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                T H E    K R Y P T O N I A N    C Y B E R N E T

                            Issue #24 Ñ April 1996

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                    Homepage:  http://www.ms.uky.edu/~sykes

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CONTENTS
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Section 1:  Superscripts: Notes from the Editor
                News and Notes
            Just the FAQs
                ÒWho is Supergirl?Ó, Part 4: Other Supergirls
                by David T. Chappell
            Quiz Time
                Now what do you know about the pre-Crisis Superboy?

Section 2:  Heroes Wanted
                You could save someoneÕs life!
            And Who Disguised As...
                Tick Tock, by J.D. Rummel
            Merchandise

Section 3:  Reviews
                The ÒTriangleÓ Titles
                    Superman #111, by Ken McKee
                    Adventures of Superman #534, by Anatole Wilson
                    Action Comics #721, by William J. Nixon
                    Superman: The Man of Steel #56, by Arthur LaMarche

Section 4:  Reviews
                Other Super-Titles
                    Superboy #27, by Arthur LaMarche
                    Steel #26, by Dick Sidbury
                    Showcase Ô96 #4, by Rene Gobeyn
                Specials
                    Marvel Vs DC #4, by ReneÕ Gobeyn

Section 5:  After-Byrne
                Blackout: Part 1
                    Adventures of Superman #484, by Mark Lamutt
                Manuscripts of Steel
                    WorldÕs Finest, by Denes House
            The Mailbag

Section 6:  The Phantom Zone
                Into the Archives
                    Superman #3, by Neil Ottenstein
                The Girl Friend and the Pal
                    Jimmy Olsen #95, by Jon B. Knutson

Section 7:  The Phantom Zone (cont)
                Super Friends
                    Brave and the Bold #147, by Joe Crowe
            TELEscopic VISION: Superman on the Small Screen
                The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down
                    by Zoomway

Section 8:  TELEscopic VISION (cont)
                Episode Reviews
                    #3-18: ÒForget Me NotÓ, by Joe Jones
                    #3-19: ÒOedipus WrecksÓ, by Marta Olson

Section 9:  Quiz Answers
            Coming Attractions

STAFF:
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Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-Chief
Arthur E. LaMarche, Executive Coordinator of Reviews
Nancy Jones, Executive Coordinator of Lois and Clark Section

Editors: Joe Crowe
         Curtis Herink
         William OÕHara
         Douglas Mark Simms
         Shane Travis
         Steven Younis

LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
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    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 <address>
        end

in the body of an e-mail message to Òmajordomo@novia.netÓ (without
the quotation marks).  Replace the <address> field with your INTERNET
e-mail address.  The program ignores the subject line of the message.
    Back issues are available via ftp at acm-ftp.creighton.edu and at
ftp.hiof.no.  Archives are also reachable via the Kryptonian Cybernet
Homepage (http://www.ms.uky.edu/~sykes/kc).

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SUPERSCRIPTS:  Notes from the Editor
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NEWS AND NOTES:

NEW L&C SECTION COORDINATOR!

    Join me in welcoming Nancy Jones to the Cybernet!  Nancy takes over
    as the coordinator of the LOIS AND CLARK section of the magazine.
    Hard at work, she has already made several suggestions about content
    and future features for the section, so all you L&C fans can look
    forward to some interesting improvements in the near future!

COMIC BITS AND BYTES

    The new SUPERGIRL series, written by Peter David and pencilled by Gary
    Frank, debuts in July.  A preview of the first issueÕs cover is now
    available to AOL members in the DC Online area.  Also available is a
    sneak peek at Paul PelletierÕs art for the upcoming SUPERBOY AND THE
    RAVERS.

    ERADICATOR, a three-issue miniseries written by Ivan Velez Jr. and
    illustrated by Roger Robinson and John Lowe, begins in June.

    Look for an ALPHA CENTURION special later this summer!

    THE SUPERMAN ADVENTURES, the companion book to the upcoming S:TAS,
    will premiere shortly after the seriesÕ debut on the WB network.
    The first six issues feature the writing talent of Scott McLoud and
    the artwork of Rick Burchett, Terry Austin, and Marie Severin.

    Dave (WILDCATS) Johnson will illustrate a Superman Elseworlds book.

    Look for one of this yearÕs Superman annuals to be written by Kurt
    (ASTRO CITY, MARVELS) Busiek and drawn by Paul Ryan.

    Mr. Ryan will probably also become the new regular penciller of
    SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW Ñ when Tom Grummett moves to ACTION
    COMICS!

    Staz Johnson, who has filled in for Tom Grummett recently on SUPERBOY,
    will become the regular penciller of that title in the upcoming shift
    of creative teams.

    When Grant MorrisonÕs eagerly anticipated revamp of the Justice
    League begins early this fall, it appears that Superman will once
    again be an active member!

    With all the movement and changes in the Superman groupÕs creative
    teams of late, youÕd think nobody wants to write Big Blue.  And now I
    hear that Louise Simonson, Jon Bogdanove, and Stuart Immonen may be
    on the way out...  IÕll see what I can find out...

STEELÕS HAVING A SHAQ ATTACK!?

    Orlando radio stations are reporting that NBA All-Star center
    Shaquille OÕNeal has signed to play a comic book character named
    STEEL in an upcoming movie.  No word about *what* movie, but could
    there be something to the rumors about ÒThe Reign of the SupermenÓ
    playing some kind of role in the upcoming SUPERMAN REBORN???

KCÕS CRYSTAL BALL

    Recently (issue #57), WIZARD magazine spotlighted the Man of Steel in
    its ÒCharacter Profile.Ó  In addition to a couple of illustrations (one
    is taken from Ron FrenzÕ cover to SUPERMAN #109, and the other looks to
    me like Stuart ImmonenÕs handiwork), group editor KC Carlson commented
    about future happenings in the Superman titles:

    Ò[Lois and Clark] are going to try and work things out, but itÕs going to
    get very complicated as Lois dives into her work to regain her position
    as MetropolisÕ number one reporter, and Clark is named temporary editor-
    in-chief of the Daily Planet following Perry WhiteÕs sudden illness.Ó

    He also mentions that we can expect to see a lot more of the supporting
    cast, as they are Ògoing to become part of Superman and ClarkÕs life in
    a very big way.Ó

    And for the rest of the year, look for the return of a certain bottled
    city, the rebuilding of the Fortress of Solitude, and a mysterious
    ÒVillain WarÓ which will appear periodically in all of the Superman
    books throughout the remainder of the year.

CARDED!

    So you thought the Man of Steel Premium Edition trading cards were
    pretty fancy?  And you loved the rare, holographic Man of Steel SkyDisc?
    Well, SkyBox is at it again!  In June, SkyBox offers Superman fans the
    first all-holographic trading card set ever!  The Superman Holo Series
    features 50 3-D holographic cards, and several tiers of chase card
    sets.  See the Merchandise section for more information.

    And Fleer/SkyBox finally seems ready to release the initial sets in the
    DC OverPower collectible card game.  Appearing first are decks featuring
    the Superman and Batman families of characters, including Superboy, Steel,
    Luthor, and Doomsday.  Completely compatible with MarvelÕs OverPower
    cards, look for DC OverPower to appear by early summer!

CORRECTION

    We inadvertently attributed Dick SidburyÕs rating for MARVEL VS DC #3
    to SUPERBOY #26 last month.  The corrections were made before the
    web version was prepared, and the archived copy of the text version
    has been updated.

Enjoy the new issue!

Jeff Sykes
Editor, The Kryptonian Cybernet

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                                Just the FAQs
      More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel

                            by David T. Chappell

The last three months of this column have covered the three major versions of
Supergirl:  Kara Zor-El, Power Girl, and Matrix.  This month, it is time to
wrap up the Supergirl series with a discussion of three other, lesser versions
of ÒSupergirl.Ó  The only rough theme among these three women is the future:
one may become a super-heroine in the future, while the other two are from
stories set in the future.  Finally, here is the conclusion of the answer to
the question,

                            ÒWho is Supergirl?Ó
                        Part IV:  Other Super Girls

An Alternate Kara from an Alternate Argo City

After years of fansÕ complaining about the death of the original Kara
(Supergirl), a new version of Kara appeared in the post-Crisis universe in a
quite unconventional story.  The SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS mini-series introduced a
sixteen-year-old girl named Kara from Argo City.  After such in intriguing
background, readers learned that Kara was not Kryptonian.  Superman was quite
disappointed to learn that this Argo City was not from Krypton since the true
story leaves Kal-El as still being the sole survivor of Krypton (with the
debatable exception of the Eradicator).

Soon after departing Krypton, an alien cleric visited the world of Odiline.
There, the people learned to respect the cleric, and they eventually came to
revere the Kryptonians about which he taught.  The Odilinians took the
Kryptonian language as their own and adopted many aspects of Kryptonian
culture.  When scientists learned of their planetÕs inevitable destruction,
they decided to Òbuild a dome over a city.Ó  The domed Argo City, which was
named after its sister city on Krypton, survived OdilineÕs explosion on a large
piece of rock.  When rescuers never came, machines eventually began to
malfunction.  When food synthesizers failed, the population was brought to the
verge of starvation.  Apparent salvation changed to disaster when an incoming
space freighter turned out to be carrying malicious, ferocious aliens.  These
aliens fed on the inhabitants of Argo City until only Kara was left alive.

KaraÕs origin and history have obvious similarities to the original Kara Zor-
El.  Despite the homage of her background, however, this new Kara is quite a
different individual.  Having lived nearly half her live in constant battle
against alien foes, Kara has become pessimistic and sardonic.  In the daily
fight to survive, she has found little room for luxuries such as fun and
dreams.  Despite their differences, Kara and Kal quickly became friends in the
last days of Argo City.  While Kara was not SupermanÕs cousin, their friendship
and cultural connection led Kal-El to feel that Òto me youÕre . . . family.Ó
(SUPERMAN VS. ALIENS #2, Sept.95)

Right before the destruction of Argo City, all seemed hopeless for Kara.  With
SupermanÕs help, however, she barely managed to escape in an escape pod.  Dan
Jurgens has stated that he has plans for Kara, though he has kept details
quiet.  This announcement has sparked rumors of KaraÕs return, either in a
sequel to the mini-series or as a member of JurgensÕ upcoming new TEEN TITANS
regular series.  Even if Kara did reach Earth, however, it is uncertain whether
she would have any super-powers since her ancestors had no evolutionary
relationship to Kryptonians.  Regardless, this new Kara turned out to be a fan
favorite, and there seems to be a decent chance that we shall get to see her
again.

Superwoman

One mostly-forgotten rendition of a super girl is the heroine known as
Superwoman.  The woman who eventually became this heroine started out as a
history teacher in EarthÕs future.  She studied a minor heroine known as
Superwoman in the 20th century and decided to travel back in time to study her.
As fate would have it, the teacher wound up becoming the very subject of her
study.  The new Superwoman used technological devices from the future to
emulate super powers and perform good deeds.  Superwoman appeared in only a
couple of annuals (#2 & #4) of DC COMICS PRESENTS, but she made enough of a
mark for some of us fans to remember her.  Nevertheless, the character of
Superwoman clearly does not exist in the post-Crisis universe.

Legions and Laurels

When the original Supergirl was removed from continuity at the end of the
Crisis on Infinite Earths, her disappearance left a hole in the futuristic
Legion of Super-Heroes.  While the LSH had enough other super-powered beings to
cover for the loss of her powers, the writers decided to introduce a new
character as sort of a replacement.  Unlike Superboy, the fact that Supergirl
had been a time-traveler from the 20th century was of little relevance, so
introducing a 30th-century substitute was not difficult.

Thus, Laurel Kent (note the half use of the LL initials and interpretation as
Laur-El) joined the Legion academy to join the 30th centuryÕs greatest team of
heroes.  Though her only distinct power was invulnerability, Laurel gained the
power of flight through her assigned Legion flight ring, and she gave hints at
possibly possessing other Kryptonian powers.  Laurel Kent claimed to be a
descendant of Superman (hence her family name), yet genealogical records could
neither confirm nor deny her claim.  Eventually, Laurel Kent revealed that she
was a Manhunter robot who had been operating in secret on Earth for over a
thousand years (LSH, Vol.3, #42, Jan 88).  When she finally revealed her
mission, the Laurel Manhunter sought out traces of descendants of the Chosen
New Guardians.  When the Legion convinced her that there was no such evidence,
the Manhunter committed suicide.

As time passed (in the real world) and Legion continuity became more complex
and convoluted, a new Laurel joined the Legion.  Laurel Gand, though, had more
distinct connections to the old Kara Zor-El.  Being a native of the Daxam star
system, Laurel gained Kryptonian-like powers in EarthÕs solar system, but the
links to Supergirl go much deeper.  Laurel grew up on an asteroid in a domed
city.  When the base was attacked, she saved the day; afterwards, Laurel was
sent to the planet Earth to escape the new enemies she had made.  LaurelÕs
parents had been killed in the assault on their asteroid city, so on Earth Miss
Gand lived in an orphanage under the name Leala Linder.  She was eventually
invited to join the Legion of Super-Heroes and fell in love with fellow
Legionnaire Brainiac 5.  (WHOÕS WHO #16, Feb 92)  For readers too new to comics
to remember Kara Zor-El, the obvious copied elements of LaurelÕs story are her
super-powers, her asteroid-city origin, her living in an orphanage under the
initials LL, and her relationship with Brainiac 5.  Furthermore, while Laurel
Kent had black hair and a unique costume, Laurel Gand was blonde and for a time
wore a costume similar to the original SupergirlÕs.

The recent Crisis in Time gave the Legion of Super-Heroes an opportunity to
bring back hints at memories of the original Supergirl.  While ÒEnd of an EraÓ
did not show Kara Zor-El, a few subtle allusions to the Maid of Might appeared
within the final story of the Legion before the Chronal Crisis reworked their
continuity.  For example, therein appeared an old Legion foe named Satan Girl,
who was an evil duplicate of Supergirl.  At Laurel GandÕs funeral, Brainiac 5
wondered, ÒIÕm no longer sure sheÕs the woman IÕm mourning,Ó thus alluding to
the continuity shift from his loving Kara to loving Laurel.  (LEGIONNAIRES #17,
Aug 94)

In the aftermath of Zero Hour, there is still a version of Laurel Gand in the
new Legion of Super-Heroes.  Laurel is still blonde, but her costume is nothing
like SupergirlÕs.  The only resemblances now are the similar hair and
super-powers.  Though Andromeda may no longer be SupergirlÕs direct successor,
it seems almost tragic to consider that SupergirlÕs virtual descendant was
recently held in prison for months as punishment for acting as an accomplice
for genocide.

Conclusion

The story of Supergirl has stretched from 1944 to the 30th century and beyond.
In looking back, I count a total of no fewer than eleven different super-girls
discussed in this series!  [ÒtrialÓ Supergirl, Kara Zor-El, SupergirlÕs
substitute robots, pre-Crisis Power Girl, post-Crisis Power Girl, Matrix,
AliensÕ Kara, Superwoman, Laurel Kent, inter-Crisis Laurel Gand, post-Zero Hour
Laurel Gand]  After all these incarnations, the idea of a Supergirl has become
firmly bound into the mythology of Superman.  Although she has not
traditionally been as popular as the Man of Steel, Supergirl has never merely
acted as SupermanÕs sidekick nor has she really played second fiddle.  Instead,
it is her independence that has earned Supergirl her status as a heroine.
Furthermore, this summerÕs SUPERGIRL annual will show how the legend of
Supergirl will survive even into the distant future.

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QUIZ TIME
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Jeff Epstein has once again provided a set of trivia questions for you to
stew over.  This month IÕve decided, however, not to have a contest (for
a number of reasons), but I didnÕt want to just sit on the questions for
several months.  So here they are.  Try your luck and see how much you know.
The answers can be found in the last section of this issue.

               The Adventures of Superman When He Was a Boy Quiz

1.  What boyhood chum of SuperboyÕs discovered his secret identity and how
    did he discover it?

2.  What high school did Clark Kent attend?

3.  What two professions did Jonathan Kent have?

4.  Jor-El had programmed a robot instructor for his son Kal who came to
    Earth and tested Superboy twice (at least).  What was the name of this
    robot instructor?

5.  There were three people who could send a signal to Superboy which would
    cause a lamp in the KentsÕ house to flash.  Who were these 3 people?

6.  Who was KryptoÕs first girlfriend?

7.  Name the Smallville town barber.

8.  Superboy celebrated his birthday on leap day, February 29.  When did
    Clark celebrate his birthday and why?

9.  When Lar Gand first came to Earth with amnesia, he was named Mon-El but
    also had a secret identity.  What was that name?

10. When Ultra Boy traveled back in time to try and pass his initiation test
    into the Legion of Super-Heroes, what identity did he assume?

11. Who was Simon Kent?

12. What two childrenÕs toys were used to help Superboy learn to fly?

13. Lana Lang used a ring that gave her super-powers.  What name did she
    use in this identity?

14. What profession was Lana LangÕs father?

15. Where was SuperboyÕs laboratory?

Once again, answers are in Section 9 Ñ but no cheating! :)

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HEROES WANTED
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Most fans of Superman grew up with the fantasy of being a hero, but rarely does
the opportunity to fulfill this dream present itself in the real world in which
we live.  But as you will see below, there are little ways that we can all
provide help to someone in need, even in life-threatening situations.

Recently, someone near and dear to John McNamara, Supervising Producer of ABCÕs
LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, has been faced with a
life-threatening disease.  The following is a heartfelt plea from Mr. McNamara,
with suggestions on how you can help save this young womanÕs life.

    March 25, 1996

    Attention LOIS AND CLARK fans:

    If giving twenty minutes of your day could save a life, youÕd do it,
    wouldnÕt you?  Of course.  Any of us would.

    Well, thereÕs a life out there that needs to be saved.  Her name is
    Kathy Meyers-Grabemann.  She is my girlfriend Lisa DarrÕs sister-in-law.
    A Chicago attorney, Kathy, the mother of an eighteen-month-old baby, was
    recently diagnosed with leukemia.  She is twenty-nine.  Her doctors
    estimate she has four months to live Ñ unless a donor can be found.

    Normally, a family member would be a perfect bone marrow match.  But
    Kathy is an orphan, and her chances of finding a donor through the
    American Register are one in twenty thousand.  This letter is an attempt
    to better those odds.

    All you have to do is call the American Bone Marrow Donor Register.
    TheyÕll send you a kit.  Take that to any doctor, hospital, or blood
    bank.  TheyÕll withdraw the small amount needed and send the kit back
    to the Register.  If your marrow should match KathyÕs, what follows is
    a simple out-patient procedure.

    We live in a world of horrific suffering, where we are daily bombarded
    with tragedies that can overwhelm and numb us.  ItÕs no wonder we often
    say, ÒWhat can I do?  IÕm just one person.Ó

    We can all do *this*.  But we must act quickly.

    The number for the American Donor Register is 1-800-745-2452.

    Thank you.

    John McNamara
    Supervising Producer
    LOIS AND CLARK

And even more recently, Dean Cain sent this letter via the LOIS AND CLARK
Production Office:

    On the LOIS AND CLARK letterhead

    TO: FANS OF LOIS AND CLARK EVERYWHERE

    FROM:  DEAN CAIN

    April 10, 1996

    Today we wrap shooting on LOIS AND CLARK, Season Three, and I thought
    IÕd let you know what IÕm going to be doing on my first day off this
    year.  IÕm going to my doctorÕs office to give a blood sample that I
    hope will save a life.

    You may have read our producer, John McNamaraÕs, letters about his
    friend, Kathy Meyers-Grabemann.  She has leukemia; sheÕs twenty-nine
    years old, the mother of an eighteen-month-old baby, and she has four
    months to live.

    Kathy has no family and so the chances of a donorÕs marrow matching
    hers are one in twenty thousand.  Those may sound like terrible odds,
    but if everyone who reads this letter would have their blood tested,
    Kathy would find that match.  And for the person lucky enough to be
    her donor, giving her your actual marrow is a simple out-patient
    procedure.

    The cost for the test is $60.00, but there is a fund that can help
    defray those costs, so please donÕt let that deter you from sending
    in your information.

    IÕve never met Kathy Meyers-Grabemann, but I donÕt look at giving my
    blood or marrow as any kind of inconvenience.  Just the opposite Ñ
    itÕs the opportunity to save a life, and thatÕs a privilege.  One we
    can all share together.

    Call 1-800-745-2452.  ThatÕs the National Bone Marrow Registry.
    TheyÕll give you all the details.

    Thanks for helping to save a life,

    Dean

If you can possibly be a donor, please consider taking the time to be tested.
The $60.00 cost of the test can be saved by simply becoming a platelet donor.
Go to your local Red Cross unit, and when you donate, tell them that you wish
to become a bone marrow donor Ñ your name and tissue type will be added to the
national register.

The procedure is very simple Ñ much like giving whole blood, except that the
blood is taken from one arm, routed through a machine which removes the
platelets, and then returned to your bloodstream through the other arm.  Since
only the platelets are removed, the temporary weakness associated with whole
blood donation is considerably lessened for most donors.  The amount of time
required for the donation depends upon your platelet count, but normally takes
between 2 and 3 hours.  DonÕt worry about boredom, most centers provide
entertainment for their donors!

Again, itÕs not often that we are presented the opportunity to be a hero to
someone, so we should make the most of such opportunities when they arise.
Please contact your local Red Cross, or call the National Bone Marrow Registry
(1-800-745-2452) for further information!

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And Who Disguised As...
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A Column of Opinion by J.D. Rummel (jrummel@vulture.creighton.edu)

Tick Tock

Sorry I missed last monthÕs issue, but sometimes the world puts events in our
lives that force changes we cannot foresee.  Below are some minor points that
have been on my mind.

Today is Sunday, and for me that has traditionally been my comic day.  After
church, Mom and I would buy comics and IÕd spend the day reading them.  ItÕs
many years later, and I buy my own comics now, but I still enjoy reading them
on a sunny Sunday afternoon.  Still, things are different, as noted above,
things must change.

My last column discussed the events of ACTION #719, wherein Superman lets Lois
die, rather than let the JokerÕs plan come to fruition.  This decision has
started a chain reaction upsetting the relationship of the couple known as Lois
and Clark.  I stated at the time that this seemed legitimate, and I maintain
that outlook.  Long before this series of stories was ever plotted, Lois and
Clark have had the specter of SupermanÕs responsibility ruin their joy.  In the
sixties, it was usually some villain killing Lois (in the imaginary stories) to
get revenge on Superman.  In the movies, Lois and Clark are ultimately
separated by ClarkÕs realization that, Òwith great power comes great
responsibility.Ó  (I know, I know, but it fits a lot of situations, Superman
too)  I just hope the inevitable reconciliation is not portrayed with some hack
job.  I really question if a relationship could survive the rigors of such a
life, but comics should be a place where dreams come true.  Real life is tough
enough.

Along those same disgruntled lines: IÕm tired of the writers always telling us
that Lois and Clark are supposed to be together.  Me?  I have never seen a lot
of chemistry between them in the Byrne and post-Byrne comics (The Superman
stories prior werenÕt high art either).  As written, neither of them are
horribly interesting as characters, seeming like washed-out retreads.  The
writing has always reminded me of the Marvel writing of Stan Lee, but lacking
the novelty that he brought to the scene almost thirty years ago.

On another chord, IÕve been reading the latest assault on the wallet called
MARVEL VERSUS DC.  Guess IÕm a little bitter, but does anyone out there really
care?  I mean, cÕmon, this unimaginative story, aside from being pretty well
illustrated, was just an attempt to grind some bucks out of fandom.  LetÕs see
a show of hands.  How many could hear the corporate meeting as Superman beat
the Hulk and Batman whipped on Captain America?  IÕd bet those two fights were
basically settled in the board room.  ÒSure, Spider-Man can whip Superboy,
Surfer can cream Green Lantern, but Superman and Batman win their fights.
Period.Ó

All of this reminds me of the first big company star crossover: The Superman
versus Spider-Man epic, published in Ô76.  I was growing up a bit, and the idea
did not hold the same magic it might have a few years prior.  Still, I wanted
to see it.  It came out, and I remember my mother being outraged at the $2.00
price tag.  It was certainly sized liked a magnificent thing, but the contents
were hardly epic.  The art was competent, the story everything I have ever
expected from Gerry Conway (his only work that I have felt had power was the
death of Gwen Stacy).  The plot wisely makes no attempt to explain the melding
of the two universes, and involves Luthor and Doctor OctopusÕ plot for
conquest, which of course forces our two heroes into joining forces defeat
them.  ItÕs as exciting as I make it sound.

IÕm going to discuss these outsize issues at length in a future column, suffice
it to say that I donÕt think the joint efforts have ever been done really well
throughout their history.

ItÕs still Sunday, and IÕm a little older.  Tick Tock.

Away.

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SUPER MERCHANDISE
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        Information on Forthcoming Superman Merchandise
        Assembled by Jeffery D. Sykes

The information which follows is reprinted without permission from DiamondÕs
PREVIEWS and is in no way meant to serve as a replacement for that magazine.
For further information on (and in many cases, pictures of) the below
merchandise, see recent issues of PREVIEWS!

ABBREVIATIONS:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
FC: Full color
HC: Hardcover
PB: Paperback
PI: Inquire about price
SC: Softcover

Unless otherwise indicated, the product is from DC Comics.

Also keep in mind that dates listed are when Diamond will be able to
distribute the product in question.  For some merchandise (books and toys
especially), you may be able to find the item at a retailer earlier
than this given date.

These monthly updates only list new merchandise solicited by PREVIEWS.
For a full listing of Superman-related merchandise, visit the Kryptonian
Cybernet Homepage!

____________________________________________________________

JUNE:
ÑÑ
KINGDOM COME CLOISONNEÕ PIN
    As the second issue of the eagerly awaited blockbuster miniseries KINGDOM
    COME hits comic-book stores, DC releases this classy cloisonneÕ pin of the
    variant Superman S-shield from this Elseworlds future story, colored red
    and black.
    Scheduled to arrive on June 12
    $6.95

DC BULLET WITH SUPER HEROES T-SHIRT
    Storming into action, some of the premiere heroes of the DC Universe
    surround the bold DC Bullet in 4-color art.  This white 100% cotton
    T-shirt is available in Large and Extra-large sizes.
    Scheduled to arrive on June 19
    L-XL, $15.95

BEST OF DC COMICS 1997 CALENDAR
    Little Brown
    This spectacular wall calendar showcases the best of DC Comics Ñ vintage
    and contemporary covers, pages, and panels that bring to life everyoneÕs
    favorite super-heroes.  Each month in this thirteen month calendar presents
    a full-size, full-color piece of comic book art and notes significant DC
    dates and lore on the calendar grid Ñ SupermanÕs birthday, the first
    television episode of Batman, and much more.  With an eye-catching design
    and top-quality reproduction, this amazing wall calendar captures a yearÕs
    worth of high adventure and excitement from DC Comics!
    CAUTION: Information is subject to change, may ship late.
    14x12, FC, $12.95

SKYBOX SUPERMAN HOLO SERIES CARDS
    SkyBox
    The first-ever all-hologram trading card series!  This series consists of
    50 high-grade, 3-D model holograms featuring all the classic characters
    from the Superman comics.  Inserts include: HoloMotion cards with new
    holographic motion technology, and Holocel, which uses hologram science
    combined with transparent technology to create a clear 3-D hologram!
    Also, there will be special gold holograms inserted at a rate of two
    cards per pack!
    CAUTION: Information is subject to change, may ship late.
    5 cards per pack, 24 packs per box.
    PI

SUPERMAN CARRYING CASE
    Kenner/Hasbro
    This blue plastic carrying case features a full-color front and plenty of
    space to hold your Superman action figures and accessories.  NOTE: Not
    available in the U.K.
    CAUTION: Information is subject to change, may ship late.
    PI

SUPERMAN 2-PACK FIGURES
    Kenner/Hasbro
    Cyber-link Superman and Cyber-link Batman team up to form the ultimate
    crime-fighting team!  Superboy versus the ultimate deep sea destroyer,
    King Shark!  Hunter-Prey Superman versus Doomsday and Full Assault
    Superman versus Massacre are also available in these cool two-figure
    sets!  Scheduled for this series are four different sets, with two
    figures in each set!  NOTE: Not available in the U.K.
    CAUTION: Information is subject to change, may ship late.
    PI

SUPERMAN LOGO SILK ROBE
    No company given
    Indulge yourself, or that super someone in your life, with this exquisite
    silk robe.  Carries the distinctive Superman ÒSÓ on the back, as well as
    a smaller version of the design on the front left pocket.  Fits menÕs
    sizes 42-44.
    PI

SUPERMAN HERO REVEALED T-SHIRT
    No company given
    A truly unique design!  An image of a dress shirt being pulled open to
    reveal a well-muscled chest filling the blue, red, and yellow of
    SupermanÕs costume covers the front of this white t-shirt.
    L-XL, $19.00

SUPERMAN: FLYING UP POSTER
    No company given
    This white poster features a full-color image of a flying Superman!
    [PREVIEWS has a small image of the poster, but I canÕt determine the
    artist.]
    23x35, FC, $4.99

SUPERMAN: BURST POSTER
    No company given
    This full-color poster features an image of SupermanÕs chest, as he
    changes from mild-mannered Clark Kent into the mighty Superman!
    23x35, FC, $4.99

____________________________________________________________
REVIEWS
ÑÑÑ-

Ratings Panelists:

  AL: Arthur LaMarche         JS: Jeff Sykes          RG: ReneÕ Gobeyn
  AW: Anatole Wilson          KM: Ken McKee           VV: Vic Vitek
  DS: Dick Sidbury            MC: Matt Combes         WN: William J Nixon


As always, the first rating given after the average is that of the reviewer.

The average rating given for each book may correspond to a larger sample
of ratings than what is printed following the average.

THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Uniform Credits:
    Colorist:          Glenn Whitmore
    Separator:         Digital Chameleon
    Assistant Editor:  Mike McAvennie
    Editor:            KC Carlson

16. SUPERMAN #111, ÒDivisionsÓ
    Writer:  Dan Jurgens
    Art:     Ron Frenz, Denis Rodier, and Brett Breeding
    Letters: John Costanza
    Cover:   Ron Frenz, Joe Rubinstein, and Patrick Martin
    April 1996
    $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 3.2/5.0 Shields

KM: 4.0 Shields
MC: 4.5 Shields - It was nice to see Clark expressing his emotions so much
        after this major relationship wreck.  I loved the splash page in the
        middle of the book (though you donÕt cry out of the *outside* of your
        eye...).  Jurgens did a great job with a frustrated Superman, and
        Frenz drew his confusion just as well.
DS: 1.5 Shields - They find JebÕs body Ñ mutilated by sharks, but with hands
        that have fingerprints.  Who wants to bet me that they didnÕt bother
        to fingerprint him and that this body isnÕt his?  HeÕll be back at a
        crucial moment.  And that was the highlight of this dreary issue.
JS: 4.0 Shields - This is some of the best writing Jurgens has ever done, and
        while Rodier and Breeding donÕt match up with FrenzÕs pencils as well
        as Rubinstein, the art here is very nice.  And page 18 is one of the
        most powerful pieces of comic art IÕve ever seen.
VV: 2.0 Shields - A story that doesnÕt really progress the breakup that much,
        that leaves an out to Jeb StuartÕs death, but still has the great
        picture that summarizes almost all of the breakup dialog in a one page
        splash shot.  As far as relationships go, this issue doesnÕt show me
        that much Ñ outside of the fact that Clark canÕt get a clue as to
        what to do or say.

The opening page has a great shot of Superman flying low over the ocean on a
very important mission.  In hot pursuit is our favorite mermaid, Lori Lemaris.
She thinks to herself, ÒI never saw him this angry.Ó  He desperately wants to
find JebÕs body, more for Lois than for anything else.

We cut to a flashback scene where Superman is trying to patch things up with
Lois.  He wants to give her back the ring; she refuses to take it.  She knows
that Superman belongs to the world and not to her alone.  He pleads with her in
a really pathetic scene, ÒOkay, okay ... youÕre still mad at me for something.
Just tell me what it is and IÕll fix it.Ó  He hasnÕt a clue as to what is wrong
with Lois, and that really makes her mad.  He tries to reason with her once
more, this time as Clark.  ItÕs no use.  She walks out of his life for good and
there is nothing he can do about it.

Back to the ocean.  Superman and Lori find JebÕs body.  Lori decides to get as
far away as she can from Superman, feeling guilty for her part in Lois and
ClarkÕs breakup.  Superman, really angry at LoisÕ behavior, takes out the
wedding ring and throws it as far as he can.  Using mental telepathy Lori
reminds him that he just chunked his motherÕs ring.  Man, is he screwed up, or
what?  Naturally, he leaves JebÕs body and Lori behind while he shoots up to
catch the ring in midair.  The full page spread of Superman with the tear in
his eye is really touching.  Someone call Harlequin Romances!

JebÕs funeral now takes center stage.  Clark tries to reason with Lois again.
Lois doesnÕt budge.  They part company, with JebÕs grave in the middle.

The final chapter in this really sad story shows Cat Grant taking over Vincent
EdgeÕs job and booting him out into the street.  Well, seriously, after all the
sadness, there had to at least be a happy ending.

There were some great scenes in this issue of Superman in various moods.  HeÕs
really confused because he canÕt ÒfixÓ the situation with Lois.  He canÕt force
her to love him, and the harder he tries, the more he pushes her away.  All he
can do is wait and let the dust settle.  Will she come back to him?  I would
bet money on it.  Or maybe he will simply wake up from a bad dream and Lois
will be stepping out of the shower.

Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu)

======================================================

17. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #534, ÒThe Demon WithinÓ
    Story and Pencils: Stuart Immonen
    Inks:              Jose Marzan Jr
    Letters:           Albert De Guzman
    Cover:             Stuart Immonen, Jose Marzan Jr, and Patrick Martin
    May 1996
    $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 2.6/5.0 Shields

AW: 2.0 Shields - Superman angst issue.  Keep movinÕ people, nothing here to
        see...
MC: 3.7 Shields - The DMN thing isnÕt really my kind of story, but it was
        still nicely told.
DS: 2.5 Shields - Immonen wrote this issue.  Not bad.  IÕd give it a higher
        rating except I *hate* the concept of DMN.  LetÕs hope that its death
        in this issue is more permanent than JebÕs may be.
JS: 3.0 Shields - When was the last time you heard me call ADVENTURES the
        weakest of the month?  The story here was just average, and the art
        seemed a bit hurried in a few places.  But IÕm glad the DMN things
        seems to be over!
VV: 2.0 Shields - Another story that feels like about two pages of plot
        advancement and the rest filler.  Collin Thornton appearing every
        five or ten weeks (or so it seems) is not a way to advance a plot Ñ
        I mean, Lord Satanus has a long range plan, but *this* long???  I
        guess if you are immortal, you donÕt have to worry about not being
        in the limelight so often.

IÕm in a quandary. While IÕm reading (and supposed to be writing a review
about) AOS, a panel from ICON #36 keeps running through my mind.  IÕll explain
in a minute.  First, weÕll cover what Superman is up to.

To tell you the truth, not much.  Superman is wrapped up in his own angst about
his breakup with Lois.  Unfortunately, at the same time, a group of addicts
have gotten their hands on the monster-creating DMN drug that Superman and
Capt. Marvel thought they had eradicated.  The addicts have gone on a rampage,
and itÕs up to Superman to stop them.

In the meantime, Lois runs into Jimmy, who basically blows her off, and Clark
tries to have lunch with Lori Lemaris, but is called away before he can order.
(Why, by the way, is a man who has sworn never to take a life ordering *veal
marsala*?  Not only would I think eating meat would be repugnant to him, but
especially veal, the most cruelly bred animal we humans eat.)

Behind the scenes, Lord Satanus is concerned about the new batch of DMN out on
the streets.  After all, he created the drug, and does not want it to draw more
attention to his alter ego, Collin Thornton.  It was also his carelessness that
allowed a vial of DMN out onto the streets.  He covers his tracks by first
killing the dealer who found the vial and synthesized its contents, and then by
killing most of the DMN junkies, after Superman rounds them up in a
less-than-thrilling fight scene.  Superman is powerless to stop Lord Satanus
from killing them.

The issue ends with Superman, reminded once again that he canÕt do everything,
resolving to respect LoisÕ wishes and leave her alone.  The final panel shows a
very lonely Superman flying past the window of a very lonely Lois Lane.
Superman leaves this issue somewhat helpless and somewhat hopeless, an
oft-repeated ending these past few years.

Now, compare and contrast this last panel with the last panel of ICON #36.  ÒI
have decided to remain on your world...Ó  Icon tells his partner, Rocket, Òmy
world, at least until my work is done ... to inspire humanity to strive for
their fullest potential.  To reveal to humanity the best part of themselves
through my ongoing example.  To make my adopted home a better place to live.Ó

I suppose some of you out there would consider this a rather pompous and
presumptuous speech.  ÒWho does he think he is?Ó you might ask.  ÒHow dare he
think heÕs better than us?Ó

Well, letÕs see ... he comes to Earth with powers far beyond those of mortal
men.  He comes from a utopian society that has eliminated crime, war, and
poverty.  He just *might* have a thing or two to teach us.  And his only desire
is to lead through example, so others might aspire to the better part of
themselves.  Hmmm.  Any of you oldsters remember when Superman could make those
same claims?  Back before Krypton was recast as a dystopian society, one we
could comfortably look down upon?

Where we once had a Superman, first among heroes, charismatic leader of the
Justice League of America, we now have Superman, one among many heroes, who
wasnÕt sure enough of himself to lead the JLA, and seems to lead the ÒSuper
Rescue SquadÓ from time to time because, well, darn it Ñ theyÕre all named
after him.

In too many stories, Superman is powerless Ñ or a passive observer Ñ while
events spin around him.  Too often lately, Superman flies off with his cape
between his legs, thinking Ògosh, I couldnÕt do anything, but IÕm glad it came
out all right anyway,Ó or ÒIÕll get Ôem next time.Ó

Now donÕt think IÕm calling for the old near-omnipotent Superman of yore.  IÕm
not.  But letÕs go back a little further, to the Golden Age of comics when
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created a character who was a bit stronger, a bit
smarter, and Ñ yes Ñ a bit better than your average human, but at the same
time was merely an amplification of what we could all aspire to be.  Superman
survived for 60 years when many other costumed characters faded away because he
was more than just another costumed hero Ñ he was a symbol, an icon of the
greatness within us all.

Is it pompous or presumptuous for anyone to come out and say that theyÕre a
hero, an icon?  Perhaps.  Read ICON and think about it.

All I know is that every month I read a number of comics, with costumed
characters of all shapes and sizes.  They all have their relationships, their
problems, and most of them spend more time fighting for their own lives than
for making their world a better place to live.  One comic, ICON, always manages
to rise above the crowd because he believes in himself; because Rocket, his
impetuous yet very-on-the-ball sidekick, believes in him and in herself; and
because the creative team behind the comic believes thereÕs a place in the
comic book world for real heroes.

ThereÕs no reason why Superman, too, canÕt rise above the trends of
angst-ridden demi-heroes.  Not to be some omnipotent figurehead, but to regain
the confidence and ability that made him a legend among all heroes.  Being a
hero Ñ being a *human* Ñ doesnÕt mean taking all the crap life hands you and
hoping things turn out for the best and that maybe somebody appreciates you
along the way. ItÕs striving every day to be better, to make the world better
for others.

And darn it, sometimes admitting that thatÕs what youÕre trying to do.

Anatole Wilson (awilson@vnet.ibm.com)

======================================================

18. ACTION COMICS #721, ÒThe Fortune PlagueÓ
    Writer:   David Michelinie
    Artists:  Kieron Dwyer and Denis Rodier
    Letterer: Bill Oakley
    Cover:    Kieron Dwyer, Denis Rodier, and Patrick Martin
    May 1996
    $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 3.6/5.0 Shields

WN: 4.0 Shields - Classic Superman storytelling, a classic character, and a
        fond farewell to Kieron Dwyer.
MC: 3.5 Shields - Good preview of things to come, but I feel it should have
        focused a little more on the relationship than it did.  I also canÕt
        wait to have Dwyer off of ACTION and Grummett on.
DS: 3.5 Shields - A fun issue.  But a very predictable ending.
JS: 3.5 Shields - Rude awakening on the final page, but aside from that, this
        was a fairly well-drawn issue.  IÕm sad to see Dwyer go Ñ I wish weÕd
        had a chance to see his work with a different inker.  The writing
        excellently portrays the hectic pace of MxyÕs mischief.
AW: 3.5 Shields - Story and art werenÕt overwhelming, but it was good to see
        Superman take an unconventional approach to stopping a walking
        building, and I loved the splash panels on pages 2 and 22.

Wonderful cover.  Superman is cast against a backdrop of bad luck icons: a
broken mirror, a black cat, the number 13, and a horseshoe which has bounced
off the Man of SteelÕs head <DÕOH!>.

This was another strong issue of ACTION with a superb finale.  The bad news,
though, is that this is also Kieron DwyerÕs last issue Ñ but he is going out
on a high with great art.

In Metropolis, Lottery Fever is at a peak.  Superman stops a mugging for
tickets in one of the cityÕs parks and is given a ticket as a reward.  At the
Planet, Lois and Clark exchange awkward hellos.  The lottery draw is made on TV
and ... everyone is a winner!?!  Metropolis mayhem begins, and itÕs a job for
Superman.  Lois urges Clark to go, and for a brief moment he dares to hope that
itÕs just like the old days.  It isnÕt.

On the streets, every man is pitted against every man.  Elation has turned to
disbelief and anger.  The Man of Steel douses fires and tempers, but the ÒfunÓ
has only just begun.  Coins fall from a lottery billboard, bringing golden
chaos in their wake.  In a wonderful scene, Supes rescues a stockbroker from a
falling coin, only to save him a few seconds later as he reaches for a hundred
dollar bill.  Superman in silhouette forcefully suggests he goes home in four
languages.

Elsewhere a couple have moved into their new apartment sans river view.
Looking out of the window, they wish for such a view.  As if by magic, the
building uproots itself and makes a beeline for the river, ignoring everything
in its path.  Superman manages to halt it and save the occupants.  The couple
now have a view of Metropolis docks!

The building is SupermanÕs biggest clue to who is behind the waves of luck now
consuming his city.

Clark returns to his apartment, where the shower is running and his
super-vision is blocked.  A nubile shadow plays against the shower curtain and
Clark pulls it back.  There in all his glory is the mischievous Mr. Mxyzptlk!

I liked this issue a lot.  The citizens of Metropolis got to star in a burst of
impish good fortune (to their cost).  Lois and Clark only got a couple of
scenes together, but these highlighted the shift in their relationship and
ClarkÕs hope.  The supporting cast all felt the fickle hand of fortune.  Bibbo
got lucky, Jimmy got mobbed, and Ron saved Lucy.  Tiny incidents which nudged
their respective stories along.  Dwyer and RodierÕs art was strong, and the
final scene leaves you wanting more (story, not shower scenes :-).

Good luck (not Mxy style) and good-bye to you too Kieron, you have certainly
made your mark in ACTION from ÒThe Jimmy CageÓ to ÒThe Fortune PlagueÓ.

William J Nixon  (W.J.Nixon@lib.gla.ac.uk)

======================================================

19. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #56, ÒMxyzptlkÕs Back...and heÕs in the money!Ó
    Story:     Louise Simonson (With a tip oÕ the hat to Jon Bog)
    Penciller: Jon Bogdanove
    Inker:     Dennis Janke
    Letterer:  Ken Lopez
    Cover:     Jon Bogdanove, Dennis Janke, and Patrick Martin
    May 1996
    $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 4.9/5.0 Shields

AL: 5.0  Shields
DS: 4.75 Shields - It may have clinched the prize for best cover of the
         year Ñ especially for a fan of Uncle Scrooge.  This is the best
         issue of a Superman comic since the month when ADVENTURES #525 (Lois
         and Clark Forever) and MAN OF TOMORROW #1 (return of Roger Stern and
         Lex Luthor) came out.  Bog is brilliant, and WeezyÕs even better.
         But this is two consecutive appearances of Mxy in which he left
         without saying ÒkltpzyxmÓ.
JS: 4.9  Shields - I have *never* enjoyed an issue of MOS as I did this one!
         Louise SimonsonÕs characterization and pacing were superb, and Bog
         and JankeÕs art, right down to the homage to Uncle Scrooge cover,
         were *perfect* for this story.
VV: 5.0  Shields - This is one funny comic that has gags almost everywhere,
         great facial expressions, and the tying up of a couple of plot
         threads Ñ and some real advancement on Lois and ClarkÕs current
         relationship.  In the space of one page, Louise Simonson moves the
         breakup plot further than the other three issues combined for the
         month.
AW: 4.75 Shields - Possibly BogÕs best cover ever!  Great comic touches in the
         story and art, and I loved the way Mxy actually helps Lois understand
         herself better Ñ not just a throwaway issue.

Mr. Mxyzptlk continues to cause troubles in Metropolis, in Puckish style.
There is a rampaging dinosaur, walking buildings, and ever-expanding bread
dough.  But the heart of the story is Mr. MxyzptlkÕs desire to get Lois and
Clark back together again.  First, he tries to appeal to her maternal instincts
and changes Superman into super-toddler.  Lois tells Mr. Mxyzptlk that she is
not the maternal type.  He then tries the pet approach.  Superman becomes a
supercat, and then a superdog.  Still no Luck.  He then tries some
supercliches.  He changes the prince into a frog, and then a pig.  In fact,
since all men are pigs, he turns all men into pigs.  Still no luck.

He then places Lois and Superman in classic love stories.  He tries King Kong
and Romeo and Juliet.  And even a role reversal were SuperLois must rescue
Clark.  Still it does not work.  He even tries to reason with them with
statements like ÒYou two were made for each other, literallyÓ and ÒIÕve already
bought stock in polybags.Ó  He then gives Superman the opportunity to have a
wish.  He is the only one that has not had a wish.  All he has to do is wish
that he and Lois would be back together and Mr. Mxyzptlk would grant it.
Instead, Superman wishes that Mr. Mxyzptlk would go home Ñ now!  Superman and
Lois then fly off and begin to really talk about the problems for the first
time.

The story inside the story is BibboÕs shot at the title.  In Rocky style, Bibbo
wins with a KO.  I wonder if he will retire, or will this storyline continue?

I enjoyed this story.  It was fun.  Mr. Mxyzptlk is a fan like us.  He wants
them to get back together just as bad as we do.  But, like us, he is powerless.
This story arc has been handled very well.  I hope their conversation
continues and they reach a better understanding of each otherÕs needs.  Bog
used an exceptionally strong cartoonish style that worked very well.  I also
thought the frog, dog, and cat were interesting tributes.

Arthur LaMarche (DrArt95@aol.com)

____________________________________________________________

OTHER SUPER-TITLES:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

SUPERBOY #27, ÒEnsnared!Ó  (LosinÕ It: Part 3)
    Writers:          Karl Kesel and Steve Mattsson
    Penciller:        Chris Gardner
    Inker:            Phyllis Novin
    Colorist:         Tom McCraw
    Lettering:        Richard Starkings and Comicraft
    Assistant Editor: Chris Duffy
    Editor:           Frank Pittarese
    Cover:            Tom Grummett and Karl Kesel
    May 1996
    $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 1.9/5.0 Shields

AL: 2.5 Shields
MC: 2.5 Shields - Story was okay, but typical.  Did not like the artwork
        at all.
DS: 2.0 Shields - Superboy seems to have gotten a face lift.  This issue
        seems to have a lot of stuff in it, but none of it is particularly
        interesting.
JS: 2.0 Shields - I *really* donÕt understand the turn this title has taken.
        What was once a really fun book has become laborious and almost a
        waste of time.  Maybe the coming changes (Marz on this book, and
        Kesel and Mattsson on RAVERS) will breath some new life into the
        character...
VV: 0.5 Shields - Art is different, and in my taste, worse.  And Superboy is
        different.  If he was being mind-controlled, or if there was a hint of
        it, I might read this story different.  Instead, it just looks like he
        is being hormone-controlled, acting out of character, and we have a
        long fight scene that really does not go anywhere for me.

The SCU prepares to capture Knockout, and Snare has been hired to help.
Unknown to the SCU, she has taken the job to capture Superboy Ñ not just
Knockout.  Across town, Superboy arrives at KnockoutÕs and finds her only
partially dressed.  Soon the SCU arrives to question Knockout and take her into
custody.  Snare captures Superboy and begins to celebrate.  Then Knockout
smashes out of the building and the melee begins.  Just then, Superboy frees
himself from the trap.  There is a bunch of combat.  Everybody gets involved.
The teams break down.  Snare is out of control and is taken down by the SCU.
Knockout KOs Dubbilex, but Superboy does not see her do it.  When the dust
settles, Knockout and Superboy escape, Dubbilex is taken to the hospital, and
Snare is taken into custody.

Shortly after, SB goes to see Tana.  Tana tells him that Dubbilex is in the
hospital and that Knockout did it.  Confused and hurt Superboy argues with
Tana.  He tells her that she does not care about him, she only wants a story.
This hurts her deeply.  Superboy flies off and Tana goes on the air to report
that Superboy and Knockout are wanted by the police, and there is a volcano
erupting in the island chain.

This story is getting really heavy.  It is not like the light stories we are
usually handed in this title.  I also did not care for the art work.  Superboy
has a lot of things to work out and Knockout is doing her best to confuse him
further.

Arthur LaMarche (DrArt95@aol.com)

======================================================

STEEL #26, ÒBuried TreasuresÓ  (Family Feud: Part 2)
    Writer:       Louise Simonson
    Penciller:    Phil Gosier
    Inker:        Rich Faber
    Colorist:     Stu Chaifetz
    Letterer:     Pat Brosseau
    Asst. Editor: Chris Duffy
    Editor:       Frank Pittarese
    Cover:        Phil Gosier and Rich Faber
    May 1996
    $1.95 US/$2.75 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 2.5/5.0 Shields

DS: 2.5 Shields - Another issue leading to the dropping of the book from my
        pull list.
JS: 2.5 Shields - ThereÕs a little bit of development of the effects that
        SteelÕs unmasking will result in, but by and large, this is yet
        another slugfest.  This is supposedly a three-part arc, ending next
        issue.   Maybe then we can get down to exploring having a large
        family and no secret identity...

Plot Synopsis:

Previously, Steel had discovered that Hazard was attempting to obtain control
of AmericaÕs nuclear arsenal via computer link.  Hazard had used Steel as a
diversion, attacked his family, and forced (?) him to reveal his identity.
Meanwhile, Steel had discovered that he had a meta-gene which allowed him to
control his armor both intentionally and on a subconscious level.  He can now
teleport his armor into somewhere (hyperspace, maybe) while still in it.

This issue opens with a one page splash with Hardsell, one of HazardÕs
hench-people, trying to pound on Steel as they fly through the air over
Washington, DC.  Steel shoots him in the mouth with a rivet, causing one of
HardsellÕs teeth to hurt a little bit.  Meanwhile, a chopper from some evil
government agency is zooming in on Steel to try and take him out, since heÕs
now wanted, although itÕs not clear what formal charges have been brought
against him.  Flatline (another of HazardÕs hench-people) orders Shellgame (yet
another Hazard hench) to use her powers to dematerialize the chopper in mid
air.  She refuses since AMERICAN SERVICEMEN are on board.  Not to worry,
another of HazardÕs henchmen (whose idiotic name IÕve forgotten Ñ where does
DC get these names??) tosses a sonic boom at the chopper and tears it apart
along with the service men inside.  Hot-Spot attacks Steel, but he teleports as
a newscaster and her camera man take pictures of the scene wondering: Ò...Steel
has disappeared into thin air followed by his metahuman pursuers!  But are they
his enemies or his allies?  This is Jane Wallace, WWDC, Washington.Ó  HazardÕs
hench-guys have returned to HazardÕs secret lair empty handed, but Hazard is
not displeased since this diversion has allowed Hazard to reconnect his
computers to the defense computers.

Steel teleports from the emptiness (where he goes to when he disappears) and
into the basement of an abandoned building where he used to do his research for
Amertek.  He digs through the rubble and comes out with the ultimate portable
weapon in the universe (with the possible exception of the Green LanternÕs ring
and the BFG 9000 from Doom).  Hazard is going to get his!

Meanwhile, back in the hospital with John HenryÕs family ... Tyke wallows in
self pity for a few panels since he was given 20 pieces of silver to betray
Steel Ñ (oops thatÕs 20 dollars American).  We see social workers out in the
hall talking to each other.  Tyke and Darlene will be taken away from the
family since the Irons household is not a fit environment to raise foster
children.

Meanwhile, the government agency, S.P.E.C., whose acronym we still donÕt know
the meaning of, has discovered that Steel just posted a message on the
internet!  Wow!  The message reveals that Hazard is hacking into the computers
that control the nuclear arsenal.  I know several USENET newsgroups where it
would fit in, but he probably just posted it to alt.comic.book.plots.stupid.
HazardÕs cronies break in to SteelÕs old research lab rubble and are about to
lay waste to it and Steel when the FBI shows up with more weapons and bigger
muscles than Fox Mulder would imagine in his most delusional flight of fancy.
A fight ensues and Steel gets away.  The bad (and the good) guys follow Steel
and the fight continues for several pages.  Yawn.

Somehow JohnÕs family finds out about the fight on TV and Natasha gets the vial
of tar (a powerful drug that gives the user great powers) and takes it.  She
rushes in to help Steel but of course is captured and taken away by HazardÕs
team as a hostage against Steel.  So Steel goes to get his big gun (TM) and
teleports into HazardÕs HQ where he promises that this story arc will be
concluded next issue.  I can hardly wait.

Art: The art continues in the same vein that it has been ever since DC went to
shiny paper Ñ lots of splashes with overlaid panels of odd shape, some black
gutters, some white gutters, some non-existent gutters.  The colors are vibrant
and chosen in different palates for different scenes.  IÕve been a fan of this
style, at least in this book for quite a while.  The cover, somewhat
misleading, shows Natasha, in typical female warriorÕs garb (lots of skin, no
protection, no helmet, no glasses, long hair, ... you get the idea) smashing
SteelÕs hammer, as he poses dramatically with his Todd McFarlane, Kelly Jones
cape flowing around him.

Summary: To me the issue was mostly a disappointment.  Over the last few issues
several things have happened to Steel Ñ his identity was revealed, he found
out he is a metahuman, thereÕs been a bunch of angst so thick you can spread it
with a trowel.  IÕm getting bored with this title.  IÕll continue with it
through the story line that follows the current one, and if things donÕt
improve, IÕll be dropping it.

Dick Sidbury (sidbury@cs.uofs.edu)

======================================================

SHOWCASE Ô96 #4, ÒThe DevilÕs OwnÓ
    Featuring Guardian and Firebrand
    Writer:       Brian Augustyn
    Penciller:    Scot Eaton
    Inker:        Prentis Rollins
    Colorist:     Dave Grafe
    Letterer:     Ken Bruzenak
    Asst. Editor: Chris Duffy
    Editor:       Frank Pittarese
    Cover:        Lee Weeks, with Gloria Vasquez & Android Images
    April 1996
    $2.95 US/$4.25 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 3.25/5.0 Shields

RG: Story: 4.0 Shields - Tight plot that holds together, complete story.
    Art:   3.0 Shields - Average, too dark, lacked detail.
        Overall an excellent book this time that was well worth the cover
        price.  I just wish that there was more ÒSuperÓ content in it.
JS: 3.0 Shields - Good details in the artwork, but the style wasnÕt much
        to my liking.  The story was passable, but if the purpose was to
        get me to pick up FIREBRAND, it didnÕt work.

ALL RIGHT!  Finally a story that is worth re-reading several times in this
title.  This one covers almost all the bases for what I look for in a story:
tight plot, enough action that I donÕt get bored, and decent characterization.
That the story starred The Guardian, one of my favorite Superman supporting
characters, didnÕt hurt either.  Firebrand is a new character who doesnÕt have
much depth as yet, even though DC has given him his own monthly title.  He
certainly stood the test of his first cross-over with a veteran character with
flying colors.  The writer actually did a bit of research and was able to drag
up a few interesting parallels in the two charactersÕ backgrounds that, while
obvious, didnÕt occur to me until they came up as a natural part of the story
line.  Both The Guardian and Firebrand stayed in character through the story,
and the respect between the two could be seen growing as the plot played out.

The art in the book has improved a bit also.  It was a bit too dark on the
average, and some of the coloring was just a bit off, but better than usual.
The continued lack of background detail continues to bother me, but I am
getting used to it.

The story itself was a (very) slight twist of the old evil sorcerer trying to
take over the world.  This time a kid (OK, young adult) who stayed in touch
with the *Dark Gods*, and downloaded his spells off the internet, has taken
over the minds of a large group of kids.  He sends them out to gather the items
he needs for his rituals and there-by draws the attention of both The Guardian
and Firebrand.  The heroes try to stop the kids without seriously hurting them,
but this just gets them beat-up.  After trailing the kids to the magicianÕs
lair, the two manage to break the spell at just the wrong time.

    ÒDay & Night, Night & BrightÓ  (Part 1 of 2)
        Starring The Shade and Dr. Fate
        Writer:    James Robinson
        Art:       Matt Smith
        Colorist:  Melissa Edwards
        Letterer:  Chris Eliopoulos
        Editor:    Chuck Kim

No ÒSuperÓ content - not rated

A story that takes us back to the late Golden Age, early Silver age, that
uses the characters as we know them today.  While not a bad story, IÕll
withhold judgment as to whether it deserved to be a two-parter until I see
how the end of the story plays out.  So far it isnÕt bad, but it does start
slow.

    ÒStreet of DreamsÓ
        Starring The Demon
        Writer:    Jim Higgins
        Artist:    Christian Alamy
        Letterer:  Willie Schubert
        Colorist:  Stu Chaifetz
        Editor:    Peter Tomasi

No ÒSuperÓ content - not rated

If you like the old Jack Kirby Demon stories, you will probably like this
one.  It takes the adversarial nature of the Jason Blood/Demon characters into
account and manages to stay in character.  A well done and tightly plotted
story.  It actually worked, and IÕve never been a Demon fan.

ReneÕ Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)

======================================================

SPECIALS:
ÑÑÑÑ

DC VERSUS MARVEL/MARVEL VERSUS DC #4 (of 4)
    Written by:          Peter David (with thanks to Ron Marz)
    Pencilled by:        Claudio Castellini and Dan Jurgens
    Inked by:            Paul Neary and Josef Rubinstein
    Lettered by:         Bill Oakley
    Colored by:          Gregory Wright
    Separated by:        Digital Chameleon
    Assistant Edited by: Chris Duffy and Joe Andreani
    Edited by:           Mike Carlin and Mark Gruenwald
    Cover by:            Dan Jurgens and Josef Rubinstein
    May 1996
    $3.95 US/$5.50 CAN

RATINGS:

Average: 3.25/5.0 Shields

RG: Story: 4.5 Shields - As promised, it really happened.
    Art:   4.5 Shields - Beautiful detail, shading, perspectives.
MC: 1.0 Shield  - Not as bad as #3, but almost.  I was expecting the most
        from the whole DC/Marvel thing, but the only good thing to come of
        it was Amalgam.  This issue was almost as unrealistic as #3 (I was
        very perturbed at Lobo not being able to beat Thanos, and Wolverine
        having to ÒsaveÓ him).
JS: 4.0 Shields - I think this issue is proof that the miniseries *could*
        have been fantastic.  Maybe a different format should have been
        used Ñ certainly the voting should have been canned.  Maybe there
        should have been only one writer (IMO Peter DavidÕs issues were
        better than MarzÕs).
AW: 3.5 Shields - Well-handled, but somewhat of a letdown after issue #2 and
        #3Õs failure to deliver the battles I was looking forward to.  Also,
        I was kind of hoping theyÕd find a way to keep Spider-Boy around.

The story comes full circle to a very well done finish, with both universes
separate (and equal?) again.  There is now an Access way between them to
facilitate any future crossovers.  While IÕm not impressed with the god-like
Brothers or their part in the story, I do like the way the ending was handled.

Like the other three issues, the art is nothing short of spectacular.  The
whole book is beautifully detailed, with gorgeous coloring and production
values that are to die for.  This issue looked a bit more rushed than the
earlier ones, but the only thing that gives that impression is the lack of some
background details that the other books had.  Now, this may have been
intentional on the part of the artists, but it took a (very) little bit away
from the look that I thought the issue deserved.

At the end of issue #3, an AMALGAM Universe was created from bits and pieces of
both the DC and MARVEL Universes.  All new heroes came about with recognizable
(but different) origins and powers from what we have become accustomed to.  For
one week, neither MARVEL or DC shipped any of their own titles.  (I reviewed
two of these last issue.)  Instead, we were treated (IMHO - you may not agree)
to a glimpse of this AMALGAM Universe and what might have been.  All of the
books that were produced were written so that it seemed as if the universe had
a history as detailed as either (or both) of the ones it replaced.  The
differences produced some very unique and interesting characters that I somehow
hope to see again sometime.  I expect IÕll be disappointed.

The story opens with Dark Claw in pursuit of Hyena, when Super-Soldier joins
them just as the old guardian of the bridge between the worlds nears death.
Here we find out why the losing universe didnÕt cease to exist.

It turns out that the Spectre and The Living Tribunal have linked up and are
literally holding things together.  Meanwhile, the old guardian (who we now
learn was named Morty) has lured Dark Claw and Super-Soldier into the alley
where they meet up with Access.  We now learn that at the end of issue three,
Access hid two pieces of the original universes in Dark Claw and Super-Soldier.
Access uses these and his new found powers to restore the combined universe of
the first three books.  I can only hope that DC/Marvel will someday release a
poster of the two page spread of the heroes of both universes as the AMALGAM
universe goes away, perhaps forever.

The story shifts from the heroes in the combined universe to The Spectre and
The Living Tribunal as they witness what they had tried so hard to stop. The
two god-like Brothers have gone to war.

Back on the combined Earth we get to see how a few of the heroes are dealing
with things as they exist. My favorite scene is that of Robin and Jubilee
enjoying each otherÕs company in Venice, Italy.  ItÕs business as usual with
the heroes of both universes going up against the villains, when the sky begins
to bleed with the effects of the BrothersÕ battle.  Access (at their
insistence) takes Batman and Captain America to the battle site.

As the Universes are ripped apart, both Batman and Cap have their lives flash
before their eyes.  As it happens, the Brothers see it as well.  I wonÕt try to
describe what actually happens next but the upshot is that the Brothers restore
both universes to their original conditions, save that now each knows the other
exists.

The final pages show how Access and the heroes of both Universes are changed by
their experiences.  I hope to start seeing some of this reflected in each of
the characters home titles.

IÕm just sorry that itÕs over.

ReneÕ Gobeyn (gobeyn@kodak.com)

____________________________________________________________
AFTER-BYRNE: Reviews of the post-Crisis Man of Steel
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

BLACKOUT!
ÑÑÑÑ-
    by Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com / mdlamut0@wcc.com)

Title:        ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #484
Written by:   Jerry Ordway and Dennis Janke
Pencilled by: Tom Grummett
Inked by:     Doug Hazlewood
Cover Date:   November 1991
Cover Price:  $1.00 US/$1.25 CAN/60p UK

ÒBlackout 1Ó

Glancing over the Tuesday edition of the Metropolis Daily Star, Mr. Z reads
articles about Star Labs being rebuilt in the heart of Metropolis, a personal
piece about Professor Emil Hamilton and his relationship with Star Labs and
with Superman, a story about how the heat wave hitting Metropolis will likely
cause power Òbrown-outsÓ all over the city, and a story about Lex Luthor II
arriving in Metropolis to take over LexCorp from his deceased father.
Crumpling the paper and throwing it to the ground, Mr. Z makes his way to the
residence of Professor Hamilton in the Suicide Slum area of the city.

Using his mind control powers on the professor, Mr. Z enters the residence,
where his attention is immediately drawn to HamiltonÕs latest work.  The
professor has been constructing a helmet, that when mounted on SupermanÕs head,
will allow Superman to see through the cameras of a recently deployed Star Labs
satellite orbiting above Antarctica.  But of course, Mr. Z has other plans -
namely to modify the helmet to see directly into SupermanÕs mind.

Opening his oven door, Clark pulls out a charbroiled pot roast, burned to a
crisp, having forgotten to set the oven timer.  As the smoke rises to the
ceiling, the fire alarm sounds.  As Lois looks around for a footstool, Clark
slowly rises to the ceiling and switches it off.  [Note - Clark revealed to
Lois he was Superman back in ACTION #662]  Looking at him in chagrin, Lois
tells Clark that things are going to be different when they get married.

Flying over the city to meet with Professor Hamilton the next morning, Superman
thinks to himself about the heat wave clutching the city.  As the Man of Steel
enters through the window, he notices that the professor looks very tired.
Asking him about it, the professor replies that he was up all night working.
So, standing under the helmet, Hamilton lowers it onto SupermanÕs head.  At
first, nothing happens - and then Superman is able to see the polar ice caps of
Antarctica.

Suddenly, the power surges, and Superman hears a voice telling him that heÕs
seen enough.  The voice goes on to explain that the professor has been up all
night creating a remote control device for the helmet - a device that can
control SupermanÕs mind!  Mr. Z then begins sifting through the memories of
Superman - a baby lifting a steel bar, battles with super-villains, scenes from
inside Mr. ZÕs gem and then it exploding, a scene with Professor Hamilton
inside the gem.  Turning to the professor, Mr. Z demands to know where the
newly reconstructed gem is.  Still under his spell, Hamilton tells him that the
gem is located in Antarctica.  Disengaging the helmet supports and taking the
power supply pack, Mr. Z orders Superman to take him to the jewel.  They fly
through the window, heading south.

Standing alone in his apartment, Professor Hamilton is awakened from the spell
by the door buzzer.  His visitor is Lois Lane, and when she asks him about his
appointment with Superman, he realizes that everything that had happened was,
in fact, not a dream he had been having.  Moving quickly, he links up the
satellite feed to see what Superman is seeing through the helmet.  Drawing all
of the power that he can, the professor hopes to break Mr. ZÕs hold over
Superman.

The view shifts to Antarctica, where, in SupermanÕs fortress, Mr. Z is holding
his gemstone.  He attaches the gem back to his cane, where it belongs.  In
SupermanÕs mindÕs eye, we see him attempting to break Mr. ZÕs hold over him,
visualized by him breaking through brick wall after brick wall.  Wall after
wall appears.  Then, in the middle of one wall, a brick pops loose from the
other side, and Professor HamiltonÕs head appears.  The professor tells
Superman that Mr. Z must not know that the gem is still missing a piece.

Superman moves on his own.  Mr. Z, realizing that he had not commanded our hero
to move activates the helmet screen and sees the professor talking to Superman.
The professor tells Superman to get Mr. Z out of there before he discovers
anything is wrong.  Back in HamiltonÕs apartment, the screen goes dead.
Plugging into the Star Labs reserve power grid, the professor attempts to
re-establish communications.

Holding Mr. Z, Superman flies out of the fortress.  The professor tells him
that they should have him free of Mr. ZÕs hold momentarily.  At that moment, a
streak of lightning encompasses Superman and Mr. Z.  They fall to the ground.
The power goes out all over the city of Metropolis.  The professor is hurt,
burned from the exploding equipment, but he keeps working.  He tells Lois that
the feedback from the helmet could have caused some kind of seizure in
SupermanÕs brain.  Superman and a charred Mr. Z lay in the snow, smoke rising
from their bodies.

Jerry Ordway, teaming this time out with Dennis Janke, has done a marvelous job
introducing this story arc.  Never once in this book is the writing slow - it
always keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat.  Reading this again for
the umpteenth time (this is also one of my favorite stories - 1990 and 1991
were very good years for Superman stories), it still grips this reviewer all
the way through.  The story is tight, and it makes the reader immediately want
to pick up part 2 and read on.  Very well written.

And of course, with the team of Grummett and Hazlewood, the art is superlative
as well.  Next to Jerry Ordway, Tom Grummett is the best artist from this time
period, in this reviewerÕs opinion.  If you are reading this review, and have
not read this story arc, turn off your computer right now, go down to your
local comics shop and buy it.  You will be impressed.  The artwork fits so well
with the story that the reader would have thought that this book was written,
drawn, and inked by the same person.  Very rarely does this happen.

This book scores 4 shields out of a possible 5.  Stay tuned next month when
Blackout continues in ACTION COMICS #671.

____________________________________________________________

                             MANUSCRIPTS OF STEEL
                       ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
                Reviews of After-Byrne Superman special stories

                                by Denes House
                        (dhouse@itsmail1.hamilton.edu)

    ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-

                               WorldÕs Finest
                                (Books 1-3)

                           Written by Dave Gibbons
                       Art by Steve Rude and Karl Kesel
                            Colored by Steve Oliff
                         Painted Cover by Steve Rude
                                    1990
                    Prestige Format, $3.95 US/$4.95 CAN

                                   Rating:

                               4.0/5.0 Shields

          ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-

Steve RudeÕs cover painting for WORLDÕS FINEST #1 sold me on the series.  In a
way, it still does.

The overall plot of WORLDÕS FINEST centers around an exploration of the mythos
of Superman and Batman.  This exploration covers a comparison and contrast of
Gotham City and Metropolis, of the heroesÕ respective supporting cast, their
villains, and their modus operandii.  To do this, Dave Gibbons (artist on
WATCHMEN; co-plotter, art, and letters on the recent SUPER-SOLDIER #1) sets up
the dilemma in Book One, has the heroes switch cities (and supporting casts) in
Book Two, and finally throws the heroes together as a team in Book Three.

The painted covers by Steve Rude (of NEXUS fame) beautifully give the reader
the sweep of the story.  There are front and back covers on each issue,
showcasing two dimensions of each story.  On Book One, the front and back
covers contrast the two heroes: their visual styles, accoutrements, and general
outlook.  Book TwoÕs covers show the coming together of the two main villains,
Luthor and the Joker, with the back cover showing the true nature of the
partnership.  Finally on Book ThreeÕs front cover, the heroes and villains
clash, again contrasting styles, while the back cover provides a fine summation
for the whole story.

The main conflict in Books One and Two revolves around an orphanage.  Stunning
paralleled opening sequences introduce the main and supporting casts and the
cities they call their homes.  Rude makes every panel, every camera angle work
in his favor.  In these two almost-wordless sequences, Rude tells almost
everything the reader will learn about Superman, Batman, and their cities
throughout the entire three-issue series.  Shaded flashbacks tell the story of
Reverend Oliver Monks, a Gotham Priest and Doctor trying to make right a life
which started off tragically wrong.  We meet his partner, Adam Fullbright, a
cheerful and friendly Metropolis-based priest.  In their countenances and in
their appearance, Fullbright and Monks are spitting images of Laurel and Hardy.

Luthor and the Joker are introduced, and a smidgen of their interests in the
story is gleaned.  There is a quick reference to the revelations of LEX LUTHOR:
THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY (see KC #22 for my review) which make much of
LuthorÕs story more ironic.  Interestingly, I had not read LL:TUB (Hey!  ÒTUBÓ!
How startlingly apropos!) when I bought WORLDÕS FINEST, so I learned the
secret of LL:TUB before I read it!  Bummer.  Anyhow, Luthor and the Joker each
have interests in each othersÕ cities, and they make a tension-filled agreement
to further their plans.  Superman and Batman put a small dent in the VillainsÕ
machinery, but both end up with egg (and in the case of the Man of Steel, pie)
on their faces.  Against the Joker, Superman feels powerless.  Luthor makes
Batman feel foolish.  The heroes decide to switch cities to combat the villains
they know so well, if on unfamiliar turf.

Book Two shows us the Luthor/Joker conflict escalate.  As each villain causes
chaos in the otherÕs city, MonksÕ past is completely revealed, and the
orphanage plot is wrapped up.  Herein lies my problem with this series.  In
Book One, and coming in to Book Two, Gibbons sets up the orphanage plot,
central to Luthor and the JokerÕs plans, as the main ominous storyline.  Monks
is easily the most interesting character in the series, and yet his story, and
the story of the orphanage are both completed in this book (aside from a tiny
ÒgigglesÓ section at the end of Book Three).  As a result, Book Three feels
like anticlimax.  Even though there is a lot of conflict, it seems pointless
and removed from the story.  Gibbons adds little to our understanding of Luthor
or the Joker, and in the third book they are the main villains.  The story
would have been better-constructed to focus on the orphanage plot and Reverend
Monks, rather than the quite lame shenanigans of Luthor and the Joker.

And lame they are.  Neither the Joker nor Luthor achieve any depth in these
books.  After the Crisis, the Joker was re-cast from a zany crimelord to a
person of thoroughgoing insanity.  This story casts him as little more than a
common thief.  His motivations in this story can be traced to one, simple goal:
to steal stuff.  Frankly, this is not the Joker.  Luthor, too was changed from
an uncommon thief to a scheming business executive.  In this story, Luthor is
much more the criminal than in any other post-Crisis story.  I am uncomfortable
with portrayals of Luthor as directly involved with criminal activity.  Again,
this is not Luthor.

That said, Gibbons does provide us with the best Superman/Batman interactions
of all time.  When they are together, the story crackles.  My favorite scene is
a quiet one towards the end of Book Two.  After fighting side by side, Superman
and Batman have a moment of peace.

It is near Christmas, so Superman pulls out a gift for Batman.  Batman opens it
to reveal a VHS copy of ÒZorroÓ.

ÒThought it might be your kind of thing,Ó says Clark.  ÒUh... Perhaps youÕve
already seen it?Ó

BatmanÕs face is a mixture of emotions: Zorro was the last film he had seen
with his parents.  They were gunned down upon leaving the theater.  ÒYes. I
have.Ó

Clark shifts nervously.  ÒUh... Well... Should, uh, bring back some memories,
anyway...Ó

Batman climbs into the Batmobile, reflective.  ÒHas already.  You know, youÕd
be welcome to spend the holidays at Wayne Manor, if ÑÓ

Clark interrupts, ÒThanks, but IÕll be spending the Christmas with friends.Ó
Then - ÒOh, friends in Metropolis, I mean... Well, anyway, happy holidays,
Bruce.Ó

Batman is grim and closed.  Through clenched teeth he spits out, ÒCrime never
takes a holiday, Clark.Ó  And the two part ways.  It is a scene full of
potential reconciliation, and leaves the reader aching for what might have
been.  Fabulous.

Steve RudeÕs art is spectacular from start to finish.  Fans of NEXUS already
know Òthe DudeÓÕs prowess, but everyone will marvel at the wealth of detail,
the absolute mastery of composition and storytelling, and the tiny in-jokes
that pepper the pages liberally.  In real life, I teach college students how to
study texts (specifically Biblical texts) inductively - Observe, Interpret,
Apply.  I used copies of one page from Book Two to illustrate Observation.  It
is so packed with detail, and so well-composed, that it makes the perfect
example.  RudeÕs Superman steps right out of the Fleischer cartoons, and will
make pre-Crisis fans nostalgic for the Wayne Boring and Joe Shuster days.  He
is rarely seen full-figure, and is often shot from below, emphasizing his
power.  RudeÕs Batman is a sleek gargoyle, crouching, never seen in full light,
truly a nocturnal predator.  Action-filled moments are as skillfully done as
the gentle respites.

Steve Oliff, as always, does far more that just fill in between the lines.  His
colors are vibrant and stunning, as should be expected from the pioneer of
computer coloring.

Capsule review:

Story: Wanders around a lot, and Book Three feels extraneous.  The heroes are
fascinating, but Luthor and the Joker are way off.  2.5 Shields out of 5.

Art: Beautifully told, filled with vivid details and visual poetry.  Beyond a
doubt, Rude and KeselÕs work is the reason for buying these books.  5 Shields
out of 5.

Overall: The story doesnÕt hold its weight, but the art is spectacular.  These
books should be in any art-loverÕs collection.  4 Shields out of 5.

Denes House
April 1996

____________________________________________________________

THE MAILBAG
ÑÑÑÑÑ-

KC Responses are indented and begun with ****

===============================================

From: Joe Crowe (JoeBCrowe@aol.com)

In response to my Batman/Luthor question, I didnÕt know about that story in
1960.  IÕd like to know the details of that.  Jeff did indeed understand where
I was heading with that, though.  Lots of stories have involved Superman and
the Joker with Batman nowhere in sight.  But Luthor never shows up without
Superman.  Post-Byrne, Batman and Lex have more reason to appear together than
ever, though Ñ since Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor are both wealthy
philanthropists.

**** Well, I think itÕd be kind of difficult to call Luthor a wealthy
     philanthropist just now... :)

IÕd like to thank everybody for reading ÒSuper Friends.Ó  IÕve gotten a lot of
great letters with requests.  It seems that team-up stories are enjoyed by most
everybody, and we all have favorites.  Just the other day, a guy offered to
check back issue bins in his area for books that I need!  IÕve already made a
trade through the mail and acquired Superman vs. Wonder Woman for review Ñ and
I received a letter from Gerry Conway thanking me for reviewing some of his
work!  Needless to say, I was pretty tickled about that.

**** This started the wheels turning...  Has anyone else heard from a pro
     about his or her reviews or articles?  Such experiences could, at some
     point, make an interesting little sidebar in a future issue...

Keep those requests coming in.  A popular DC PRESENTS story has received
multiple requests, and IÕll include discussion of it by the letter writers when
I get around to reviewing it.  Thanks again.

**** No, Joe.  The true thanks should go each and every month to you and
     each of our writers.  You are the reason that the KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET
     continues to be appreciated month after month by our many readers!
     Keep up the great work!

===============================================

Keep your letters and comments coming!  We always welcome your feedback
about how we can improve KC!

                                                    Ñ Jeff Sykes

____________________________________________________________
THE PHANTOM ZONE: Reviews of the pre-Crisis Man of Steel
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

INTO THE ARCHIVES
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
    by Neil A. Ottenstein (otten@gluon.umd.edu)

SUPERMAN #3, Winter 1939

I have conflicting information about the original sources of the stories in
this issue.  The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide that I have lists the second
story as coming from ACTION #5 and the third story from ACTION #6.  The
Afterword in the Superman Archives volume says that Adventure 8 (the second
story) comes from ACTION #5, but gives comments reflecting the third story in
this issue.

In this issue the Clark Kent/Lois Lane/Superman triangle begins.  Lois Lane did
not appear much in the previous two issues, but she plays a major part in the
stories here.

1) Superman rescues a runaway orphan, Lois and Clark investigate conditions at
the state orphanage, and then Superman saves Lois and the orphan from the
machinations of the orphanage superintendent.  24 pages.

2) Lois deceives Clark in order to get a scoop on a story about a collapsing
dam, Superman rescues Lois, and then Clark phones in the scoop.  In the
previous story, Lois was not quite conscious when Superman rescued her, but
this time she is quite aware and declares her love for him.  Her final thought
in the story after Clark tells her he still likes her, ÒI can hardly bear
looking at him.  After having been in the arms of a *real* he man.Ó  9 pages.

3) A man poses as SupermanÕs manager in order to exploit the merchandising
possibilities.  Lois and Clark go to investigate him, Lois tries to get the
exclusive by drugging Clark, Lois is not fooled by a fake Superman and is
tossed out of a window for her troubles.  Superman saves Lois and they give the
manager and fake Superman to the police.  13 pages.

4)  Lois exploits Clark in order to find out about a smuggling operation, but
after Superman saves her life, Clark is able to phone in the story for the
scoop.  More details on this story below.  8 pages.

In between the first and second stories there is information about Òthe
greatest contest in comic magazine history!Ó for members of the Supermen of
America.

In between the second and third stories is a page of Òfantastic factsÓ and a
text story by Bert Lexington called ÒDeath by the Stars.Ó  This story is a
short mystery with an astrology scam.

In between the third and fourth stories are hints for Òacquiring
super-strengthÓ and Òattaining super-health.Ó  Then there is a one page text
story by Hugh Langley called ÒGood Luck Charm,Ó which concerns a prison
breakout with an ironic twist ending, and a one page comic called ÒShortyÓ
about the antics of a dachshund.

The fourth story begins with Clark being called to the editorÕs office.  He is
demoting Lois to the lovelorn column, but promoting Clark, praising him for
covering Larry TrentÕs boxing comeback (seen as the lead story in issue 2).

Clark tries to console Lois by offering to take her out that night, but Lois
turns him down coldly.  You can see the icicles in the word balloon.  Her
disdain for Clark is quite clear: Òthe less I see of that worm the better!Ó

LoisÕs luck improves when a woman comes to see her in the role of the lovelorn
editor.  Her husband, Lew Frawley, rarely comes home, beats her and she
suspects he has joined a smuggling gang.  Lois consoles her and thinks this may
just win back her news reporting job.

Lois turns on the charm for Clark, saying she does want to go out after all
that night.  She instructs the cab driver, and to ClarkÕs surprise they arrive
at JoeÕs Joint, Òone of the toughest joints on the waterfront.Ó

While dancing, Lois recognizes Lew Frawley (she had been shown his picture) and
winks at him to get his attention.  Lew breaks into their dance, shoving Clark
out of the way.  Clark keeps up the cowardice act while Lois dances.  Lois
inflates LewÕs ego and removes a piece of paper from his pocket.  In the
ladiesÕ room she reads about a jewel shipment coming that evening.

FrawleyÕs cohorts tell him they saw Lois take the paper.  They grab both Lois
and Clark and put them in a boat.  While they start to interrogate Lois, Clark
protests and is knocked into the water to be left to drown.

Swimming underwater at super speed he arrives at the wharf before the boat and
waits as Superman.  Lois is dragged into a shack where she tells them she is
just a reporter.  They show her the jewels they smuggled in from Europe,
telling her she wonÕt live to print her story.  Superman breaks into the shack,
and Lew fires the shot at Lois.  Superman races the bullet and appears in front
of Lois a fraction of a second before the bullet, which bounces off of him.

Superman deposits the smugglers at the police station.  Lois begs him not to
leave her, but he says he canÕt remain.  Lois runs into the editorÕs office
with her scoop, but is stunned to see the latest edition of the Daily Star with
ClarkÕs story in it.  She is shocked to see Clark alive.  Clark tells her that
even though he had never swum before he managed to reach shore alive and phone
in the story.

These stories show the competition between Lois and Clark as rivals in getting
stories for the Daily Star.  She dislikes Clark both as a rival and as a
Òcowardly weakling.Ó  She is extremely manipulative of him, but then he also
tries to manipulate her and arrange matters so the two of them can be alone.
He also is able to scoop her each time with the Superman stories, which does
not win him any affection.  Lois is quite enthralled by Superman.

It is quite a delight to see how the legend begins in these stories.  Many of
the elements here have been shown in slightly different forms time and again.
The merchandising story, as Steranko mentions in the Afterword, is quite a
forecast of those possibilities.

____________________________________________________________

THE GIRL FRIEND AND THE PAL:  LOIS AND JIMMY IN THEIR OWN COMICS
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
    By Jon B. Knutson (jonknut@eskimo.com)

Before getting into the third installment, IÕd first like to comment on a
letter received in the March KC.

Rich Morrissey (RMorris306@aol.com) wrote, in part:

>>LOIS LANE #82Õs ÒThe Tragic Fate of the Superman SweetheartsÓ was drawn by
Irv Novick (not, as your reviewer said, Ross Andru).  The writer was Leo
Dorfman, who, like many in his generation, sometimes did have a tendency to
make sexist slips like SupermanÕs proposal.  Though I always thought it was
forgivable, perhaps even a clue to the fact that he was brainwashed at the
time.<<

You could very well be right, Rich.  It sure looked like Andru art to me, but
mentally comparing it to NovickÕs Flash work, IÕd have to agree with you.  I
bobbled the ball on that one!

Also, IÕd promised a review of a multi-part story from SUPERMAN FAMILY.
Unfortunately, I seem to be missing an issue from this story (drat!), but IÕll
try to acquire it before the May KC.  Mea culpa!

Instead, this time around IÕll review JIMMY OLSEN #95, (Aug.-Sept. 1966) an
80-page Giant featuring ÒJimmy OlsenÕs Greatest Masquerades, and His Pal,
Superman.Ó  Unfortunately, at this time DC was not providing references as to
where stories were originally published, and as I donÕt have any of the
original issues reprinted here myself, I can only ask the KC readership to help
out here.

The first story is entitled ÒThe Boy From Mars.Ó  The artwork looks strange to
my eye.  Some elements look decidedly Swan-ish, while many of the poses seem to
indicate Wayne Boring artwork (particularly SupermanÕs pose on the splash
page).  Anyway, in the story, Jimmy decides to help the Daily PlanetÕs
circulation by setting up a hoax (previous hoax stories were sell-outs).
Manufacturing a model spacecraft in his workshop (heÕs got a *big* apartment!),
he also eats some Kryptonite-flavored fruit that turns his skin and hair green.
Adding a costume from his Olsen Disguise Trunk, he brings the ship to
Metropolis Park, where he emerges and identifies himself to Lois Lane (who
doesnÕt recognize the green-colored Jimmy) as the Boy From Mars.  Lois takes
him to the Planet, where Jimmy tells Perry White about the Òmarvels of Mars.Ó
The resulting story causes the next issue to sell out.  The next day, Jimmy
wakes up (having been offered a space in an office to sleep) to discover heÕs
still green.  He then decides to continue working on a story on ÒEarthÕs
Biggest Weapons,Ó still in alien mufti, but is spotted by Perry.  The Chief
assumes JimmyÕs really a spy from Mars, and doesnÕt believe it when Jimmy says
who he really is, and is just putting on a hoax.  Calling Superman in doesnÕt
help, as the green coloration from the K-fruit also causes Jimmy to emanate
Green K rays, and Superman leaves.  Further exploits only prove that JimmyÕs an
alien, and Superman flies Jimmy to Mars in a protective capsule ... or so Jimmy
thinks.  Superman gives him an antidote to the K-fruit, and tells Jimmy he
rigged up the ÒproofÓ of his alien identity to get Jimmy away.  Jimmy has
learned his lesson.

The second story, ÒJimmy Olsen, Prince of ClownsÓ is even less identifiable.  I
canÕt even guess who did the art on this.  Jimmy is interviewing a
father-and-son clown team at a circus.  Joe King, the father, doesnÕt feel his
son, Tad, will be that successful in his debut tonight.  Joe leaves, and Tad
tells Jimmy heÕs got to make good ... just in time to trip and bump his head.
Jimmy offers to fill in for Tad, keeping it a secret.  Jimmy goes on, and every
time he gets in trouble, Superman is able to help him out (luckily, Clark
KentÕs in the crowd watching the show).  Clark discovers that JoeÕs secretly
sabotaging the act.  Changing to Superman, he learns why JimmyÕs replacing Tad,
but he doesnÕt tell Tad that JoeÕs trying to ruin the act.  Superman scans
JoeÕs diary, discovering Joe thinks that Tad will waste his life as a
second-rate clown.  After helping Jimmy out again, Superman is spotted by Joe,
who realizes itÕs Jimmy, and not Tad, performing.  Jimmy leaves to touch up his
greasepaint.  Joe decides not to bother trying to ruin the act any longer, and
the two clowns perform magnificently.  After the act is over, Joe discovers
that after Jimmy left to touch up his greasepaint, Tad was able to resume his
role in the act.  Superman reveals that he didnÕt help Tad at all, and points
out that Joe himself only performed well when he was in front of the crowd.
Jimmy decides to stick to reporting rather than clowning, but is then yelled at
by Perry for misspelling a dozen words in his article on the event.

IÕll bet anybody reading this can guess who Jimmy meets in ÒLois LaneÕs
Sister,Ó right?  The artwork in this story looks like the same artist who did
the first one in this annual.  Jimmy meets Lucy (a stewardess) for the first
time at Metropolis Airport, and JimmyÕs impressed.  En route to the Planet,
Jimmy takes Lucy by the Superman Museum, but LucyÕs not impressed.  After they
arrive at the Planet, Lois and Lucy plan an evening out, and Jimmy suggests
that they make it a double date, with Clark being LoisÕ escort.  That evening,
Jimmy spends his entire weekÕs salary on LucyÕs dinner, and itÕs obvious that
JimmyÕs fallen for Lucy.  However, itÕs not reciprocated;  LucyÕs more
interested in the rodeo stars who will be traveling on her next flight.  Clark
tells Jimmy that he thinks LucyÕs fickle (a common Lane female trait, it
seems), and that she might go for one of the rodeo stars (super-hearingÕs a
handy thing to have).  Jimmy decides to join the flight in cowboy disguise, and
once heÕs on board, he proceeds to tell some real whoppers of his exploits to
impress Lucy ... and does so, with a bit of help from the Man of Steel.

In fact, Superman (who seems to have nothing better to do) helps him out as
Jimmy tries to prevent Lucy from falling for any man on a following flight with
inventors, disguised as a robot.  However, JimmyÕs ruse is discovered anyway,
and Lucy tells him that for his trouble, he deserves to date her.  After the
second date, Jimmy proposes, but Lucy says that sheÕs promised not to marry
until Lois does.

ÒThe Boy SupermanÓ is another tricky one in which to identify the artist.
Clark has to leave his Superman suit in the PlanetÕs ÒFlying NewsroomÓ, and
when Jimmy crashes the copter later in the mountains, he finds the suit.
Putting it on to stay warm, he wanders into a nearby hillbilly village, where
heÕs mistaken for Superman, thanks to coincidences.  Before he knows it, Jimmy
finds himself engaged to Petunia, daughter of the mayor (because heÕs the
ÒstrongestÓ man around).  At the wedding, Jimmy takes off SupermanÕs uniform so
he can wear his groom clothes, and finds a way out of his dilemma when someone
mistakes a slip on a banana peel for being weakened by ÒKrycktyniteÓ Ñ Jimmy
simply runs away in Òfear.Ó  Superman flies in, putting on his costume, and
gets Jimmy away.

ÒThe King of CrimeÓ *has* to be Swan artwork.  ÒWinkyÓ McCoy, a notorious
criminal who coincidentally is a dead ringer for Jimmy, save for being bald and
having a scar, escapes from prison.  Jimmy decides to disguise himself as Winky
in order to get the goods on WinkyÕs gang.  Jimmy accidentally runs into two of
WinkyÕs goons and is brought to the hide-out.  He takes WinkyÕs place for a
while, and then discovers that the gang plans to kill Superman with Kryptonite
hidden in a bass drum which is to be played at a ceremony the Man of Steel will
appear at.  Jimmy lines the drum with lead from melted blackjacks to thwart the
scheme.  After he prevents an FBI agent captured by the gang from being killed
(faking the death, natch!), the gang learns the real Winky has been recaptured
by Superman.  Before they can kill Jimmy, however, the FBI breaks in to the
hideout.  It seems Jimmy, as ÒWinkyÓ, winked at the agent in Morse code,
revealing his plan.

ÒJimmy Olsen, the Bearded BoyÓ looks like BoringÕs work to me.  Jimmy tries to
crash a secret meeting of ÒThe Beard Band,Ó a club of bearded men.  His fake
beard is easily detected, but one of the members sees him, and offers Jimmy a
drink of his Òbeard tonic.Ó  In moments, Jimmy grows a beard, and is admitted
to the meeting.  He discovers that his beard will keep growing unless they
learn the antidote from the Beard Band; their plot is to earn respect for their
beards, which get ridiculed.  JimmyÕs given some more tonic to prove his story,
having Perry and Clark sample it (Clark fakes his beard, naturally).  JimmyÕs
supposed to appear at functions bearded, in order to ÒproveÓ that beards are
really a status symbol.  However, JimmyÕs beard keeps getting cut off all the
time accidentally (fortunately for him, it regrows swiftly).  Since heÕs
brought disgrace to the Beard Band, they destroy the antidote, and they plan on
dumping lots of the beard tonic into the reservoir.  While the tonicÕs being
brewed, Jimmy accidentally drops his recently-sheared beard into the vat, which
causes the tonic to become the antidote (!).  The Beard Band is finished.

ÒAlias Chip OÕDooleÓ is another Swan piece.  Chip OÕDoole is a famous rock
singer who miraculously looks like Jimmy, but with his hair styled differently.
LucyÕs fallen for Chip, so Jimmy decides to disguise himself as Chip to make
Lucy hate Chip.  Good thing Jimmy knows how to play the guitar!  Unfortunately,
everything Jimmy does as ÒChipÓ makes Lucy fall even more in love with the rock
singer.  Superman helps Jimmy discover that Lucy knew it was him all the time,
and she was flattered he went to the effort for her.

IÕm hesitant to review ÒMiss Jimmy Olsen,Ó as Fred Hembeck did such a great job
of reviewing it himself in one of his own books.  In short, Jimmy disguises
himself as a girl to get a job in a chorus line that ÒBig MonteÓ McGraw, the
ex-racketeer, is involved with.  Joining the chorus, JimmyÕs assigned to share
a room with Maisie, McGrawÕs girlfriend.  Coincidentally, Lucy lives in the
same building MaisieÕs apartmentÕs in.  Jimmy discovers that Maisie has a pet
chimp.  That evening, Jimmy, as ÒJulie Ogden,Ó burns dinner, and goes to LucyÕs
apartment to find something to fix instead, not wanting Maisie to throw ÒJulieÓ
out.  He finds some hamburger in LucyÕs fridge to cook up (Lucy keeps her key
under the doormat Ñ foolish girl!).  The next morning, Jimmy discovers the
ÒhamburgerÓ was really dog food for LucyÕs *huge* dog.  At the theater, McGraw
tells ÒJulieÓ that he goes for Òher,Ó and the two go out on a date.  That
evening, McGraw expects a good-night kiss, which he gets ... after ÒJulieÓ
takes him into ÒherÓ darkened apartment, and substitutes the chimp for himself.
The next day, ÒJulieÓ plays sick so Jimmy can search MaisieÕs apartment for
hidden stolen jewels, but McGraw decides to pay a visit on him.  McGraw finally
spots JimmyÕs AdamÕs apple, realizing ÒsheÓ is a he, and is about to be shot
until the chimp hits McGraw with a baseball bat.  Superman arrives finally, and
finds the missing jewels.

The last tale, ÒThe Jimmy Olsen Signal-Watch!Ó could be Swan ... or not.  ItÕs
LucyÕs birthday, and JimmyÕs given her a signal watch that can summon him
through his own signal-watch.  Any time she wants something, she can summon
Jimmy, who will do her bidding as Ògenie for a day.Ó  Later, he has an
appointment at the Jimmy Olsen Fan ClubÕs headquarters, where he demonstrates
his disguises, telling the fans why he wore each one.  However, he gets
summoned by Lucy several times, and not taking the time to change from a
disguise, he ends up messing up what Lucy wanted him to do.  Finally, towards
the end of the day, Lucy gives the watch back, and calls off their date for the
evening.   However, Lucy later calls Jimmy, saying sheÕs forgiven him, and
wants to keep their date for a masquerade ball.  Having had enough of disguises
for a while, Jimmy dresses up as... himself!

All in all, a nice selection of Jimmy stories in this issue.  None of the
stories would pass in todayÕs market, but for Silver Age buffs like myself,
theyÕre all gems!  Having been a fan of Fred HembeckÕs work, picking up the
annual with the original ÒJulie OgdenÓ story in it was a real treat for me.

Overall, IÕd give this annual 4 1/2 shields out of 5 ... two stories with
similar plots were a bit much (Chip OÕDoole and ÒWinkyÓ McCoy being doubles for
Jimmy, that is), but the overall balance was good.  The only real ÒklunkerÓ for
me would have to be ÒJimmy Olsen, the Bearded Boy.Ó

If you have a particular issue of LOIS LANE or JIMMY OLSEN you want reviewed,
e-mail me at jonknut@eskimo.com, and if I have it in my collection, or I can
track it down, itÕll be reviewed in a future issue.  Next time, a review of a
multi-part story from SUPERMAN FAMILY,  which will remind many readers of
recent LOIS AND CLARK episodes!  This time for sure!

____________________________________________________________
THE PHANTOM ZONE (cont):
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

SUPER FRIENDS
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
    by Joe Crowe (j.crowe4@genie.com)

BRAVE AND THE BOLD #147: Batman and Supergirl
 ÒDeath-Scream from the Sky!Ó
        Feb. 1979
        Writer: Cary Burkett
        Artist: Jim Aparo
 Cover Price: .40

Rating: 3.25 shields

At a meeting of the Wayne Foundation, Bruce Wayne announces the startup of
Project: Globespan, a system of communications satellites built by STAR Labs.
Wayne starts it up, but the very first telecast is interrupted by the Children
of Light, who have hooked up a laser cannon to one of the satellites and
threaten to use the cannonÕs power to decimate whole cities unless their
terrorist leader is released.  Bruce Wayne slips out of the meeting room...

Batman sees the Bat-signal and heads for police HQ.  But the Children of Light
are waiting in ambush!  Batman yanks the Bat-signal around and blinds them, but
they cut out.  Their weapons are too high-tech, Batman thinks.  They must have
some big-time backer on their side. The White House refuses to release their
leader Ñ and the Justice League of America is on a mission in space.  Batman
is on his own.

Batman realizes that the laser cannon must have been installed before launch,
so there must be an expert on the inside.  Batman sneaks into the STAR Labs in
Midvale. He wanders in the dark and trips over ... Supergirl?

The Maid of Steel revives and gives Batman the story.  SheÕs a student advisor
at New Athens College and met a STAR scholarship recipient, Josh Kimble.  Once,
she felt really weak when he appeared.  Concerned, she followed him in costume
and saw Josh sabotaging the satellites!  Then she got whacked upside the head
and Batman found her.  Supergirl spots the satellite with telescopic vision,
and the Dark Knight has to stop her from knocking it out of the sky
immediately.

He digs out an experimental mini-spaceship and Supergirl flies him into space.
The satellite is surrounded by red-sun radiation, to prevent any nearby
Kryptonians from destroying it.  Batman flies in with his spaceship, but gets
zapped by the laser cannon.  His ship blows up, and Batman is unprotected in
the vacuum of space!

>From out of range of the red sun rays, Supergirl warms Batman up with heat
vision, and he throws a Bat-rope to her.  She reels him in and flies him back
to Earth.  Kimble must have absorbed some of the red sun rays Ñ thatÕs why
Supergirl was weakened around him.  The pair head to JoshÕs place, but heÕs
already agitated the gravel.  A message at the scene leads Batman to believe
the Children are no ordinary terrorist group.  They fly back to Gotham, to a
hot night club.  Batman and Supergirl disco the night away.

Just kidding about that last part.  Supergirl stays behind while Batman charges
in, thinking he knows the brains behind the operation.  Batman says heÕs
Òdeadlier than a dozen rattlesnakes.Ó  Fisticuffs ensue, and the Girl of Steel
can hold back no longer.  She busts through the wall, only to get zapped by red
sun rays.  Then the bad guy stands revealed.  ItÕs Dr. Light!

He doesnÕt care about freeing the terroristsÕ leader.  He just wants the big
money payoff from the ransom.  BatmanÕs stall tactics work, and a handy
Bat-smoke bomb gives him cover to shut down the red sun rays, so Supergirl can
jet into space and take out the satellite.

She does the deed, while Batman rousts the bad guys, giving them all stern
thrashings.  The Children of Light Òare nothing but well-trained punks!Ó
Batman says, Òand punks *never* win!Ó  Josh Kimble and the bad guys are sent to
the Hotel Graybar, and Batman tells Supergirl that he could not have asked for
a better partner.

This story was a big deal at the time, because it was Batman and SupergirlÕs
first team-up.  Naturally, Batman was always teaming up with Superman.
Supergirl here appears in awe of Batman, almost to the point of school-girlish
naivete.  She thinks Òhis mind works like lightning!  I can see why my cousin
likes teaming with him so much!Ó  Batman has to hold her back from rash action
on multiple occasions.  But thatÕs well within both their characters, because
Batman has always been ultra-capable, and Supergirl, even in 1979, when she had
been around for two decades, still seemed to be in training.

But she comes through.  She comes up with a way to save Batman from space by
herself, and flies faster than she ever has before to knock out the satellite.
I think thatÕs why Supergirl was popular.  Unlike most heroes, she was always
learning.  Of course, thatÕs probably because there was no way she could ever
outshine whatÕs-his-name.

I canÕt finish this review without mentioning the space thing.  Batman, without
a spacesuit, survives *in space* for a while.  Apparently back then, scientists
believed that space was just really, really cold.  Technically, I suppose
someone could argue that Batman was just in the upper reaches of the
atmosphere, where air is really thin.  That is, of course, if somebody actually
wanted to do that instead of just enjoying the story.

Most BRAVE & BOLDs featured mad scientists and terrorists who rarely appeared
again.  In the 1980s, Dr. Light would become a laughable schmuck in the pages
of SUICIDE SQUAD.  But he was in his prime here as an archfoe of the entire
Justice League.  His reasoning behind the plot of this issue was very cool Ñ
he wanted the money to finance his war on the JLA!  I kid you not!  Most bad
guys wanted to get away from superheroes.  Even as law-abiding citizens, we
have to respect Dr. LightÕs proactive attitude.

The hotline is open at j.crowe4@genie.geis.com.  Thank you and good morning.

____________________________________________________________

TELEscopic VISION:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
    Superman on the Small Screen

Been an interesting couple of months, no?  This month, Zoomway looks back
at the entire Òwedding/clone/amnesiaÓ arc, and weÕve also got reviews of
the final two episodes in the saga.

ItÕs been almost a month since a new episode, but the drought is about over!
April 28 brings us ÒItÕs A Small World After All,Ó written by Teri Hatcher!
Guest stars include Steve Young, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, and
the plot features Lois and Clark being shrunk by someone Lois knew in high
school.  I havenÕt heard anything about the 21st episode, except that it airs
on May12 (tentatively).  But the season finale on May 12 is a cliffhanger,
and is rumored to feature the surprise arrival of other super-powered beings!

Hang on to your hats, FoLCs.  ItÕs end of season time again... :)

Jeff Sykes

____________________________________________________________

THE MERRY-GO-ROUND BROKE DOWN
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
    By Zoomway (Zoomway@aol.com)

LOIS AND CLARKÕs so-called ÔweddingÕ arc, which began as a wild roller coaster
ride, ended like a shopworn carousel.

ÒRiddle me this, Batman!  When is a wedding arc ÔnotÕ a wedding arc?Ó

ÒThatÕs as simple as ABC, Riddler.  When there is no wedding!Ó

The wedding of Lois and Clark was tampered with by ABC almost from the
beginning.  What was to be a clever twist and turn of events that would
eventually lead to the marriage of Lois Lane and Clark Kent became just one
more network committee banging for ratings.  A three-part arc, originally
designed to fit neatly into February for sweeps, began to bloat away from those
parameters.  Instead of a three-part arc, they were stuck with a five-part wave
Ñ this allegedly bargained down from a seven-parter.  However, if Lois and
Clark end up married in episode #21, then ABC will have nailed the seven-parter
they wanted in the first place.

Is a wedding still possible this season?  Well, Co-Producer Jim Michaels
admitted at a recent science fiction convention that Lois and Clark would
definitely be married for real in Ô96.  That could mean May (a sweeps period),
September (premiere time), or November (another sweeps period).  Since the show
has already been renewed for a fourth full season (22 episodes), some
pre-planning into the season can be made.  Michaels already has said that the
season finale is going to be a cliffhanger, and if a wedding does not start in
episode #22, then that would eliminate a wedding at premiere time in September.
So May or November (both sweeps periods) would seem the most likely.  Now
whether they decide to heavily promote the wedding again, which, no matter how
it is handled, will tend to make them look foolish, is a hot potato theyÕll
have to pass back and forth for a while.  I do not envy the promotion
department on this one: ÒLois and Clark will be married ... honest.  We really
mean it this time!Ó

Here is a brief overview of the arc, turned wave, turned merry-go-round:

ÒI Now Pronounce You,Ó written by Chris Ruppenthal, was actually a very
romantic, humorous, and touching episode.  Throughout the episode are generous
amounts of romance: Lois and Clark having a private rehearsal dinner together,
Clark calling Lois ÔhoneyÕ for the first time and her charming reaction, Clark
rushing over to Lois (the phone still in his hand) when she sounds worried.
The humor stems mainly from pre-wedding disasters: the hotel reservations canÕt
be honored, LoisÕ mother has to stay with her, the ÔofficialÕ rehearsal dinner
is canceled, the reverend is a stand-up comic wannabe who doesnÕt show up for
the real wedding, and the maid of honor is in jail.  The touching moments would
include the various times Clark had to comfort Lois after this or that
disaster, Lois and her mother becoming closer, and the scene in the church
hallway between Clark and his parents.  The wedding itself was very brief, but
the almost childlike excitement and anticipation on Lois and ClarkÕs faces as
they exchanged rings and vows sold the scene.  We all know now that Clark ended
up married to a clone of Lois, and thus we move on to the second installment.

ÒDouble Jeopardy,Ó written by Eugenie Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner, was
extremely exciting and fast-paced, and there was still a great deal of humor.
This episode worked despite the weird contrivances of frog-eating clones, a
vengeful ex-boyfriend, and Lois entering a fugue state wherein she became the
heroine of her rather cheesy romance novel.  There were several great scenes in
this episode.  Clark using Christmas tree lights as a metaphor for a less than
successful wedding night with LoisÕ clone, or Clark misinterpreting the cloneÕs
desire for a visit from Superman as a request for a Superman sex fantasy.  The
scene between Lex and Clark, though they are at opposite ends of the morality
spectrum, the one thing they have in common is their love for Lois Lane.  Lois,
as Wanda Detroit, singing in the Ace oÕ Clubs, not to mention her dimestore
novel dialogue.  This chapter closes with Lex leaving with Wanda/Lois.

ÒSeconds,Ó written by John McNamara, from a story by Chung and Miller, is the
edgiest of the installments.  Lex is at his coldest and cruelest.  Lois does
not exist in this episode, she is now Wanda Detroit.  LoisÕ clone, wonderfully
played by Teri Hatcher, becomes a childlike and sympathetic character, and
Clark, though he suffers, manages to treat the clone with tenderness, realizing
that she is just as much a victim of Lex as he and Lois are.  With the
climactic destruction of LexÕs underground lair and the rescue of Lois Lane,
the episode, the ÔarcÕ, and the roller coaster all come to a screeching halt.
You are now invited to board the merry-go-round.

ÒForget Me Not,Ó written by Grant Rosenberg, was a mistake, or at the very
least the ending was.  With the big splashy arc finished, the show had to
return to its more common ground, but more than that, it was time to do repair
work, and get Lois and Clark back together.  The plot, a warmed over version of
ÒTarget: Jimmy Olsen!Ó from last year, needed the best possible interaction
between Lois and Clark, but that was not forthcoming.  In ÒSeconds,Ó even with
Lois not knowing who she was, even thinking Clark was the enemy, Clark still
haunted her heart and soul, and invaded her dreams.  In ÒForget Me Not,Ó
however, Lois was practically indifferent.  There was no spark triggered by
Clark at all.  There did seem to be a warmth between Lois and Superman, and had
Rosenberg pursued this, he might have been able to pull this episode out of the
fire, avoid the wrath of fans, and keep LOIS AND CLARK from losing two million
viewers.  Unfortunately, and inexplicably, he had Lois fall in love with her
therapist, Doctor Maxwell Deter.

This episode did a variety of damage.  It seemed to destroy the mythic ÔbondÕ
which Lois and Clark allegedly share.  It had Lois fall for yet one more man
who was not Clark Kent.  This heaped onto fans who had suffered through Lois in
the arms of Lex Luthor in the previous episode.  Worst, by far, was that this
episode marked the last straw for many fans.  Unlike the hollow threats made
during the evolving first three installments, the threats made after this
episode appeared to be genuine.  The fans, as well as about 2 million viewers,
couldnÕt stand one more punch in the stomach, and refused to tune in ÒOedipus
Wrecks.Ó  With promos that promised no reconciliation, there was little reason
for fans to believe the angst would be resolved.

ÒOedipus Wrecks,Ó Written by David Simkins, on the surface, looks like a truly
bizarre episode (in terms of villains and plot).  However, under the surface
seems to lurk a very angry, yet very clever writer.  Simkins literally seemed
to use this episode to sink his fangs into ABC for what they had turned the
wedding arc into, and for making the writers not only a party to it, but
allowing them to take the blame for it.  He seemed to use metaphors throughout
the script with lines such as ÒThereÕs light at the end of the tunnel, itÕs
just a very long tunnel.Ó  ÒI just want this whole thing to be over with.Ó
ÒThat was pointless.  Long, but pointless.Ó  ÒSometimes waiting isnÕt worth the
wait after all,Ó etc.  It was a story about numbing the mind, being told what
to do, and having no choice but to follow orders.

In the end, the arc will probably not be high on anyoneÕs re-watch list because
it not only failed in the primary objective of getting Lois and Clark hitched,
but it never gelled to the point of giving rhyme or reason to the events our
heroes suffered.  In real life, there is rarely rhyme or reason to tragedies,
but in fiction, particularly fantasy, we want to see a shattering event touch
our heroes.  If not with a badge, then at least with a scar.  Lois and Clark
began the arc engaged and finished the arc engaged.  It might have been
acceptable if all of these events had taken place apart from any wedding at
all.  Just have the wedding still in the planning stage, and then go on a wild
buggy ride that stops exactly where it started.  Otherwise, what does it
accomplish?  Were Lois and Clark significantly changed by the experience?  No.
Did it give either of them a new resolve to just rush right out and get
married?  Apparently not.  Were four downer endings worth the two minute
reconciliation at the end of ÒOedipus WrecksÓ?  Of course not.  Can the 2
million disillusioned viewers be drawn back to the show?  Maybe, if the promos
for the finale are hot enough, and look intriguing enough.  Could the show
suffer long-term attrition from viewers if the engagement is dragged out longer
and longer?  No doubt.  There is already a growing suspicion that the show has
no intention of marrying Lois and Clark, and will find new ways of keeping them
apart.  This I donÕt believe for a second.  I know they will marry, but the
average viewer out there has no reason to believe this is so due to the wedding
that never happened.  The cynicism caused by the ÔunweddingÕ arc will take some
fancy footwork to undo.

There is also the suspicion that the wedding in the series is tied to the
wedding in the comics.  The answer to this is probably yes ÔandÕ no.  As Mike
Carlin once stated, the show has more power over the comics than the other way
around.  This is probably true, because the show was able to split up the
marriage of Perry and Alice, but they are not split up in the comics.  The show
even introduced a love interest for Perry, and I wouldnÕt be surprised if she
became a recurring cast member.  The problem with aligning the weddings in both
mediums is that television shows want big events to happen during premieres
(September), sweeps (November, February, and May), and finales (the last gasp
of May).  The comics, on the other hand, want big events for anniversary
issues: SUPERMAN #50 (Clark proposes to Lois), SUPERMAN #75 (the Death of
Superman), SUPERMAN #100 (the Death of Clark Kent), etc.  Even though the
Superman saga currently has five titles to work with (SUPERMAN, ADVENTURES OF
SUPERMAN, ACTION COMICS, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL, and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF
TOMORROW), none of them is near a real anniversary issue.

So the wedding remains up in the air.  If the spoilers for the comics are not
misleading, then Lois and ClarkÕs wedding is a dim prospect any time in the
near future in that medium (at least no advance toward the chapel over the
summer).  On the series, and only because of MichaelsÕ statement, Lois and
Clark will exchange vows for real in 1996.  There are only three episodes left
this season, so it is doubtful it will happen this season.  That gives them
four months into the fourth season to pull off the ÔrealÕ wedding (Sept., Oct.,
Nov., Dec.).  Either way, it would be nice if the wish stated by Clark this
Christmas in ÒHome Is Where The Hurt IsÓ will be true by next Christmas: ÒMaybe
next year, at this time, weÕll be spending the holidays at ÔourÕ house.Ó  Amen,
Clark.

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EPISODE REVIEWS:
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Episode #3-18: ÒForget Me NotÓ
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    by Joe Jones <jones_jl@egr.mercer.peachnet.edu>

US Airdate:      March 10, 1996
Guest Starring:  Larry Poindexter, and Charles Cioffi as ÒDr. Elias
                 MendenhallÓ

Written by:      Grant Rosenberg
Directed by:     James Bagdonas

This episode opens with an older gentleman walking in a trance, listening to
ÒThe Battle Hymn of the Republic,Ó and carrying an M203 Grenade Launcher.  What
an explosive beginning!  One grenade through the window and Mr. Sanborn is
exterminated immediately.

In the meantime, Clark has checked Lois into the Metropolis Neuroscience
Center, the best facility in the country, and under the care of Dr. Max Deter,
the foremost neurologist in the country.  Clark hopes that Dr. Deter will help
Lois regain her memory.  Lois seems to agree with being in the Neuroscience
Center by her stating, ÒIf you have to be crazy, this is the place to be crazy
in.Ó  Just as you begin to believe that there is hope for Lois and Clark, Dr.
Deter states that Clark is the only visitor that she can have, he can only come
every other day, and she can not leave the grounds for a month.  About this
time, Homer Blackstock shows up in the conversation.  Does he look familiar?
Yes!  He was the old man who killed Mr. Sanborn at the beginning of the show.
At this point you start to wonder, what in the ÒSam HillÓ is going on?!  Clark
agrees to Dr. DeterÕs visitation rules and begins to leave when the centerÕs
receptionist calls Clark over and hands him LoisÕ engagement ring, saying the
Dr. Deter said that Clark should have that back.

Things get a little bit worse, again.  When are things going to start getting
better for Lois and Clark?

Clark goes to the Planet, and Perry assigns him to the Sanborn murder to get
his mind off of Lois.  Clark goes to talk to the investigator at the crime
scene.  Given some information about the crime, Clark locates some small red
pellets, using his super vision.  Then we see Homer leaving the hospital in a
stretcher.  Homer has had a stroke, and Lois finds out that he is Dr.
MendenhallÕs patient.  Then we meet Agnes Moskowitz.

Clark shows up for his first ÒofficialÓ visit to Lois when he runs in to, who
else, Dr. Deter.  Clark is carrying some flowers, and Dr. Deter asks him if
there is a romantic note attached to the flowers.  Clark says no, just some
flowers.  Then Dr. Deter proceeds to tell Clark that it is important that he
not give her any romantic notes, not to talk about work, or even their
relationship.  Clark, starting to show a little bit of a temper, states that
his visit will be 5 minutes and the topic of discussion will be the weather.

Clark goes to see Lois and gives Lois the flowers, saying that they are
Òforget-me-notsÓ (cute), and Lois thanks him and proceeds to talk about the
murder story that Clark wrote.  Lois has come to the same conclusion as Clark,
being that Mr. Sanborn was killed because he would not link up with organized
crime.  Clark, trying to find something else to talk about, ends up suggesting
that they talk about him.  At that time, he hears a cry for help and he gets up
and tells Lois that he has to leave.  She wants to know why he has to leave and
Clark begins waving his arms about saying that ÒYou know, I have to...*go*.Ó
And she says, ÒGo where?Ó  Clark was assuming that Lois still remembered that
Clark was Superman.  Clark seeing that she does not remember, states that he
has to go cover a Ònight regatta thing.Ó

Then we see Dr. Mendenhall brainwashing Agnes into believing that she must kill
someone named Roger Stephens.  We also find out that Dr. Mendenhall is also
known as the ÒHangman.Ó  Makes you believe that he has been doing this for a
while.  Is this extra income for the Hangman, or what?  He is getting $50,000 a
hit.  And, more importantly, is Dr. Max Deter involved in this organized hit
squad?

Clark is now talking to the investigator about the death of Roger Stephens and
again finds more red pellets in the crime scene.  Yes!  A bit of evidence to
connect the two murders.  Superman goes to visit Lois, and Lois knows his name
from a picture in the paper.  So we know that she has no recollection of him
either.  What a bummer!!  At any rate, Superman gives her the red pellets that
Clark has found at both crime scenes.  At this time, Dr. Deter shows up and
wants to know why Superman is there visiting Lois.  Lois tells Dr. Deter that
Clark asked Superman to visit her.  Dr. Deter tells Superman that he is not on
the visitor list for Lois and Superman states that heÕs Superman.  Meaning he
doesnÕt need to be on the stupid list.  So Dr. Deter states that everyone else
has to follow the rules and, basically, so does he.  Superman then hears
another cry for help (as usual) and proceeds to leave, but before he does, he
tells Lois and Dr. Deter that he is Ònever far away.Ó

We then see some muggers holding up an outdoor restaurant and who is there?
Perry and Sally, the MayorÕs attorney.  The muggers attempt to steal SallyÕs
necklace, and Perry punches the guy.  The mugger gets angry, points his gun at
Perry and pulls the trigger.  But before the bullet could hit Perry, Superman
catches it.  He then looks at the muggers and says, ÒI believe it is time to
take the trash out.Ó  And pikes them up and throws them into the trash cans
across the street.

We then see Lois and Dr. Deter having a picnic lunch, and Dr. Deter tells Lois
that she is someone he had always dreamed of meeting.  Now we see Dr. DeterÕs
plan.  He wants to win her over to him and away from Lois.  Help, call the
police, call Clark, call Superman, somebody stop this maniac.  But,
unfortunately it wonÕt happen just yet.  Lois leaves her lunch, walks into her
room, and looks in the mirror.  While she is there looking at the image of
herself, she begins to wonder just exactly who she is.  At this same time,
Superman is outside the building in a tree, looking in on Lois.  Then Lois
notices that she has a red stain on her sweater, she looks in the pocket and
finds a pod that has the red pellets on it, just like the one Superman gave
her.  She goes out to find the bush, and when she does, she also finds a gate
that leads outside of the center.  Then she runs into Dr. Mendenhall.  Dr.
Mendenhall decides that it is time to start her treatment.  While Lois is in
her Òtreatment,Ó Ma and Pa Kent show up to visit Lois, but they are stopped by
Dr. Deter.  Then Clark shows up to inquire what is wrong.  It is interesting to
note that Clark shows up in a taxi rather than just showing up or walking up.
At this point, Clark and Dr. Deter begin to have a heated discussion about
being able to visit Lois.  So Dr. Deter decides that Lois can no longer have
visits from anybody.  Clark states, ÒYou are an expert in your field, but I am
an expert on Lois.Ó  The Doctor makes it clear that Lois will only get better
if everyone follows his rules.  Clark then tells the doctor that ÒI am always
near by.Ó  Clark should watch what he says, sounds about like the same thing
Superman told Lois and Dr. Deter on his visit.

Lois does some investigating at the center, then leaves the center via the
secret gate and goes to Clarks apartment.  Clark tells her to get some cream
soda out of the refrigerator because it is her favorite.  While she gets the
soda, Clark, with super speed, gets up all of the pictures of Lois and him and
hides them behind the sofa.  Lois and Clark begin to discuss the murders and
the red pods but get into a heated discussion, and Lois tells Clark that he
Òalways walks on eggshells.Ó  After Lois leaves, Clark rejoices over the ÒsignÓ
that he was just given.  Apparently, Lois is beginning to remember some things
about herself and Clark.  While Lois is outside waiting for the bus, Superman
shows up and gives her a lift (literally) to the hospital.  Funny to note, Lois
asked Superman if he had a car!

After LoisÕ discussion with Clark about the hospital and the murders, she does
not want to go to the next session with Dr. Mendenhall.  Max asks Lois if she
trusts him.  She says yes, and he convinces her to go to her session.  Of
course, not before he gets a *hug* first.  Dirty rat.  Anyway, while she is
gone to her session, Clark had sent her some flowers with a note attached.
Believe me, if I experienced the evening they had, I would feel like I had made
a break through as well, and I would send the flowers too.  But, Dr. Deter
intercepts them.  He calls Clark about the flowers and again reaffirms *his*
policy on notes and flowers and etc.  Then Dr. Deter puts his own note on the
flowers and delivers them to her room.  Dr. Deter, in his conversation with
Clark, convinces Clark that Lois has developed a state of paranoia and
delusion.  He tells Clark that if Lois calls, not to talk to her.  Well, what
happens?  Lois calls about her sessions with Dr. Mendenhall, and Clark believes
what Dr. Deter said about her.  I have to admit, she did sound like she was
delusional and paranoid.

Clark puts the pieces together about the red pellets, the center, and the
murders.  He calls Lois about the facts of the murders, but when she doesnÕt
answer, Clark rushes to the center to find that she is not even in her room.
About this time we see Lois making an attempt to kill Perry White by running
him down.  Superman saves the day by stopping Lois.  Perry was very grateful,
but he did tell Superman that he almost bought the farm twice in the last two
days, and he was glad Superman was around to save him.  Clark and Lois fool Dr.
Mendenhall, and Superman stops Dr. MendenhallÕs attempt at escaping from the
charges.  And we begin to think that everything is going to be okay.  But we
find that Dr. Deter was not involved with the activities of Dr. Mendenhall.
Too bad, he needs to be done away with.

The close of the program shows Lois talking to Clark telling him that she
remembers everything (YES!!!) and that she is in love.  Boy, that is about
time.  But, we are dropped dead in our tracks when she tells Clark not to tell
ÒhimÓ yet because he may not know.  Then she tells Clark that she is in love
with Dr. Max Deter.  Another turn for the worse.

Again, we end up on Sunday evening angry and mad, like I was.  But I must admit
that the story line and plot were excellent.  Credit goes to the writer, Grant
Rosenberg for this episode.

===============================================

Episode #3-19: ÒOedipus WrecksÓ
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    by Marta Olson <molson@raisinets.den.mmc.com>

US Airdate:      March 24, 1996
Guest Starring:  Daniel Roebuck, Larry Poindexter, Kenneth Kimmins,
                 and Renee Taylor as ÒRoweena JohnsonÓ

Written by:      David Simkins
Directed by:     Kenn Michael Fuller

If the only episode youÕve seen this season is the premiere, ÒWe Have A Lot To
Talk About,Ó donÕt worry Ñ you havenÕt missed very much.  Lois knows Clark is
Superman, and they are in love.  Maybe youÕve seen some of the episodes and
know that Lois and Clark are engaged and the wedding is imminent, or should I
say was imminent since it was scheduled for several weeks ago.  With only four
episodes left in the season, you havenÕt missed much either.  Lois still knows
that Clark is Superman, they are in love, and the wedding is still imminent.
Confused?  DonÕt be.  With the completion of the ÒLois has amnesiaÓ arc, we are
back to square one, or almost.

The first time I saw this episode, it left me feeling like it was a waste of
time.  There was so much packed into the first three episodes of the 5-episode
arc that this episode left me feeling like nothing was happening.  When I
watched it the second time I was able to see it as the episode itself, not as
the completion of the arc, and it surprised me how much I enjoyed it.

Lois believes that she is in love with Dr. Max Deter.  Max uses this to his
advantage to try and win her love, although he tells Clark that it is just
transference of feelings from the patient to the doctor.  The beginning of the
episode left me with a severe case of deja vu.  Superman has to rush off from
talking with Dr. Deter and Lois to save a security guard from a bomb blast.
Superman is off saving the world while Lois finds herself in love with someone
else, again.  This was so much like Dan Scardino, etc. that it left me feeling
Òbeen there, done that.Ó

The villain in this episode is Herkemer Johnson, Bad Brain JohnsonÕs younger
brother.  He has always been put in his brotherÕs shadow and is now determined
to make their mother love him.  She continually puts him down and finds him
lacking, especially when compared to Rufus (Bad Brain).  Herkemer is played
very believably by Daniel Roebuck.  If I had not known beforehand that Roebuck
was the same person who had a recurring role on MATLOCK, I never would have
connected the two.  In order to please his mother, Herkemer has developed what
he calls the vibroary.  When it is turned on, it sends out a magnetic field
which literally numbs the mind, and people enter a suggestive state.  Lois and
Clark are affected differently than everyone else.  To Clark it is like a
painful sound, and Lois relives flashbacks of her life.

Mrs. Johnson tells Herkemer that if he really wants to make her happy, heÕll
kill Lois and Clark, since they were responsible for RufusÕ death.  Mrs.
Johnson never does accept Herkemer for who he is, and he disappoints her once
again when he has the opportunity to kill Lois and Max and canÕt do it.  She
decides to do it herself, only to have Superman step in and stop her.

I really enjoyed some of the interplay between the characters.  There were also
several references to earlier episodes that tied in well with Lois remembering
bits and pieces of her life.  When Lois decides to go back to work at the
Planet, she think Jimmy is Jimmy Carter.  When she realizes that is wrong, she
dismisses it thinking its just something else that is still scrambled.
ÒYesterday I could have sworn I was abducted by aliens,Ó she says.  When she
sees the expression on JimmyÕs face, she says ÒWell, I wasnÕt, was I?Ó  He
replies ÒNo, it was a billionaire computer geek bent on ruining the world.Ó

Another example is when Lois, Clark, and Max are on their way to see Bad Brain
JohnsonÕs mother, Lois is confused by Charlton Heston and his movies and
reality.  Clark and Max are able to convince her that BEN HUR, THE TEN
COMMANDMENTS, SOYLENT GREEN, and PLANET OF THE APES are all movies, but when
Lois asks, ÒHe really was President, right?Ó, Max immediately says no.  Clark
interrupts with, ÒActually sheÕs right, in an alternate reality.Ó  Max looks at
Clark, stunned, and says, ÒMaybe you could use a little couch time.Ó

At one point Lois and Clark are alone, and Lois continually pushes Clark.  What
is it with us?  ThereÕs something youÕre not telling me, everyone whispers when
IÕm around.  Am I dying?  Clark says, ÒI canÕt.Ó  Lois says, ÒYou will.Ó
Finally Clark tells her that he loves her and kisses her.  Then he tells her
again.  Lois asks, ÒDo I love you?Ó  Clark replies, ÒYeah, we were gonna get
married.Ó  Lois loses it then and says ÒHow could I love you?  I donÕt even
know you.Ó  She runs to her car and heads straight to Max, to whom she admits,
ÒI felt more than partners when he kissed me.Ó  He takes advantage of this to
hypnotize her and place a suggestion in her mind that the only thing that
matters is her love for him.

Later, Herkemer turns the machine on again when Jimmy, Perry, Lois, Clark, and
Max are all at the Planet.  Everyone starts dancing to the music but Lois has
more flashbacks.  This time the flashbacks are of her and Superman.  She asks
Clark ÒIs he in love with me too?Ó  Clark replies, ÒThatÕs complicated.Ó  He
hears someone screaming for help and says ÒI gotta go.Ó  She replies, ÒYouÕre
always leaving...Ó  And he adds, ÒBut I always come back.Ó

I think it is interesting to note the sequence in which Lois remembers things.
The first time the machine is turned on, she remembers several things leading
her to the conclusion that she is prone to life or death jeopardy.  The second
conclusion she comes to is that Superman is in love with her and always saves
her.  Finally, she remembers that Clark is Superman and that she really does
love him.

Looking back, I did enjoy this episode much more than I thought I had.  There
is so much more to go into regarding the plot and the interplay between
characters.  The best part of this episode is her final words to Mr. Max Deter.
IÕm not going to tell you what they are, youÕll have to watch the episode.
Let me close with what Lois tells Clark in the final scene when he asks her if
she really remembers everything.  I thought it was very sweet, and although it
is simple, it says so much.  ÒI remember my life before you, when being alone
was what I thought I wanted, and I remember my life after you, when I learned
loving you was what I really wanted.Ó

____________________________________________________________
QUIZ ANSWERS
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           The Adventures of Superman When He Was a Boy Quiz Answers

1.  What boyhood chum of SuperboyÕs discovered his secret identity and how
    did he discover it?

        Pete Ross discovered it while on a camping trip with Clark.
        A storm woke him just as Clark was changing to Superboy.

2.  What high school did Clark Kent attend?

        Smallville High

3.  What two professions did Jonathan Kent have?

        Farmer and general store owner

4.  Jor-El had programmed a robot instructor for his son Kal who came to
    Earth and tested Superboy twice (at least).  What was the name of this
    robot instructor?

        Teacher

5.  There were three people who could send a signal to Superboy which would
    cause a lamp in the KentsÕ house to flash.  Who were these 3 people?

        Smallville Police Chief Parker, Professor Lang, and the
        President of the United States

6.  Who was KryptoÕs first girlfriend?

        Kolli, first of the planet Mogar, later of planet Zena

7.  Name the Smallville town barber.

        Joe Timmons

8.  Superboy celebrated his birthday on leap day, February 29.  When did
    Clark celebrate his birthday and why?

        June 18 - the anniversary of the day the Kents adopted him

9.  When Lar Gand first came to Earth with amnesia, he was named Mon-El but
    also had a secret identity.  What was that name?

        Bob Cobb

10. When Ultra Boy traveled back in time to try and pass his initiation test
    into the Legion of Super-Heroes, what identity did he assume?

        Gary Crane

11. Who was Simon Kent?

        JonathanÕs father was Matthew.  MatthewÕs brother was Simon.
        So he was ClarkÕs great-uncle.

12. What two childrenÕs toys were used to help Superboy learn to fly?

        Balloons and a kite

13. Lana Lang used a ring that gave her super-powers.  What name did she
    use in this identity?

        Insect Queen

14. In what profession was Lana LangÕs father?

        Archaeologist

15. Where was SuperboyÕs laboratory?

        Under the Kent house (in, by, and below the basement)

____________________________________________________________

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.
I strongly recommend that each reader find his or her own copy for additional
detailed information on the entire DC Universe!  Note that Diamond is the
exclusive distributor of DC Comics!

                                     NOTES
                                ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-

    June brings two more ÒLegends of the Dead EarthÓ annuals to the
    Superman fold, one each for SUPERMAN and SUPERBOY.  And the Elseworlds
    stories keep coming as issue #2 of KINGDOM COME hits the stands.  In
    addition, the month brings the debut of a three-issue ERADICATOR
    miniseries, wherein writer Ivan Velez, Jr. will begin to explain the
    memories of Krypton the Eradicator suffered during ÒThe Trial of
    Superman.Ó  And Superman makes his first guest-appearance outside of
    his own title in a few months as he travels to the realm of the NEW
    GODS.

    STEEL continues to deal with the consequences of losing his secret
    identity, as a couple of heavy-weights come gunning, and SUPERBOY
    finally faces the truth about Knockout in the conclusion of ÒLosinÕ
    It.Ó  Mark Waid and Tom Peyer conclude their Brainiac saga (with art
    by Curt Swan!) in SUPERMAN.  Then the regular teams return to the Man
    of SteelÕs books, and Metropolis is faced by problems resulting from a
    break-in at S.T.A.R. Labs.  And finally, Jerry Ordway gets a chance to
    cover some unresolved issues between Cat Grant and Gangbuster Ñ amidst
    a team up with Mary Marvel Ñ in SHOWCASE!

ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-

                    LIST OF TITLES BY EXPECTED ARRIVAL DATE
                 ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-

Arrival Date:   Comic title and information:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ    ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
April 3:        Showcase Ô96 #5
                   Green Arrow and Thorn
                      Written by Darren Vincenzo
                      Art by Steve Erwin and Gerry Fernandez
                   Cover by Ty Templeton
                   48 pgs, $2.95

                Steel #27
                   Written by Louise Simonson
                   Art and Cover by Phil Gosier and Rich Faber
                   $1.95

                Superman #112
                   Written by Dan Jurgens
                   Art and Cover by Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein
                   $1.95

April 10:       Adventures of Superman #535
                   Written by Karl Kesel
                   Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan Jr
                   $1.95

                Supergirl Annual #1
                   Written by Chuck Dixon/various
                   Art by Ron Wagner/various and Bill Reinhold/various
                   Cover by Ron Wagner and Bill Reinhold
                   48 pgs, $2.95

April 17:       Action Comics #722
                   Written by David Michelinie
                   Pencils by Darick Robertson
                   Cover by Tom Grummett and Denis Rodier
                   $1.95

                Superboy #28
                   Written by Karl Kesel
                   Art by Staz Johnson and Doug Hazlewood
                   Cover by Tom Grummett and Karl Kesel
                   LOSINÕ IT: Part 4 (of 6)
                   $1.95

April 24:       Superman: The Man of Steel #57
                   Written by Roger Stern
                   Art and Cover by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
                   $1.95

May 1:          Steel #28
                   Written by Peter J. Tomasi
                   Art by Andrew Robinson and Jim Royle
                   Cover by Phil Gosier and Keith Champagne
                   $1.95

                Superman #113
                   Written by Dan Jurgens
                   Art and Cover by Ron Frenz and Josef Rubinstein
                   $1.95

May 8:          Adventures of Superman Annual #8
                   Written by Tom Peyer
                   Art by Derec Aucoin and Jason Martin
                   Cover by Jerry Ordway
                   48 pgs, $2.95

                Kingdom Come #1 (of 4)
                   Written by Mark Waid
                   Painted art and Cover by Alex Ross
                   48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95

                Showcase Ô96 #6
                   Superboy: The Animated Series
                      Written by Kelley Puckett
                      Art by Mike Parobeck and Ande Parks
                   Cover by Mike Parobeck and Howard Porter
                   48 pgs, $2.95

                Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #5
                   Written by Roger Stern
                   Art and Cover by Tom Grummett and Brett Breeding
                   $1.95

May 15:         Adventures of Superman #536
                   Written by Tom Peyer and Mark Waid
                   Art by Dick Giordano, Curt Swan, and various
                   Cover by Alan Davis and Mark Farmer
                   $1.95

                Superboy #29
                   Written by Karl Kesel and Steve Mattsson
                   Art by Staz Johnson and Doug Hazlewood
                   Cover by Tom Grummett and Karl Kesel
                   LOSINÕ IT: Part 5 (of 6)
                   $1.95

May 22:         Action Comics #723
                   Written by Tom Peyer and Mark Waid
                   Art by Dick Giordano, Curt Swan, and various
                   Cover by Dave Johnson
                   $1.95

May 29:         Superman: The Man of Steel #58
                   Written by Tom Peyer and Mark Waid
                   Art by Dick Giordano, Curt Swan, and various
                   Cover by Howard Chaykin
                   $1.95

June 5:         Showcase Ô96 #7
                   Mary Marvel and Gangbuster
                      Written by Jerry Ordway
                      Art by John Statema and Mike DeCarlo
                   Cover by William Rosado and Klaus Janson
                   48 pgs, $2.95

                Steel #29
                   Written by Louise Simonson
                   Art and Cover by Phil Gosier and Rich Faber
                   $1.95

                Superman #114
                   Written by Mark Waid and Tom Peyer
                   Art by Curt Swan and various
                   Cover by Kieron Dwyer
                   $1.95

June 12:        Adventures of Superman #537
                   Written by Karl Kesel
                   Art and Cover by Stuart Immonen and Jose Marzan, Jr.
                   $1.95

                Kingdome Come #2 (of 4)
                   Written by Mark Waid
                   Painted art and Cover by Alex Ross
                   48 pgs, Prestige Format, $4.95

                New Gods #10  (Superman)
                   Written by Rachel Pollack
                   Art by Stefano Raffaele and Brian Garvey
                   Cover by Stefano Raffaele
                   $1.95

                Superman Annual #8
                   Written by David Michelinie
                   Art by Scot Eaton and Pam Eklund
                   Cover by Jerry Ordway
                   48 pgs, $2.95

June 19:        Action Comics #724
                   Written by David Michelinie
                   Art by Tom Morgan and Denis Rodier
                   Cover by Tom Grummett and Denis Rodier
                   $1.95

                Superboy #30
                   Written by Karl Kesel
                   Art by Tom Grummett and Doug Hazlewood
                   Cover by Tom Grummett and Karl Kesel
                   LOSINÕ IT: Part 6 (of 6)
                   $1.95

June 26:        Eradicator #1 (of 3)
                   Written by Ivan Velez, Jr.
                   Art and Cover by Roger Robinson and John Lowe
                   $1.75

                Superboy Annual #3
                   Written by Barbara Kesel
                   Art and Cover by Anthony Williams and Andrew Lanning
                   48 pgs, $2.95

                Superman: The Man of Steel #59
                   Written by Louise Simonson
                   Art and Cover by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke
                   $1.95

ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-

                                  SPOILERS
                             ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

June 5:
ÑÑÑ
Showcase Ô96 #7
    When an evil genius exacts his revenge on Mary Marvel, itÕs Gangbuster who
    comes to her aid, providing him the opportunity to resolve issues in his
    own life with former love Cat Grant.  Backup stories feature Fire and
    Firestorm.

Steel #29
    Steel continues to pay the price for his newfound fame when Dr. Polaris and
    the Parasite launch a full-scale attack on the Irons family, resulting in
    the tragic death of someone very close to Steel.

Superman #114
    Having usurped the Man of SteelÕs body, Brainiac is using it to cause
    disasters worldwide.  Meanwhile, the real Superman, trapped in the body of
    a mentally traumatized teenager, succeeds in confronting Brainiac ... until
    an unforeseen variable sends them both reeling Ñ one that may trap
    Superman forever!

June 12:
ÑÑÑ-
Adventures of Superman #537
    SupermanÕs hands are full when someone Ñ or something Ñ breaks into
    S.T.A.R. Labs, releasing all of the research centerÕs ÒexperimentsÓ and
    ÒaccidentsÓ onto the streets of Metropolis.  Plus, Lois and Clark try
    desperately to re-establish a working relationship at the Daily Planet,
    while Lex Luthor and the Contessa enjoy their honeymoon.

Kingdome Come #2 (of 4)
    ELSEWORLDS.  Led by Superman, the Justice League returns to save a world
    falling into chaos!  The Man of Steel announces to the world that from this
    point onward, all heroes will be required to maintain specific standards of
    conduct.  Those who donÕt will be dealt with by the League!  And in the
    weeks that follow, many *are*, as the lines are drawn between the followers
    of the old order of heroes and those of the new.  Meanwhile, a sinister
    gathering convenes under the pretense of the Mankind Liberation Front, in
    reality an association of villains presided over by Lex Luthor.  The MLF
    sees the unfolding metahuman confrontation as the perfect opportunity to
    seize power in the aftermath ... with the help of the perfect wild card.
    And with tensions growing worldwide, Batman must decide whether to join
    SupermanÕs cause Ñ or oppose it.

New Gods #10
    Superman guest-stars as the war between Highfather and Darkseid causes a
    massive upheaval in the Source, awakening SÕlvaa, the long slumbering
    shadow elemental.  SÕlvaaÕs arrival spells the end of all creation, unless
    the beast can be subdued by Orion and the Man of Steel!

Superman Annual #8
    The ÒLegends of the Dead EarthÓ Annuals continue:  In the distant future
    on a faraway world, a group of human colonists have undergone genetic
    enhancement, endowing each of them with a single power of the Man of Steel.
    Now they are a ÒLeague of SupermenÓ, but events take a strange and sinister
    turn when they encounter the surviving essence of the true Man of Tomorrow!

June 19:
ÑÑÑ-
Action Comics #724
    The Man of SteelÕs battle with the escaped monsters of S.T.A.R. Labs
    continues as Superman once again faces a Lex Luthor-controlled Brawl.
    But when Brawl is Òshut downÓ by Luthor, it appears that Superman is
    responsible for the creatureÕs death!  Plus, Lois sets out to find out
    who was responsible for the break-in at S.T.A.R. Labs.

Superboy #30
    LOSINÕ IT: Part 6 (of 6) - When the Kid learns the truth about KnockoutÕs
    murderous ways, heÕs left with no choice but to sacrifice everything he
    believes in, and bring her in Ñ dead or alive.

June 26:
ÑÑÑ-
Eradicator #1 (of 3)
    Learn the true nature of this strangest of the self-appointed successors
    to the Man of Steel from ÒReign of the Supermen.Ó  Tortured by conflicting
    memories, the Eradicator has begun to lose control, lashing out with
    inexplicable rage and unfathomable pain.  His true identity in doubt, only
    one place in all the Universe may hold the answers he needs.  But Krypton
    is long destroyed.  Or is it?

Superboy Annual #3
    The ÒLegends of the Dead EarthÓ Annuals continue:  A sun-worshipping
    medieval society chooses a flying teenager to become the new Superboy, but
    when he learns that the Superman of that world is corrupt, it falls to him
    to take down his superior Ñ an act which in itself is a terrible crime.

Superman: The Man of Steel #59
    Lois Lane and Professor Hamilton set a trap for the mastermind behind the
    S.T.A.R. Labs break-in.  But the plan is blown when Superman attempts an
    unneeded rescue of Lois ... leading to Òthe big blow upÓ between her and
    Clark.

____________________________________________________________
************************************************************
End of Section 9/Issue #24