÒSÓ shield for the front of his costume, and Martha sewed the red, blue and yellow uniform that would become famous world-wide. She would also sew new capes throughout ClarkÕs career, to replace capes that got destroyed in his many battles.[5] Early in his career, Clark encountered a situation in which his powers were of little use. He confronted a wife-beater, and attempted to scare him by throwing him high into the air. The wife refused to press charges, however, and Clark became confused. As always, he turned to his parents for guidance. Jon and Martha helped Clark to realize that he couldnÕt solve every problem, and that many problems donÕt have a Òquick-fixÓ solution.[6] Superman made many enemies in Metropolis in his early career, the most deadly of which was Lex Luthor. In his search to find out more about Superman, Lex had his men investigate Clark Kent. His men attacked the Kents and their friend Lana Lang, taking ClarkÕs birth certificate, family albums, and the scrapbook, now containing Superman articles, as well. From this evidence, LuthorÕs computer experts learned that Superman and Clark Kent were the same person, but the power-hungry Luthor refused to believe that a man as powerful as Superman would masquerade as a human being.[7] The Kents recovered from the attack, and went on with their lives. Clark returned home often, to spend time with his adoptive parents. It was during one such visit that Clark learned of his alien heritage.[8] Some time later, the Kents were stunned to meet a woman calling herself Supergirl.[9] They only met her briefly before she flew off, but were reacquainted with her days later when Clark brought the badly burned Matrix to them as a house guest. Matrix was an artificial life-form that had the ability to change shape. While on a mission together, Matrix reverted to her natural protoplasmic form, and lost much of her memory and higher brain functions. The Kents agreed to raise Matrix, who they dubbed ÒMae.Ó[10] Matrix eventually became convinced that she was Clark Kent/Superman, at a time when the real Superman had left the Earth. She wandered Metropolis in confusion, and caused a great deal of havoc. Upon SupermanÕs return, Matrix attacked him, assuming SupermanÕs form. Eventually, Superman convinced Matrix of her delusion, and the Kents were present when Matrix left Earth for outer space.[11] The Kryptonian artifact, the Eradicator, altered ClarkÕs mind to change him into a dispassionate Kryptonian. It was Ma and Pa that eventually roused him from his confusion and convinced him that while his body may be Kryptonian, his mind and heart were human.[12] Later, when ClarkÕs superhuman powers were removed by the machinations of Mr. Mxyzptlk, Ma gave Clark her engagement ring, which Clark used to propose marriage to Lois Lane.[13] The Eradicator eventually returned to Earth, attempting to re-make it into a new Krypton. During this crisis, Clark gave his parents the gift of a cruise on an ocean liner. It was here that they met Perry and Alice White, also on the liner. The two couples became fast friends, and earned each othersÕ respect.[14] It was much later that the Kents experienced perhaps the most painful event in their lives, watching their son get killed on national TV by the juggernaut monster called Doomsday. They sat in their living room, helpless and unable to help Clark in any way. They saw his last moments, and wept in agony as they lost their only child.[15] Unable to attend his burial, they buried Clark in their own way, interring a small box containing ClarkÕs baseball mitt, teddy bear, and the infamous scrapbook. The pain of losing their only son, coupled with cholesterol-packed eating habits contributed to a massive heart attack in Jon Kent.[16] While in the emergency room, Jon had a near-death experience, and met Clark in the beyond. Convincing Clark that it was not his destiny to die, he helped his son to return to his dead body. Jon awoke, claiming to have brought Clark back from the dead with him.[17] At the same time, four people showed up in Metropolis wearing the Superman shield. This chaos aggravated Jonathan, and it was not until the *real* Superman showed up alive that JonÕs afterlife experience was believed. Since JonÕs heart attack, Martha has altered their diet, replacing her famous Rhubarb pie with low-fat gelatin, much to JonÕs chagrin. Martha has discovered a talent for artwork, and lost some weight as well. During the recent Crisis in Time, Jon and Martha met the Jor-El and Lara from an alternate timeline in which Krypton had not exploded.[18] Given a choice of leaving with his ÒnaturalÓ parents or staying with Jon and Martha, Clark chose his adoptive family. Most recently, Pa helped a returned Supergirl defeat a runaway farm tractor at the Small County Fair.[19] Ma and Pa will play an important role in the upcoming ÒDeath of Clark KentÓ storyline. No other characters have had as much influence on the shaping of Clark Kent/SupermanÕs personality than Jonathan and Martha. Their strong moral heritage and loving guidance have given the world the greatest superhero it has ever known. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ FOOTNOTES: [1] The above is distilled from the ÒMa and Pa KentÓ entry in WhoÕs Who in the DC Universe, 1990 [2] Adventures of Superman #437 [3] Man of Steel miniseries, issue 1 [4] Man of Steel, issue 1 [5] Adventures of Superman #440 [6] Superman: The Man of Steel #16 [7] Superman #2 [8] Man of Steel miniseries, #6 [9] Superman #21 [10] Superman #22 [11] Action Comics #644 [12] ÒDay of the Krypton ManÓ - Superman #41-42; Adventures #507-508; Action #110-111 [13] Superman #50 [14] Superman #57 [15] ÒThe Death of SupermanÓ - Superman #75 [16] Superman: The Man of Steel #21 [17] Adventures #500 [18] Superman: Man of Steel #37, Superman #93 [19] Action #706 ========================================================= THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Neil A. Ottenstein Episode 7: ÒElectric EarthquakeÓ Released: 5-15-42 Running Time: 8:42 minutes Faster than a speeding bullet More powerful than a locomotive Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound A panoramic view of Manhattan greets viewers of this cartoon. The view continues under the water surface where there are cables on the water bed coming from a strange structure. We then see a capsule come out of the structure. It turns out to be a kind of elevator. A man gets out of the elevator and into a speedboat. The scene changes to the Daily Planet where this man declares that ÒManhattan rightfully belongs to [his] people.Ó He wants it evacuated. After this being called ridiculous he declares that Òmaybe modern science will make you think differentlyÓ and leaves. Perry thinks ÒheÕs just a harmless prank,Ó but Lois has sneaked off after him and hides in the back of his boat. After he has arrived at his elevator, before going down he sees Lois in the reflection of the elevator and invites her down saying, Òyou wouldnÕt want to miss this story.Ó They descend. Moments after she sits in a chair, he presses a button which sets off straps trapping her in. After changing his suit to proper scientist white attire and protective goggles he goes to his equipment. He turns a dial, flips a lever, and electric power is seen. He sends a periscope up above the surface of the water and tells Lois, to Òget ready for the greatest story of your career.Ó Electric power runs along the cables. There are soon explosions and mass destruction in Manhattan with panic all over. Perry tells Clark, ÒletÕs get off [the Daily Planet building].Ó They leave and are soon separated. Clark declares that Òthis looks like a job for Superman.Ó He goes into a descending staircase alcove by an apartment building to change and is soon obscured by falling rubble. Superman removes the rubble, leaps into the air and comes down in the water. Following electricity on the cables he detaches some of them before boulders fall on him. A cable wraps around him pulling him down as he surfaces for air. He pulls more cables apart and goes to their source. He pulls some from the structure causing water to enter inside. Noticing the elevator rising, he tries to follow but is momentarily delayed by the flow of water into the structure. Apprehending the man he is told that a girl is still down there. While Superman goes down the man sends dynamite with a timer down the elevator. The water is up to LoisÕ neck by the time Superman frees her from the chair. He swims with her toward one of the holes in the structure. Just after they reach the hole, the dynamite explodes to mighty effect. The man is racing off in his speedboat and smiles to see the explosion, sure in his escape. He is quite surprised when his speedboat rises from the surface of the water, pushed up in one hand by Superman who is holding Lois in his other arm. The Daily Planet headlines are ÒSuperman saves Manhattan IslandÓ and ÒSuperman disappears again.Ó The photo of Manhattan turns into the view from a boat for Clark and Lois. Clark notes Manhattan is okay and Lois adds, Òthanks to Superman.Ó Like the previous Superman cartoon, this one starts off with another title effect. The title shakes, cracks appear in the letters and part of the letter ÔqÕ even falls off. The scene showing Lois reflecting in side of the elevator is very nice in that LoisÕ reflection is quite distorted as you would expect on such a convex surface. The depiction of the flow of water into the structure and SupermanÕs struggle against the water flow are nice touches. I thought it interesting that it was set with the real city of Manhattan. Once again it was beautifully rendered with lots of nice touches and an exciting story. 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 [It has recently come to my attention that there are lesser-quality, less- expensive video-tapes of the Fleischer cartoons available. I have seen these at such places as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and several video chains. ÑJeff] ========================================================= End of Section 1 ========================================================= AND WHO DISGUISED AS... ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By J.D. Rummel (rummel@phoenix.creighton.edu) Choosing to Believe One day (that was how I started all my stories as a kid), I was your typical fifth grader at the beach. I didnÕt have my glasses on, so I was completely anonymous. A whole new guy. That was how it worked in the comics and on the tube. I can remember practicing whipping off my glasses as George Reeves would do as he yanked his tie down and stepped into that closet. When the glasses came off, I was My Other Self. I had unlimited potential. I really believed that. As I sat there squinting at the other bathers, a boy walked past me and said, ÒHi, J.D.Ó Maybe I replied, I cannot honestly say, because I remember being stunned. _How could he know me?_ I wondered. I wasnÕt wearing my Clark KentÕs! (I really had horn-rimmed Clark Kent glasses. Wore them way down deep into the heart of disco and geekdom). That was the day that I grew up. It was a slow process, I still have a ways to go, but it started there. That day, I knew that Clark Kent was not a real disguise. Oh, you can run all that stuff about changed voice, slumped shoulders, and different hairstyle or whatever else, but it donÕt wash. If that stuff works for you, great, but where I live, changing your voice and removing your glasses does not fool people who know you, particularly a woman who loves you. The only time I ever came close to believing it was watching Christopher Reeve (probably the best of all Supermen to date). I also understand that Superman needs that other identity. IÕm not talking about the old Òprotect my loved onesÓ song. No, Clark Kent is us. ItÕs how we relate to the fantasy world. I mean, I have never run around in spandex trying to right wrongs, and while I have been known to tie a towel around my neck and jump off the sofa, I know who I look like. There have been times in my life when I wished I had another identity, rather than face that meeting, IÕd wish that I could hear some special signal, step to that closet, whip off my glasses, and go out and make the world a better place. In reality, the only way I make the world a better place is by bathing regularly. You, me, all of us, we are Clark Kent, and we need him as much as Superman. Maybe the key up above is the phrase, Òthe real world.Ó Superman ainÕt the real world. No superhero comic book ever has been or ever will be. They are the stuff of dreams. Batman would have been killed by his efforts at collecting scar tissue, and no Marvel handbook pseudo science will make me believe that Spider-man can do anything that he does everyday. In the world in which I live, virtually all super-heroes would have nothing to do. How practical is the ability to pop claws out of your hands or shoot ray blasts from any part of your anatomy? Answer: Not at all. Even the best comic books that deal with costumed dudes can be reduced to utter bushwah in short time: No exceptions. So why read a comic book? Because we like them. Because theyÕre fun. Because just like when I watch a play, I pretend those folks on stage donÕt know IÕm watching. I make myself believe that things in comics are possible. In the reality established by comics such things are possible. ItÕs one of the things that we agree to when we pick them up. People who canÕt read comics donÕt have that gift. They are grounded. Now, as I have learned about the world, like so many other things, it is a choice to make. I can choose my supper, I can choose the route I drive home, and I choose how I will live my life. I can choose to believe that Clark Kent is a real disguise. We read Superman because we choose to believe that a man can fly. Away. ========================================================= JUST THE FAQs More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel by David T. Chappell One of the major changes in John ByrneÕs 1986 revamp of Superman came in the realm of the secret identity. Like most popular DC heroes, Superman has always had a civilian identity in which he leads a semblance of a normal life, and he only dons his crime-fighting costume when necessary to help others. To us comics readers, it was a given fact that Clark and Superman were one and the same, but Byrne changed all that. In the new, modern Superman the roles have reversed. While Clark Kent used to be just a cover personality for the Man of Steel, it is now Superman who forms the false identity. Clark was raised as a normal human for 18 years before he learned of his alien heritage, and he acts as himself rather than pretending to be a cowardly weakling. Clark excuses his strength by his regular workouts, and he is man enough to have won LoisÕs heart without super-powers. With greater similarities between Clark and Superman, it may seem odd that no one has discerned the connection. In truth, someone has, but IÕll discuss that next month when I fully cover the question of ÒWho knows SupermanÕs secret identity?Ó This issue, however, the hoopla about the Death of Clark Kent leads me to ask ÒWhy doesnÕt anyone realize that Clark Kent is Superman?Ó Clark and Superman dress alike. They have many of the same friends. They are approximately the same height and built. Superman doesnÕt wear a mask, and the only facial differences are the hairstyle and ClarkÕs glasses. Does the combination of the costume, glasses, and hair really work as an effective disguise? Are the citizens of Metropolis stupid, or is there a more logical answer? Why doesnÕt anyone realize that Clark Kent is Superman? Several weeks before this article was scheduled to originally appear in the KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET, I posted a teaser message to relevant Internet newsgroups. Surprisingly, my original message has prompted a number of replies, and the thread continues with more postings. Some fans defend the secrecy of ClarkÕs identity, while others insist that the whole idea is hogwash and wouldnÕt fool anyone short of Mr. Magoo. The ultimate defense presented by some readers is that Superman is a comic book rather than reality, but herein I hope to present the strongest arguments for why SupermanÕs civilian life has remained a secret for so long. The complete basis for the secret identity can be found in the MAN OF STEEL mini-series and the first two issues of John ByrneÕs SUPERMAN series, though later actions have given further credence to the distinction between the newspaper reporter and the super-hero. In the pre-Crisis days, it seemed like half of the Superman subplots concerned ClarkÕs protecting his secret ID. Lois Lane was always suspicious and trying to prove that Clark was the Man of Steel, but the hero always managed to keep outwitting her and hiding the evidence she needed to prove her case. Some stories used what modern readers (including me) see as lame plot devices: SupermanÕs Kryptonian glasses hypnotized anyone looking at him; Superman had the power to physically alter his facial appearance (similar to Clayface); and SupermanÕs many robots could stand in for him. In the more logical post-Crisis era, things have changed. While Lois, Lana, and a selected few others know about ClarkÕs double-existence, neither they nor others have suspected the truth and tried to prove it. Instead, ClarkÕs multiple confidants help him keep the truth hidden. Over the years, Ma and Pa Kent and Lana Lang have occasionally interfered to help cover ClarkÕs timely disappearances. Now that Lois Lane knows about ClarkÕs alter ego, she works overtime to quiet any suspicions before they start. Clark keeps his normal and super-hero personas distinct by using simple disguise and acting techniques. The physical distinctions between the Superman and Clark Kent persona are a curl of hair, the glasses, and a deepening of his voice. Roger SternÕs novel THE DEATH AND LIFE OF SUPERMAN reports that Clark distinguishes his two identities via Òchanges of voice, posture, and body language.Ó Jonathan Kent helped Clark plan his appearance as Superman (MAN OF STEEL #1, 1986): ÒWith his hair all slickered back and an old pair of my spectacles, his whole face seems to change. All he needs to do is stoop a tad, and he looks like a whole different man.Ó While these subtleties are enough to prevent general suspicion of ClarkÕs being Superman, they do not stand up to strict scrutiny. Thus, Clark also puts forth the effort to prevent anyone from realizing the physical similarities between his identities. When in costume, Superman takes great care to avoid being photographed (MAN OF STEEL #4, 1986; SUPERMAN #1, Jan 87), a partial admission of the greater physical resemblance between Superman and Kent when he lived in Smallville. When he suspects being viewed by camera, our hero always vibrates his face slightly so that photographs will only show his features as a blur (SUPERMAN #2, Feb 87). This facial blur was also used by Jay Garrick, the Golden Age Flash and one of the first major heroes to go without a mask. Superman clearly used this technique in the first few years of his career, but it is unclear whether he continues to need it in light of later evidence on his behalf. Furthermore, there have been several occasions where Clark and Superman have been seen and even photographed together. It is generally known that the two are friends, and their associates are not surprised to see them together occasionally. In the first such case, ÒSupermanÓ was really a robot, while Clark was the real thing. (ADVENTURES #439, Apr 88) During Kal-ElÕs self-imposed exile to outer space (in 1989), a confused Matrix (Supergirl) took on ClarkÕs identity after being exposed to so many memories and mementos of Clark while living with the Kents. Soon after SupermanÕs return from his self-exile in space, the Man of Steel returned to his apartment only to find Matrix there in the form of Clark. Hearing Jimmy Olsen approaching the apartment, the real Clark quickly donned his Superman costume so that Jimmy met both Superman and ÒClark.Ó Matrix suggested that the young photographer take his picture, and Jimmy readily agreed to snap a photo of the two buddies: ÒA good one for your scrapbook!Ó (SUPERMAN #34, Aug 89) Jimmy kept this photo in his Superman collection that he shows to various publishers (SUPERMAN #77, Mar 93). Finally, Superman rescued Clark Kent on television news. After SupermanÕs return from death, the Man of Steel had to devise a plan to account for ClarkÕs disappearance. Kent has been presumed killed in DoomsdayÕs rampage across Metropolis, but Superman concocted a credible scheme after finding some children trapped in a basement with a civil defense shelter. The next day, Matrix disguised herself as a disheveled Clark Kent, and Superman arranged to rescue ÒClarkÓ after scanning all defense shelters with his x-ray vision. Jimmy Olsen was on hand again, and he took a picture of the happy trio of Lois, Clark, and Superman. Afterwards, MatrixÕs abilities helped her convince doctors that ÒClarkÓ was a normal, healthy human. (ACTION #692, Oct 93) Another major factor is that the lack of a mask keeps people from even suspecting that Superman has an alter ego. Understanding the effects of the lack of a mask can be better understood from an historical perspective. Nearly all of the Golden Age Òmystery menÓ of the Justice Society wore masks the conceal their identities. They freely admitted to having secret identities, and their refusal to reveal their names in a 1950s trial led to the temporary disbanding of the JSA. When Superman ushered in the modern heroic age, he neither wore a mask nor claimed to have a normal life. Other modern heroes such as Wonder Woman and Aquaman do not have alternate identities, and it seems logical that Superman would not have one either. Hence, most people believe that Superman is a full-time champion of justice rather than a part-time hero who spends much of his time as someone else. Just as Pa Kent predicted (MAN OF STEEL #1), Òso long as heÕs careful never to let on that he has two separate identities, heÕll be able to move freely like ordinary folks!Ó For example, Lex Luthor was once told the truth, but he dismissed the idea because he could not believe that someone so powerful Òwould ever pretend to be a mere human!Ó Even the head scientist in charge of LuthorÕs investigation admitted ÒThat would never have occurred to me!Ó (SUPERMAN #2) This single-identity attitude about Superman was recently reflected in the ÒLois & ClarkÓ television show. In the episode entitled ÒTop Copy,Ó Superman publicly denounced accusations of being Clark Kent and stated that he has no life aside from being Superman. The public accepted his claims without doubt. In another scene from ÒLois & Clark,Ó Lois wondered what Superman does in his free time without considering that he might have a secret identity as a normal person. These scenes reflect examples of the seriesÕ incorporation of several of ByrneÕs changes to the Superman saga. Therefore, the modern myth of Superman tries to logically explain why no one realizes the truth about ClarkÕs double life. The Last Son of Krypton continues to fight crime and injustice in his super-hero costume even while working as a newspaper reporter under the guise of Clark Kent. While the connection may seem obvious and the disguise minimal, remember that the reader takes an omniscient view and does not have to piece the puzzle together the way characters in the story have to. The duality of Clark and Superman has always been an integral element of the legend, and weÕll soon see whether the ÒDeath of Clark KentÓ story line makes any permanent modifications to the identity that Clark once called his ÒFortress of Solitude.Ó (MAN OF STEEL #1) ========================================================= THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (audio dramatization) With Stuart Milligan as Superman, William Hootkins as Lex Luthor, and Lorelei King as Lois Lane Based on the stories by John Byrne, Dave Gibbons and Jerry Ordway Written and Directed by Dirk Maggs BBC Radio Collection, 7.99 UK 1990/1994 2 hrs 30 mins ÔFaster than a speeding bullet More powerful than a locomotive Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound Look up in the sky, itÕs a bird, itÕs a plane, itÕs SupermanÕ The Adventures of Superman (AOS) was broadcast on BBC radio back in 1990 in five fifteen-minute episodes and completed a few years later. I had just started reading the comics back then and was swept away by this retelling of SupermanÕs early days. I hadnÕt read ByrneÕs Man of Steel at the time and wasnÕt familiar with it. The BBC has since issued AOS as part of its Radio Collection, so that it was with a mix of nostalgia and wonder that I put this review together. I still think itÕs an excellent adaptation of some of the best comic book stories around and it sounds great. The characters and stories are brought to life in a way which complements the comics and fires the imagination. It was written and directed by Dirk Maggs who has done a superb job. AOS opens on the 250th Anniversary of Metropolis and the maiden flight of the NASA space-plane Constitution. Hyped-up reporters play up the excitement, and we are introduced to Lois Lane, whoÕs aboard the flight. Metropolis airport is packed with crowds anxious to see the landing, and the terminal buildings hum with the sound of people. In the VIP lounge, MetropolisÕ Òworld famous crusader for human enterprise and the American dream... Lex LuthorÓ is being interviewed for WGBS. In some sharp characterization, Luthor explains that he is disappointed with the lack of military developments which have been made with the technology onboard the space-plane. In the cockpit of the Constitution, Lois remarks that Luthor sounds more like a politician everyday and Maggs develops their characters and relationship. Ground control warns the crew about a light aircraft with an unconscious pilot and the radar blips to show a small plane. LuthorÕs interview is cut short as the Constitution and the light aircraft collide with a boom. ÒIs there anything you can do?Ó asks Lois. ÒMake a large hole in downtown MetropolisÓ is the CaptainÕs grim reply. As the Constitution falls to the ground, it suddenly levels out with the aid of a mysterious flying man who brings it safely down. The tires squeal and the onboard computer says ÔHave a nice dayÕ. Lois bolts for the hatch to see this man. Superman has made his first appearance in Metropolis. He and Lois exchange awkward words until he flies off as the crowd surrounds them. Familiar fare to Superman fans but an exciting reintroduction to the Last Son of Krypton as you are propelled into the thick of the action. The AOS is a wonderful evocation of SupermanÕs early days in Metropolis. ItÕs a high-octane, roller-coaster ride of drama, humor, great sound effects and wonderful characters Ñ all the things you would expect from the origin of the worldÕs greatest superhero. Dirk Maggs, who adapted and directed the program, has taken the major elements of the Byrne miniseries (and beyond) and brought Superman to life in a richly-textured world. AOS tells the story of SupermanÕs beginnings and his confrontations with Luthor, Bizarro and Metallo. There are great action scenes like the ConstitutionÕs landing and the terrorist attack on LuthorÕs yacht, the Sea Queen. The finale at Two Mile Island is gripping. ClarkÕs life, his parents, feelings for Lois and friendship with Jimmy all make this a comprehensive introduction to the Man of Steel in an innovative way. The casting is great. In particular, William Hootkins is brilliant as Lex Luthor, and his voice portrays every villainous nuance of the character. When Superman flies through Metropolis for the first time in costume, there are cheers and a choir of car horns from the citizens of Metropolis. Luthor, on the other hand, wants to see and own this new phenomenon and will trample on anyone who gets in his way. He intimidates a helipad supervisor who tells him that sheÕs given his standby helicopter to Lois Lane. Lex tells her to Òget out of Metropolis, and if you value what I may laughingly refer to as your life, never cross my path again!Ó Wow, this is not a guy you want to cross! Stuart Milligan is the perfect foil for Luthor and handles the different roles of Superman/Clark Kent very well. He effectively uses his voice to switch characters: Superman is self-assured and confident with a deep and resonant voice, comfortable with humor and the funny questions he gets asked in the early days (ÔWhat are the bullets going to do to your fancy underwear, son?Õ a SWAT captain asks), while Clark is more laid-back and unsure as a rookie reporter (Perry encourages him to be more assertive). When the Kents step out into the daylight to see how the Superman outfit looks all put together, you canÕt help but grin as Clark says, ÒWhenever people need my special kind of help, it wonÕt be a job for plain, ordinary Clark Kent - it will be a job for SUPERMANÓ. ThereÕs a rush of air as Clark soars into the sky and MarthaÕs shout of ÒTake care sonÓ is left to carry on the wind. This is the stuff of heroes and legends, and families. Maggs has added to the early days of Superman by painting in background scenes. In MOS, Superman confronts Luthor with the Battle Armor used against him and warns him that someday he will pay. In AOS, Luthor discusses its design with Dr. Teng in Hong Kong and demonstrates its devastating firepower to Amanda McCoy. Luthor then orders it crated up for use in Metropolis. In Smallville, Clark and Jonathan are looking at the spot where his capsule has been stolen from the farm when he hears screams from Metropolis. The scene cuts to falling buildings and a Metropolis police officer reporting the situation and calling for backup. The officer is hit and Lois and Jimmy drag him into a shopping mall. The Battle Armor wheezing and clanking (and generally tearing up the place) follows them in. Lois is terrified as the ground rumbles around them, but itÕs Superman who flies up to stand against this ÔSoldier of TomorrowÕ. He turns to Lois to say ÒLate night shopping, Lois?Ó before going up against it. Cue another smile for a well- played scene and MaggsÕ feel for the characters. The story has lots of clever continuity touches too. Lois has an answering machine on which Luthor leaves a message. Her message is frenetic Ñ ÒThis is Lois Lane. If youÕve tried my desk at the Planet, leave a message, blah, blah, blah, bye-eÓ Ñ but it is the kind of message you could imagine her having. Lorelei King is a brash and convincing Lois Lane Ñ the fearless army brat always chasing the big story and never short of an aqualung in her car! Amanda McCoy features through the story as LuthorÕs right hand and suggests ways to catch up with Superman. She recounts SupermanÕs MO, and is involved in breaking into the MayorÕs office while Luthor throws his party on the Sea Queen. ItÕs Amanda who discovers that Clark Kent is Superman, a conclusion she brings to Luthor in the final scene, with unfortunate personal consequences. Luthor refuses to accept it and has Amanda fired and the data trashed. In a neat radio trick, Luthor then reads out the cast list to his legal department, punitive division, as persons to be sued for defamation of character. The sound effects are tremendous. From the background buzz of the Planet office to the traffic on the streets on Metropolis, the attention to detail shines through. When Martha and Jonathan help Clark with his costume, you can hear MarthaÕs sewing machine running up the cape! The wind buffets Clark as he flies and the only line missing is ÔUp, up and awayÕ. It has been replaced by a whoosh, but that works, honest! Radio broadcasts, answering machines and talking computers are all used as narrative devices without being intrusive. As icing on the cake, the story has been re-recorded in Dolby Surround so that missiles swoop overhead, bullets ricochet around the room, and you are left believing a man can fly. The soundtrack plays to the mood of the scenes and helps the opening lines come together. The meeting with Batman doesnÕt feature, which is a pity since that would have been interesting Ñ but it is SupermanÕs story after all. Time has been telescoped and Clark is already working at the planet when Lois discovers heÕs written the Superman story. Maggs uses this to his advantage to show life at the Planet. He also sets up a running joke that every time Perry looks for Clark heÕs gone to washroom. On the eve of the Death of Clark Kent story arc, itÕs interesting to recall that some 97 issues of Superman ago, Lana Lang was kidnapped and tortured about what she knew about Superman. Clark finds her and flies her home to Smallville and then goes up against Luthor because heÕs now gone too far. I havenÕt got these early issues, and my thanks go to David Chappell who pointed out some differences between the tape and the comics in the handling of LanaÕs kidnapping and ClarkÕs reaction to what has happened to his parents. In both, Clark finds Lana and she tells him she never told them what she knew. In the comic Clark then tells her, ÒYou should have. My secret isnÕt worth you having to suffer like this.Ó As David has said in postings, itÕs going to be interesting to see if Clark reacts the same way now. SupermanÕs rage at what has happened to Lana and his parents is well conveyed as he confronts Luthor (with his new Kryptonite ring), Amanda, and Two Mile Island in the thrilling finale. The Adventures of Superman is a worthy addition to any Superman fanÕs collection and a great example of how well Superman can translate into another medium. Up, up, and away! 5+ Shields William J Nixon ========================================================= End of Section 2 ========================================================= 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- 13. SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #43, ÒDeathtrap!Ó Writer: Louise Simonson Layout Artist: Jon Bogdanove Ink Artist: Dennis Janke $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: AW: 4 Shields - Wow! An all-action issue! I liked it! JS: 4.5 Shields - ItÕs a first! I thought MOS was the best of the four this month! KM: 3.5 Shields - I canÕt really think of anything I HATE about this issue; nothing really memorable either except I like Mister Miracle. PS: 3 Shields - An action-packed issue, and a good trap that our heroes had to truly team-up on to defeat; and I enjoyed Bog and JankeÕs trip into the genre of Ògood girl artÓ with the nearly full- page Barda shot on page 7, and the humorous Òshark shotÓ in the upper right of page 16. WN: 3.5 Shields - I liked the dynamic Supes art by Bog and it was an entertaining conclusion to the Deathrap storyline. ÒDeathtrap!Ó is the second part of a battle between Superman, Mister Miracle, and Deathtrap (Carl Draper). Draper is a world-renowned designer of prisons and escape-proof traps. But recent jailbreaks have convinced him that he needs better testing of his devicesÑand who better to test them than the Man of Steel? Not only will trapping Superman prove the efficacy of his traps, but it will be an even more exciting event when heÑCarl DraperÑfrees the heroes from the traps which have been ÒsubvertedÓ by DraperÕs alter-ego, Deathtrap. Unfortunately, Draper has made some miscalculations. His ultimate trap isnÕt as foolproof as he thought, and itÕs instability threatens to set off a volcano and devastate Hawaii. Only with Big BardaÕs help can Superman and Mister Miracle escape the trap and avert disaster. The balance of action and exposition in the issue was well-handled. I ÒlikeÓ Deathtrap as a villain, and IÕm wondering what secrets DraperÕs daughter has up her sleeve. I didnÕt even mind that Superman wasnÕt able to catch Deathtrap this time aroundÑa ploy used most often to stretch out thin story lines featuring second-string villains. IÕm not quite clear, however, on how Draper gets hold of all that Apokolipsian technology. Is he a member of Intergang? Does he have some sort of deal with Darkseid? IÕm sure weÕll learn more in future issues. Superman and Mister Miracle use a combination of skill, brains, and brawn that we rarely see anymore in a Superman comic. I do have to say that I was a little disappointed with their dependence on that deus ex machina, the Mother Box. Yes, I know Kirby used it a lot in the original New Gods stories, but somehow they seemed less dependent on the box to save the day than in this story. As usual, BogdanoveÕs layouts were interesting, but the execution was weak. As was pointed out in KC #10 by others, a lot of the blame goes to Dennis JankeÕs inks. Still, action is BogdanoveÕs forte, so the art remains enjoyable. Anatole Wilson ========================================================= 14. SUPERMAN #99, ÒBurning the PastÓ Writer: Dan Jurgens Pencils: Gil Kane Inks: Josef Rubinstein $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: KM: 4 Shields - Based more on the art than the story. AW: 2 Shields - Nice to see Gil Kane anywhere, but Agent Liberty? yuck. And yet another two-bit villain Superman canÕt catch. JS: 2.5 Shields - Nice Kane art, but RubinsteinÕs inks donÕt complement. Though I *like* the character of Agent Liberty, I didnÕt care for this story. The characterizations of Agent Liberty and Lois Lane just didnÕt seem right to me. PS: 4 Shields - Supes steps into the background and lets Lois and Agent Liberty carry the story, serving up a nice change of pace and dialogue reminiscent of ÒMoonlightingÓ; the flying sequences and mini-skirt jokes are hilarious (ÒHey! Watch your hands, Buster.Ó Ñ Lois, page 6). This issue opens up with a crowd of tourists, including Lois Lane, gathered around the Jefferson Memorial. Suddenly an unknown terrorist tosses a handmade bomb directly into the startled spectators. At this point you would expect a certain Man of Steel to swoop down and save the day. However, Agent Liberty grabs the bomb in midair, throws it away from the crowd and then blasts it with his handy six shooter. Eat your heart out, Clint Eastwood. He then swoops back down to the astonished crowd to take care of the other two terrorists by bashing in their heads. Believe me, this guy is NOT for gun control. He finds out the bomb was intended for Lois and not for the Monument. It is revealed by one of the frightened hoods that a certain Arclight wanted all the journalists dead. Liberty decides to go find Arclight (of course), and Lois wants to tag along. So he swoops her off her feet like a bag of wet laundry, which I am sure she was not expecting. Cut to the local hotel where Clark and Jimmy are attending a journalistic convention. Suddenly a man wearing an overcoat whips out a gun (which is putting it mildly). Jimmy decides to be the hero by taking him out. A burst of heat vision from Clark puts the weapon out of commission while Jimmy punches the guy out. After hearing a report about a bomb killing seven reporters, Clark begins to think that someone is out to kill all reportersÑ including Lois. He decides to check out the situation as Superman. Jump back to Lois and Agent Liberty landing on the roof of one of the buildings. He calls up some information through a voice-activated computer on Arclight. Liberty explains to Lois, ÒArclight was the tag name for one Noah Pastenetti, a torch for the Gotham mob about ten years ago. Called him Arclight because of his technique. A single arc of electricity between electrodes would ignite his bombs into an inferno. Whatever the targetÑ Arclight took it down.Ó As it turns out, Pastenetti was betrayed by a young reporter, Alicia Parker, who used him to get some information on the mob. The mob caught up with Arclight, who was apparently killed when the building he was in exploded. Lois and Liberty decide to check on Alicia Parker and use the computer to determine her whereabouts. As they are flying over Washington, they are intercepted by Superman. Superman decides not to follow too closely in order to see where they are going. Liberty realizes they are being followed but decides to ignore it. They land on ParkerÕs penthouse suite which suddenly explodes in LibertyÕs face. Lois is safely out of range but Liberty is caught by Superman right before he crashes to earth. Suddenly Arclight appears and decides to take on both of them. The next couple of pages consist of a tremendous battle between the three super characters. Arclight blames the reporters for turning him into a freak and Superman wants to take him to S.T.A.R. labs for help. Before Superman can catch him he vanishes into thin air. Rather anti-climactic, if you ask me. Needless to say, heÕll probably be back. The last page shows Clark and Lois walking down the hall to his hotel room. As he opens the door, they notice a message on the window, ÒI KNOW.Ó Thus begins the start of a whole new story, one I am looking forward to reading. Okay, so this was simply a way to introduce the next continuing story line. I enjoyed it and I always look forward to JurgensÕ work. Perhaps Agent Liberty could fight along with Captain America and finally put an end to all the commie liberal reporters who donÕt know how to report the news honestly and fairly. Oh, sorry, I guess I got carried away. Ken McKee ========================================================= 15. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #522, ÒCity of HopeÓ Writer: Karl Kesel Penciller: Stuart Immonen Inker: Jose Marzan Jr. $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: PS: 4 Shields JS: 3.5 Shields - Nice Immonen art (really nice depiction of Wonder Woman) and a well-told story. IÕm not certain about DMN, and IÕm starting to wonder what theyÕre building up to with Lord Satanus. KM: 3 Shields - Some things are better left to the imagination. This, IMHO, was a case of the writers saying to themselves, ÒHey, we have to come up with some explanation as to what happened to Metropolis, so letÕs do this.Ó I did like PerryÕs perspective on it. But, it was an oversimplified answer to a complex story. WN: 4.5 Shields - Another fine Kesel script with some great touches like Shazam and Impulse giggling together and the clever twist at the end. The whole team have a feel for the heart and soul of Metropolis. So magic rebuilt Metropolis, hey, why not, sometimes itÕs nice to believe in miracles. The issue starts out with a cover thatÕs not only reflective of the story inside, but also an homage to one of the final covers of the Òpre-ByrneÓ Superman series. The original cover had the Superman supporting cast on the roof of the Planet buildingÑthis one has the supporting super-heroes who will help him rebuild Metropolis. The splash page perfectly frames the narrative as Òan editorial by Perry WhiteÓ as Perry sits at his keyboard recounting the rebuilding of the city. In the background, as if in a dream, is the nearly transparent figure of Superman flying past the office window. PerryÕs story recounts how Superman returned to the ruined Metropolis with Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Maxima, Guy Gardner, Martian Manhunter, and Impulse. They are immediately directed by the Guardian to a hostage situation on the top floor of the Newstime Building. The destruction of Metropolis has caused the jobless and homeless to strike backÑanti-poverty activist Josh Eichorn is desperately torn between a shoot-out with police or use of the drug DMN. As the superheroes begin to discuss a hostage negotiation strategy, Impulse disarms the group at super-speedÑforcing them into their backup plan of taking the Òdemon drugÓ. Superman and his allies tear into the transformed quintet. (In a clever inside joke, Kesel has two of the monsters fighting over Captain Marvel, saying, ÒRed cheese you are to us! Yum!Ó) The defeated group is strapped to stretchers as the DMN drug wears off, and theyÕre helicoptered away to the hospital. At Perry WhiteÕs suggestion, the super-heroes begin to rebuild Metropolis along its periphery. Zatanna the magician then appears, indicating that she can restore the central city with her magicÑusing PerryÕs memories of Metropolis and the heroesÕ super-energy. Metropolis is restored, and Impulse and Captain Marvel share a giggle over ZatannaÕs backwards incantations. They are scolded by Wonder Woman: ÒIÕd expect something immature like that from ImpulseÑbut you, Captain? IÕd think youÕd act your age.Ó This story should appropriately end on page 20, with Superman heroically marking the complete restoration of Metropolis by placing the original Daily Planet globe back atop the building. ThatÕs where PerryÕs editorial narrative concludesÑÓMetropolis is back! Give us your best shotÑwe can take it!Ó But unbeknownst to Perry and the rest of the cast, it is really the black magic of Lord Satanus that has restored Metropolis. And Satanus has a human identity, Newstime publisher Collin Thornton who also invented the demon drug and saved the city to cover his involvement. As Clark and Lois work at their desks to finish their articles for the next dayÕs paper, ClarkÕs terminal screen displays the phrase ÒI know!Ó repeatedly. Clark has previously seen this message on the video billboard at the heart of Metropolis (Man of Steel #43) and on a mirror in his apartment (Superman #99)Ñ he will also see it on a series of postcards that arrive in his mailbox (Action #709). IÕm a sucker for a first-person reporter narrative, and so I greatly enjoyed PerryÕs tale of the heroic restoration of Metropolis. But Kesel leaves the reader with troubling thoughts by revealing the rest of the story. What can or will happen in a city rebuilt through black magic? This is a story for later; right now weÕre waiting to see what happens to Clark as the result of his mysterious messages. Patrick Stout ========================================================= 16. ACTION COMICS #709, ÒCrime tunnel! or When warriors strongly disagree!Ó Writer: David Michelinie Artists: Jackson Guice and Denis Rodier $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK WN: 2.5 Shields - Action issue saved by advances in the serial killer subplot and SCUÕs Dan Turpin JS: 3 Shields - Not a bad story (not nearly as bad as Mr. Michelinie seems prone to write). And I actually liked the art in this issue Ñ when Guy was in the scene. Guice & Rodier draw Warrior really well. KM: 3.5 Shields - I liked this issue but I hated having to buy one from another series to figure out the missing parts. I enjoyed the action scenes. PS: 2 Shields - The Warrior/Superman slugfest just didnÕt do anything for me, though I liked the Turpin subplot....and WHERE is the slasher subplot leading? ItÕs rush hour in the Queensland Park tunnel, and Guy Gardner is in the back of a cab urging the driver to get into Metropolis as fast as possible. HeÕs about to lose control and become Warrior. Guy needs to find Superman because his Vuldarian side is taking over in response to an alien threat. He loses control and becomes Warrior then smashes out of the cab. At the Planet, Clark is wondering who ÒknowsÓ while Lois waits on developments on her serial killer story. Perry sends them both to check out the disturbance in the tunnel. Dan Turpin is getting out of town on a fishing vacation and gets caught up in the jam. Warrior grabs a police officer who tries to stop him. Turpin moves up through the gridlock on foot to find out what the disturbance is and confronts four guys mugging a Mercedes driver. Superman flies down the tunnel to confront Warrior, who throws the officer to the side. Guy makes a plea for help before his Vuldarian side reasserts itself, and his hand becomes a large mace which he uses to pound Superman. Guy then uses a cannon-type weapon and hits a passer-by. Superman stops to help the civilian hit by one of WarriorÕs bullets. HeÕs a truck driver carrying illegal radioactive waste and warns Superman about the danger. In Suicide Slum, the serial killer has a splitting headache which he can only relieve by punishing Òfalsifiers and foolersÓ - aspirin doesnÕt cut it. His Spartan room has a newspaper cutting with the ÒDuped AgainÓ headline on it and a shot of Superman in the coffin, which he can still see. The police break in and he cries out while pointing at Superman that he has to Òpunish the greatest deceiver of all.Ó All the police can see is the empty coffin. Turpin beats down the muggers and grabs a dirt scrambler to help Superman. Dan knocks Warrior off of Supes with the bike heÕs borrowed, and Warrior is frozen in liquid nitrogen. Superman then flies him off to S.T.A.R. labs. Cue: Continued Warrior 30 box. Clark returns to his apartment thinking ÒPeople think heroes never sleep... IÕm going to nod off for a weekÓ. He checks his mailbox, finding that itÕs full of postcards which say ÒI know,Ó and he is left again wondering ÒWho?Ó This episode could have been nothing more than a relentless slugfest but thankfully wasnÕt. I donÕt know much about GuyÕs latest exploits or his Vuldarian side, but there wasnÕt much previous knowledge required for a storyline which will be continued in Guy Gardner: Warrior #30. It did live up to the Action in this bookÕs title though. I was perhaps too cynical about that and GuyÕs appearance, but it was offset with advances in the serial killer subplot and an opportunity to showcase Dan Turpin. The former has been a curious affair but seems to be building towards an as yet indeterminate (for me) conclusion. This issue confirms that the ÒSlasherÓ is ultimately pursuing Superman as the Ògreatest deceiverÓ (as Art suspected). [The fact that the killer can still see the body in the casket probably indicates that he has some link to Brainiac. ÑJeff] The victims we have seen killed have been killed for truth - but truth for whom? I liked the use of Dan and the insights into his character, like a love of fishing and his relentless dedication. The art was good, in particular the wonderful close-up of Dan Turpin saying ÒBut I got a job to doÓ in the center pages. The J. Shuster mailbox below ClarkÕs was also a nice touch. The cover art is a neat homage to Action 688 which was part of the Reign of the Supermen arc. That cover read ÒGuy Gardner chooses sides!Ó and Guy (with bowl haircut) is shown fighting the visored Superman. Coincidentally, Action 688 was Triangle 16 of 1993 (709 is this years 16). William J U Nixon ========================================================= OTHER SUPER-TITLES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERBOY #14, ÒKill Them All!Ó (Watery Grave: Part 2 of 3) Writer: Karl Kesel Artist: Tom Grummett Inkers: Doug Hazlewood & Stan Woch $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: VC: 4 Shields - The previous issue is still somewhat better, but this is solid artwork and a still-interesting storyline. AW: 4.5 Shields - Characteristically strong art, dialogue and plot. Another winner! JS: 4 Shields - The story was a little weaker than last issue, but the art is as great as ever! DonÕt guess Sidearm is going to be SuperboyÕs arch-nemesis. Our covert team is off to a great start. Not only have they entered the Silicon DragonsÕ lair with their undersea craft damaged but they are immediately fired upon while swimming in a moon pool. However, not is all lost. Makoa starts off the action with an incendiary device and Knockout follows up by launching Superboy into the midst of the fight. Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Knockout and Superboy enter an area of the complex and seal it off under a hail of gunfire. While they believe theyÕre safe, they realize that King Shark, Makoa and Sidearm may be done for... In reality, King Shark had taken Makoa back out underwater only to ram open another part of the base. Sidearm had followed them and demands to abort the mission. Unfortunately, it is King Shark who gives Sidearm a more final reply. Meanwhile, the other four members of the team are making their way through the undersea labyrinth encountering devious traps in each area they pass, until finally, the group falls. When Superboy recovers consciousness, we see only him, shackled and ready to meet his execution at the hands of Lady Dragon. Except for a few minor things, I would say that Kesel has another well-crafted issue on his hands. The only nit-picking I have was the lack of a plan on the part of our heroes. All we know is that their mission is to locate and destroy the central base of the Silicon Dragons. What we donÕt know is how they are to accomplish that. Regardless of how powerful they may be together, they have been separated and they probably lack the tactical knowledge on how to destroy the complex. An exotic dancer, MTV-raised clone, thieving Aussie and a marksman - a thinktank they do not make. IÕm more content to believe that theyÕre just wandering around looking for a self- destruct button or more logically, a way out. I have to admit that Makoa and King SharkÕs tenuous relationship makes for a great read but is it just me, or are others getting tired of the rest of the Suicide SquadÕs complaints? The fact that Kesel culled them together for an important mission is great but they interact with each other awkwardly. Still, I enjoyed the fact that the team are human beings with limitations and really had to struggle through the issue, testament that Kesel does not give his characters cakewalk situations to deal with. I canÕt say much more about the art that I havenÕt mentioned previously but if youÕre reading this for the first time, Grummett and Hazlewood et al do a fabulous job, making them the most consistent and talented S-related art team this past while. (IÕm a sucker for Stuart Immonen but who knows how long heÕs gonna be with the S-titles?) Victor Chan ========================================================= End of Section 3 ========================================================= OTHER SUPER-TITLES (cont): ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- STEEL #14, ÒSpirits and FlameÓ Written by Louise Simonson Pencilled by Roberto Flores Inked by Rich Faber Cover by Batista & Faber $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: JS: 2.5 Shields - Decent guest art, but a dumb story with several problems. After attending the funeral of Rosie Kurtz (who was killed in issue #9), John Henry finds himself face to face with RosieÕs previously unknown twin sister. Suzzie warns him of impending woman troubles, but their discussion is cut short by a nearby explosion. Steel begins to pull people from the burning building, but realizes that there are simply too many to save by himself. Fortunately, Superman (in town for the reporterÕs convention in Superman #99) arrives on the scene to aid in the rescue. Just as it is cleared, the building collapses. Realizing that the firemen donÕt seem to be able to contain the blaze, Superman funnels water from the Potomac to douse the fire. Before they even have time to catch their breath, however, Steel and Superman are drawn to another explosion about a half-mile away. They repeat the rescue and water-funnel act. Once again, they try to take a moment to recover, but they witness the appearance of a suit of armor which launches a bomb, igniting a gas main. Amidst the resulting explosion, the armor seems to become part of the flames. After concluding that this villain travels as a gas until he can rematerialize and ignite another fire, Superman and Steel give chase. Superman comes up with a plan and directs Steel to keep him from exploding again. Steel manages to tackle Firebomb (as he introduces himself), sending the two of them flying just over a row of fire hydrants. Superman promptly uses his heat vision to shear the hydrants, innundating Steel and Firebomb. Though the water has little effect against the incredible heat that Firebomb is generating, Superman uses his super-breath to freeze Steel and Firebomb. After thawing them, though, they discover that the bomb escaped through cracks in his suit. John Henry then goes to the nearest hospital to have his burns looked at, and Dr. Quick seems to draw a connection between him and Steel by the pattern of his burns. Across the city, Nate enters the office of Senator Weaver, her new employer, to find the Senator staring blankly into her computer screen. An in yet another location, White Rabbit gloats that her use of Firebomb distracted Superman and Steel long enough for her reprogram Senator WeaverÕs computer. The result Ñ ÒWeaver and her anti-violence cohorts will work to repeal the weapons control legislation they passed so recently.Ó The best part about this issue is the gorgeous cover by Batista & Faber. The interior fill-in art by Flores is nice, and his Superman is impressive. There is, however, a lack of backgrounds for all but the largest of panels. There are *way* too many convenient occurrences and little problems with this issue. First is the appearance of Suzzie Kurtz. If they wanted a weird psychic character in the book, they should not have killed Rosie. In fact, you could make an argument that this somewhat negates her death! When Steel tackles Firebomb, he ignites, heating SteelÕs armor to white hot Ñ yet SteelÕs cape is just tattered along the bottom. Then of course, thereÕs the unlikelihood of seeing a series of hydrants lined up so close together. In the months IÕve been buying it, STEEL has had a roller-coaster tendency. There have been very good issues such as the #0 issue and the first two parts of ÒMaximum Orbit.Ó But there have also been some horrible issues such as the two-part story about Rosie KurtzÕs death. Jeff Sykes ========================================================= SHOWCASE Ô95 #3, ÒNo MercyÓ Starring The Eradicator Written by: Karl Kesel Pencils by: Greg LaRocque Inks by: Stan Woch $2.50 US/$3.50 CAN/L1.50 UK RATINGS: RG: Story: 4 shields - good self contained origin/motivation story Art: 2.5 shields - inks are too heavy, needs background detail JS: 3.5 Shields - Nice take on the Eradicator, but the story was little more than a fight and an origin recap. I love Greg LaRocqueÕs artwork, though I agree that the inks could have been a little lighter Ñ especially on the EradicatorÕs scars. Team Turmoil, a mercenary super-powered group, and an unknown leader have taken over the day-care center of Star Labs in San Francisco killing the adults. The leader is demanding that he be given super-powers or he will start killing the children. The Eradicator easily beats Team Turmoil, seriously injuring several of them. He then turns his attention to the (still) unnamed leader, who is using one of the children as a shield. As the Eradicator prepares to kill the leader, he is stopped by the intervention of his kids (who we saw several times in the flashbacks). They donÕt want him to kill the guy as they (and the world) believe he killed their father. He is just about to explain to his kids who he really is when the police arrive on the scene and he is forced to escape. Through an interesting interplay of flashbacks to the life (and death) of Dr. David Connor (the personality currently inhabiting the body of the Eradicator), we get a little better feel for who the current Eradicator is, and why he reacts the way he does. IÕm not sure if the EradicatorÕs origin has ever been presented before (IÕve never seen it), but as an origin and background story this one works well. [The merging of Dr. Connor and the Eradicator occurred in Action Comics #693. ÑJeff] I didnÕt care for the art, it looked rushed and unfinished. There are few panels that have anything beyond an attempt at a background, and the inking was too heavy for my taste. ÒClaw reunionsÓ starring Claw (of Primal Force) Written by: Steven T. Seagle Pencils by: Shannon Londin-Gallant Inks by: Tim Simmons Story 1 - uninteresting presentation of a forgettable character Art 2.5 - looks rushed, needs background detail Claw reminisces about an incident in Hong Kong that involved his mother, and explains a bit about some of his problems with the Triads in Asia. ÒHomecomingÓ starring the Question Written by: Dennis OÕNeil Art by: Rick Burchette Story 3 - about average, OK but not remarkable Art 3 - OK, needs more detail. It looked unfinished Vic Sage, The Question is visiting the orphanage where he grew up when he encounters a trouble maker from his past about to trash the place and the nun who still resides there. Vic easily defeats his old tormentor and his gang saving the nun, and the orphanage from further harm. Not a bad story, but predictable. Dennis is capable of much better work. ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= THE NEW TITANS #120, ÒThe Road to HellÓ (Forever Evil: Part 2 of 3) Written by: Marv Wolfman Penciled by: William Rosado Inks by: Keith Champagne $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN/#1.25 UK RATINGS: RG: Story: 5 shields - tightly plotted nice lead in for Supergirl Art: 5 shields - great perspectives with detailed backgrounds JS: 3 Shields - I use to read Titans, but it got uninteresting. Having picked up the last two issues because of the Supergirl appearance, I can say that these two issues have been better than what I left. The art is good Ñ though I donÕt care for the ÒpunkedÓ Supergirl Ñ and the writing is okay. The story continues from last issue and Showcase Ô95 #2, with hints to happenings in this years annual. Raven and her converts have kidnapped Mirage and taken her to their cavern deep under the city. Raven plans to use her to lure the Titans into a trap so that she can use them as hosts for the other Children of Trigon. Meanwhile, in the dimension of Azarath, Phantasm has reformed to do battle with her again. The Titans get a distress call from Mirage, and they charge off to the rescue. While deep in space, Phantasm is calling on Minion (see the last few issues of Darkstars for details) for help. The Titans fall into RavenÕs trap and are beginning to win the fight when Supergirl, in her punk/spiked mode joins the fight against them (yup, sheÕs a villain in this one). Supergirl is easily defeating the Titans one-by-one, and has just defeated Terra, who was trying to rescue Mirage, when she is beaten by Phantasm and Minion. The story is supposed to conclude in the next issue. Confused? DonÕt be concerned, this is a very busy title and carries a large amount of history. This is not to mention that DCÕs Darkstar and Green Lantern (and probably the new Impulse) titles are tightly linked to the events in this book. As it appears that Supergirl is to become an on-going member of the Titans, if anyone wants a recap of the current plots or other details, let me know and IÕll include them in a future issue. The New Titans is (IMHO) one of the best books currently being printed. IÕm glad that Supergirl will be joining them as it gives me one more good reason to pick up the book each month. Marv Wolfman (one of the original creators) seems to really care about the team. He takes the time to show the interplay between the characters and works hard to show the relationships that are developing between the members. The wonderfully detailed art work works to help tell the interesting and well plotted story lines. This book is a lot more than just long boring fight scenes tacked together with a few pages of completely unrelated interaction. When the inevitable fight does happen, it is shown as an integral, and necessary part of the story. The characters are consistent and have realistic personalities. TheyÕre treated in such a way that as a reader I care what happens to them from month to month. What more can a reader ask of a book? ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= MINISERIES AND SPECIAL APPEARANCES: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ BLOOD PACK #2 (of 4), ÒBlue HawaiiÓ Written by: Charles Moore Pencils by: Chris Taylor Inks by: Andy Lanning $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RG: Story: 4 shields - tightly written story, good characterization Art: 3.5 shields - figures look rushed, lack of backgrounds hurt JS: 3 Shields - Good characterization of Superboy, and pretty good art highlight a story which is actually better than you might expect. And hey, itÕs got Jade! (recap of issue 1) The Blood Pack (newbloods Sparx, Nightblade, Ballistic, Razorsharp, Loria, Geist, and Mongrel, and led by Jade) are hired by a TV studio that wants to put together a series based on their exploits. To make this possible, each of the members of the Pack are closely followed by (at least one) flying camera that is constantly monitoring their activities. The studio will then edit the films to make the series. Kind of like a Superhero 911 show. [More like MTVÕs ÒThe Real World.Ó ÑJeff] Naturally since this is a comic book, there is some sort of conspiracy, and hidden agenda. In the first book of the series, the Pack are called out to fight a group of terrorists that have taken over an atomic plant in Germany. The team are split up and each of them is in serious trouble when the book ends. The story picks up while the Blood Pack are in Germany trying to shut down the reactor that had been damaged by the ÒDemolition TeamÓ (a group of costumed environmental activists). They are getting themselves stomped pretty badly when their backups (heavily armed humans in fighting suits) step in and help them defeat the terrorists. Razorsharp manages to shut the reactor down. Later as the Pack kicks back, we get a (small) glimpse of them trying to get to know each other better. Not all of the Pack want to get along, and Loria decides that she wants out. We also get the obligatory scene of the master minds planning to use them in their own agenda. An emergency takes the Pack to Hawaii, but they are forced to leave Razor and Loria behind. When the Pack get to Hawaii they join with Superboy in rescuing the tourists and locals being threatened by the eruption of a supposedly dormant volcano. (We get to see some alien-like tentacles in the lava so we know that the disaster has been generated by the showÕs producers.) While performing a rescue, Superboy damages one of the flying cameras that are following the Pack around. After the rescue is finished, Geist picks up the damaged unit to try to fix it. He is working on it in the plane on the way back to base when he manages to activate it in ÒplayÓ mode. What he sees is Devlin (one of the armored backups) kill Loria. He shows a few of the others, and they decide to wait to see what else the Producers are up to. The book closes with a shot of the producers threatening to terminate Baxter and the project. The Blood Pack is DCÕs first real effort to build a team of the new young heroes that came about in the ÒBloodlinesÓ annuals of two years ago. As an effort to try to make use of the characters (and introduce them to new readers), itÕs a great start. I just wish we could have seen more of Sparx and Superboy. The concept of a ÒrealÓ super-hero TV show is great! ItÕs especially good to see DC making good use of the old Infinity Inc. characters. (Jade is here and her brother Obsidian is in JLA.) IÕm enjoying the series right now, and hope that DC will continue with the characters in some form after itÕs over. The new characters are interesting and diverse, from a large number of different backgrounds. Watching them interact could make for some interesting story ideas in the future. ReneÕ Gobeyn ========================================================= GUY GARDNER: WARRIOR #30, ÒThe Enemy of My FriendÓ Written by Beau Smith Pencilled by Mitch Byrd Inked by Dan Davis Cover by Grummett & Davis $1.50/$2.10 CAN/70p UK RATINGS: JS: 4 Shields This issue continues the story from Action Comics #709, beginning with STAR LabsÕ attempt to help Guy. After Dr. Faulkner confirms that Guy is reacting to SupermanÕs alien DNA, Warrior breaks free from the chamber in which heÕs being studied. To help Superman, Dr. Faulkner changes into Rampage. After extensive battle, Superman manages to knock Guy unconscious. Supergirl arrives at Warriors after her recent bout with the New Titans and Raven, where she is informed of GuyÕs inability to control his powers. She rushes off to help, arriving just after Guy has awakened and resumed the battle. She finally helps him to regain control by shifting her appearance to that of Ice, GuyÕs past love who was slain prior to Zero Hour. Warrior is one of the better titles at DC, and I believe they handled their part of this meeting better than Action did. Mitch ByrdÕs art is a little bit stylized, and his rendition of Supergirl was much better than his take on the Man of Steel. The writing is great. IÕve seen better from Beau Smith, but this was still well-written. And it was really nice to see that Supergirl saved the day, and she did so without simply joining in the brawl! Oh, and it was great seeing Tom GrummettÕs Superman on the cover! Jeff Sykes ========================================================= ========================================================= 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) FOURTH STRIKE ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ACTION COMICS #675, ÒDivide and ConquerÓ March 1992 Written by Roger Stern Art by Bob McLeod & Denis Rodier Cover by Jurgens & McLeod Cover Price: $1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK Overstreet Price: $1.00 US The heroes of Earth have begun to turn the tide of the battle with BrainiacÕs forces, prompting some expression of concern from Maxima. However, Brainiac assures her that he has prepared for every contingency. Even as they speak, the heroes have split into smaller teams. One by one, Brainiac manages to waylay these teams by implanting devices onto the heads of certain heroes, thereby gaining control over them. In the combat arena, Superman, Supergirl, and Draaga escape the storm initiated by Brainiac by fleeing into the headship, still controlled by Dubbilex. Inside, Dubbilex receives some surprise assistance as the mother box units taken from Lightray and Orion suddenly disappear from BrainiacÕs grip and reappear at DubbilexÕs side. Back on Earth, Jimmy makes his way into the Newstime building amidst the Chaos on the streets of Metropolis, where he finds Collin Thornton. True to his word, Thornton gives Jimmy a job to help photograph the mayhem. Out in the streets, the heroes have made some progress against BrainiacÕs ground forces, and when they are joined by both Team Luthor and the SCU. Working together, the three groups manage to push the aliens away from downtown and against the waterfront. Up above, Jimmy and Ron Troupe cover the story in the Newstime helicopter. On Warworld, Brainiac finally admits to some concern over his inability to regain control of his headship from Dubbilex. His concerns grow when Dubbilex transports the ship deep into Warworld and drains all of the power from its teleporters. Brainiac quickly orders Maxima to investigate, but not before further angering her over his mistreatment. Superman encounters the controlled Kilowog, who blasts him with his Green Lantern ring energy, but Superman uses the yellow shield on his cape to stop the energy and remove the device. And in another corner, Captain Marvel helps the Forever People to escape a horde of Warworlders, and they repay the favor by summoning the Infinite Man. And in yet another corridor, Supergirl distracts the controlled Barda long enough for Mister Miracle to remove the device sheÕs wearing. Witnessing these small defeats, Brainiac is further enraged when his monitors begin to go down. He lashes out in desperation, sending the other controlled heroes after their compatriots. This is yet another great issue from the Super-team, though the art gets a little busy at times. However, it remains crisp and clean, and there are some beautiful panels. Bob McLeod has some particularly beautiful renditions of Supergirl, Maxima, and Captain Marvel, as well as a truly evil Brainiac. Another thing to note about the art is that Denis RodierÕs inks on this issue are nowhere near as heavy as his current work on Action Comics. The storytelling is vintage Roger Stern. His insights into the mind of Maxima and his scripting of the cold calculations of Brainiac are wonderful. And yet again we see how the writers let us *see* the action taking place instead of telling us as well. In addition, the pacing is very well-done Ñ we spend very little time in one situation, thereby emphasizing the panic and urgency of the moment. Great work, worthy of 4 shields! ========================================================= FIFTH STRIKE ÑÑÑÑÑÑ SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #10, ÒTidal Wave!Ó April 1992 Written by Louise Simonson Art by Jon Bogdanove & Dennis Janke Cover Price: $1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK Overstreet Price: $1.00 US Inside Warworld, Supergirl faces BrainiacÕs forces as the tides have begun to turn back in favor of the heroes, but she is rendered unconscious by a tele- pathic attack from Maxima. And elsewhere Superman begins to be overwhelmed by the combined might of the heroes who Brainiac now controls. Dubbilex has used the Mobius chair to teleport himself and Draaga to where Orion, Lightray, and Metron are being held captive, and Draaga frees the New Gods. Before they can proceed, Dubbilex discovers SupermanÕs grave situation. Draaga rushes off to help, while Dubbilex uses the mother boxes to restore the New Gods. He also contacts the remaining heroes which have not been enthralled and they rush to join the fray. With the arrival of help, Superman begins to make headway against his friends, and one of the controlling devices is removed from Guy Gardner. Metron, Dubbilex, and Kilowog then set to the task of conquering the technology. On Earth, the alien forces are finally being beaten, but one of them manages to take a shot at the Newstime helicopter carrying Jimmy and Ron. Things look grim as they plunge into the bay, but they are soon rescued by none other than Aquaman! As they climb to shore, they are greeted by Lois Lane, who is also covering the story. Upon hearing that Jimmy is working for Newstime, she lets him know that Perry is back in charge at the Planet, and she will see if he canÕt get JimmyÕs job back. Supergirl manages to convince Maxima to free her, as Maxima sees that the best hope for her people is the destruction of Brainiac. Supergirl rejoins the battle, and Draaga admits to himself that he has fallen in love with her. Together they stand, side by side, against BrainiacÕs hordes. Realizing that Metron has nearly finished his own device to nullify those of Brainiac, Brainiac unleashes a new distraction upon the heroes Ñ he needs time to get Warworld into position for his ultimate weapon. The distraction is an organic construct which unleashes bursts of anti-matter. Enraged by BrainiacÕs callous disrespect for life, Supergirl prepares to plug the mouth of the construct with her own body. Upon realizing her plan, Draaga springs in front of her and throws himself into the beast. The disruption of the attack allows the completion of MetronÕs device and all of the heroes are freed. The construct is then sent out into space by the Green Lanterns where it overloads from DraagaÕs sacrifice. The GL power rings protect DraagaÕs body from the explosion, but his life is lost. Supergirl mourns the loss of her close friend, and she assumes his shape to honor his sacrifice. Maxima suddenly appears, requesting that she be allowed to join the heroes. Though the first response is extremely hostile, Supergirl stands up for Maxima. Meanwhile, Brainiac is maniacal with glee as Warworld has made orbit and he is about to unleash his master plan to shrink the cities of Earth! Bog and JankeÕs art in this issue is not quite as good as that in the previous issue, but it is still quite dynamic. The art is still clean and as in the previous review, it is interesting to note that Dennis JankeÕs inks are not as heavy in this book as they are in todayÕs books. Has the process involved in inking changed in the past three years? Or are heavy inks the current style? The cover of this issue is an homage to the cover of Crisis #7, which featured the death of Supergirl. This cover also shows hints of BogÕs style change which would begin in a year or so. The writing was not quite as good with this issue as with some of the others, but it was still fairly good. Some of the dialogue and behavior was a little uncharacteristic of the heroes to which it was attributed. However, the growing connection between Draaga and Supergirl was handled extremely well, One minor continuity gripe. Supergirl changed her form to match DraagaÕs while she was holding his lifeless body. In issues which have transpired since Panic in the Sky, it has been made obvious that increasing her mass so much would have weakened and pained her tremendously (consider the issue where she mimicked Hellgrammite). I canÕt believe that she would have been able to continue to hold Draaga during the transformation. Though not quite as outstanding as the prior issues, I would still rate this above average - 3.5 shields! Brainiac deploys his doomsday weapon and the heroes make their final onslaught as the Panic reaches its climax, next month! Jeff ========================================================= End of Section 4 ========================================================= LEGACIES: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ THE SILVER AGE SUPERMAN ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- by Bill Morse (BillMorse@aol.com) SupermanÕs Return to Krypton Last issue, I gave an overview of the Silver Age Superman stories, their strengths as well as weaknesses. I wrote that although there were a lot of silly plot devices, the stories that had some real meaning were generally found in the ÒThree-Part NovelÓ category. In most issues, there were three separate adventures. But once in a while, the editor would devote an entire issue to a story which was better thought out, and more thoughtfully told. There was a sub-genre of these, called Imaginary Stories. This was the concept that gave rise to MarvelÕs What If...? series, and DCÕs current Elseworlds series. Imaginary stories were a plot device that gave writers a chance to stretch the boundaries of an established character, such as Superman, without being locked into continuity. In this and in my next few articles, I will describe some of my favorite Three-Part Novels, Imaginary and otherwise. Several of my favorites have been reprinted in The Greatest Superman Stories Ever Told, published in 1987 in hardcover, and just recently reissued in paperback. This is a book which lives up to its name, and I urge all Superman fans to find a copy. The first theme I want to explore is one that cropped up with some regularity in the Silver Age: Superman on Krypton. As I described in last issueÕs article, one common theme of that era was meetings of diverse members of the SupermanÕs supporting cast: Jimmy Olsen met Superboy, the Kents adopted Supergirl, and just about every possible combination of characters met at some time or another, regardless of their time zone of origin. So it was natural that Jimmy Olsen would visit Krypton, and that Lex Luthor would meet Jor-El and Lara. Many of these stories were throwaways, but the stories about Superman on Krypton had some more depth to them, explored the grief that Superman carried as the survivor of a great civilization. SupermanÕs Return to Krypton first appeared in Superman 123, published in 1958. The story was by Otto Binder, and the art was by Dick Sprang, who was a regular Batman artist, and very rarely worked on Superman. It might have been the first three-part novel, and it actually worked more as three separate stories tied together by a narrative device. Jimmy Olsen is given a magic totem by an archaeologist, who tells Jimmy that once every hundred years, the totem grants three wishes. Jimmy unselfishly decides to use his wishes to help Superman. Each of the wishes gets a chapter. The first chapter is a sort of tryout of the Supergirl concept. This appeared a little over a year before SupermanÕs cousin Kara, the Silver Age Supergirl, came to Earth. This magical pre-SupergirlÕs chapter is contrived to show us that having a Supergirl around was more of a headache than help for Superman, even though she sacrifices her life saving him from Kryptonite. In chapter two, crooks get hold of the totem, and use it to wish away SupermanÕs powers, which of course he regains by the end of the chapter. ItÕs the third chapter where things get interesting, although there is a glaring example of editorial contrivance. Jimmy is depressed that the first two wishes have turned out so bad for Superman, so he decides to wish that Superman could return to Krypton and meet his parents. But (here comes the contrivance) in order to keep it a secret from SupermanÕs super-hearing, Jimmy TYPES the wish. As soon as Superman is whisked away, Jimmy realizes that he has committed a typo: he typed that Superman should MATE his parents. DARN! DonÕt you hate when that happens?! Superman mate his parents? Sounds too kinky for the Comics Code Authority. (In one of these articles IÕll tell the story of my own personal run-in with the Comics Code Authority, during my time on staff at DC.) But in the context of the story, this didnÕt imply anything improper, rather, it meant that Superman would help to bring about his parentsÕ marriage. (When you think about it, many people without any super powers at all have accomplished that same objective. In fact, thatÕs probably one of mankindÕs oldest stories.) So Superman finds himself on Krypton, and for some reason, he is invisible and intangible. He follows Jor-El and Lara during their courtship. To his shock, he sees them enter the secret headquarters of Kil-Lor, a would-be dictator. They salute Kil-Lor in front of a swastika. Superman canÕt believe his eyes. Are they Nazis? Of course not! They are undercover agents of the KBI, KryptonÕs FBI. Suddenly, Kil-LorÕs headquarters is raided by other KBI agents who donÕt know Jor-El and Lara. They are arrested. When they try to prove their innocence by revealing their radioactive tattoos, the tattoos have mysteriously disappeared. Superman stands helplessly by, unable to help, as Kil-Lor and his parents are sentenced to a space exile in suspended animation. (This was before Jor-El invented the Phantom Zone ray.) The phantom Superman watches the rocket ship depart, and is somehow drawn along with the ship. Once they are away from Krypton, he regains his solidity, as well as his powers. Why? Because otherwise the story wouldnÕt go anywhere. He guides the satellite to one of KryptonÕs moons, and revives the sleeping prisoners. Everyone has super-powers. A battle ensues, which ends in a stalemate. Kil-Lor flies away, but spies on the others with his super senses. He hears Superman explain a frightening scenario to Jor-El and Lara: what if Kil-Lor uses his powers to create a nuclear explosion, by colliding two radioactive rocks at super speed? Kil-Lor rejoices that Superman had unwittingly given him the means to revenge himself on Krypton. He tries an experiment on two small rocks, just as Superman planned, and succeeds in recreating the conditions (on a small scale) that blew up Krypton. As a result, Kil-Lor finds himself trapped in a pit of Kryptonite, where he dies! We see SupermanÕs thoughts as he views the scene from a distance: ÒI tricked him into duplicating the very same chain reaction that blew up Krypton and created Kryptonite!Ó So Superman acknowledges that he engineered a plot to kill a villain! That was out of the ordinary for the Silver Age Superman. There were entire stories devoted to SupermanÕs resolve never to take any life. The guy didnÕt even step on ants! Jor-El and Lara get a painless, mild exposure to the Kryptonite, which is just enough to re-establish their radioactive KBI tattoos. Now they can return to Krypton, prove their innocence, and get married. All thanks to this stranger. Lara kisses Superman, and says, ÒI hope that we have a son like you someday!Ó As they begin to fly back to Krypton, Superman calls optimistically, ÒYouÕll lose your flying powers on Krypton! Just be careful to fall at sea without harm, and some ship will pick you up!Ó Just like that! Superman is then whisked back to Earth, having fulfilled the third wish. Next issue, an imaginary story about what would have happened if Krypton had never blown up, and Kal-El had grown to manhood there. ========================================================= SUPERMAN: TIME AFTER TIME ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- By Jon B. Knutson ÒTime After TimeÓ is the name IÕve given to a multi-part serial that ran, as the Virus X serial in my previous article, in Action Comics. There are a few noteworthy items to mention about this story. You will notice that Superman pulls a major mental miscalculation in the first chapter... after reading it, you may well wonder why he didnÕt wait a day. This was duly noted in the letter columns shortly after this serial was completed, and was explained away as Superman not thinking clearly. Oh, well. HereÕs the summary: The three-part tale begins Action Comics 385, Feb 70, ÒThe Immortal Superman!Ó Told by the President he canÕt fly into the past or future for a 24-hour period or he may cause a top-secret army experiment to fail, Superman returns to the Fortress, where he finds a message requesting his help in the year 101,970. Since heÕs not allowed to use his own powers to travel through time, he decides to take a damaged Legion Time Bubble. Traveling to the future, when he arrives, he discovers the defect in the Time Bubble caused him to age every year along the way, making him over 1,000 years old. He discovers, however, that heÕs every bit as powerful now as he was in 1970. Superman is shown an auton-vault door guarding the monetary reserve chamber, which opens only once every 12 hours, but when shut, nothing can enter or leave it. However, over the past weeks, tons of currency have been stolen during the lock-up period. Even if someone could cut through the super-reinforced walls, heÕd be killed by a pulsato-energi fence, which dissolves anything coming within two feet of it. That eraÕs super- champions were unable to find out what occurred. Superman is locked in the vault, and discovers the culprit is a synthetic being spawned by the radiations of the pulsato-energi. It hits Superman with a series of shocks that, if they continue, will put him into a death-like coma, which is what occurred to that eraÕs superheroes. Superman hides inside the pulsato-energy fence, where he sees the energy entity eating the money. When the 12 hours are up, Superman has the officers provide him with a paint-atomizer, which he uses to paint yellow on a stack of blue coins. Superman had noticed that the creature didnÕt eat the blue money. The creature, tricked into eating the blue money, short- circuits itself. Superman then enters the time bubble, and heads back to 1970, but finds an obstruction sealing off the time dimension. Superman hopes itÕs temporary, and decides to see what Earth is like in that time. We discover the Time-Trapper is keeping the past off-limits to the Man of Steel. When Superman again reaches Earth, he finds heÕs accidentally sped further into the future, where he is pursued by police who think heÕs a member of a gang of criminals who wear Superman costumes. Superman hides in the Metro-Museum of Ancient History, in his Clark Kent clothes. Suddenly, his Clark clothes dissolved by the Multiple-Men, who each have 25 powers. Since theyÕd just captured the Superman Gang, they knew he was the real Man of Steel. They spray him with noxious gases, calling them a gift. Later, Superman, thinking heÕs recovered from the gases, flies off, but passes out in mid-air. HeÕs brought to the Metro-Medicon Center, where he discovers he is now immune to Kryptonite, Magic, and even Virus-X. This means he can never die... and can never go home. The tale continues in Action Comics 386, Mar 70, ÒThe Home For Old Super-Heroes!Ó Trapped in the future, Superman continues to travel forward in time, where he discovers the era heÕs stopped in has outlawed super-powers, due to the actions of three superheroes some time ago (this is a similar idea to that in the ÒLegendsÓ miniseries of some time ago). Exploring the city, Superman happens upon the current incarnation of the Daily Planet Building. Going inside, he searches the morgue to discover what happened to his friends: When Clark Kent vanished, it was determined he was Superman. Lois married a leading actor who played Superman in movies, Jimmy Olsen wrote a best-seller about his years as SupermanÕs pal, and Perry White retired to take charge of the Superman Museum. Leaving the Planet building, Superman spots a flier going out of control. As soon as he takes off, however, he is captured for violation of the anti-powers law and banished to a planet for retired super-heroes, where he is immediately chosen as their leader. On the third day of his sentence, the major of Metropolis visits the planet, asking them to come back with him. Superman convinces them to use this as their chance to prove super-powers shouldnÕt be outlawed. When they arrive in Metropolis, their first task is to eliminate the super-power detectors. They find that a storage silo for nutanium, the most powerful explosive in the universe, was exposed to an electrical charge, stating a chain reaction. The radiations would disrupt the circuits of robots, and the nutanium canÕt be moved because the slightest vibration could set it off. The city canÕt be evacuated, either. Superman has the retired heroes combine their forces to use the explosion of the nutanium to force it into space. Superman decides to continue forward in time. The concluding chapter appears in Action Comics 387, Apr 70, ÒEven a Superman Dies!Ó In the year 801,970, Superman finds five spacemen floating in space in suspended animation. Reviving them on a nearby planetoid, Superman signals a passing ship to pick them up. Moving forward in time again, to one million years ahead of 1970, he finds the earthÕs been used up by mankind, and is just a contaminated globe of waste material. Suddenly, a pair of gigantic robots approach the planet, bent on destroying it. Wishing to prevent this, Superman enters one of them and charges both robots with positive energy, causing them to repel from each other. Superman then splits the earth in half, exposing the fresh, untapped materials inside and fusing the halves together side-by-side. Then, finding the right combination of gases, Superman inhales them to use to create a new atmosphere. Scouring the galaxy, Superman finds plants, animals and humanoids to restore the balance of nature. Finished with his task of restoring life on earth, he flies off, only to be blasted by an energy beam from a strange spacecraft. The craft is powered by the psyche- energy of Lex Luthor, who wants to be the one to kill Superman. Luthor never believed Superman had died in 1970. From century to century, the craft absorbed the evil psyche-force from executed criminals. SupermanÕs nearly-lifeless body is picked up by a different spacecraft and brought to a nearby station. The master healer there saves his life. Hearing that the Magnor Comet is due to pass by, which disintegrates everything in its path, Superman heads off to it, pursued by the Luthor ship. The comet destroys the ship, but Superman is whisked by the comet to the end of time, where he blacks out. He then relives his life through a series of vignettes, ending up at the day he went into the future at the Fortress. The time-bubble is gone this time, and Superman realizes he has a second chance at life. All in all, an interesting storyline, if a paradoxical one. It takes advantage of the theory that time is circular, yet has Superman being able to split off into a new timeline, one in which he doesnÕt travel forward in time. As I mentioned earlier, you may well wonder why when Superman got the summons from the future why he didnÕt wait until the 24-hour period had elapsed. The real reason for this, I believe, is that DCÕs theory of time-travel seemed to incorporate the philosphy of everything happening at once... if thereÕs an emergency in the future, it must be responded to immediately. WeÕve seen this incorporated most recently in the ÒZero HourÓ miniseries. Additionally, when one of the Superman family travels to the future, they always seem to arrive in the present after the same period of time passed that they lived through in the future. Considering how often Superboy visited the time of the Legion of Super-Heroes, if he didnÕt do this, he would have become a mature Superman much sooner. And so, I leave you with this serial. In my next installment, IÕll cover a serial that occured between this one and ÒVirus X,Ó a serial I like to call ÒClark Kent Ñ Lost or Stolen.Ó IÕll see you then! Jon Knutson jonknutson@aol.com ========================================================= SUPERMAN #398, ÒThe Kid Who Master-Minded SupermanÓ Written by Joey Cavalieri Pencilled by Curt Swan Inked by Dave Hunt ÒThe Clothes that Make a Man,Ó August, 1984 Written by Paul Kupperberg Pencilled by Alex Saviuk Inked by Dennis Jensen Rating: 3.5 Shields for the artwork; 2.5 for the stories. The first story is about a boy who apparently has the ability to manipulate people and events with his mind. Even Superman is helpless against the boyÕs ESP abilities. It starts off with Mickey Morris finishing his paper route early so he can pursue more important endeavorsÑpretending to be Superman. He imagines an airplane is about to crash to earth and rushes up to catch it in midair. (Boy, does that bring back memories. Only I had a towel as a cape and not a Superman suit as Mickey does). Turn the page and we see Superman streaking toward a real plane which is in downward plunge towards the center of Metropolis. He is just about to grab the plane when...he canÕt remember what he was going to do. So, he uses his super-breath to gently land the crippled craft. Cut back to Masonville where Mickey begins thinking about all the rain his community gets. By midnight his mother rushes him out of the house. An uncanny rain storm is threatening the town with a disastrous mudslide. Mickey thinks Superman could use his super-breath to blow the rain clouds away. Superman does arrive on the scene only to find he has lost the ability to use his super-breath. As an alternative he stretches his cape, which is made of Kryptonian material, between power poles above the city where it catches the downpour. He then uses his heat vision to turn the water into steam where it evaporates into the atmosphere. It isnÕt too long before Mickey thinks about the cityÕs power supply exploding. But, not to fear. Superman will just wrap his cape around the power plant to keep the explosion inside. Needless to say Superman is back at Masonville to avert another disaster; unfortunately he cannot remove his cape. He has to use his super-breath to freeze the entire plant until the danger subsides. Is this getting predictable or what? The next day Mickey is playing baseball and hits what he hopes will be a homer. It turns out to be just a pop fly instead. He thinks about how nice it would be if gravity would go into reverse and the ball would never come down. Yep, you guessed it. People and buildings begin to float into the atmosphere. Superman arrives on the scene and realizes Mickey is the one causing all the unusual events. It appears Mickey was also in Superman #388 and had developed some incredible mental powers. Superman tells Mickey not to think of any ÒsuperÓ way for him to get things back to normal. ThatÕs like telling someone not to think of pink elephants. Anyway, it works (naturally) and Superman uses his heat vision to speed up the atomic structure of the floating bodies causing them to attract each other again. Are there any nuclear physicists in the audience who can verify this phenomenon? After things have settled down, MickeyÕs hero tells him that he must stop pretending to be Superman. Mickey agrees, sort of. He still reserves the right to be Superman just in case something happens to the real Man of Steel. The second story shows Superman zipping through space after a much deserved vacation and coming into contact with some unknown force heading for an inhabited planet. He causes it to explode by rushing headlong into it and assumes everything is back to normal. Upon returning to earth he reaches into his cape to pull out his Clark Kent disguise. Suddenly his suit takes on a life of its own. The sleeves smack Superman in the jaw and the suit begins flying through the air. Dazed, Superman intercepts it and gives it a mighty WHUMP of his own. The suit falls limply into his arms and he zooms down to the studios of WGB in order to do the nightly news. What, no Daily Planet? [Towards the end of the pre-Byrne era, Clark began working in television. ÑJeff] With three minutes left to go in the news broadcast, the suit begins to act up again. Clark stumbles out of the studio into another room complaining of a stomach ache as the suit rips itself off his body. They fly out of the building and Superman uses his super-vision to try and figure out what is going on with his clothing. It appears that some creature of pure energy attached itself on the suit when Superman caused the explosion in space. All it wanted to do was get back home. The story ends with Superman taking the suit back out in space in order to give it a helping hand back to where it came from. Well, the stories werenÕt too impressive. However, Lois, Jimmy, and Perry all played minor roles. In fact, the only time they appeared was at the beginning of the first story. The artwork is great and I have become a big fan of Curt SwanÕs work. It also makes me appreciate some of the stories in the present comics. Ken McKee stdkrm01@shsu.edu Next issue I plan to begin a three-part review of the WorldÕs Finest mini- series starring Superman, Batman, Luthor, and the Joker. IÕve pretty well exhausted my supply of pre-Byrne comics. Of course, if anyone would like to make a contribution... ========================================================= ========================================================= KC CONTEST RESULTS!!! ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Last monthÕs contest question was this: Which Supes comic featured the first post-Byrne appearance of red Kryptonite? The answer: Red K first appeared in the Mxy-induced Superman-Flash race in ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #463. As the race passed through Russia, Mxyzptlk discovered that Lex was there tracking some Kryptonite. He then created a red piece of Kryptonite, which he had intended to give to Flash for winning the race, and offered it to Luthor instead. Believing the rock worthless, Luthor refused, and Mxy discarded the red K with a remark about it being the Òwrong color.Ó It was during MxyÕs next appearance that he gave some Red K to Luthor, so that first appearance was an appropriate teaser for the Krisis. The winner: And recipient of a copy of SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #1, autographed by Louise Simonson, is David Skaar (das3@acpub.duke.edu)! Note that a case could also be made for ACTION COMICS #1. In this crossover with the Legion of Super-Heroes which introduced the Pocket Universe (which would later give us Supergirl), Krypto went into SuperboyÕs stock of kryptonite to obtain some gold K to use against Superman. In the cabinet was a lead container marked ÒRed K.Ó Though this red K was never shown, it could be taken as the first appearance. Watch for another contest next month and then yet another (this one with another *big* prize) in our first anniversary issue in May! ========================================================= End of Section 5 ========================================================= FROM SUPERMAN TO WONDER WOMAN: An Interview with John Byrne by David T. Chappell Readers of recent DC books have probably noticed multiple advertisements for the DC Comics Online portion of America Online. The claims for opportunities to meet DC writers and artists on the computer service are substantiated by recent discussions with famous creators such as John Byrne. On 25 February 1995, John Byrne appeared live on DC Comics Online, reporting from the Great Eastern Convention in New York City. Though much of the discussion centered on ByrneÕs upcoming work on WONDER WOMAN, he also fielded questions on his past work, including Superman. I was among the ÒliveÓ computer audience and was lucky enough that Byrne answered one of my questions. This article presents a summary of the moderated discussion with an emphasis on ByrneÕs Superman work. Fans interested in the entire text of the interview can download it from DC Comics Online. Comics writer and artist John Byrne is best known for his work on several Òsuper-menÓ books: Superman, the X-Men, and his Next Men. After several years of work with Marvel and on creator-owned books, Byrne is returning to DC Comics to work on their most famous Òsuper-womanÓ: Wonder Woman. In the recent interview, Byrne said that the marketplace is currently Ònot too kind to creator-owned books.Ó He is discontinuing JOHN BYRNEÕS NEXT MEN but hopes to resume the series when and if the market improves, and he insists that its return relies on fansÕ demands. As he leaves the Next Men, John seems eager to work on the Amazon Princess, claiming that she is Òthe last of the big toys I havenÕt had the chance to play with.Ó Beginning with issue 101 (shipping in June), heÕll be writing, pencilling, and inking the book. Byrne says he Òwill be doing everything but stapling the dang thing,Ó though Patricia Mulvihill will be the colorist. Byrne plans to revamp Wonder Woman similar to his famous work on Superman in 1986. After George Perez left WONDER WOMAN, many fans (including this reporter) feel that the seriesÕ quality has dropped substantially and could use such rejuvenation. John also plans on returning the Greek gods to the series, though not making them play as important a role as they played under Perez. The first story arc, starting in WONDER WOMAN #101, Òinvolves Darkseid trying to find out where the gods have gone.Ó Byrne plans to use New Gods characters further in the series as he can, and he also gave subtle credence to the rumors of a Darkseid-Galactus DC-Marvel cross-over. Byrne also gave hints about his changes to the legend of Princess Diana. SheÕll be moving from Boston to Gateway City Òsince I prefer the fake cities.Ó Byrne will emphasize her great strength, saying ÒThere ainÕt nobody tougher than Diana but Superman.Ó Fans will reported not need to know any background information on Wonder Woman but can easily pick up the series starting with issue #101. In addition to ByrneÕs upcoming woman-work, many questions covered his work on the Man of Steel. During ByrneÕs time on Superman, he worked with Perez to develop an intriguing friendship between Clark Kent and Princess Diana. Fans who liked this relationship or just ByrneÕs Superman work in general will be happy to hear that Byrne hopes Òto use Superman ASAPÓ in WONDER WOMAN. When asked why he left the Superman books, Mr. Byrne said ÒThere were a thousand reasons,Ó though he emphasized Òburn out.Ó Other questions covered John ByrneÕs attitude about the modern Superman stories based on his revamp. On the comic books, he said ÒThe current Superman team is not doing what I would have done, but [. . .] if I HAD done it, thatÕs the WAY I would have done it.Ó He also gave a favorable appraisal of ABCÕs ÒLois & ClarkÓ television show: ÒI think Dean Cain is the best Clark Kent ever, and Teri Hatcher was the first person to make me actually understand what Superman might see in Lois.Ó Thus, it seems that Byrne is not disappointed in the current Superman work spawned from his famous incarnation of the legend. Therefore, DC readers have much to look forward to from John ByrneÕs work on Wonder Woman. Fans of the Amazon Princess will see more stories with the Greek gods and the New Gods as well as a Byrne-style revamp. Superman fans can also look forward to Kal-ElÕs appearance in the book. If the resulting work on WONDER WOMAN even approaches the same league as ByrneÕs past work on other comic books, it will be well worth reading. ========================================================= ========================================================= 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! Quickly let me point out a few changes and additions to this section. The notes below will now only point out minor details about the crossovers and guest appearances of the Superman family. In some cases, I may indicate a very minor appearance *only* in the notes section Ñ for example, last month, THE RAY ANNUAL was only listed in the notes. IÕm introducing a new feature which some of you may find helpful. Following the brief listing of titles for each month, IÕm going to indicate the total damage for that monthÕs Super-titles. There are two totals given: the Super-FanÕs Total gives the total cover price of the monthly titles (including Superboy, Steel, Showcase, and New Titans), their annuals, and the new quarterly, while the Hopeless CompletistÕs Total gives the total cover price of everything Ñ including guest appearances, crossovers, and miniseries. Notes: The SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS miniseries from DC and Dark Horse will feature the introduction to the post-Crisis DC Universe of Argo City! The NEW TITANS crossover concludes this month in THE DARKSTARS and DEATHSTROKE (though another is being set up...). The Eradicator is called in to stop LOOSE CANNON, while Gangbuster drops in on BLACK LIGHTNING. In GREEN LANTERN, HalÕs back and all of his friends are out to stop him. Finally, Superman gives Aquaman a hand in a Year One story from the AQUAMAN ANNUAL. 1. List of Titles by Shipping Date: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- Shipping date: Comic title and information: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- 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 MARCH Super-FanÕs Total: $17.85 ($18.85 for Coll.Õs Ed. of Superman #100) Hopeless CompletistÕs Total: $21.30 ($22.30 for Coll.Õs Ed. of Superman #100) 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 APRIL Super-FanÕs Total: $20.85 Hopeless CompletistÕs Total: $26.60 May 2: Action Comics #711 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 7 (of 7) Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier $1.95 May 9: The Darkstars #32 (Supergirl/New Titans) THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 3 (of 4) Friedman, Collins, & Branch Cover by Mike Deodato Jr. $2.25 Deathstroke #49 (Supergirl/New Titans) THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 4 (of 4) Wolfman, S. Cariello, & Blyberg $2.25 Loose Cannon #2 (of 4) Loeb & Pollina $1.75 Superboy #17 K. Kesel, Grummett, & Hazlewood $1.95 Superman: The Man of Steel #46 L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke $1.95 May 16: Black Lightning #6 (Gangbuster) Isabella & Newell $2.25 Green Lantern #64 (Superman) PARALLAX VIEW: THE RESURRECTION OF HAL JORDAN: Part 2 (of 2) Marz, Banks, & Tanghal $1.75 The New Titans #123 Wolfman & Friedman, S. Jones, & Rankin $2.25 Superman #102 Jurgens, G. Kane, & Rubinstein Cover by Jurgens & Rubinstein $1.95 Superman Annual #7 Stern & Gossett Cover by Walt Simonson 56 pgs, $3.95 Showcase Ô95 #6 (of 12) Bibbo Story! Mike Carlin & Denis Rodier 48 pgs, $2.95 May 23: Adventures of Superman #525 K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan Jr. $1.95 Aquaman Annual #1 (Superman) David, P. Jimenez & Various, Shum & Various 56 pgs, $3.50 Steel #17 Michelinie, Batista, & Faber $1.95 Superman vs. Aliens #1 (of 3) from DC and Dark Horse Dan Jurgens with Kevin Nowlan 48 pgs, $4.95 May 30: SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW #1 Stern, Grummett, & Breeding $1.95 MAY Super-FanÕs Total: $22.80 Hopeless CompletistÕs Total: $41.50 (!!!) 2. Merchandise: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- For more information on how to find these items, consult your local comic shop dealer. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Cards From Skybox These are the same cards advertised in the January issue of KC (and the January issue of Diamond Previews!). The release date has been pushed back to May. SupermanÕs World of Krypton From TOR By Kupperberg, Chaykin, Anderson, & Chiaramonte, this classic chronicle of KryptonÕs history reprints the late Ô70s DC miniseries. Paperback, 4x7, 160 pgs, b&w, $3.99 For more information, see the latest issue of Previews or your local comic store. 3. Spoilers: ÑÑÑÑÑÑ May 2: ÑÑ- Action Comics #711 THE DEATH OF CLARK KENT: Part 7 (of 7) - Superman defeats the villain who destroyed the life of Clark Kent Ñ but it may still prove to be a pyrrhic victory unless the Man of Steel can save the lives of his parents, Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane. May 9: ÑÑ- The Darkstars #32 THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 3 (of 4) - The Darkstars battle the forces of the Syndicate and the Crimelord under the threat of nuclear annihilation. Plus, Colos sets out to free the enslaved Jenuwynians. Guest-starring Supergirl, the New Titans, and Deathstroke. Deathstroke #49 THE CRIMELORD/SYNDICATE WAR: Part 4 (of 4) - Deathstroke is joined by Supergirl, the New Titans, Hawkman, the Blood Pack, and others in a desperate search for a dozen nuclear warheads Ñ the CrimelordÕs doomsday devices in his final battle with the alien Syndicate. The outcome will redefine the balance of power of EarthÕs underworld... Loose Cannon #2 Wanted for murder, Loose Cannon is on the run from a team of super-powered bounty hunters, a confrontation that pushes Cannon over the edge. Plus, Maggie Sawyer is forced to call in her own super-powered trump card to stop Loose Cannon: the Eradicator! Superboy #17 One revelation follows another when Superboy heads for Las Vegas to find Roxy Leech. But Roxy has an agenda of her own, and she doesnÕt *want* to be found. Superman: The Man of Steel #46 In the wake of ÒThe Death of Clark Kent,Ó the mysterious Shadowdragon tries to aid Superman in returning to Metropolis. But after all thatÕs happened, the Man of SteelÕs return may not be an option. May 16: ÑÑÑ Black Lightning #6 Gangbuster guest-stars as tensions in Brick City threaten to erupt into a full-scale gang war. Whatever the cost, Black Lightning must protect gang summit mediator Carlos Arredondo from the vengeance of Gangbuster, who believes Arredondo may be the biggest threat Brick City has ever known. Green Lantern #64 PARALLAX VIEW: THE RESURRECTION OF HAL JORDAN: Part 2 (of 2) - Superman, the Flash, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, and Green Arrow guest-star as Parallax stands victorious over the defeated Green Lantern, Kyle Rayner. Now nothing stands between Hal Jordan and Ganthet, the last Guardian of the Universe Ñ nothing except the combined might of JordanÕs closest friends Ñ now his most desperate enemies! The New Titans #123 The guest creative team of scripter Michael Jan Friedman and artists Stephen Jones and Rich Rankin join plotter Marv Wolfman for the origin of the new alien Titan, Minion. Orphaned after the destruction of his homeworld and gifted with the most powerful weapon his people ever created, Jarras Minion roams the cosmos in search of salvation. This issue sets in motion intrigue that unfolds in an upcoming crossover storyline! [Oh, joy. Another crossover... ÑJeff] Superman #102 Captain Marvel guest-stars when, with Superman gone from Metropolis, a mysterious figure claims the deteriorating Lex Luthor from STAR Labs. Superman Annual #7 The Year One Annuals continue, exploring pivotal elements and untold stories of the DC UniverseÕs greatest heroes. Dr. Occult guest-stars in the story of the Man of SteelÕs first encounter with magic, an encounter which aptly illustrated that even a ÒsupermanÓ can be vulnerable to the mystic arts. Showcase Ô95 #6 (of 12) The fate of the Universe is at stake, and only two men can save it. One of them is Lobo. The other is... Bibbo? This one-of-a-kind team-up is written by Mike Carlin, with art by Denis Rodier. The two back-up stories feature Leviathan and Andromeda, both of the Legion of Super-Heroes. May 23: ÑÑÑ Adventures of Superman #525 Just when his life has reached its darkest moment, the Man of Steel finds someone he believed was gone forever, who convinces him the world still has need of Superman. Aquaman Annual #1 This issue features four stories integral to the Aquaman continuity, each revolving around the villain Triton Ñ son of Poseidonis. In one of the four tales, Superman guest-stars as Triton unleashes his full fury against the Sea King. Steel #17 Steel gains control of his armor powers and uses them to hunt down his nephewÕs abductor. But this is no mere kidnapping... itÕs an act of vengeance that will cost Steel dearly if his nephew is to survive! Superman vs. Aliens #1 (of 3) He came to Earth in a rocket, a strange visitor from another planet. Now, years later, signals from space could be the beginning of a trail leading back to his home planet of Krypton. Can anything stop a Man of Steel from discovering his long-lost heritage? Can anything stand between a Superman and that which he longs for most? How about the most feared and deadly species in the galaxy?! In the tradition of the acclaimed best-selling Batman vs. Predator match-ups, DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics proudly present SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS, a three-issue limited series pitting the Man of Steel against an Alien infestation among the ruins of a decimated planet. Crafted by longtime Superman writer/artist Dan Jurgens and inked by Aliens artist Kevin Nowlan, the series promises to be the best of both worlds. Says Superman executive editor Mike Carlin: ÒIt fits with current Superman continuity... IÕve enjoyed the Alien movies... IÕve enjoyed the Alien comics... unfortunately for Superman, I donÕt think heÕs going to enjoy his encounter with the Aliens as much as the rest of us will!Ó Face it, crossover fans, this is sure to be the inter-company crossover of the year! [There is an excellent interview with Dan Jurgens about this mini- series in the March issue of Diamond Previews, which has a Superman vs. Aliens back cover. ÑJeff] May 30: ÑÑÑ Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #1 ItÕs a new SUPERMAN #1 when this essential new quarterly debuts, fitting in seamlessly among the four regular Superman titles. Featuring a cover Òtriangle numberÓ like the other Superman titles, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW marks the return of writer Roger (ACTION COMICS) Stern, penciller Tom (ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, SUPERBOY) Grummett, and inker Brett (SUPERMAN) Breeding. No sooner is Superman back in Metropolis than the power-hungry Lex Luthor returns as well to plague the Last Son of Krypton. ========================================================= End of Section 6 ========================================================= LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ UP, UP, AND COMING: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ by Jennifer L. Traver News: New episode information! After ÒTempus Fugitive,Ó there remain only four new episodes for the season. In one of the remaining episodes, Jimmy Olsen is discovered to have been part of a strange experiment in his youth. Another episode has Superman bitten by a radioactive insect, causing the Man of Steel to begin to mutate! (This information comes second-hand from HERO ILLUSTRATED. That is, I read this from someone elseÕs report from the magazine.) Hello and welcome once again to the Lois & Clark section of the KC, where we ponder such weighty subjects as why Lois never wears primary colors. But seriously FOLCs, February was a month filled with great episodes, as the sweeps period put some fire under the writersÕ collective rear ends. In the first week of February, Lois and ClarkÕs desire for each other rose from the ashes in ÒThe PhoenixÓ. This was followed by the discovery of SupermanÕs true identity (again) in ÒTop CopyÓ, with guest star Raquel Welch. And then we welcomed back one of L&CÕs most annoying villains; Bronson Pinchot as Kyle Griffin in ÒReturn of the PranksterÓ. So letÕs get on with our reviews of these episodes in the following space. Next month, look for catch-up reviews of ÒThat Old Gang of MineÓ, ÒMetalloÓ, and of course, reviews of MarchÕs episodes. Enjoy! ========================================================= THE AGONY OF THE ECSTASY ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By Zoomway Teri Hatcher, the actress who portrays Lois Lane on Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, describes the romantic relationship between the title characters as a Hokey Pokey courtship. You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out, you put your right hand in, well, you get the picture. This unique television series has taken yet another dynamic stride in distancing itself from the mundane which surrounds it on Sunday nights. The Lois and Clark staff has decided to let the couple move forward into a real romance, and as Ms. HatcherÕs allusion suggests, it will have fits, starts and speed bumps. The romance arc began with ÒThe Phoenix.Ó Clark daydreams at his desk about a romantic moment with the ever elusive Lois Lane. He bolsters his courage, and asks her out on a date. Lois is at once intrigued, and reluctant. She worries how a date might damage their unique, and fulfilling friendship, but as previous episodes have hinted, sheÕs also curious whether there might be something deeper than friendship between them. After a bit of stress and pressure, Lois agrees to the date. The date is to be a Pearl Jam concert, but with all best laid plans, this date does not happen. Perry White needs them to work around the clock on a surveillance detail. This portion of the episode becomes very reminiscent of last seasonÕs ÒHoneymoon in Metropolis.Ó Forced intimacy during a stakeout. The difference between the two scenes, however, is that in ÒThe Phoenix,Ó they have reached a point in their relationship where they will soon be exploring something beyond friendship, while in ÒHoneymoon in Metropolis,Ó their friendship was just becoming comfortable. There is a level of intimacy between Lois and Clark in ÒThe PhoenixÓ that is almost excruciating. In deciding to make the stakeout a practice run, or Ôalmost first dateÕ, they have taken the scene further than what would have been possible in ÒHoneymoon in Metropolis.Ó In ÒThe Phoenix,Ó they are beginning to need and want each other, while at the same time they must maintain their boundaries if they wish for the romance to be real and substantial further down the line. The stakeout Ônear dateÕ is launched by a not too subtle metaphor as Clark begins to open a bottle of champagne, while the strains of the old Flamingos tune I Only Have Eyes for You plays in the background. Clark looks up just in time to see LoisÕ silhouette behind a frosted glass door. She is disrobing. He turns away, but within an instant is again watching her. The moment her blouse falls away, the champagne uncorks with a vengeance sending the cork ricocheting around the room. Clark hands a glass of champagne to Lois, now dressed in a tank top, sweat pants and high-top sneakers, as she exits the bedroom. Lois takes a sip and wonders how Clark chilled it so quickly. Not being able to say he used his super breath, and not being very swift at lying, he uses his heat vision to destroy a light bulb in a lamp, plunging the room into darkness. As both Lois and Clark race to the opposite side of the room to turn on the remaining lamp, there is a collision. When Lois manages to reach the lamp and turn it on, we see Lois lying on top of Clark on the sofa. This becomes one of those wonderful excruciating moments. Had this incident occurred last year, Lois might have been pleased at first, and then would have feigned anger, and quite probably have accused Clark of setting the whole thing up. In ÒThe Phoenix,Ó however, Lois seems quite comfortable with where she has landed, and it is Clark who must endure the sweet agony of not being able to act upon the circumstances. Lois rubs his chest where the champagne has doused him and speaks in a soft voice with her face mere inches from his. They disentangle after a moment, and it becomes LoisÕ turn to watch Clark as he changes behind the door. So entranced by her partnerÕs silhouette, she overfills the champagne glass, and as she is trying to clean up the mess, Clark exits and asks her what happened. She, still overcome by her perving (nice Aussie slang for a type of voyeurism), exclaims, ÒI had a muscle, uh mishap.Ó In the final scene of the stakeout, Lois is lying on the sofa suffering from consumption of takeout food unwisely ordered from an establishment called RalphÕs Pagoda. Clark crouches next to her and places a cushion under her head, and begins to rub her stomach. Lois talks about being embarrassed, and Clark assures her that itÕs ÔokayÕ. He tells her she should turn in, and that she can have the bedroom. Lois makes a pained expression and says that she doesnÕt think she can make it to the bedroom. Clark takes her into his arms, and lifts her from the sofa. Lois holds Clark tightly and buries her face in his neck. It is no doubt clear to Clark that Lois is holding him in a manner more intimate than she had ever held him as Superman. The expression on ClarkÕs face seems to vary between wanting to hold her like this forever, and hoping he can make it to the bedroom before his knees give way. After Lois is safely inside the bedroom, Clark lets out a Ôrelief valveÕ gust of air. Their agony was pure ecstasy. The next episode is ÒTop Copy.Ó Clark spends most of this episode in the dog house as far as Lois is concerned because at the moment Lois is sharing deep feelings with him about their impending date, Clark must change into Superman. He tells her to Ôhold that thoughtÕ while he returns a tape to the video store so he wonÕt have to pay late charges! This dreadful excuse nets him the acrimony he richly deserves. By the end of the episode, Clark and Lois decide to finish the chess game they had begun at the start of the episode, and Ôtake it from thereÕ. ÒReturn of the PranksterÓ is next, but aside from being an abysmal and imbecilic episode, it pays only general lip service to the romance. We can then gratefully fast forward to ÒLucky Leon.Ó In ÒLucky Leon,Ó Lois and Clark finally get their date. The preparation for the date is hilarious as we switch back and forth between Lois and ClarkÕs apartments. Clark exiting the shower dries himself with such speed, his towel burns through from the friction. Lois tries on a variety of burgundy outfits she has purchased because she believed Clark expected her to be wearing that color. Meanwhile Clark, spinning in a cyclonic fashion, is switching from suit to suit while this rather strange salsa music is playing in the background. Clark finally selects a suit, and as he stands in front of a full length mirror, the lyrics from the music intone, Ôsomebody stop himÕ and Clark, in a tribute to The Mask, says ÒSmokinÕÓ and dashes off in a Mask-like fashion. Lois, scrapping burgundy for a rather elegant black dress, accompanies Clark to a restaurant where we pick up on their conversation near the end of their dinner. Lois tells Clark about moving out on her father after a huge fight, and that her father had always been disappointed that he had never had sons. Clark asks her if thatÕs why she became a world famous journalist, to prove him wrong. She admits it might be, but that she stayed in journalism because she liked it. She then hints to Clark that sheÕd like some of his dessert. He puts a helping of it on his fork and feeds it to her. She consumes it slowly, and moans softly as she rolls her eyes, all to the fascination of Clark. She then asks Clark if he and his parents ever had fights. He confessed that maybe he had little ones, but was basically a goody two-shoes. Clark then says that he feels people are only completely honest when they are passionate, ÒLike when they fight.Ó Lois, looking at him warmly adds, ÒOr make love.Ó There is a long pause between them, but it is not an awkward moment, rather it is a moment that telegraphs a kind of electricity between them. Lois, so blown away by the intensity she had never expected to feel for Clark, and perhaps for no man, panics. She simply canÕt handle the enormity of her new-found feelings. Not knowing what else to do, she slams the door in ClarkÕs face at the end of the date, telling him that she can never see him again. Of course later she apologizes for her behavior, then we get Ôthe kissÕ. It is a small kiss at first, as if they are sampling wine. Lois, deciding she enjoys the vintage, moves in for a much more passionate kiss, and Clark responds in kind. Unfortunately, this very amorous kiss is interrupted by what is literally the ÔexplosiveÕ death of Mayson Drake. MaysonÕs death leads us into a story arc that sidetracks, but hopefully does not derail the budding romance. Derailing the romance would be very foolish of the powers that be given the stunning ratings the date episode managed to draw. The fans are ready for the romance to be real and wonÕt stand a great deal more of the Hokey Pokey between their favorite couple. Fortunately, the staff at Lois and Clark has promised a Ôwhole new directionÕ for the show next season, and that could very well mean a permanent place for the romance. SssmokinÕ! ========================================================= EPISODE REVIEWS: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Episode #14: ÒTop CopyÓ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- By Marta Olson US Airdate: February 19, 1995 Special Guest Star: Raquel Welch as ÒDiana StrideÓ Guest Starring: Robert Culp, Wayne Pere, Tom Virtue, and Farrah Forke as ÒMayson DrakeÓ Written by: John McNamara Directed by: Randall Zisk ÒSuperman is Clark Kent!Ó Those immortal words were announced by Diana Stride on her show ÒTop CopyÓ. Even though I knew Clark would find a way out like he always does, it still sent chills up my spine. There seems to be a general consensus about what makes an episode good. First there must be interaction with Jimmy and Perry. This time they provide a running commentary comparing Lois and Clark with Norcross and Judd, two previous Daily Planet reporters who were partners, then best friends that fell in love. Their relationship along with the partnership and friendship were lost when they fell out of love. Jimmy and Perry also unknowingly run interference for Clark a couple of times with Diana and Rolf. There must also be a fairly believable villain. What can you say about Raquel Welch other than she still looks great! She brought just the right amount of campiness to her character which played off well with her sidekick Rolf. The plots are woven together in a way that compliment each other. Diana Stride is a news reporter who is dedicated to uncovering SupermanÕs secret identity. She is also an Intergang assassin whose latest target is the subject of Lois and ClarkÕs current assignment - a former Intergang assassin and DianaÕs former partner (another partnership gone bad) who is ready to tell all to the authorities. Mayson Drake also makes an appearance in this episode and so do Martha and Jonathan Kent both at home in Smallville and in Metropolis. The romance was only conveyed in looks between Lois and Clark with the exception of the opening teaser and the closing bit. The opening teaser reminded me of the story Teri tells about when she met her husband Jon. Lois and Clark are at the Planet playing chess when Lois begins talking about their relationship. Right as she is saying she wants to go on Ôthe dateÕ Clark hears the sirens. He takes off again with a lame excuse to return a video tape leaving Lois alone and talking to a chess piece. Teri and Jon were on their first date. They were at a dinner party and Teri was telling a story. She realized no one was listening so she got up and went over to a ficus tree and started talking to it. He later told her that was the moment he fell in love with her. Lois pushes Clark into a meeting with Mayson to try and get information from her regarding ÒMr. XÓ. When she wonÕt help besides saying itÕs someone famous, Lois ÒborrowsÓ her pager. They are able to trace the numbers and find the safe house. While at the safehouse Superman foils DianaÕs attempt to kill Mr. X. At that point Diana decides to kill Superman. She also makes reference to some substance that is rumored to be able to hurt Superman, something Lex Luthor had found. Her supervisor (played by Robert Culp) is able to find the kryptonite. [This probably comes to Intergang via Nigel, who betrayed Lex for Intergang in ÒThe Phoenix.Ó ÑJeff] They grind some of it down and make a paste out of it. Diana uses it as lipstick and poisons Superman with it. Just before he is poisoned, Clark goes home to see his parents. While there he talks about how it feels to be stalked. He also is introduced to his momÕs new art project, laser light sculpture or holograms. When he returns from Smallville he meets with Diana as Superman and that is when she poisons him. The next day Clark is feeling worse and worse. His parents encourage him to go to the hospital, he decides to go as Superman. As he is changing into Superman, Diana and Rolf are filming from his patio and see he is wearing the suit under his clothes. Diana says ÒClark Kent is Superman and we got it on filmÓ and Rolf says ÒoopsÓ. The battery in his camera died. When Superman gets to the hospital they decide the kryptonite is acting like a cancer so they treat it as such and use the largest source of radiation available - the nuclear power plant. Needless to say Superman catches Diana and Rolf but it is after Diana reveals that Clark is Superman. With his parents help and his momÕs new art, they are able to show both Superman and Clark at the same time at a press conference. There was a glitch in the hologram, and I thought Lois noticed it. If so, we havenÕt heard any more on this - yet. If you havenÕt seen this episode, it is worth seeing. To me it was one of the better episodes so far in the second season. I did jump around in my description, and I did leave a lot out, so if you havenÕt seen it and have the chance, please do - itÕs worth it. ========================================================= Episode #15: ÒThe Return of the PranksterÓ ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By Patrick Stout (mfpms@uxa.ecn.bgu.edu) US Airdate: February 26, 1994 Guest Starring: Rick Overton, John Pleshette, Cliff DeYoung, Harold Gould, and Sal Viscuso, with special appearance by Bronson Pinchot as ÒThe PranksterÓ Written by: Grant Rosenberg Directed by: Philip J. Sgriccia A lot of action, a lot of laughs, and a Clint Eastwood parody characterize this episode. Pinchot and Hatcher play their parts broadly, but are ably supported by some great character actorsÑHarold Gould (PranksterÕs dad), John Pleshette (Professor Hamilton), Rick Overton (Victor), and Cliff DeYoung (Agent Carrigan). Dean Cain is the rocksteady straightman, and Lane Smith never fails to disappoint as Perry. Returning home from the market, Lois finds her apartment trashed. A light flashes and she is frozen in place. Prankster and Victor have a flash camera that immobilizes its subjects. Prankster plants a kiss on the frozen Lois while Victor snaps a photoÑand, when Lois regains mobility, she finds the photo in her hand as the villainÕs calling card. Later, at the Daily Planet, Perry is worried about a scheduled presidential visit to Metropolis with Prankster on the loose. Lois is to have an exclusive interview with the chief executive. At their hideout in an abandoned building, Prankster tells Victor that his plan is to capture the President and hold him for ransom. Under orders from Perry, Lois calls the White House to inform them of the situation in Metropolis. Agent Carrigan of the Secret Service appears in the newsroom in response to the call, and tells Lois that his agency is already aware of the Prankster. The agent also reveals that he has never forgiven himself for taking the day off to visit the dentist when President Jimmy CarterÕs fishing rowboat was attacked by a killer rabbit. ÒI should have been there,Ó he mutters through clenched (but perfect) teeth. PranksterÕs father enters Metropolis Light and Power disguised as a painter to clear out an office so Prankster and Victor can steal a high-power chip. The lights go on and off in Metropolis, and in the Planet newsroom in particular. Prankster calls Lois to make it clear heÕs in controlÑhe directs her to the window, where she sees heÕs used the lights in nearby office buildings to spell out, ÒHi, LoisÓ. Lois goes to the power plant to try to find out more. She finds employees frozen in place. Prankster and Victor emerge, and tie her to a generator theyÕve rigged to explode. Prankster is in hopes her screams will summon Superman, which is what happens. The flash from PranksterÕs camera has no effect on the Man of Steel, but the crooks make their escape after telling him that Lois is in danger. Superman races at superspeed to pull Lois out of the plant before the explosion. Back at the hideout, Prankster wants more information about Superman. Victor says LoisÕ computer might hold the key. At the Daily Planet, Perry tells Lois her presidential interview has been cut to five minutes. Lois and Clark leave to interview an informant. Nearby, Prankster has frozen a lady with her baby carriage and a man lowering a piano from a building. The piano begins to slip from the pressure-free grip, and Clark changes to Superman and quickly pushes the woman and baby to safety. Lois and Clark return to the Planet, followed shortly by Prankster and VictorÑand the whole newspaper staff (except Clark, who has stepped out) is frozen in place by the rays from the camera flashes. When he comes back, Clark finds Lois in her underwear, Jimmy wearing LoisÕ dress, and Perry with his tie cut just below the knot. Clark also finds a video message to Lois from the Prankster on her computer. A visit to Professor Hamilton reveals to Lois and Clark that some special contact lenses might be constructed that could render a person invulnerable to the rays from PranksterÕs camera. Meanwhile, Prankster finds out from LoisÕ Superman files that he might be vulnerable to a certain light intensity. A call supposedly from the White House summons Lois to a penthouse apartment at Lakeside Towers. Prankster is there and immobilizes her with his flash camera. Superman answers the villainÕs challenge to rescue Lois and is frozen in place as well. ÒThis is a Kodak moment,Ó says the Prankster of his victory. Lois snaps out of her daze to find the immobile Superman. She gasps as the Prankster flips the Man of SteelÕs body off the penthouse balcony. The stonelike body smashes a newsstand below. Prankster throws Lois off the balcony as well, but Superman comes to in time to fly up and catch her. Later, Lois and Clark uncover PranksterÕs hideout and his detailed plans to kidnap the President. Hamilton constructs the special contact lenses and gives a pair to Lois just as the presidential motorcade passes through downtown. Victor uses a pickup truck to block the parade route while the Prankster blankets the crowd with his immobilizing photo flash. Rushing to the presidential limo, the crooks find Superman inside, also wearing the special lenses to make him invulnerable to the rays. While trying to flee, Prankster crashes into Superman and knocks out the lenses that shielded his eyes from the effects of his own weapon. So he is frozen by the flash. Lois gets a measure of revenge by tugging at the PranksterÕs pants and showing Metropolis the gaudy boxer shorts he wears. A small subplot in the story involves Lois spending two nights on the foldout couch in Jimmy OlsenÕs apartment because she feared PranksterÕs return to her apartment. On the first night, she turned off the television and discovered that Jimmy bursts into screams with the absence of constant noise while sleeping. On the second night, Jimmy and his pals keep Lois up late with their conversationÑso she slips out to a telephone booth and calls police to break up the gathering. At episodeÕs end, Lois has apologized to Jimmy for not gracefully handling the difference in their lifestyles. Jimmy tells Clark he feels bad for plotting revenge. He suddenly realizes something, and shouts to Lois not to open her desk drawer. MagicianÕs ÒsnakesÓ pop out of the desk and startle Lois. Jimmy heads for the nearest elevator. Three things leap out at me in contrasting this program with those of last season. (1) The special effects have improvedÑSupermanÕs superspeed move to rescue Lois at the power plant was a dynamic effect. (2) Is Teri Hatcher playing Lois as more of a ditz this year? SheÕs just a step above ÒI Love LucyÓ in her portrayal. (3) The script needs tighter and more responsible editing to eliminate silly inconsistenciesÑin three separate scenes, the local utility company was referred to as Metropolis Light and Power, the Metropolis Department of Light and Power, and Metropolis Edison. Quick scenes, snappy dialogue, and two or three super-stunts per episode appear to be the formula for ÒLois & ClarkÓ this year. But I canÕt say that the sum of these parts is unsatisfying. ========================================================= End of Section 7 ========================================================= SUPER-CROSSWORD #6 ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ By Jon Knutson (jonknutson@aol.com) For best results, print this out in a monospaced typeface. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |1 |2 |3 | | | | |XXX|XXX|4 |5 |6 | | | | | | | | |XXX|XXX| | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |7 | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX|8 |9 | | | | | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |10 | |XXX|XXX|XXX|11 | | | | |XXX| | | | |XXX|XXX|XXX| | | | | |XXX| | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |12 | |13 |14 |XXX| |XXX| |XXX|15 |16 | | | | | | |XXX| |XXX| |XXX| | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |17 | | | |18 | |19 |XXX|XXX|20 | | | | | | | | | | |XXX|XXX| | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |21 | | | | | | | | |XXX|22 | | | | | | | | | | | |XXX| | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- | |XXX|XXX|23 | |XXX| |XXX|XXX|24 | | | | |XXX|XXX| | |XXX| |XXX|XXX| | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- | |XXX|25 | |XXX|26 | |27 |28 | | | | | |XXX| | |XXX| | | | | | | | ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |29 |30 | | |XXX|XXX|31 | | | |XXX|XXX| | | | | |XXX|XXX| | | | |XXX|XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |XXX|32 | |XXX|XXX|33 | | | | |XXX|XXX| |XXX| | |XXX|XXX| | | | | |XXX|XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |34 | | |35 |XXX|XXX|36 | | | | |XXX| | | | | |XXX|XXX| | | | | |XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |XXX| |XXX|37 | | | |XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX| |XXX| | | | |XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX| ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ACROSS: 1 KaraÕs pet 4 Species of 1 Across 7 What ThorÕs hammer is made of 8 Wear down 10 Jonathan, to Clark 11 Homeworld of Mon-El 12 Kind of cheese 13 Emergency Broadcast Response (init.) 17 What one does when the gunÕs empty 20 Earl Grey, for example 21 Superman villain 22 Not AM 23 Power stone for MarvelÕs Sphinx 24 Health resort 25 What the Army wants you to be all you can 26 It blew up! 29 What Superboy might tell Krypto 31 Jor-ElÕs better half 32 Preposition 33 Post-Crisis Mon-El 34 KaraÕs hometown 36 Ms. Page or Cooper 37 MorganÕs TV Station DOWN: 1 One of the Legion spin-offs 2 Lord Manga Khan is one 3 A famous college (init.) 4 The Super-Horse 5 Not BC 6 RootinÕ shootinÕ villain 8 A kind of skeleton 9 Egyptian god 11 Jonathan Kent and Jor-El 13 With ice cream: ___ mode 14 Species of 16 down 16 Stowaway on baby Kal-ElÕs rocket 18 Alias (abbr.) 19 Scientific institute in Metropolis and elsewhere 24 The beginning 25 Sound made by a gun 27 College 28 Amoebic super-pet 30 What the pre-Crisis Superman couldnÕt do 35 A Silver Age reaction to Green K =============================================== ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD #5 ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- |K|I|T|T|Y| |A|I|M| |B|O| |R| |I|O| |I|N|V|A|D|E|R| |Y|U|M|Y|U|M| |O| | |P| | |P|L|E| | |A| | |R|A|P|T| |T|T| |D| |G|A|G| |J|O|R| |O|R| |U| |E|M|U| | | |E| |N|A| |B|E| |C|A|D|M|U|S| |I| |I|B|A|C| |R|U|I|N| | |T| |R|I|C|H| |D|E|N|I|S| |E|M|I|L|H|A|M|I|L|T|O|N| | |A| |E| |R| |A| | |N|O| | |D|A|X|A|M| |N|I|X| | | ========================================================= RESOURCES ÑÑÑÑ- Instructions for obtaining the complete resources file can be found below. This monthÕs new information: FTP Availability: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Kryptonian Cybernet Files: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ- NOTE THE CHANGE IN THE FILENAMES!!! phoenix.creighton.edu /pub/zines/kc kcreadme.txt (675) - information about the files in the directory kcresrcs.txt (25674) - This file kc94.zip (423222) - a zipped file containing all 1994 issues kc95.zip (172858) - a zipped file containing all 1995 issues kc94-05.txt (82180) - Issue #1, May 1994 kc94-06.txt (113802) - Issue #2, June 1994 kc94-07.txt (130896) - Issue #3, July 1994 kc94-08.txt (145698) - Issue #4, August 1994 kc94-09.txt (154368) - Issue #5, September 1994 kc94-10.txt (147189) - Issue #6, October 1994 kc94-11.txt (125426) - Issue #7, November 1994 kc94-12a.txt (79219) - Issue #8a, Early December 1994 kc94-12b.txt (116711) - Issue #8b, Late December 1994 kc95-01.txt (133357) - Issue #9, January 1995 kc95-02.txt (137998) - Issue #10, February 1995 kc95-03.txt (177920) - Issue #11, March 1995 ftp.hiof.no (158.36.33.3) /pub/Comics/Fanzines Mirrors (contains exactly the same files as) phoenix.creighton.edu The old files may not have their names changed for a little while. Lois and Clark Files: ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ Text: ftp.hyperion.com /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark LC.EpGuide2 (10151) - Updated Second Season episode guide for L&C Pictures: ftp.hyperion.com /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark APM.jpg (151572) - members of the loiscla listserv (possibly on the set) Ñ each of these is high memory # Cover.jpg (11908) - a 270x292 picture of Lois (in brown) leaning on SupermanÕs shoulder # DLRAT.JPG (181054) - a loiscla member with a space rat from ÒSeasonÕs GreedingsÓ # DPP.JPG (169316) - loiscla members # Dean.jpg (8864) - a 266x287 picture of Dean sans shirt # DeanChipmnk.jpg (14292) - a 201x375 picture of Dean with a chipmunk (from an amusement park) # Index.jpg (201632) - a 864x913 thumbnail index of all pictures in the directory {Note: a thumbnail index displays every picture indexed at a reduced size} # LnCCape.jpg (13820) - a 270x357 picture - same as lccape.gif # LnSupes.jpg (13387) - a 201x333 picture - same as llsup.gif # LustyLois.jpg (15231) - a 167x313 picture of Teri in a black dress with one spaghetti strap off of her shoulder # M&P.jpg (286125) - loiscla members # PERRI.JPG (598261) - loiscla member (maybe in Perry WhiteÕs office) TH-Idx-1.GIF (186383) - a 640x512 thumbnail index of THatchXX.GIF (Numbers 1-20) # TH-Idx-2.JPG (203453) - a 640x512 thumbnail index of THatchXX.JPG (Numbers 21-40) this new batch comes primarily from the two-part season finale # THatch21.JPG (169707) - a 640x512 head shot of Lois on LexÕs plane # THatch22.JPG (175396) - a 640x512 head shot of Lois # THatch23.JPG (182845) - a 640x512 head shot of Lois # THatch24.JPG (168123) - a 640x512 picture of Lois wearing nightgown and facing Superman # THatch25.JPG (167564) - a 640x512 head shot of Lois # THatch26.JPG (183731) - a 640x512 head shot of Lois # THatch27.JPG (167784) - a 640x512 head shot of Lois # THatch28.JPG (180408) - a 640x512 picture of Lois in bed and talking on the phone # THatch29.JPG (169578) - a 640x512 close-up of Lois on the phone # THatch30.JPG (186362) - a 640x512 picture of Lois at the wheel of her car # THatch31.JPG (180031) - a 640x512 close-up of Lois at the wheel # THatch32.JPG (181996) - a 640x512 picture of Lois in her wedding dress in front of the mirror # THatch33.JPG (182851) - a 640x512 picture of Lois in her wedding dress in front of the mirror # THatch34.JPG (180203) - a 640x512 b&w version (from flashback) of THatch03.GIF Ñ see above # THatch35.JPG (171345) - a 640x512 picture of veiled Lois during the wedding ceremony # THatch36.JPG (175183) - a 640x512 picture of veiled Lois during the wedding ceremony # THatch37.JPG (181465) - a 640x512 picture of unveiled Lois during the wedding ceremony # THatch38.JPG (179430) - a 640x512 picture of unveiled Lois during the wedding ceremony # THatch39.JPG (178777) - a 640x512 head-shot of Lois looking up at Superman # THatch40.JPG (177498) - a 640x512 head-shot of Lois looking up at Superman # farra-01.gif (177585) - a 1024x510 picture - two shots of Farrah Forke (Mayson Drake) # llhatch1.jpg (162927) - a 733x944 autographed photo of Teri with long hair and in tank top {The following three bitmaps are nice.} # lnc1.zip (216199) - unzips to LNC1.BMP - a 800x600 ÒframedÓ collage of Lois & Clark pictures # lnc2.zip (289105) - unzips to LNC2.BMP - a 800x600 ÒframedÓ collage of Lois & Clark pictures # lnc3.zip (120447) - unzips to LNC3.BMP - a 640x480 ÒframedÓ collage of Lois & Clark pictures # ml-hatch.jpg (101089) - a 468x1024 picture of Teri from MovieLine black mini-skirt and halter-top # There is now a subdirectory (Thumb) which contains thumbnail-size versions of each of the above pictures. The following pictures have been removed since the last issue: CAT-G-2.GIF, CAT-G-3.GIF, JIMMYO-2.GIF, JIMMYO-3.GIF, JIMMYO-4.GIF, L&C-LOG2.GIF, L&C-LOG3.GIF, LEX-L-01.GIF, LEX-L-03.GIF 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 kcresrcs.txt 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- Desperately seeking SUPERMAN & BATMAN ADVENTURES MAGAZINE #1-8 (Welsh Publishing). Will pay postage and cover+. Would prefer mint condition, but may settle for less. E-mail me with what you have for sale and weÕll talk business. I really, really would love to get my hands on these... Thank you. J.Torres jtorres@cam.org Montreal, Quebec ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ If you live in the San Francisco Bay area and are interested in saving a substantial amount on your new Superman comics, then you should consider the Stanford Comics Coop! The Coop does not involve mail order, so it only serves customers local to the SF Bay area. Since the Coop exists solely to save its members money on new comics, it does not make a net profit (there is only a small monthly fee of $2 to cover expenses). And you can get Superman (& other) new comics for 40% off retail price (plus sales tax). And with the imminent price increases at DC, thatÕs a savings which amounts to no small change! If you are interested in more information, contact David Chappell at davidc@leland.stanford.edu or call (415) 497-4422. ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ 1 premium edition (platinum cover) of Action Comics #700 for $20 plus S & H. Contact William Berkovitz at berkovw@alleg.edu ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ ÑÑÑÑÑ**ÑÑÑÑÑ GBS - Galaxy Broadcasting System - GBS We let the Cat out of the bag every weekday on ÒThe Cat Grant ShowÓ Catherine Grant, local news reporter and co-host of the GBS TV special ÒWorld Without a Superman,Ó hosts a talk show that covers todayÕs REAL issues Weekday afternoons before ÒThe Brave and the BoldÓ WGBS Channel 3 in Metropolis Check your local listing for time and station GBS - Galaxy Broadcasting System - GBS ÑÑÑÑÑ**ÑÑÑÑÑ 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 second 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: JonKnutson@aol.com Concerning the Superman Revenge Squad, as mentioned in Ken McKeeÕs review of ACTION COMICS #343, ÒEterno the ImmortalÓ : The Superman Revenge Squad was another of those Weisinger-era additions. They appeared in several stories in the 50Õs and early 60Õs, and to the best of my sometimes-faulty memory, the Squad rarely seemed to have the same membership two appearances in a row. If anyoneÕs interested in further info about the Superman Revenge Squad, they can e-mail me at jonknutson@aol.com, and IÕll work up an article about them for publication in the near future! Jon ________________________________________________________________________ ************************************************************************ End of Issue #11