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Kryptonian Cybernet·5 Jul 2024
THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET - ISSUE #6 - OCTOBER 1994 AN ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE FAMILY OF SUPERMAN CHARACTERS
All characters and locales are copyright and/or trademark DC Comics
CONTENTS
ÑÑÑÑ
Section 1: Superscripts: Notes from the Editor
Correcting the recurring delays and introducing
a few more changes, by Jeff Sykes
A Mild-Mannered Biographer
Jim Beaver discusses his work on the biography of
George Reeve, by Zoomway
The Fleischer Cartoons
Episode #2, ÒThe Mechanical MonstersÓ,
by Neil Ottenstein
Section 2: Just the FAQs
ÒWhat Superman comics are published regularly?Ó,
by David T Chappell
If I Had Only Known
The travails and triumphs of a ÒjunkieÓ,
by Ken McKee
Section 3: Reviews
The Triangle Titles
Action Comics #0, by Jose R. Galan
Superman: The Man of Steel #38, by Anatole
Superman #94, by Art LaMarche
Adventures of Superman #517, by Ben Butler
Other Super-Titles
Superboy #9, by Victor Chan
Steel #9, by Shawn Aeria
Section 4: Reviews (cont)
Miniseries and Special Appearances
The Guardians of Metropolis #1, by ReneÕ Gobeyn
The Batman Adventures #25, by
Looking Back
Post-Byrne
Superman #22, by Mark Lamutt
Pre-Byrne
Superman #136, by Patrick M. Stout
Superman and Power Girl #56, by Ken McKee
Section 5: Looking Back (cont)
Pre-Byrne (cont)
The Super-Kids of Superman
Part 1 of a 5-part review of silver age
stories, by Jon Knutson
Super-Crossword #1
Coming Attractions
December comics, new artists, merchandise licensees, and
some tidbits from Roger Stern
Section 6: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Up, Up, and Coming
A brief introduction, by Jeff Sykes
Wall of Sound
Introduction and a review of the second episode,
by section coordinator Johanna L. Draper
And Who Disguised As...
Summary and review of the season premiere,
by J. D. Rummel
Madame Ex: A Review
Another look at the season premiere, by Zoomway
I DonÕt Want to Set the World on Fire
A response to the polar reactions to last monthÕs
ÒBroomsticksÓ article, by Zoomway
Section 7: Letters
Resources
EDITORIAL STAFF:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Jeffery D. Sykes, Editor-in-chief
Arthur E. LaMarche, Reviews
Shawn Aeria Lee Keels
Victor Chan Mark Lamutt
Johanna L. Draper Ken McKee
Pat Gonzales Jennifer L. Traver
Curtis Herink Joel W. Tscherne
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Superman and all related characters, locations, and events are
copyright and trademark DC Comics. Use of the aforementioned is not
intended to challenge said ownership. We strongly suggest that each
reader look to the media sources mentioned within for further infor-
mation.
Opinions presented within this issue belong to the authors of
the articles which contain them. They should in no way be construed
as those of any other particular member of the editorial or contributing
staff, unless otherwise indicated.
This magazine should be distributed freely via e-mail. Should
you desire to share this publication with other on-line services, please
contact me at sykes@ms.uky.edu for permission. Feel free to advertise
subscription information on other on-line services which have internet
mail availability.
THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is available by e-mail Ñ just send me a note
(sykes@ms.uky.edu) which includes the address to which you would like the
issues sent. Back issues are available via ftp Ñ see the resources section.
========================================================
SUPERSCRIPTS: Notes from the Editor
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
Once again, I must apologize for the delays in the release of an issue of the
Cybernet. ItÕs sometimes cruel how life will let you think that things are
finally falling in line Ñ then it throws you something else to keep you from
ever making any headway. It looked to me like this issue was actually going
to be on time, and then I contracted a nagging illness which I am just now
getting over. The onset happened to coincide with the beginning of the mid-
semester rush Ñ when I was urgently trying to write, administer, and grade
a second exam for my students in order that I might have their mid-term grades
ready before the mandated deadline. Like an idiot, I ignored my personal
health until the deadline had passed, but by that time I was so sick that my
body revolted.
Anyway, I have finally caught up (for the most part) in all of my classes, and
thus I have finally found the time to work on KC. In an attempt to figure out
how I could keep the magazine on a relatively tight schedule, I went back and
looked at what has caused the past delays. Though an illness is unavoidable,
I have found several things that should help.
First, those of you who have been with us from the first issue have obviously
seen how the size of the Cybernet has grown. The September issue was around
twice the size of the first issue (May). This makes my task as the final
editor and assembler that much more difficult. Fortunately, I have help in
the form of an initial team of editors and coordinators for the Reviews and
Lois and Clark sections. Without them, KC would be impossible. However,
it was foolish of me to believe that I could expect to have the magazine ready
within a week after the article deadline. So what I am going to do is simply
bump the monthly ÒpublicationÓ date. Thought the deadline for articles and
non-current reviews remains at the first Monday of each month, I will not
mail the new issue until the week of the third Monday. (This places the
mailing date sometime between the 15th and 21st of any given month.)
This is also going to allow a minor ÒfixÓ to the current reviews. It has
always bugged me (and several readers have mentioned the same problem) that
our reviews tend to have a Òstory wrapÓ between months. The Zero Month issues
provide a good example. The zero issues of each title all were cover-dated
October 1994. The first three weeks of shipping for October issues all fell
in August, but the final weekÕs issues fell in September. DC tends to group
stories by cover month, where weÕve been grouping reviews by shipping month.
Thus, weÕve reviewed several stories whose final chapter was left uncovered
until the following month. But now, by delaying the issueÕs shipping by a
week, we will be able to keep these stories together. In order to facilitate
this transition, two issues of Action Comics will be reviewed next month.
This is going to cause some changes in the review staff (primarily some
shuffling of the reviewersÕ titles), changes which I have yet to discuss
with Art. (Sorry to spring this on you in public, Art!) But I think that
the necessary changes will be *very* minor.
Briefly I want to recap the new deadline policy as necessitated by this change.
As before, all articles and non-current reviews should be sent to me no later
than the first Monday of the month. (Of course, it would always help to see
them as soon as possible!) Reviews of the current titles should be sent to
Art as soon as possible after the release of the issue, and they should
definitely be sent by the second Monday of the month. (This will get the
new issue of Action Comics just under the gun each month.)
A second change will eventually shorten each issue considerably. If you take
a look at the resources section, I have reformatted the info to effectively
index everything which I know is available. In future issues, I will not
reprint this information, but rather I will simply print any additions or
changes to the index. Each issue will also include instructions for obtaining
the complete index by ftp. (The index will also include instructions for
using ftp and ftpmail.)
This month brings about the full implementation of the new Lois and Clark
section Ñ including reviews of the two new episodes which aired in
September. IÕm very pleased with the start to this section!
Finally, just a quick note to let our readers know some neat information
about our readership Ñ since the beginning of the new school year, our
subscribers list has grown by about 100 readers to over 360! Also, the
ÒcelebrityÓ readership has grown Ñ in addition to Mr. Jurgens, a few of
the DC staff populating their online venture with AOL have read and/or
subscribed to KC, and issue #5 was made available to Mike Carlin and
KC Carlson!
And then one sad note...
Under advisem*nt from a couple of sources, fan fiction would be a very bad
idea for the Cybernet Ñ at present we are seen basically as literary
criticism, but fanfic would likely constitute copyright violation. And as
has been pointed out to me by numerous people, we really donÕt want to even
think about a run in with DCÕs lawyers...
Enjoy the new issue!
Jeff Sykes
sykes@ms.uky.edu
========================================================
A MILD MANNERED BIOGRAPHER
An Interview with Jim Beaver
Jim Beaver, one of the stars of ABCÕs THUNDER ALLEY, is probably best known
for his character actor work in televisionÑDectective Gaddis from REASONABLE
DOUBTSÑto feature films such as IN COUNTRY, SLIVER, and SISTER ACT.
However, he is quite an accomplished writer, and was even nominated for an
ACE award for his screenwriting.
I recently had the oportunity to interview him about the biography he is
currently writing on TVÕs original Superman, George Reeves. So, for all of
you who knew what it was like to aggravate your mom by wearing one of her
clean towels around your neck, and ÔflyÕ above the neighborhood in imitation
of Superman, I give you his official biographer. I pretty much let Jim speak
for himself here, and only insert comments for clarityÕs sake.
ÒI thought about writing a book on George even as a teenager in the 60Õs, but
never pursued it until much later. I wrote my first book, JOHN GARFIELD,
while I was in college and it was published in Ô78. For a number of years I
was a columnist/critic/feature writer for Films in Review magazine, and did
lots of biographical pieces on John Wayne, James Stewart, Steve McQueen,
Strother Martin, John Carradine, etc. My editor there said there was a lot
of reader demand for a piece on Reeves and did I want to tackle it? I said
yes (this was in late Ô78) and started researching.
ÒAfter about a year, I decided that the stuff I was finding was deserving of a
book, so I began gathering material in much more detail. I was of course
also vigorously pursuing my own acting career, so there were many periods
when I could not devote full time to the book. In order to make a living, I
also wrote another bookÑor actually ghost-wrote it for a famous film critic
who didnÕt have time to do his own writing! (No names.)
ÒOf course, my reasons for writing about George have much to do with the fact
that I was a huge fan of his show as a kid, and I was puzzled by the facts of
his death. There have been no other books on GeorgeÕs life, per se, by which
I mean no biographies, to my knowledge. He has been mentioned in numerous
books, but none have set out specifically to tell the story of his life. I
was fortunate to begin this project at a time when many people close to him and
related to him were still alive. Most of his friends and family are dead
nowÑlet me rather say his CLOSE friends, though of course some are still
around. I had a great relationship grow up between myself and several of his
family members, and they authorized me to proceed with the book and
designated me GeorgeÕs official biographer, for what thatÕs worth.
ÒTheyÕve been very helpful in supplying material and recollections. I think
they chose me also in part in order to limit the contact they would have to
have with would-be biographers. If only one person was authorized, then they
didnÕt have to deal with everyone else who might want to talk to them. It
simplified things.
ÒAs I said, I started the work in Ô78. My acting career has been quite busy
and successful the past few years, for which IÕm grateful, but it has slowed
things down a lot on the book. IÕve interviewed at least 600 or 700 people,
most of whom had great things to say about George. Very few refused comment.Ó
[I asked him a commonly asked question at this point. Whether or not George
Reeves and Steve Reeves (filmdomÕs Hercules of the 50Õs) were related] And
no, George (whoÕs birth name was Brewer and whose adopted name was Bessolo)
was not related to Steve (whose real name, I believe, actually IS Reeves).
George had no brothers or sisters.
ÒAs to the death question: I donÕt say much about this, because I donÕt want
to spoil the revelations planned for my book. I have indeed reached a
tentative but basically firm conclusion, and it is different in detail and
effect from any other story IÕve ever heard told about GeorgeÕs death. I
think my version is right, and that it will surprise just about everyone who
thinks they know what happened to poor old George. IÕve seen autopsy reports
and photos, talked to police and private detectives, as well as previously
unquestioned witnesses. IÕm pretty certain I know what happened.
ÒIÕll let this much out. I donÕt think Toni Mannix or her husband had any
direct connection with GeorgeÕs death, nor do I believe GeorgeÕs party guests
were invoved. For the rest, well, I hope you donÕt have to wait too much
longer.Ó
Zoomway
========================================================
THE FLEISCHER CARTOONS:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
by Neil A. Ottenstein
Episode 2: ÒThe Mechanical MonstersÓ
Released: 11-28-41
Running Time: 10:14 minutes
Faster than a speeding bullet
More powerful than a locomotive
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound...
Our first image is of the National Bank, which has been broken into.
A ÒplaneÓ is flying away from it. This ÒplaneÓ goes into someoneÕs
headquarters and transforms itself clearly into mechanical monster #5.
The monster empties a load of money into a chest and then lumbers into
its place in a line with others of its kind. The scene shifts to the
front page of the Daily Planet with a headline about the robbery and
another story about an exhibit at the House of Jewels opening today.
[Note, this whole sequence has no narration at all. This is a definite
case of a short that you canÕt just listen to. You need to pay attention
to what is on the screen.]
The scene shifts to the House of Jewels. Clark is covering the exhibit,
while Lois is there on her own initiative. A mechanical monster flies in
and proves able to resist the bullets from the armed guards. [There is
a slight error in the film here. On the back of this monster is the
number 5, but on the front is 13.] While Clark phones in the story,
Lois climbs into the back of the monster where it was placing the jewels.
[It is now 13 on back as well.] The monster flies away as Clark changes
into Superman in the phone booth.
Superman, leaping into the sky to follow the monster, sees Lois inside
using his x-ray vision. Attempting to free Lois, Superman sets off an
interference alarm at the monsterÕs headquarters. The inventor presses
a button and the monster flips over. Superman falls off onto some power
lines. LoisÕ weight causes all the jewels to fall out the monsterÕs
back as she struggles to hold on. The monster flips back over, and Lois
ends up inside it again.
Arriving back at its headquarters, the monstor opens its back and Lois
climbs out exclaiming, ÒWhat a great story this will make!Ó The inventor
demands to know where the jewels are, but Lois refuses to tell him. We
are treated to a beautiful panorama leading into an underground cavern
where Lois is tied up high above some molten liquid.
Superman breaks into the inventorÕs headquarters. The monsters activate
and attack Superman, spewing fire and beating him down. Lois starts
to lower into the liquid. After defeating the monsters, Superman breaks
into the cavern and rescues Lois - protecting her with his cape when the
liquid pours over them. He flies away with Lois and the inventor. The
landscape spins around and we see the Daily Planet story.
This was another beautiful cartoon, though as mentioned above there was
the slight monster numbering mistake. My favorite sequence in this
episode was SupermanÕs leap into the sky to chase the monster and his
use of his x-ray vision. I wonder if the creators of The Transformers
saw the sequence with the monster transforming itself from its plane shape.
The two Fleischer Superman cartoon volumes are available for $19.95 each
directly from Bosko Video or from anyone who carries high quality
animation.
A catalog is available from Bosko Video
3802 East Cudahy Ave.
Cudahy WI 53110-1234
========================================================
End of Section 1
========================================================
JUST THE FAQs
More Details about Frequently-Asked Questions about the Man of Steel
by David T. Chappell
This issue I again expand upon an answer from the Superman FAQ. However, the
start of the fall quarter at Stanford University forces me to make this
article a short one.
Before delving into a new subject, however, I have a follow-up to a
previous article. In THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET #2, I explained exactly when
the SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY series could have occurred in Superman
continuity. On the letters page of THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #517 (Nov 94),
Assistant Editor Chris Duffy confirmed that ÒSUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY probably took
place sometime between SupermanÕs return from space and when the Battle for
Metropolis started heating up. ThatÕs a lot of issues to choose from-any
guesses?Ó Though Chris apparently didnÕt read the more explicit article I
sent to DC, he does confirm my general time-frame proposition.
With new Superman-related comics appearing on the market, itÕs time for
an update on the current series. GUARDIANS OF METROPOLIS has already hit the
shelves, and next month I intend to provide details for newcomers to Cadmus
and the Newsboy Legion. Other mini-series are on the way as well, which
leads to the question
ÒWHAT SUPERMAN COMICS ARE PUBLISHED REGULARLY?Ó
The first appearance of Superman was in the lead feature of ACTION COMICS
#1. This landmark issue went on sale in the spring of 1938 with a cover
date of June 1938. In 1939, the new SUPERMAN series began by reprinting and
expanding upon stories from early issues of ACTION. New stories began
appearing in SUPERMAN before long.
Over the years, Superman was a regular in several other series. For
example, WORLDÕS FINEST consisted of Superman-Batman team-ups, and DC COMICS
PRESENTS had a different guest-hero working with Superman each issue. As a
member of the Justice League of America, Superman appeared in their title,
and he had been in the original Justice Society before then. Other related
titles include SUPERMANÕS GIRLFRIEND LOIS LANE, SUPERMANÕS PAL JIMMY OLSEN,
SUPERGIRL, and SUPERBOY. The SUPERMAN FAMILY series included stories of
various members of the cast, even including adventures of Superbaby and solo
Krypto stories.
In 1986, John ByrneÕs revamp of the Man of Steel changed the Superman
family of comics. THE MAN OF STEEL mini-series recounted ClarkÕs revised
history from his birth to age 28. Thereafter, Superman titles underwent a
change deeper than an entirely new continuity. Byrne took over the duties
on SUPERMAN, and his desire to do a SUPERMAN #1 issue led to a second volume
with that title. In addition, John Byrne worked on ACTION COMICS, which
then became a Superman team-up book in the vein of the pre-Crisis DC COMICS
PRESENTS. Meanwhile, the original SUPERMAN series was renamed to ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN, and Marv Wolfman led the creative team for a book whose first
issue was numbered 424.
The three Superman titles prospered for years until ACTION COMICS
underwent a major revision. Starting with issue 601 in 1988, ACTION COMICS
WEEKLY was an anthology that included only two pages of Superman stories
each week in a newspaper-fashion continuing story. With issue 643, however,
ACTION returned to its monthly status as a regular Superman title.
Late in 1990, DC began the tradition of including Òtriangle numbersÓ on
the covers. The lower, boldfaced number indicates the order in which the
stories flow. Because the story line flows continuously from title to title
each week, it is difficult to otherwise discern in which order the comics
should be read. For example, issue numbers do not indicate whether THE
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #505 precedes ACTION COMICS #692, but triangle
numbers (31 vs. 32) show that it does. The top number is the year; triangle
numbering starts over at 1 each year.
In 1991, continually strong sales prompted DC to add yet another
regular Superman title. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL made the list grow to
four. After a brief period, the four comics came to have a continuous story
line. Though each comic contains a story unto itself, the story lines flow
smoothly from comic to comic across the titles. Thus, a plot in ADVENTURES
one week will continue in ACTION the next. At various times in the past, DC
tried to make each title distinct in some way. This distinction was clear
during the Reign of the Supermen, for example, but apart from the creative
teams that work on them, there is generally little to distinguish the
titles.
SUPERMAN, ACTION COMICS, THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, and SUPERMAN: THE
MAN OF STEEL continue to be the monthly Superman comics published by DC
Comics. With four monthly comics, a new Superman comic book comes out
roughly once a week. The four weeks each year that are exceptions to the
rule are known as the dreaded Òskip weeks.Ó In addition, one special annual
comic is published for each title.
ACTION COMICS remains the flagship of the Superman titles and DC as a
whole, though SUPERMAN usually sells the most copies since it is directly
named after the lead hero. In acknowledgment that the name sells books, DC
currently emphasizes the Superman logo on all four books regardless of the
wordÕs importance in the actual title. For example, covers read SUPERMAN IN
ACTION COMICS even though the bookÕs actual title is simply ACTION COMICS.
Furthermore, three new Superman-related series started at the end of
1993 in what DC called the ÒReign of Tomorrow.Ó Superboy now has his own
successful regular title, Supergirl had her own four-issue mini-series, and
John Henry Irons stars in the STEEL title. In mid-1994, a three-part mini-
series, SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY: HUNTER/PREY, featured the long-awaited rematch
between Superman and his killer.
New series are still arriving as others loom on the horizon. THE
GUARDIANS OF METROPOLIS is a current four-issue limited series starring the
Guardian and the Newsboy Legion. METROPOLIS SPECIAL CRIMES UNIT has Maggie
SawyerÕs S.C.U. in a four-issue limited series later this year.
Furthermore, each issue of SHOWCASE Ô95 will feature a story starring a
Superman character. Supergirl will star in the first lead story of SHOWCASE
Ô95, with other Superman-related characters slated to appear in later
issues.
Thus, recently popularity has continued a steady growth in the number
of Superman comics available. The comics continue to sell well with the
fans. The four Superman books are typically among the top 20 comics sold,
while SUPERBOY ranks in the top 50. Fans can stick to the primary four
titles or branch out to others in the family. Luckily, todayÕs stories tend
to avoid the silliness (e.g., Elastic Lad) present in the Superman-title
boom in the 1960s and 1970s.
========================================================
IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
By Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu)
It didnÕt start out this way. Really, I thought it would be a passing fad
and then go away. I never thought it would be something I would do every
week, sometimes two or three times a week. I remember my first buyÑabout
two years ago. It was a good score too. Everybody wanted a piece of the
action because the supply wouldnÕt last long. I had to make a phone call
(that was really scary) and reserve mine. Even then it was not original; it
was second hand, not the purest kind. But that was okay. I figured after
this one time I would quit. At first I kept it in the baggie and just looked
at it. It was really mine. Not everyone had one. But I did. And I was not
going to share it. It was my personal treasure. I knew I had to hide it
before someone saw it. Where could I keep it safe? I had to keep it sealed
in the baggie and in a dark, dry place. Any moisture would kill the effect.
And there was no way I could obtain more. It was just too hard to find.
Then, after a few days I opened it and just stared at it. It felt so pure
in my hand. After opening it all the way I was hooked. I found out then what
it was that gave so many people so much pleasure. I was drawn into a fantasy
world I never knew existed. Visions of the future and the past colliding with
each other bombarded my mind and assaulted my senses with bright colors and
exotic mental images. I could escape into a realm that left me hungering for
more. Even though the initial effect lasted only 15 minutes or so it was an
experience I knew I would never forget. I knew there would be more times like
this. I just didnÕt know when.
I soon passed by the places where they sold the stuff and wondered what kind
of people were users. What kind of paraphernalia did they rely on? What kind
of baggies were best to keep it fresh? There were so many variations it was
hard to choose. I discovered some people had been users for over twenty years.
Me, I was still a rookie. I had to learn the lingo. Hey, I didnÕt want to
look like a fool. I was too cool. I found out what a ÒconÓ was. I really
wanted to be part of a con. But that took real cash and I wasnÕt ready. I
discovered how bad acid really could be. The deacidification process was long
and painful. Sometimes complete restoration was needed and even then one was
never quite the same. Sometimes, for a truly memorable experience some users
will crossover, or combine two or more creations. That sensation sent you to
a place called an Elseworld. It was usually pretty good, but expensive. So
most people saved it for an annual event. The summer months were good for the
Elseworld experiences.
My stash began to build rather slowly but soon increased before I knew it.
I was not a hard user. But I was consistent. Soon I had a very sizeable
cache that I found extreme pleasure in. I began contacting other users where
I worked and over computer bulletin boards. My habit grew. I even dealt a
few occasionally. I found out I was not alone and there were plenty of other
people who could help me in my quest for more thrills and excitement. I
contacted other dealers, some from other states and foreign countries, who
always had enough of the stash to sell. Whatever I wanted they had. Again
and again I was drawn into a world where I could escape the daily routine of
classes and boredom. I loved it and craved more and more of it everyday. I
was obsessed with the colorsÑreds, yellows, blues, greens. Once again, here
was an assault on the senses which increased my craving for more. What would
the next be like? Would it be a good high or a bad crash? Would I get my
moneyÕs worth or have to wait for the next hit to get the desired effect I
desperately wanted?
I visited my dealers on a weekly basis. Monday was my day because that was
when the supply came in. At first, being so new, I was hesitant to tell them
what I wanted. Would they rip me off? To my relief, they were more than
willing to help. And they always came through. Then they began to give me
discounts and even held my stock so it would always be there. But, they
warned, if I ever stopped coming, they would cut me off. I didnÕt realize
how tight a grasp they had on me. I found out the hard way what itÕs like
not to have a reliable dealer. I thought I could find what I wanted on my
own, without any help. Sometimes, though, you canÕt always find what you are
looking for. Some weeks the demand is so great the supply simply dries up!
I begged and pleaded to be put back on their list. I promised I would never
desert them. They gave me another chance. I scheduled my spending so I would
always have enough for the next shipment. Everything centered around my
fixation. AND NOTHING WAS GOING TO EVER TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME!!!!
One day my supply didnÕt come in. I found out that every few weeks the
distributor would skip a week. I was horrified. Withdrawals set in. Why
didnÕt they warn me? My dealers were unsympathetic. ÒSorry,Ó they said.
ÒCome back next week. Or try some of this.Ó But what they offered was not
in my leagueÑnot the hard stuff. Not the Venom or Pitt. Even the Punisher
and the X were too much for me to handle. As tempting as it was, I just
couldnÕt afford to get hooked on it. Too dangerous. I went home in a daze
and broke out in a cold sweat; I still had plenty of the other stuff. But it
was pretty old. It was okay, but it really didnÕt satisfy.
It wasnÕt long before I became bored. I wanted more excitement, more thrills.
After awhile I began experimenting. Soon, I became enthralled with other
substances. Not only was I hooked on the Super, but I really enjoyed the Bat
and the Green. Each week a new high would come over me when I looked at the
new stash that was being offered. I found out that if I would partake in
other forms of the art I would not be disappointed. Some did not give me the
same elevated feeling as others. I was a diehard user of Super (afterall, it
was the first and the most original) and I knew I would never change. I was
faithful.
But I also knew that I had to cut back. Financially I was being drained. And
it was occupying too much of my time. I had posters on my walls and I was
really into the music. Then the videos came out. Each month I would check
the prices to find out which were the most valuable. Where was the good stuff?
Soon another fear swept over me. Where would it end? How far would I go? I
thought of new ways to get cash. I could sell the car. No, that would not
work. Too obvious. I could sell blood. No, that would be too dangerous. I
finally decided I would just make my regular purchase and be satisfied with
that. It was a wise decision. As I look back, I had made mistakes. That was
inevitable. But I learned from it and thatÕs whatÕs important. Perhaps I can
help others not to make the same mistake. I suffered through some withdrawals
and I still get chills when I pass by one of the shops. The temptation will
always be there. But I was not willing to go back to the life I had led. All
the sneaking around trying to find something that might be gone tomorrow and
the obsession with trying to find the most perfect purchase was not worth all
the time and money I wasted. Instead I would be a social user. I would simply
enjoy my pastime without getting hooked again. It has been a hard road. But
this time I think I am going to make it. I donÕt think I need to go to CA yet.
But I might if I canÕt control my urges.
The fact is I will always love collecting comics.
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End of Section 2
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REVIEWS
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THE ÒTRIANGLEÓ TITLES:
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40. ACTION COMICS #0, ÒThe Yesterday ManÓ
Writer: David Michelinie
Artists: Jackson Guice & Denis Rodier
Cover: $1.50 US/$2.10 Can/70p UK
RATINGS
Jose R. Galan: 3 Shields
William J. Nixon: 2 Shields - Conduit was fine on his own but ÒPipelineÓ?
A global, clandestine intelligence agency to rival the
CIA, and no oneÕs noticed? But hey, there was the
body ...
Patrick M. Stout: 4 Shields - Still a little too much Conduit background in
what should have been more Superman scenes; nice to see
Ma Kent again, and excellent cross-company reference
(ParkerÕs photography class) from ex-Spiderman scribe
and new Superman scribe David Michelinie.
Anatole: 1 Shield - Conduit has a ÒpremierÓ clandestine
organization? Get real, people!
Arthur LaMarche: 3 Shields - The first four pages were beautiful, and I
loved the colors of the rest of the book, but Pipeline?
Jeff Sykes: 3 Shields - Guice/RodierÕs art is better this month (they
have the worst quality swings of all the titles). And
why do I get the feeling that Conduit could have been
an interesting villain?
Superman recovers from ConduitÕs Kryptonite blast and flys off to protect
Lois. When he arrives, Conduit is gone. Conduit returns to PIPELINE
headquarters, a CIA type organization he built after quitting the real CIA
where he was a powerful and feared agent.
During the MayorÕs speech at The Daily Planet rededication, Conduit and a
bunch of armed soldiers attack, aiming to kill Clark Kent and the Daily
Planet staff. Clark pretends to drop to his knees as if begging for mercy and
ÒfallsÓ through a hole in the ground. Superman ÒarrivesÓ and the Pipeline
soldiers flee not wanting to face the Man of Steel, and a one-to-one fight
between Conduit and Superman ensues.
Superman lures Conduit to Centennial Park, where no bystanders will be
endangered. Superman fakes Kryptonite poisoning, Conduit comes close, and
Superman jumps Conduit, knocking him into the Superman Memorial. The
Metropolis S.C.U. lead conduit away as he swears to kill Superman. But as
the clean up begins, a body is found inside SupermanÕs Tomb, and it looks
like the real Superman!
Zero is the beginning, less than one, but this does not seem to be a
beginning but an interesting turning-point. Or so I hope.
Conduit is a great addition to the Man of Steel hall-of-foes. A brand new
one, in a sense, although he reminds me a lot of the pre-Crisis Lex Luthor
(Yes, the one in the suit). The suit is not the same, but it is a mechanical,
electrical suit after all, and both of them have exactly the same motivation:
pure hate founded in ClarkÕs past. (The pre-crisis Luthor had a lab accident
for which he blamed Superboy, and he was seeking revenge.) A lot of
possibilities here.
The Dead Again story starts here, as well. We will see what it brings us. It
sounds pretty good. About this issue, I must say it is the best one since
Michelinie came along. (It wasnÕt really very difficult.) Too many dialogues,
though. Some of them completely irrelevant, which work just to slow down the
storytelling. I am not the right person to give advice to a professional
writer, but here it is, anyway: less words, more action. I have the feeling
that every character explains everything in words before doing it. Sometimes
even twice, even when nobody can hear them. This is not necessary. Just draw
it Ñ that would be better.
The improvements are amazing. The writer-artists team is coming together, at
last, and working in the same direction. The issue transmits, in general,
more equilibrium and makes a fine conclusion to this storyline.
Jose R Galan
========================================================
41. SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #38, ÒIllusionsÓ
Written by Louise Simonson
Pencils by Steve Erwin
Inks by Jackson Guice
Cover: $1.50 US/$2.10 Can/70p UK
RATINGS
Anatole: 2 Shields
William J. Nixon: 4 Shields - Great art
Ken McKee: 4 Shields - Great artwork and I thought IÕd never say
that about MOS! IÕm not thrilled about the Conduit
story, but the body in SupermanÕs tomb has great
possibilities.
Patrick M. Stout: 3 Shields - I liked the Òfront pageÓ opening, LoisÕ
scene on page four, and the airplane rescue; the Conduit
battle here was probably better than in all four ÒzeroÓ
issues.
Shawn Aeria: 3.5 Shields - Not bad. But I have seen *way*
too much of Conduit.
ReneÕ Gobeyn: 5 Shields - I really liked the art, and the story handles
the supporting cast well.
I almost thought I was wrong.
In my last review, I predicted that MAN OF STEEL #38 would be another setup
issue that only served to lead us into the real beginning of the ÒDead AgainÓ
storyline. But when I opened this issue, there on the front page is the
ÒcorpseÓ of Superman. ÒI was wrong,Ó I thought, ÒtheyÕre really going to
feature the ÔDead AgainÕ story line here! My credibility is shot!Ó
Well, pages 2 through 23 restored my credibility. The rest of the issue
features no new revelations about the Òcorpse,Ó but instead deals with the
reactions of Superman, the supporting cast and the general public to the
finding of the corpse. Oh, thereÕs a battle with Conduit once again, which
attempts to be suspenseful by carrying over into SUPERMAN #94, but Conduit
is, in my opinion, little more than a nuisance and difficult to care about.
ItÕs not that I donÕt want character development in the Superman titles. In
fact, I thought the reactions of the various characters were well-done;
Superman tries harder, Lois supports her man unconditionally, Perry White
concerns himself with getting the ÒDaily PlanetÓ out, and the public is
confused and not exactly sure how to deal with the news or another possible
Superman impostor. I also liked the update on KeithÕs whereabouts (it looks
like heÕll be calling Perry White ÒpopsÓ sometime soon).
What I donÕt like is that every story arc is now drawn out so it can fill
four to eight issues, and MAN OF STEEL is always used as the ÒsetupÓ issue
where the characters are featured, there may be a meaningless battle or two,
but the plot never advances. Jon Bogdanove, one of most dynamic,
action-oriented artists in the Superman line, spends more time drawing
talking heads than any of the other Superman artists. ItÕs a waste of
talent. MAN OF STEEL has become the title I can miss and still keep up with
the basic plot.
What can the Superman Writing committee do about this? They could alternate
story lengths, so every new story arc doesnÕt have to be set up in MAN OF
STEEL. This would also tighten up the plotting so story arcs wouldnÕt seem so
drawn out. They could also spread the character subplots out over the entire
Superman line. I like the supporting characters, I just want to see them in
every Superman comic, not just MOS. IÕve also tired of the Òstory arc as
marketing ployÓ that they seem to have grown fond of. ItÕs an incentive for
them to drag out a story arc for as long as possible.
Now that IÕve gotten that out of my system, let me make what I hope is my
final comment on Conduit. HeÕs not much of a threat to Superman even with
his Kryptonite armor, and the Òchildhood friendÓ angle falls flat here. In
this issue of MOS, heÕs serving the purpose the Purple Piledriver served back
in the late Ô70sÑa generic villain who is just there to add a couple of
generic action sequences to a story that otherwise concentrates on subplots
or characterization. Conduit is unbelievable as a mastermind of a Òpremier
clandestine organization,Ó and is otherwise plain dull.
Artwise, Steve Erwin does a capable job, but his work is not as energetic as
BogdanoveÕs. As he gains more experience, though, I think heÕll make an
excellent addition to any art team.
Anatole
========================================================
42. SUPERMAN #94, ÒShadows of the PastÓ
Writer - Dan Jurgens
Penciller - Dan Jurgens
Inker - Brett Breeding
$1.50 US/$2.10 Canada/70p UK
RATINGS
Arthur LaMarche: 4 shields
Ken McKee: 4 Shields - Okay, ConduitÕs been caught. Now, letÕs get
on with the mystery of SupermanÕs dead double. For some
reason Mr. Mxyzptlk keeps coming to mind.
William J. Nixon: 4.5 Shields - Dynamic art and enough plot to develop
Conduit into a major villain. ItÕs kind of sad that
KennyÕs dad still canÕt see his own son past Clark.
Patrick M. Stout: 2 Shields - The scariest scene in the book was the ad
between pages 16 and 17; weÕre going to have to suffer
through ÒDead AgainÓ until January!
Anatole: 2 Shields - Have we finally seen the last of Conduit?
Hope so!
ReneÕ Gobeyn: Story - 3 Shields - too many fight scenes, little
characterization
Art - 4 Shields - no background details, too many
large panels
The Battle between Conduit and the Kryptonite-weakened Superman continues in
this issue. Superman does his best to go toe-to-toe with Conduit, but in his
weakened condition, Conduit quickly ensnares him within the Kryptonite cables.
Superman summons what is left of his wits and strength to wrap the cables
around a passing train and frees himself. He then hides under some rubble
of a nearby construction site and surprises Conduit with a blast of heat
vision. To contain Conduit and protect himself from the Kryptonite radiation,
Superman melts a lead panel over Conduit and then punches him with a left
cross, driving Conduit through the train tracks. Superman is forced to
fix the tracks as a train approaches, and Conduit escapes.
Meanwhile, Lois Lane picks up ConduitÕs father and takes him to ClarkÕs
apartment, and elsewhere Professor Hamilton has begun his analysis of the
body found at the Tomb. Conduit crashes through the window and is surprised
to find his father at KentÕs place. The two exchange words, and ConduitÕs
father still belittles Conduit and praises Clark Kent. This is too much for
Conduit and he threatens to kill both his father and Clark Kent. Just then,
Superman arrives, and drags Conduit off to jail. Conduit proclaims that
Superman is even worse than Clark and threatens to find the skeletons in
SupermanÕs closet. Conduit is apparently once again secured in prison, and
in the last panel Hamilton tells Jimmy that his test have conclusively shown
that the body is that of Superman...
I love JurgenÕs and BreedingÕs work. I think I write that every time I get
the chance to review the Superman title. I thought that the action was
beautifully laid out, drawn, and colored. There was a good mix of action and
Superman using his brain, too. Others may disagree, but I like the idea of
mixing plot lines. I like it when one story is closing and the next one
develops. Granted, there was not much of a development of the Dead Again
story here, but I think it adds a lot to the continuity of the stories. I
just hope that Kal-El goes about unearthing the mystery of the body as Clark
Kent, investigative reporter, with his partner Lois Lane rather than as
Superman, the Man of Steel, bashing his way to victory. We will see. It
could be very interesting, or it could be a several month slugfest through
the DC universe.
Arthur LaMarche
========================================================
43. THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #517, ÒDeath-Trap!Ó
Writer - Karl Kesel
Penciller - Barry Kitson
Inker - Ray McCarthy
$1.50 US/$2.10 Canada/70p UK
RATINGS
Patrick M. Stout: 4 Shields - I didnÕt read the credits before diving into
the story, and I kept thinking to myself, ÒThe artÕs not
that great, but this is a well-written story.Ó Ñ Of
course, it was by Karl Kesel; SupermanÕs interior
monologues on pages 5 and 11 are great, and it was nice
to see Lucy Lane show up.
Anatole: 3 Shields - I like the new Master Jailer, even though his
first trap was a little lame.
William J. Nixon: 3.5 Shields - Very interesting story and characterization.
Also excellent art. I didnÕt give it four because the
battle seemed pointless and a bit silly.
Shawn Aeria: 4 Shields - I am convinced that this is the real Supes!
Rene Gobeyn: Story - 4 Shields - well done new character, fight was
too long
Art - 5 Shields - detailed backgrounds, this is my
favorite Superman
Arthur LaMarche: 4 Shields - I like the Master Jailer characterÑ
even if he is an egomaniac.
Summary: Professor Hamilton tells Superman, Lois, and Jimmy that the body from
the tomb is indeed that of Superman. All are shocked, and Hamilton says the
only way he could find some difference between the two would be to make an
examination of the living Superman. Superman agrees, but appears hesitant
and then flies off to take care of some crime before they can start. The
crime turns out to be a purse snatching, something the police could have
handled.
Lois is worried about ClarkÕs psychological well being Ñ how he is going to
handle this. He reassures her that everything is fine, but heÕs not so sure
himself. He wants to find the Eradicator and question him again on what
happened, and he wants a way to prove heÕs the real Superman. He gets his
test when a costumed hologram calling himself Death Trap ensnares Superman in
a force field created by a small, flying device. Death Trap wants to capture
and imprison the real Superman, just to prove he can. Superman tries a
variety of ways to escape, finally flying into the heart of a blast furnace,
which incinerates the device and frees him. Superman is now convinced that
heÕs the real thing, figuring no one else could survive the furnace. But the
rest of the world still has doubts about, for example, how did his hair get
so long so fast?
Review: This was a very enjoyable issue. Some excellent characterization
of both Superman and Lois. The popular myth is that someone like Superman
canÕt possibly have fears or self-doubts, but he does, and they are brought
out nicely here. Lois is really worried herself, about Clark and the
situation theyÕre both in. However, I would like to see her take a more
active role in this story. SheÕs an investigative reporter, so investigate.
Also, the villain seemed silly. A man who wants to imprison Superman just so
he can prove to himself and others that he can do it? I donÕt like the
premise.
The art was a vast improvement from last issue. It was smooth, not too much
inks or pencils, and the coloring was almost perfect. The panel of
Superman standing in the furnace was the best in the book. A+ to Kitson
and McCarthy.
Closing comments: An excellent issue, and a good jumping on point for new
readers. Great characterization. Pick this one up.
Ben Butler
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OTHER SUPER-TITLES:
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SUPERBOY #9, ÒKing Shark!Ó
Writer: Karl Kesel
Guest Pencils: Humberto Ramos
Inkers: Doug Hazlewood & Ande Parks
Cover: $1.50 US/$2.10 Can/70p UK
RATINGS
Victor Chan: 4 Shields
Shawn Aeria: 4 Shields - Good story and character development.
ReneÕ Gobeyn: Story - 4 Shields - nice by-play with cast, complete in
one issue!
Art - 3 Shields - inking too heavy, characters look
like cartoons
Arthur LaMarche: 4 Shields - Fun and light as always, and it was good to
see the kidÕs over-confidence gets him into trouble.
Jeff Sykes: 4 Shields - the kid keeps acting his age, something Kesel
writes *really* well! Though the art was probably good,
the Grummett withdrawal spoiled it for me.
After Professor Hamilton returned to Metropolis, Superboy and Tana and her
brotherÕs family enjoy a little time off at the beach. In the Metropolis
KidÕs greedy little paws are the special sunglasses courtesy of the
Professor. So far, its x-ray abilities has allowed Superboy to get into a
little good-natured mischief.
Superboy flies Iolani and LiÕi, TanaÕs niece and nephew, into the nearby
water to play while Kekane, TanaÕs brother discusses with her, SuperboyÕs
relationship to her. Almost suddenly, a sharkÕs fin appears in the water.
The Kid races back into the water and pulls Iolani out of danger.
Sam Makoa is coincidentally on the scene examining the abrasions on IolaniÕs
leg. He concludes that they were made by King Shark. He explains to
Superboy that when he was a cop, he worked on a serial murder case whose
culprit was none other than King Shark. He informs Superboy that King Shark
has just escaped prison and chooses to let Superboy cooperate in his plans.
In the evening, Makoa and Superboy, along with some backup, descend upon a
straw house only to find King SharkÕs mother - who has morbidly fed him.
Using the super-specs, Superboy scans the area nearby and discovers an
entrance to an old lava-tube. Detecting blood on the walls, Superboy jumps
in to locate King Shark. As he reaches near the water, he is not
disappointed. Viciously attacked, Superboy begins to lose air. While
staring down the maw of the shark, he laments the use of heat vision.
With some technological help, Superboy pulls a win out of the bag. It seems
that it was indirectly Professor Hamilton who had saved the day. Contrary to
SuperboyÕs joking demeanor, he is serious in thought about King Shark, a
dangerous foe, who has, however, been apprehended to everyoneÕs relief.
Although quite a number of people on alt.comics.superman complained about the
guest artist, I personally think that Humberto Ramos did a very good job on
the pencils. Although it seemed to have somewhat of a Art Adams-influence on
it, the artwork was pretty clean and detailed. I guess some people thought
they were tricked when they saw a Tom Grummett cover but got different
interior art. Well, to those, I say: ÒHang on to your specs - Ramos is back
to do issue #10, too!Ó :) I think Ramos has his own interpretation of the
characters which I think is great. (At least it wasnÕt a Jim Lee clone who
did the artwork.)
Anyway, I thought overall this issue was good if a bit short on the plot.
Superboy, or rather his equipment, took out King Shark a bit too easily and
conveniently. Maybe it was KeselÕs way of introducing the specs. Who knows?
I think IÕll award an extra half shield for the new whiz-bang super-specs
just because it was such a great deus ex machina.
(Boy, am I glad Zero HourÕs over. Now how the heck am I going to file my #0
issues?! In sequential order? In chronological order? I just wish they would
skip the #0 thing and just slap the ZH decal on top of the next ish. Sheeesh)
Victor Chan (vichan@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca)
========================================================
STEEL #9, ÒBad NewsÓ
Writer: Louise Simonson
Penciller: Frank Fosco
Inker: Mark Stegbauer
Cover art by Batista and Janke
Cover: $1.50 US/$2.10 Can/70p UK
RATINGS
Shawn Aeria: 2.5 Shields - barely a filler story
Anatole: 2 Shields - Very average issue.
ReneÕ Gobeyn: Story - 3 Shields - story drifted, depended on
violence for plot
Art - 2 Shields - lacked detail, inking too heavy,
cartoon-like.
Arthur LaMarche: 2 Shields
Jeff Sykes: 2 Shields - Weak story (more along the lines of what I
generally expect from Louise Simonson - #0 must have
been the exception) and the guest art was weak also.
They tempt us with the idea of John Henry being meta-human in #0 and now
this:
The issue opens with a dealer pushing on the streets. His jacket has
ÒCrime LordsÓ across the back. He is stopped by an unseen assailant and
murdered. The next page, the body is discovered by kids playing ball in
the street. Steel sees the commotion and tries to calm the kids in
front of the brutal crime scene. The bodyÕs head is either gone or
pulverised to the point it might as well be gone. The police arrive and
Steel is accusingly questioned by Detective Carroll.
In the next scene we see the Irons kids going to school. They try to
console Tyke who now must use a wheelchair. Of course they are
surrounded by gossip about TykeÕs injuries.
We return to the crime scene where Officer Shauna Beryl says that it looks
like the dealer had been hit by a sledgehammer. <gee, coincidence?> They
mention that there have been three other murders with the same MO. They
also mention that the psychic they called in was of no help.
That night we see a gang hit about to take place. Four Crime Lords open
fire on a bar that Eastlies hang out at, believing that they must be
responsible for the murder. They set the alcohol on fire as we get a view
of a TV broadcasting news about the recent murder. The ambushed Eastlies
have no choice but to use Tar and retaliate. Steel arrives in time to
take down two Lords and watch the Tar-powered Eastlie take out the other two.
Steel is challenged by the Tar freak but goes into the bar to save people
instead. He sees the TV news report and realizes that he knows the
psychic. We are also reminded that all the psychic could ÒseeÓ was a
policemanÕs badge. Steel rescues the trapped bar occupants and brings
the conflict to a close.
The police arrive and Detective Carroll gives Steel grief for carrying a
sledgehammer and being a masked vigilante. Shauna and Steel chat for a
while and Steel asks how to get in touch with the psychic.
Not getting her on the phone, Steel decides to pay Rosie, the psychic, a
visit. Rosie gets home and tries to call Carroll about a brainsorm she
had about the case. She doesnÕt get Carroll so she reports to Officer
Beryl. Suddenly, the murderer attacks her in her own home. He breaks down
the door and brutalizes her. Her attacker is wearing green pants. Only one
other person wears green pants this issue (pseudo-spoilers later).
Somehow Steel knows she is under attack and smashes through her windows.
The murderer is long gone and Rosie is fading fast. Steel picks her up
and is about to fly her to a hospital when she stops him to utter her
last words, ÒToo late for me. Alter. John. . .heÕs alter <eg>Ñ.Ó She
dies in SteelÕs arms, her blood covering him. Then Shauna and a
couple of other cops enter. Shauna believes Steel to be guilty and is
horrified to think that she led him to Rosie. They arrest and cuff Steel.
Shauna ÒreadsÓ Steel his rights and tells Steel about the call and lets
Steel know she thinks he is guilty.
All in all, this was a very brutal and disatisfying issue. They jump off
one plotline to another and make a lot of mistakes in the process. The
art was hardly passable. It varied from stiff to cartoony.
One thing that *really* bugged me was the quick and ÒobviousÓ assumption
that the murderer uses a weapon. In a world of supermen isnÕt a murderer
with super-stregth plausible? Not to these cops.
Plus, the quick dismissal of the psychic image of a badge linked to the
murder. They broadcast ÒItÕs a COP!Ó to the readers but the characters
are painfully ignorant. Which leads me to my Òpseudo-spoilerÓ. I think
the murderer is Carroll. HeÕs just the kind of guy who wears green
pants. Either he is the murderer or this is a clumsy attempt to make him
look like a murderer.
And. . .before I forget, fashion mistake of the issue: Page 13, last panel.
Some guy is strolling through police headquarters wearing green liberty
spikes. Is he supposed to be some narc stuck in the Eighties or has the
comic industry not finished with making punks look like fools/criminals?
For the last time, this was a bad issue. A big disappointment after what
I thought was an excellent Òzero issueÓ.
Shawn Aeria
========================================================
End of Section 3
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REVIEWS (CONTINUED)
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MINISERIES AND SPECIAL APPEARANCES:
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THE GUARDIANS OF METROPOLIS #1 (of 4), ÒNo One Can Stop...TREV-ORR!Ó
This Strange Tale to Astonish with Amazing Fantasy is brought to you by
Writer: Karl Kesel
Penciller: Kieron Dwyer
Inker: Mike Manley
The King: Jack Kirby
Cover by Dwyer and Kesel
Cover: $1.50 US/$2.10 CAN/70p UK
RATINGS
ReneÕ Gobeyn: Art - 4 Shields - needed more detailed backgrounds
Story - 4 Shields - could have been more background on
the Newsboys
Jeff Sykes: 3 Shields - KeselÕs story about some severely underused
characters is wonderful. DwyerÕs art drags the overall
rating down Ñ it just doesnÕt work for me.
I think IÕm in heaven. ItÕs been all too long since these great characters
of Jack Kirby have been given the exposure they deserve. Sure, the Guardian
played a large part in the ÒFall of MetropolisÓ story and the Newsboys had
bit parts in the clone wars, but itÕs not like theyÕve done anything. These
characters used to be active members of the Superman supporting cast. If this
series does well, hopefully weÕll be seeing more limited series with more of
the Superman supporting cast.
The story opens with the Newsboys trying to make a movie using a sea serpent
(Trev-orr) that they ÒborrowedÓ from Cadmus. Things are going fairly smooth
until Trev-Orr accidentally destroys an old dock. It is at this point that
the Guardian shows up, followed up by Superman (relax itÕs just a guest
appearance). As the Guardian ÒescortsÓ the Newsboys and Trev-orr
back to
Cadmus, he reminds them that Cadmus was supposedly destroyed in the Clone War.
They need to be much more careful when going out so that they donÕt reveal the
secret. Back at Cadmus, the Newsboys get lectured (and punished) by their
older counterparts. (The current Newsboys are young clones of the original Newsboy legion). Jim Harper (The Guardian) is taken to visit his sister, and she dies while he
is visiting. Jim wants to get custody of his thirteen-year-old grand-child
Bobby Harper, who is being held in the B.O. Goodley Orphanage. Young Gabby
overhears this and reports back to the other young Newsboys. They are all
ÒveteransÓ of the orphanage, so they decide to break Bobby out.
The scene changes to the orphanage and we soon discover that it is a
ÒrecruitingÓ center for Darkseid run by Granny Goodness, Virman Vundabar,
and the Female Furies (more old Kirby characters from the Forever People, New
Gods, etc.). After a quick tour of the facilities, Boss Moxie (an OLD-TIME
Newsboys villain who has just been released from prison) joins the fun. About
this time the Newsboys arrive (crash) at the orphanage, and Boss Moxie thinks
that the Newsboys are the originals that have somehow managed to not age in
the 50 years that heÕs been in prison.
Back to Cadmus and the Guardian, where a D.N.Alien explodes as Dabney
Donovan makes his appearance.
All in all, a great start to a very Kirby-ish type of story. IÕm looking
forward to the rest of the series.
ReneÕ Gobeyn
========================================================
THE BATMAN ADVENTURES #25, ÒSuper FriendsÓ
Written by Kelley Puckett
Pencilled by Mike Parobeck
Inked by Rick Burchett
Cover: $2.50/$3.50 CAN/#1.50 UK
RATINGS
William J. Nixon: 4 Shields - good story, strong art and Superman with
long hair (5 Shields for the Matt Wagner ÒBatman/
Two-FaceÓ pinup)
Shawn Aeria: 3 Shields - I wanted this to be the ÒanimatedÓ Batman
and SupermanÕs first meeting. Instead they already knew
each other. No ÒsurprisesÓ at each otherÕs amazing
abilities.
Arthur LaMarche: 5 Shields - I like this book normally, as well as the
FOX cartoon. Superman appearance was a bonus.
Jeff Sykes: 5 Shields - Three words: THE SUPERMAN ADVENTURES!
...please!?
One line: an uncomplicated super story told with style and flair
Summary:
Lexcorp and Waynetech are both bidding for a lucrative military contract
which Luthor is determined to win. Luthor has supplied Maxie Zeus with the
explosives and technology to hold Gotham at ransom so that he can demonstrate
his military robotsÕ firepower. Batman and Superman track Zeus down and derail
LuthorÕs plan.
Act One:
The story opens on a dinner party where LexÕs men have planted a bomb which
Luthor hopes will draw Superman and Batman out. Bruce and Clark realize there
is a bomb and split up to deal with the situation. Superman grabs the bomb
and hurls it into the atmosphere while Batman apprehends the bombers.
Superman joins him and asks why Bruce chased them if he knew there was a
bomb. With a grin Bats says ÒI knew youÕd take care of it. You are Superman,
arenÕt you?Ó The act ends with an earthquake tremor through the city.
Act Two:
Zeus has sent a video ransom demand to Gotham police. He demands tribute or
another earthquake will destroy Gotham at midnight. Lex, Gordon, and the
General watch his crazed demands while Supes and Batman listen in outside.
They travel to GothamÕs tectonic plates where Superman tunnels underground
looking for the explosives. They donÕt find any (but there are now more
tunnels outside Gotham!). Batman uses his detective skills to track down
ZeusÕ men waiting for the ransom. Meanwhile Lex has convinced the mayor to
deploy his robots to hunt down Maxie.
Act Three:
Superman sweeps into MaxieÕs bunker and takes the scepter which has the bombÕs
transmitter away from him. Bats joins him and an enraged Zeus calls on his
men to kill them. LuthorÕs robots come crashing into the bunker and Lex
takes the opportunity to fire a plasma beam blast at Superman. The onlooking
General, while unhappy at the friendly fire, is impressed with the firepower.
Bats takes out ZeusÕ gang while Supes stops the robots. A fallen Zeus cries
to his partner ÒHephaestusÓ for aid and is then questioned about him by the
Super friends. In a Gotham alley Batman confronts Lex/Hephaestus and has
him withdraw his bid: Òwar is too dehumanizing alreadyÓ. The story ends on a
Gotham rooftop as Supes tells Batman that there is one more issue to resolve:
Òconflict of interestÓ. Bruce agrees and tells him that Waynetech will also
withdraw its bid Ñ they arenÕt quite that different. Superman flies off,
their friendship reaffirmed.
This issue was a joy with strong art, wonderful color, great writing and a
good old fashioned yarn which has become the hallmark of TBA. TBA acknowledged
some of the current Superman conventions: Luthor is young with a flowing mane
and red beard (looking very sinister), and SupermanÕs hair is long. I liked
the look of Superman (he looks right with long hair now) and the story was an
upbeat super-team tale with none of the dark overtones of ÒDark Knight over
MetropolisÓ. Bruce and Clark know who each other is and that they like each
other and thatÕs enough. Where in current continuity would Batman calmly
stand behind the Man of Steel carrying on a conversation while bullets bounced
off the Man of SteelÕs back, as he does in ZeusÕ bunkers. Batman doesnÕt
resent that, he respects it and trusts Superman. PuckettÕs writing is great
and captures the camaraderie of the two super-friends without being heavy-
handed or insincere.
TBAÕs art is very stylized and there are some great panels. Both heroes share
the story and the very cool cover (they stand back to back under a yellow
spotlight). Parobeck and Burchett take the opportunity to insert some great
symmetry into the visuals. ThereÕs a split page in MaxieÕs bunker with
Superman fighting the robots on top and Batman taking the gang down on the
bottom which is very striking.
There are also some Batman pin-ups in the style of TBA and while they are
varied Matt WagnerÕs ÒBatman and Two-Face (in mirrors)Ó stands out - I look
forward to his work on the upcoming TBA Annual (Plug :-)!
If you want a stylish, uncomplicated read then try this out. ItÕs a great
ride!
Reviewed by William J. Nixon
========================================================
LOOKING BACK
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THE POST-BYRNE REVIEW:
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by Mark Lamutt (markdl@netcom.com / mdlamut0@wcc.com)
Title: SUPERMAN #44, ÒDark Knight Over MetropolisÓ
Written by: Jerry Ordway
Penciled by: Jerry Ordway
Inked by: Dennis Janke
Cover Date: June 1990
Cover Price: $0.75 US/$0.95 CAN/50p UK
Overstreet: $1.80
Dark Knight Over Metropolis - Part 1
To: Mannheim, Director of Intergang
From: Gillespie
RE: Intergang Activities Update
Morgan Edge, former director of WGBS, and one of IntergangÕs main co-
conspirators, will be going on trial shortly. The testimony of Cat Grant is
our greatest concern, concerning his situation. Consequently, we have
dispatched Blindspot to take care of the problem. Jose Delgado, AKA
Gangbuster, has been hired as Ms. GrantÕs bodyguard throughout the duration
of the trial. His presence may complicate the situation. Further updates
forthcoming...
ÒMurder Victim Found in North Baker LineÓ - by Lois Lane
A womanÕs body was found this morning brutally bludgeoned to death in the
back alley behind the North Baker Line. At press time, the police had yet
to identify her remains....
What kind of a way is this to start an article reviewing an issue of
Superman? The same way the issue opens - thatÕs how. More on the style
later...now on with the story.
Cat Grant, her son Adam, and Jose Delgado exit an evening showing of the 50th
anniversary version of ÒGone With the Wind.Ó Hidden in the shadows in the
background is a man, with cape flowing freely in the night winds. The
threesome take a shortcut through the alley behind the theater, when they are
attacked by an invisible figure. The caped figure watches from his rooftop
position. The camouflaged man knocks Jose to the ground, and catches Cat and
Adam by their arms. Adam squirms his way free, by which time Jose recovers.
Grabbing a nearby box of popcorn, Jose flings it at the invisible man,
outlining his form enough to attack. At that moment, Superman steps in,
disarms and decloaks Blindspot, and warns him to leave Cat Grant alone.
Flying from the scene, Superman is deafened by Professor HamiltonÕs
ultrasonic signal.
ÒWorld BeatÓ - AP-Scotland
Loch Trevor was the site of strange activities last week, when residents
reported seeing strange lights over the normally calm lake. City officials
pointed the blame at a nearby NATO installation which was conducting military
maneuvers. However, residents claim that they saw the Loch Trevor monster
being captured....
Superman arrives at Professor HamiltonÕs apartment, where he learns that the
rock sample he brought back with him from Scotland (in previous issues) is
not Kryptonite, but rather a close facsimile created by the Eradicator (the
original object, not the man for you newer readers). Remembering what
happened just weeks before when an unknown woman exposed him to Lex LuthorÕs
Kryptonite ring, Superman wonders what happened to her, and the ring.
ÒMurder Victim Found in AlleyÓ
The unidentified woman found brutally murdered in North Baker Line is
estimated to be in her mid to late thirties. She was beaten beyond
recognition, and no identification was found with the body. The police
report that they have been unable to locate any eyewitnesses to the event....
Inspector Henderson is not pleased with the coronerÕs report on the body of
the dead woman. However, a clue presents itself in the form of the glove
that the woman was wearing - it is giving off trace amounts of radiation.
ÒViolent Crime On The RiseÓ - Gotham Herald
...Police Commissioner Gordon blames the rise of violent crimes during the
first quarter of the year on drugs, and stresses the need for greater drug
education....
In an alley, a vagrant is robbed of his sole possession - a tin box. Batman
appears at the scene, catches the thief, and examines the box of the now dead
vagrant. Of particular note is a ring with a strangely glowing green stone.
He leaves the scene to investigate the stone in the Batcave.
ÒZenith Awards Banquet TomorrowÓ - by John Mahoney
The seventh annual Zenith Awards for outstanding integrity in journalism will
once again be hosted this year by WLEX owner and president Lex Luthor at his
private estate outside Metropolis....
Lex Luthor enters his private room in the LexCorp tower, where he keeps his
most prized possessions. Putting on a radiation suit, he enters the inner
sanctum, intent on examining the Kryptonite ring he keeps there. But it is
gone.
ÒTrial of Media Mogul Set to StartÓ
With the jury selected, the trial of Galaxy Communications president Morgan
Edge is set to begin this week. Edge is charged with racketeering. His
attorney stated that he was the victim of alien mind control....
Morgan EdgeÕs attorney discourages him from attending the Zenith Awards, but
Edge will have nothing of it. Meanwhile, Gillespie is meeting with Mannheim,
director of Intergang. As Blindspot failed in his attempt on Cat Grant,
Mannheim brings in two more big guns - Chiller and Shockwave.
Reading the autopsy report on the dead vagrant, Batman discovers the harmful
effects of the radiation emanating from the ring. He decides to make an
appearance at the Zenith Awards in Metropolis as Bruce Wayne, so as to further
investigate the path the ring has traveled.
ÒSunspot Activity Peaks - Climate, Broadcasting AffectedÓ
Washington - Sunspot activity over the last few weeks has finally returned to
normal. After the intensity of some of the recorded disturbances, scientists
are relieved that the phenomenon has subsided....
Superman enters his now ruined Fortress of Solitude (see Action #652), where
he makes sure that his Kryptonite is still in place, and then reassembles the
statues of his Kryptonian parents - Jor-El and Lara. He then flies back to
Metropolis, where Clark and Lois depart on their date.
Hmmm...nothing like jumping all over the place in 22 pages. No, I didnÕt
just become the worst writer on the face of the planet - this is the way that
this issue is written. The problem is that Jerry Ordway is simultaneously
trying to tie up several loose ends from previous issues while setting up the
stories for parts 2 and 3 of this arc. In reality, I have no problems with
the writing at all - it is the style that I donÕt care for. Unfortunately,
you really have to read this issue in order to have any idea what is
happening in the next two parts, as all of the stories started here continue
on. This is definitely not Jerry OrdwayÕs best work, but it is still better
than some of the recent plot lines we have had to wade through.
As for the art, what can I say - it is Jerry! Considering all of the artists
that have worked on the Superman books over the years, I think that he is my
favorite overall. Jerry OrdwayÕs art is consistently better than any other I
have seen since, and this issue is no exception.
Out of a possible 5 shields, I give this book 2.5 shields. Stay tuned next
time for part 2 of the ÒDark Knight Over MetropolisÓ in the Adventures of
Superman #467.
Mark
========================================================
THE PRE-BYRNE REVIEWS:
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SUPERMAN #136
DATE: April, 1960
TITLE: ÒThe Man Who Married Lois LaneÓ
EDITOR: Mort Weisinger
REVIEW BY: Patrick Stout
PLOT SYNOPSIS: Lois and Clark are in New Mexico to cover SupermanÕs scheduled
construction of a power dam. Clark is embarrassed at LoisÕ gushing adulation
of Superman. ÒSheÕd make a wonderful wife for someone,Ó he thinks, Òbut I
canÕt consider marriage while I have my duties to perform on Earth.Ó
Superman flies to a railroad dump and makes a Òsuper-shovelÓ from the
discarded metal. He later breaks ground for the dam as Lois snaps his
picture. They are suddenly interrupted by a flying disc.
The disc is piloted by X-Plam, a citizen of EarthÕs 23rd century, who tells
them he is fated to marry Lois. As proof, he produces a copy of the next
dayÕs edition of the Daily Planet with the headline reading, ÒLois Lane Weds
Man From the FutureÓ. Superman uses his microscopic vision to authenticate
the 400-year old newspaper.
X-Plam is alien in appearance, with green skin and antennae, which he says is
due to the exposure of his people to comet gas; this also gave them super-
powers. Lois is troubled by his appearance, but his exposure to the
atmosphere of present-day Earth changes X-Plam to look human.
Superman is moved to speak: ÒWell, thatÕs it, Lois,Ó he says. ÒNo need for
me to hang around. X-PlamÕs got super-powers. He loves you. HeÕll make a
wonderful husband. Good luck.Ó He flies away, despite LoisÕ entreaties to
stay.
Lois is stunned that Superman would leave her. But she is charmed by X-PlamÕs
effort at squeezing a lump of coal into an engagement diamond. She begins to
recall the marriage proposals sheÕs turned down in the past while hoping that
Superman would confess his love for her. She thinks of three recent suitorsÑ
Power-Man (King of Outer Space), Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Bizarro.
Lois accepts the proposal. X-Plam confides to her that he is not invulnerable,
so they can grow old together. They are married, with Superman serving as best
man, and head into the future. Lois calls to Superman, asking him to tell the
story of her marriage to Clark Kent for coverage in the Daily Planet.
Clark notes the irony in his filing the wedding story that X-Plam had brought
back to them from the future. Meanwhile, in the 23rd century, the comet-
polluted atmosphere of X-PlamÕs home valley has not only changed him back to
his alien-like featuresÑbut has changed LoisÕ appearance as well and has
given her super-powers.
Lois is saddened by her metamorphosis and, in an attempt to cheer her up,
X-Plam turns on the television set, which is also equipped with a dial that
allows viewers to tune in scenes from the EarthÕs past. She sets the dial
for 1960, and spies Superman staring at her portrait in his Fortress of
Solitude. ÒHe misses me,Ó she thinks. ÒHe cares.Ó
X-Plam is saddened at LoisÕ continued love for Superman. ÒSheÕll never be
happy here,Ó he thinks. He snaps off the television set, vowing to set
things right. As he heads to find more radioactive fuel to power his time
machine, X-Plam is warned by his father that additional contact with the
material could prove fatal.
Glowing with radioactive contamination, X-Plam refuels the flying disc and
propels Lois back into the past. His final words: ÒI donÕt mind dying.
(Gasp!)...IÕm glad I could do something to make you happy....Ó
Lois jams the lever on the time machine, and appears destined to zoom past
1960. But Superman comes to her rescue. ÒThank goodness I was on patrol
and spotted the runaway time machine...,Ó he says.
EarthÕs atmosphere changes LoisÕ appearance back by the next day. She asks
Superman if he missed her, and his reply is noncommittal. But Lois knows
that he did miss her, and that there may be hope for an eventual romance.
REVIEW: Were you able to read the above action and dialogue with a straight
face? I wasnÕt able to write it without cracking up. This type of melodrama
passed for human angst in comics circa 1960.
Lois is so superficial, turned off by outward appearances that are anything
other than of the WASP persuasionÑor pseudo-WASP in the case of Kal-El.
And poor X-Plam...what a fall guy!
Destined to nuke himself for the woman he loves, he whips Lois onto the time
machine kind of like Humphrey Bogart putting Ingrid Bergman on the plane at
the end of ÒCasablancaÓ.
I wanted to review this time travel story for you in the wake of ÒZero HourÓ,
ÒTime CopÓ, and the upcoming time twists in the X-Men saga. TodayÕs concepts
of time travel are a little more sophisticated than we saw in Superman comics
of the 1950sÑbut this is where many of us got our introduction to, and a
continuing interest in, the fascinating concept of travel through time.
========================================================
SUPERMAN AND POWER GIRL #56 ÒDeath in a Dark DimensionÓ
Written by Paul Kupperberg
Pencilled by Curt Swan
Inked by Dave Hunt
$.60
Rating: 3.5 Shields. Not a great story, but not a bad one either. I liked
Power Girl and the fact that she was from Earth 2.
This story opens with Superman high over Metropolis deflecting a meteor from
some unknown source in space. He rushes into the cosmos to find the cause of
the mysterious phenomenon. What he doesnÕt notice is the strange laughter
and the eyes that follow him on his journey.
Jump to Earth 2 where Power Girl is trying to find the cause of a defective
Metropower Electrical Plant that has gone bananas. She too is being watched
by the same mysterious eyes that observed Superman on Earth 1.
The next few panels switch back and forth between Superman and Power Girl
battling strange unnatural occurrences that make no sense at all. Then,
suddenly, both vanish!
Cut to the world of BlimaarÑa peaceful planet in another time and
dimension. It is being conquered by a godlike warrior named Maaldor the
Darklord. After killing the kingÕs guards (and the king himself) as easily
as one would destroy a bed of ants, he finds himself bored with all his
conquests. He seeks new challenges. It is at this point that he has
purposely drawn Superman and Power Girl to the planetÕs surface. Perhaps now
he will find adversaries worthy of battle. Talk about an ego problem!
Naturally our heroes are up to the challenge and waste no time getting down
to business. Actually, they have no choice. ItÕs either fight Maaldor or he
will kill all the inhabitants of the planet. The first test of their powers
involves some four-footed creatures that look like rejects from a Star Wars
movie. Disabling them is no problem for Superman and Power Girl and Maaldor
is pleased with their performances. Power Girl decides a little one-on-one
will put him in his place. Unfortunately he apparently drains the life out
of her in a matter of seconds.
Superman is really ticked now and decides it is time to put this madman out
of commission. The battle rages on which results in Superman being knocked
unconscious. As Maaldor raises his sword to finish him off, Power Girl
pounds him in the back, knocking him off balance. This gives Superman enough
time to come to his senses. Realizing he canÕt use brute strength to defeat
Maaldor he proposes the ultimate test of MaaldorÕs strength.
ÒYou wanted a challenge, Maaldor...well, here we are! Maybe you can beat us
in the end...maybe thereÕs nobody whoÕs superior...but thereÕs one foe
youÕll never have the courage to face...because thereÕs no way in this or
any other world you can ever hope to win the fight...with YOURSELF! Can you
handle facing whatÕs within your black, evil soul?Ó DidnÕt I see this
segment on Star Trek?
Well, naturally our evil villain canÕt ignore such an intriguing idea. He
begins to travel within himself to seek out the essence of that which makes
him who he is. He canÕt handle it. The madness within him begins to surface
until it completely overtakes him. He begins to experience Òdeep, searing,
psychic agony...and it is more than he can bear!Ó Right before Superman and
Power Girl he implodes, collapsing into himself. Superman notices that
ÒMaaldorÕs incredible life force expanded all its energy in one cataclysmic
burstÓ creating a bridge between their dimension and another one of total
madness. They use their combined heat vision to seal the warp between the
two dimensions hoping to prevent the escape of MaaldorÕs madness.
The story ends and we never find out how Superman and Power Girl return to
their home planets. This left a rather weak conclusion but Curt SwanÕs
Superman makes up for it. I did find it interesting that Power Girl was the
cousin of Earth 2Õs Superman. Maybe readers of KC know of other stories
where she has appeared.
Ken McKee (stdkrm01@shsu.edu)
========================================================
End of Section 4
========================================================
LOOKING BACK (cont)
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THE SUPER-KIDS OF SUPERMAN!
by Jon Knutson (jonknutson@aol.com)
Part 1 (of 5)
Several times through the publishing history of DC Comics, stories
have been published featuring children of the Man of Steel. Most of these,
obviously, are Imagionary Stories. For many fans, the only stories they
remember featuring an offspring of Superman is the ÒSuper-SonsÓ stories
published in several issues of ÒWorldÕs Finest ComicsÓ in the 1970s, but as
you will see, there were many other stories, including two that may have
served as the inspriation for the WFC stories.
Action Comics #391 and #392 feature a two-part Imagionary Story
that may well have been the inspiration for the 1970Õs Super-Sons stories
in WorldÕs Finest. This story (Aug & Sept 70) began with part 1: ÒThe
Punishment of SupermanÕs Son!Ó At City Hall, Clark Kent and his son,
Clark, Jr. witness Batman, Jr. receiving the Metropolis Medal of Valor.
Batman is obviously very proud of his son, and announces heÕll soon retire
and let his son take his place. When Clark asks Clark, Jr. when heÕll start
acting like a Superman, Clark, Jr. says heÕs trying.
That evening, Superman flies to the planet Muse X-1 to take the
Flowing Fugue, rarest plant in the universe, back to Earth. However, when
he returns, he has to send in the Batman, Jr. medal presentation story, so
asks Superman, Jr. to bring the musical flower to Maestro Mortini at the
Metropolis Music Academy. However, Superman, Jr. flies too fast, and the
friction burns up the plant. Superman berates him. Batman and Batman,
Jr. show up, and Batman needles Supes about their sons. Supes gives his
son another chance when a gang with a special tank tries to steal a
computer. However, Supes, Jr. is tricked by a covering of fake Kryptonite
on the tank. Superman decides to close the gap between him and his son by
taking him to the Fortress of Solitude. However, when Superman has to
fly off on an emergency and leaves his son behind, Supes, Jr. misinterprets
the actions of a Superman, Jr. robot and accidently releases the animals of
the Interplanetary Zoo in the fortress. When Superman returns, he feels he
has no choice but to expose Superman, Jr. to Gold Kryptonite, which wipes
out his powers.
Concluding in the Sept. 70 issue of Action, we get to see a flashback to
when Superman and Superman Jr. made an appearance on Father and Son
Day in Metropolis. To teach his son a lesson, Superman used his powers to
make Jr. fail to win any of the contests against normal human boys. The
lesson was supposed to be that Supes Jr. should use his powers to help
people, not to humiliate them. In the present, Clark Jr. is trying to adjust
to life without superpowers, but when his father is exposed to Green K
(and he fakes a weakness to it himself Ñ faked since Green K only affects
super-powered Kryptonians), he gets the opportunity to save his fatherÕs
life. Superman flies him to the Fortress, where he voluntarily uses a pair
of Cosmo-Kinetic Bracelets to transfer his powers to his son.
18 issues later, we find a story called ÒThe Satanic Son of Superman,Ó
which takes place in the future, where his son, Krys (no Jr. in this story,
but itÕs a son anyway) has super-powers his father is not aware of,
although KrysÕ powers arenÕt used for good things... he changes water to
poison gas, for example. SupermanÕs wife died giving birth. When they go
to visit the lunar colony, Kryps is acting normally, but then suddently
decides to don a space suit and have some fun. He causes rocks to burst
out of the surface, which opens a hole in the dome of the moon colony.
Superman repairs the hole, and spots his son running along the lunar
surface.
Superman recalls when he and his young wife discussed the future of
their child. His wife, Krysalla, told him she was a witch. The super-
computer couldnÕt determine what kind of offspring theyÕd produce, but
decide to go through with it anyway. Meanwhile, Krys has no memory of
being on the lunar surface. Returning to Earth, Superman hypnotizes his
son, and finds Krys was responsible for the rocks and poison gas, among
other disasters.
Superman decides the only thing he can do is prevent the menace of
Krys from continuing, and shoots his son with a strange weapon. However,
when KrysÕ body slumps over, a twin splits off from him. This twin is the
true demon, who compelled Krys to admit to his crims under hypnosis.
This person is an Òinvisible simese twin,Ó who would cause Krys to go into
a coma whenever he entered this dimension. Now, the twin is strong
enough to live in this dimension without Krys. Suddenly, android
assassins bent on killing Superman and his son appear, killing the twin.
Superman hurls the assassins away, then uses his heat vision to thaw out
Krys, who had just been put into cryogenic suspension from the weapon.
Moving over to Superman, we find in issue 162 (July 63) the classic
Imagionary Novel, ÒThe Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-
Blue!Ó Basically, an experiment causes Superman to split into two beings,
Superman-Red and Superman-Blue, who are able to accomplish everything
Superman couldnÕt (such as restoring Kandor). Eventually, Superman-Red
marries Lois Lane, and with Supergirl and the Super-Pets, leaves Earth
for New Krypton, where Kandor was enlarged, while Superman-Blue
marries Lana Lang. Their children only appear in one panel, as tots, one
named Lana and the other one named Clark, flying in super-playsuits.
It didnÕt take long before another Imagionary Story appeared in
SupermanÕs own title. #166 (Jan 64) featred another Imagionary Novel,
ÒThe Fantastic Story of SupermanÕs Sons!Ó SupermanÕs wife is never
revealed (although her silhouette fits Lois more than Lana). Superman and
his wife have twin sons, named Kal-El II and Jor-El II. Jor has super-
powers, but Kal doesnÕt. As the boys grow, Kal gets more and more jealous
of JorÕs powers, developing an inferiority complex. Superman brings Kal
to a planet whose twin sons provides super-powers to ordinary humans,
but after the novelty of super-powers wear off and homesickness sets in,
he decides to return to Earth. Next, Superman tries to give Kal super-
powers scientifically, but doesnÕt succeed.
Superman then decides that his sons must have some Kryptonian
education, so he brings them to Kandor, where neither one of them has
super-powers. Even powerless, however, Kal is still second-best. When a
thief steals a scientific apparatus, Kal and Jor decide to adopt the
costumed identies of Nightwing and Flamebird, as Superman and Jimmy
Olsen had done in the past. As they investigate, Kal insists that the
history of Krypton holds the answers to the mystery, while Jor disagrees.
The duo finally encounter the thief, but the thief changes some Kandorian
birds into huge, winged monsters. Kal is taken by one of the birds, but Jor
rescues him. While the two capture the birds, the thief escapes.
Kal reminds Jor of the clue heÕd found in Kryptonian history, but the
thief has escaped from Kandor and the bottle containing it. Jor and Kal
also leave and go to warn their father of the menace. While Superman and
Jor use their powers to capture the animals mutated by the thief, Kal
wants to help, but is rebuffed because he doesnÕt have super-powers. Kal
takes a plane to the Fortress and uses a Legion Time Bubble to go to
Krypton before it blew up, where he learns of a gas that reverses the
mutation effect. Returning to the present, he finds his father and Jor
menaced by Kryptonite. When the thief appears, Kal sends him into the
Phantom Zone with the PZ Projector, and pulls his father and brother away
from the Green K. Kal no longer has his inferiority complex as a result of
this.
Continued Next Month!
========================================================
SUPER-CROSSWORD #1
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By Jon Knutson
jonknutson@aol.com
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|22 | |23 |XXX|24 | | | | |XXX| |XXX|
| | | |XXX| | | | | |XXX| |XXX|
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|
|XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX| |XXX|XXX|XXX|XXX| |XXX|
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
|XXX|25 | | | | | | | | | |XXX|
|XXX| | | | | | | | | | |XXX|
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
ACROSS:
1. Father of the Man of Steel
3. Bat-Villain
7. SuperboyÕs Greeting?
8. Mr. Kent, to His Friends
10.Portrayer of Superman, or Publisher
11.Villain of ÒPanic in the SkyÓ
13.Mr. L
15.Teri Plays Her
17.LegionÕs Adult Supervisor
20.BeppoÕs Species
22.Lois & Clark, The ___ Adventures of Superman
24.Editorial Color?
25.Kal-El, e.g.
DOWN:
1. Owner of Signal Watch
2. Hometown Girlfriend
3. Mr. Byrne
4. Short, Non-Committal Reply
5. She Came from Argo City
6. One Predominant Uniform Color
8. Initials of 1 Down
9. Conjunction
12.Dean Plays Him
14.Vision
16.MaggieÕs Force
17.Mr. Weisinger
18.Article
19.Earthling
21.Mr. Ellsworth, to His Friends
23.MongulÕs World
========================================================
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.
December Highlights:
Adventures of Superman picks up a new art team this month. With Barry
KitsonÕs departure to Azrael and Batman: Shadow of the Bat resulting in a
vacancy, Stuart Immonen and JoseÕ Marzan, Jr. step in to fill the void. You
may remember ImmonenÕs work as fill in for the two Superman issues of the
ÒBizarroÕs WorldÓ story. In the titles, we see some development of the minor
vampire thread from the past few months, as well as the introduction to a
few new villains, one of which is doing some heavy-duty dirt-digging on the
Man of Steel. Showcase Ô95 #2 features the conclusion of the Supergirl
story, Steel #12 finds John Henry Irons still in outer space and still having
problems with his armor, and Superboy #12 serves the Kid with some *really*
bad news! Finally, Guardians of Metropolis and Metropolis S.C.U. finish
their stories.
Rumors:
In the wake of all the growing speculation about the rapidly approaching
Superman #100, IÕve heard yet another rumor to fuel the fire. Previously, I
passed along the rumor that Superman #100 would be a Òred herringÓ wedding
issue Ñ it will be advertised as *the* wedding, but Lois will not show up
due to being kidnapped by Conduit. Now a new rumor has started Ñ DC is
going to *kill* Clark Kent! If you read my theory about what is going to
happen (from last issue), youÕll see that this might be SupermanÕs only
solution to the scenario I have outlined.
Also, Roger Stern was recently involved in an online discussion on AOL.
He mentioned the following tidbits. He is working (in the early stages) on
a Superman Elseworlds story set during the Civil War, is writing a story for
next yearÕs Superman Annual, and is writing a two-part Rose and Thorn story
for Showcase Ô95. Also on tap is an Elseworlds story by Chris Claremont and
Dusty Abell. Finally, he mentioned that Supergirl has as good a chance as any
to get an ongoing series Ñ her LS was well received. However, he believes
that someone else has plans for her near future. After several months of let
down in the Superman titles, IÕm actually looking forward to some stories again!
The information which follows is reprinted without permission from Diamond
Previews and is in no way meant to serve as a replacement for that magazine.
In fact, I strongly recommend that each reader find his or her own copy for
additional detailed information on the entire DC Universe!
1. List of Titles by Shipping Date:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Shipping date: Comic title and information:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ- ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
October 4: Action Comics #704
Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier
$1.50
Aquaman #3 (Superboy)
David, Egeland, & Vancata
$1.50
Metropolis S.C.U. #1 (of 4)
Goff, Krause, & Marzan, Jr.
Covers for series by Dusty Abell & Jackson Guice
$1.50
October 11: Superboy #10
K. Kesel, H. Ramos, & Hazlewood
$1.50
Superman: The Man of Steel #39
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
$1.50
October 18: DC Universe Poster (Superman, Steel)
by Alex Ross
22x34, $4.95
The Guardians of Metropolis #2 (of 4)
K. Kesel & Dwyer
$1.50
Superman #95
Jurgens & Breeding
$1.50
October 25: Adventures of Superman #518
K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy
$1.50
Steel #10
L. Simonson, Fosco, & Stegbaur
$1.50
November 1: Action Comics #705
Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier
$1.50
November 8: Metropolis S.C.U. #2 (of 4)
Goff, Krause, & Marzan, Jr.
Cover by Abell & Guice
$1.50
November 15: Superboy #11
E. Berganza, Grummett, & Hazlewood
$1.50
Superman: The Man of Steel #40
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janke
$1.50
November 22: The Guardians of Metropolis #3 (of 4)
K. Kesel, Dwyer, & Manley
$1.50
Superman #96
Jurgens & Breeding
$1.50
November 29: Adventures of Superman #519
K. Kesel, Kitson, & McCarthy
$1.50
Steel #11
L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber
$1.50
Xenobrood #3 (Superman)
Moench, Hunter, & Lowe
$1.50
December 6: Action Comics #706
Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier
$1.50
Anima #10 (Superboy)
Witcover & Hand, Crespo, & Blyberg
$1.50
Guy Gardner: Warrior #27 (Steel, Superman)
Beau Smith, Byrd, & D. Davis
$1.50
Metropolis S.C.U. #3 (of 4)
Goff, Krause, & Marzan Jr.
Cover by Abell & Guice
$1.50
Showcase Ô95 #1 (of 12)
Supergirl story
C. Moore, Immonen, & von Grawbadger
Cover by Grummett & Hazlewood
48 pgs, $2.50
December 13: Superboy #12
K. Kesel, Grummett, & D. Davis
$1.50
Superman: The Man of Steel #41
L. Simonson, Bogdanove, & Janson
$1.50
December 20: The Guardians of Metropolis #4 (of 4)
K. Kesel, Dwyer, & Manley
$1.50
Superman #97
Jurgens & Breeding
$1.50
December 27: Adventures of Superman #520
K. Kesel, Immonen, & Marzan, Jr.
$1.50
Steel #12
L. Simonson, Batista, & Faber
$1.50
Xenobrood #4 (Superman)
Moench, Hunter, & Lowe
$1.50
January 3: Action Comics #707
Michelinie, Guice, & Rodier
$1.50
Showcase Ô95 #2 (of 12)
Supergirl Story
C. Moore, Immonen, & von Grawbadger
48 pgs, $2.50
January 10: Metropolis S.C.U. #4 (of 4)
Goff, Krause, & Marzan, Jr.
Cover by Abell & Guice
$1.50
2. Merchandise:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
For more information on how to find these items, consult your local comic
shop dealer.
Superman: Kryptonic Gym T-Shirt
From Graphitti Designs
Bend steel in your bare hands? It might just become a reality if you
deck yourself out in this t-shirt. High style design with a chain-
bustinÕ Fleischer-era Superman image in the center. Screen printed
in full-color on a black shirt.
L-XL, $17.95
Superman Metal Signs
From Tin Signs International
These four-color embossed metal signs reproduce classic color images
from the Golden Age of comics. All measure approximately 11Óx8Ó and
feature gold-lacquered beveled edges, heavy chipboard backing, and
easel backs and hanging cords. Great for dorm rooms, office walls,
and nostalgia-themed restaurants! Signs available include Action
Comics #52, Action Comics #107, Superman #24, and Superman #59.
$14.95 each
Superman 8x10 Hologram
From Lightrix
This outstanding, multi-stage Òred beamÓ hologram captures a stunning
3-D image of the Man of Steel! Ships matted and ready to frame,
complete with instructions for illumination and display. Measures
approximately 8Óx10Ó (image area: 5Óx5Ó).
$24.00
Ken McKee also provided me with the following (partial) list of Superman North
American licensees, up to date as of January 1993:
Superman and Superman Collegiate: Boys and menÕs woven/knit shirts, sweaters,
vests, trousers, shorts and outerwear, MenÕs silk/poly neckwear:
Fashion Corp.
990 S. Rogers Circle
Suite 10
Boca Raton, FL 33487
T 214/348-7400
Bandanas: Adult watches:
L. D. Weiss M Z Berger
2140 Lakeview Lane 33-00 Northern Blvd.
Skaneaties, NY 13152 Long Island City, NY 11101
T 315/685-0821 T 718/361-7720
Limited edition sculptures:
Ron LeeÕs World of Clowns
2180 Agate Court
Simi Valley, CA 93065
T 805/520-8460
Holographic bookmarks, holographic keyrings, holographic stickers, and
holographic photopolymer film:
Lightrix, Inc.
377 Oyster Point Blvd.
Unit 11 (thatÕs Unit 11)
San Francisco, CA 94080
Posters, buttons, acrylic key rings, coloring poster packs, bookbites,
wallet cards:
OSP Publishing
1001 Monterey Pass Road
Monterey Park, CA 91754
If anyone wants their own copy of the licensee list just write to DC at 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522.
In addition, you can get a catalog from the Superman Museum by writing to
Super Museum
517 Market St.
Metropolis, IL 62960
(for catalog send it ATTN: Mail Order)
(618) 524-5518
3. Spoilers:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ
December 13:
ÑÑÑÑÑ-
Superboy #12
ItÕs up to Superboy to save Rex Leech from the coils of Copperhead.
But this may be the least of the KidÕs problems, as Superboy makes
most horrifying discovery of his young life: he has to go to school!
Superman: The Man of Steel #41
Her bloodthirst consuming her, Babe becomes more and more of a threat
to an amorous Jimmy Olsen. Plus, a mysterious figure known only as
ÔLock watches and waits...with unknown intentions. This issue is
inked by Klaus (Batman/Spawn: War Devil) Janson.
December 20:
ÑÑÑÑÑ-
The Guardians of Metropolis #4
Boss Moxie and DarkseidÕs Female Furies invade Project Cadmus! Their
goals: to kidnap the Newsboys, find the secret of immortality, and
kill anyone who opposes them.
Superman #97
Shadow-Dragon makes his first appearance in Metropolis, where he
steals classified information from STAR Labs...secret data concerning
the Man of Steel. Plus, a hundred thieves gather at BibboÕs Ace of
Clubs.
December 27:
ÑÑÑÑÑ-
Adventures of Superman #520
Artists Stuart Immonen and JoseÕ Marzan, Jr. form the new regular
art team on Adventures! At precisely midnight, 100 crimes are
committed by 100 criminals Ñ too many even for Superman to cope
with! Plus, ÔLock continues to offer help to the enchanted Babe
and Jimmy Olsen.
Steel #12
Lost in space with an unstable suit of armor, Steel struggles to
stop an alien invasion as his air supply begins to run out. And
even Maxima from the Justice League may not be able to help him.
Xenobrood #4
Superman guest-stars, teching the Xenobrood a lesson in strength
before joining them for the final battle against the Bestiary and
an entire Middle-Eastern army.
January 3:
ÑÑÑÑ-
Action Comics #707
Struggling against the villainÕs apparently mystical abilities,
Superman battles Shadow Dragon as the industrial spy continues to
gather more deadly information about the Man of Steel.
Showcase Ô95 #2
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Supergirl is all that stands
between Lord Dichon and widespread death and destruction. Unable to
take control of her shape-shifting body, Dichon sets in motion a new
plan that will destroy a city.
January 10:
ÑÑÑÑÑ
Metropolis S.C.U. #4
Trapped within an impenetrable ecosphere, Maggie Sawyer is locked
in a brutal struggle with the mad Dr. Brazil, who will poison the
atmosphere irrevocably unless Sawyer and the Special Crimes Unit
can stop him!
========================================================
End of Section 5
========================================================
LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
UP, UP, AND COMING:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
Here we go with the premiere edition of our Lois and Clark features! I donÕt
have much ÒinsideÓ information to add about upcoming episodes, so my words will
be short. Obviously, the show wasnÕt able to get Jason Alexander, as Bronson
Pinchot tackled ÒThe Prankster,Ó and for some reason, the Morgan Edge facet
of Intergang was changed to Bill Church Ñ as was also indicated by the new
title of the episode, ÒChurch of Metropolis.Ó
I told you IÕd be brief, so IÕll now hand off the reins to the coordinator
of this section. Hopefully, IÕll have some new info for you next month Ñ
watch then for reviews of ÒThe SourceÓ, ÒThe PranksterÓ, and ÒChurch of
Metropolis.Ó (And probably of the episode to air on October 30.)
Jeff
========================================================
WALL OF SOUND
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
by Johanna L. Draper
Welcome to the Lois and Clark review section, a newly expanded feature here
in the Kryptonian Cybernet. IÕm Johanna, your section director. Some months
IÕll be reviewing the episodes, some months just editing other peopleÕs
reviews, but IÕll always be bringing you the best in opinion. And no, we
donÕt have a catchy title yet (Hint, hint)!
This monthÕs review is brief. Hey, when youÕre moving into a new place,
there are lots of things to take care of: rearranging the furniture, hanging
the curtains, making sure everything works together. And it *always* takes
longer than youÕd like. So, my notes on ÒWall of SoundÓ.
IÕve heard that this season the show will be concentrating more on its comic
book roots. This show appears to be one thatÕs been so transplanted. Lois
is struck down, along with a bank full of others, by a villain who can generate
a variety of sounds, including one that causes the hearers to instantly fall
asleep. On their way to figure out which one of two possible scientists is
the culprit, Lois goes undercover as a groupie and Clark gets nominated for
the reporting award Lois always wins.
The romantic by-play is well-done, as always, although the cheesecake quotient
is a bit high. Along with LoisÕ leather vest & shorts (her groupie costume),
there are the blond Amazonian bouncers that protect the rock club that doubles
as the villainÕs hideout. What a villain, though! Michael Des Barres has
always been a favorite of mine. Last seen regularly on ÒThe New WKRP in
CincinnatiÓ as a jaded DJ, he plays those in the music biz well, probably
owing to his personal experience as a musician. His performance made the
episode for me, taking a typical comic book villain one step further. His
low-key cynicism means that the ÒLois gets capturedÓ scene was fun instead of
teeth-gritting.
Speaking of which, LoisÕ characterization in this episode radiated a quiet
confidence. The opening scene, where sheÕs enthusiastic about the upcoming
awards, shows self-possession instead of smugness. (If I could be that cool
and yet friendly when asking guys out!) Similarly with her going undercover Ñ
weÕve seen this a thousand times, but I was willing to play along when Clark
discovers Lois at the club.
Which brings me to the low point of the episode: the leathers. I know budget
is always a concern for costumers; whoever did this episode should pay more
attention next time, since they apparently spent all their money on that
outfit. After all, why else would Lois not think to bring other clothes to
the office, or find time to change? (Although she did manage to touch up her
makeup several times.)
Thinking back on the episode, IÕm beginning to understand those who complain
that we donÕt see enough of Superman. I donÕt really remember any scenes that
he was in; none of them stuck with me. Personally, I donÕt mind, since the
kind of by-play that was previously found in Moonlighting thrills me to no end,
but a better balance needs to be struck. IÕm not the target audience, and
bait-and-switch isnÕt a great game to be playing. Although if the choice is
less Superman or the loss of the friendship and camaraderie between Lois and
Clark, I know which one IÕd sacrifice.
Comments always welcome at dancer@aurora.cis.upenn.edu.
Johanna
========================================================
AND WHO DISGUISED AS...:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
by J.D. Rummel (rummel@phoenix.creighton.edu)
Will"Lois & Clark" Ever Improve?
WARNING: IÕm gonna summarize the season opener,"Madame Ex_, here. I saw
it once, didnÕt tape it, and therefore some of the things I mention here
may be mildly erroneous. DonÕt get all anal on me, I donÕt make crazy
mistakes like Doomsday was there or there was gratuitous nudity, so bear
with me, please.
The show opens with a re-cap of the season finale: We see quick clips of
Luthor taking over the planet, Lois agreeing to marry him, Supes trapped
in the Kryptonite cage, Perry busting-up the nuptials, Luthor plunging to
his doom and ClarkÕs inability to rescue him.
Next we witness Emma Samms at some midnight rendezvous with a plastic
surgeon and Òthe MummyÕs sisterÓ. Those viewers with IQÕs over two digits
will immediately grasp that this person will be unraveled to look like
somebody special. Sure enough, itÕs Teri Hatcher (Lois) with a blond wig.
Samms proceeds to plant hot lead between the bad doctorÕs eyes. What evil
is the lovely Ms. Samms planning? Roll opening graphics.
During the credits we see a construction worker get knocked off a
high-rise framework and do a screaming gainer toward the pavement. Enter
Superman, who catches him (in what I remember as being the correct way to
do it if one factors in basic physics) and lowers him to the ground and
the mixed reaction of the crowd below. During the hiatus an anti-Superman
sentiment has been growing in Metropolis. Many feel that Superman failed
the city by ÒlettingÓ Luthor die. The stage is set.
The show progresses with Lois and Clark looking into the murder of the
plastic surgeon, the advent of Ms. Samms as the new psychology columnist for
the Planet, and eye-witness accusations that Lois has slipped a cog after the
loss of Lex and is going around town acting the fool (we, of course, know itÕs
LoisÕs look-alike).
In one nice scene, Denise Crosby (as Gretchen Kelly) and Samms lovingly
address a vat containing pulped Lex. Samms is in fact an ex of Lex
who is exacting revenge on Lois for. . .living, or not marrying Lex or
almost marrying Lex, or something.
At some point ABC News interrupts to tell us that nothing is happening in
Haiti. We arenÕt sending in troops, thereÕs no violence in the streets, Carter
hasnÕt been sacrificed to an evil Loa, NOTHING is happening (President
Johnson used to do the same kind of crap. Saturday mornings I would be
waiting for"Space Ghost"and that big-eared, Texas Democrat would come
on and address the nation. Why? Stupidity I guess. But thatÕs a tale for
another time).
As"Lois & Clark"returns, it is revealed that Emma is using subliminal
messages in her column to make Metropolis hateful towards Superman. Her final
plan is to see Lois set-up for the murder of Superman. This is almost carried
out when Lois is kidnapped and drugged by the"faux"Lois and Doc Emma.
Superman, who has discovered the straight poop on Emma flies to the rescue
only to take a Kryptonite slug in the shoulder.
With the assistance of the wounded Superman, Lois wakes from her drugged
state and pulls out the poisonous bullet. Superman mends instantly but
weakened by the exposure to green K has a rough time chasing down the fleeing
criminals. Desperate to escape, the two truck-jack a tanker rig, lose
control and the still shaky Superman is barely able to prevent the whole
thing from sliding into a playground (some decent effects here). The bad
people go to jail, the good people come back in next weekÕs episode (which
was, I swear to God, pre-empted by a political debate here in
OmahaÑstupidity never dies). The final scene was quite good, portraying
Crosby whispering sweet assurance to Lex under glass.
If I sound a little (or a lot) flip above, itÕs because this show has
great potential and I was quite disappointed by the season opener.
Although itÕs a sensation IÕm getting used to with this show. Maybe I
should be grateful. I was concerned that the atmosphere established by the
departing Deborah Joy LeVine would be lost to the new producers. However,
the romantic flavor of the first season was tightly in place. Oddly, there
was no sign of Alan Brennert the sci-fi guy I was expecting to produce. I
hope if/when he does arrive we are saved from pseudo science. LetÕs see a
show of hands: Who here believes that anyone can be made to look exactly
like Teri Hatcher by virtue of surgery (Look ma, no scars, no
discoloration, just off come the bandages and presto!)? If this were
possible do you know how many people would look like Elvis, or Teri
Hatcher for that matter? Furthermore, while I cannot say I am experienced
in working with subliminal messages, why does my spider-sense tingle at
the idea that one dinky column in the Planet is going to whip the public
into such a lather? I, for one, am tired of the writers foisting this
sort of crap on us. CÕmon, when do we get to engage our brains on this
show? I like looking at Teri well enough, I enjoy the chemistry between
the principals, but could someone try to make me think that some of this
stuff could happen? Is that so much to ask? The season opener was tired
and weak, and IÕd be real generous if I gave it a ÒC.Ó
I did like the idea that Gretchen Kelly is on board staring at and talking
to Lex-in-the-vat; as a man with a libido I enjoyed having Emma Samms on.
There were some more of the nice moments between Lois and Clark, but the
idea that folks might be xenophobic regarding Superman while accurate, was
poorly handled. How about if some ideas were carried over to future
episodes? IÕm sure itÕs going to be done with tub oÕ Lex, why not some
other themes? Jeepers Mr. Kent, another good idea shot to hell by the
writers of Lois and Clark! I really wish that sometime the writers would
take some time and tell real stories about a man from another planet in
love with an earth woman that donÕt involve dumbing ourselves down.
Which brings me to the comments of my fellow columnist, Zoomway, whose
debut last month touched on the psychology of Lois and Clark, the possible
sexual physics as well as some of the fantasy aspects. IÕm running long
here, but she brought up some things that I think need addressing: the
concept of romance as presented by"Lois & Clark", as well as Superman as
fantasy. Next month.
Away.
========================================================
MADAME EX: A Review
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
by Zoomway
I will leave the summarizing of this episode in the more than capable hands
of my KC colleague, J.D. Rummel. My purpose here is merely to review the
episode, and donÕt worry, itÕs not likely that I will handle many reviews
but because I am only one of a handful of contributors to this distinguished
publication who actually saw the whole episode uninterrupted, I get to play
Siskel and Ebert just this once.
IÕd like to preface my comments by saying that I anxiously awaited the return
of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman with mixed feelings. I
knew Michael Landes would not be returning as Jimmy Olsen, and that Tracy
Scoggins would not be returning as Cat Grant. There was also the pre-season
debacle rumors of the romance being placed on the back-burner in favor of
more action. As protests mounted, the new production staff raised the white
flag and said that the romance would still be there.
My other fear manifested itself in the form of the writing team chosen to pen
the premiere episode. Tony Blake and Paul Jackson had written only one first
season Lois and Clark script, The Rival. This is one episode I despise for a
variety of reasons, but mainly because it was the first and last episode
watched by some CBS channel surfers who were looking for entertainment due to
the Winter Olympics eclipsing their usual CBS programs.
The Monday after The Rival aired, I saw one post after another from
first-time viewers of Lois and Clark. Many asked loyal fans how they could
stand this program. They thought Lois Lane was an hysterical maniac and that
Clark Kent was a smug, insensitive idiot. And those were the nice comments!
So, when I discovered this team would be giving us the premiere episode, all
I could think of was a quote from RHODAN: ÒI could feel my flesh crawling.Ó
(RHODAN was better than The Rival)
I am happy to report, however, Blake and Jackson did a better job with
Madame Ex. It was not a great episode but it is somewhat in the same class
as Ides of Metropolis from last season. An episode that had action
interlaced with talky
dull spots. Madame Ex, though, had a rather nice, but
brief, scene between Lois and Superman (maybe nice isnÕt the right word since
Lois was gouging a bullet out of SupermanÕs shoulder but Ides of Metropolis
had almost no Lois and Clark/Superman intimate interaction at all). Kind of
a scary reach when I have to call a bullet gouging scene an intimate moment. Several factors worked against Madame Ex, however, and they had nothing to do
with the writing. This episode, being the first to come after the season
ender, had the technical task of tying up loose ends. We had to find out how
Lois and Clark were getting along after we discovered that Lois had finally
admitted to herself that her feelings for Clark went a lot deeper than
friendship. The resolution of this loose end was perhaps the episodeÕs most
disappointing aspect.
Lois, while in Doctor CarlinÕs office, recounts some of the events which lead
to her near marriage to Lex Luthor. She spoke of the confession of love
Clark made to her and that he had recanted the statement. When Dr. Carlin
asks Lois what her relationship with Clark is currently, Lois says, ÒFor a
second I thought there might be something between us.Ó For a SECOND?!
MIGHT be?!
Let us not forget that the ONLY reason Lois dumped Lex Luthor at the altar
was because she became overwhelmed by warm and fuzzy feelings for Clark.
Even while she was preparing for the wedding she stood weeping, and then
sobbed, ÒLois Lane Kent.Ó I would think that a woman who would link her name
with a man she was not even marrying had feelings which lasted more than a
second!
Many fans saw this as an attempt to place the romance back at square one.
Clark chasing Lois and Lois chasing Superman, and, so far at least, that
seems to have been its purpose. IÕm not completely disappointed by this turn
of events. I believe that Lois will never get over Superman until she
finally gets to the point where she sees him as a real man and not just a
fantasy ideal she can escape reality through. Maybe this will be addressed
this season, and if so, the ploy of setting things back to square one may not
be such a bad idea after all. On the other hand, if events simply become a
replay of last season, and nothing moves forward, then it will be a cheat of
the worst kind.
My final thoughts on the episode are that it was not really bad at all but
it was hardly premiere caliber either. Also, I did not like the gratuitous
use of ClarkÕs power, i.e. sucking back the taxi cab. I find it kind of hard
to believe that Clark would use his powers so blatantly in public and that
the cab driver would make no mention of the incident.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not address Justin WhalinÕs take on Jimmy
Olsen. I have said before that Whalin was given a rather thankless job. He
has to win the hearts of the fans who have become attached to the Michael
Landes rendition of the same role. The fact that Landes was fired because he
did not have the necessary teen heartthrob cuteness to net the regulation
amount of pre-pubescent girls only served to make his departure that much
more bitter [and the fact that he resembled Dean Cain too much - Ed].
Whalin seemed out of place at the Daily Planet. Some fans even asked who he
was supposed to be and where was Jimmy Olsen. When they learned that Whalin
ÔwasÕ Jimmy Olsen, they were stunned. All of the wonderful rapport that had
been built up between Jimmy and Perry White was more or less destroyed by the
casting change. A key element of chemistry was missing. This guy just looks
too young to be palling around with Lois and Clark, or to even be working
in a newsroom. It is true that Whalin is not that much younger than Landes
but he does appear a great deal younger. This type of jarring change is
never good for a TV show and hopefully it wonÕt take long for Whalin to hit
his stride or, at the very least, for the writers to make him more endearing.
We can only hope.
========================================================
I DONÕT WANT TO SET THE WORLD ON FIRE
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
by Zoomway
IÕm afraid I made a rather incendiary statement in my last article SEX AND
AERODYNAMIC BROOMSTICKS. To wit:
ÒHe [Clark] wants to be a husband and father. Even if I had known nothing
about the Superman legend, I would have guessed by this one statement that
Clark Kent was an alien. I have never, in my life heard a man say that. Now
had he said he wanted to be a millionaire before he was thirty, or never
settle down, IÕd believe he was a human, American male, but to pick a role
that seems to be vanishing from the landscape in an era when many kids never
get to know their biological dads is truly endearing, and unfortunately a
fantasy.
From David R. Linn:
ÒYou need to hang out with a better class of man. IÕve not only said this
myself, but IÕve heard male friends say it.Ó
My beloved editor, Jeff Sykes added:
ÒThere are quite a few of us who are *supremely* interested in settling
down Ñ being a good husband and father. Personally, I can imagine no
greater feeling.Ó
These two statements gladdened me no end. I was very pleased that real
ÔsuperÕ men exist. Actually I know they do because IÕve met uncounted dozens
of them all over the Internet, and out of cyberspace as well. A kind of
warmth and caring that seems to be making a slow, but steady comeback.
I do admit that I knew at the time I wrote this statement, it would be
inflammatory. Though I never wrote it with the intention of causing
discomfort to anyone, but rather, I wrote it in an attempt to hear from
those who either agreed (mostly women) and those who disagreed (mostly men).
One woman, Heather McQuillin wrote:
ÒI hate to think youÕre right, but I work in day care, and though most of the
kids know who their biological dads are, IÕd say over eighty percent of them
never hear from them, and many of these kids are on Welfare, because their
dads donÕt live up to their financial obligations where their children are
concerned.Ó
Catherine Brown wrote:
ÒAs a teacher it bothers me to see young boys who seem to think that if they
make a girl pregnant, they are big men. They father children, but have no
concept of what it means to be a dad. The girls they impregnate usually drop
out and end up on Welfare, and the boys who made them pregnant just become
Ôsperm donorsÕ elsewhere. But donÕt generalize either! Some of these boys
do have their heads on straight and IÕm sure will one day make responsible
husbands and fathers.Ó
Lastly, Brandy Broussard wrote:
ÒOh, God! All of what you said is so true! Even when they donÕt mention
wanting to be millionaires, they try and pretend they already are. I met
one guy who said he was driving a Celica because his Porche was in for
repairs! Why do they think weÕll be impressed by crap like this? IÕd be
happy to have the Celica instead of the beat up old Volare IÕm stuck with.
My boyfriend left me two years ago when I was six months pregnant saying,
ÒIÕm not ready for this.Ó Well excuse me! I had no choice but to be ready
for this. There is a happy ending to this though. I met a man last year
who was a real life Clark Kent. He wanted a home and family and he loves my
little boy. WeÕre engaged and plan to marry in November.Ó
That is a happy ending. I truly believe there is no greater hero than a
real dad. My own dad passed away a short while ago, but he was a hero to me
in every sense of the word. When other dads couldnÕt be budged from their
chairs on the weekends because of this or that sporting event, my dad was
there for me and my sister; whether it was giving airplane rides, helping us
set up a Kool-Aid stand, or just pretending we were being a big help when he
was doing yard work, he was there. ThatÕs a dad and thatÕs a hero.
So, in closing, IÕd like to thank Jeff and David for being so candid about
their points of view, but mostly because they made a liar out of me. Also,
I should mention that even though Jeff Sykes is my editor and disagreed with
my point of view, he made absolutely no attempt to get me to do a re-write
of my opinion. Now even Perry White isnÕt that liberal!
Zoomway (the chagrined)
========================================================
End of Section 6
========================================================
LETTERS
ÑÑÑ-
My responses below are indicated by indentation and beginning with ***.
**********
From: Eric Hitchco*ck <hitchwe@mail.auburn.edu>
Thanks for the latest KC - it was an enjoyable read. Minor correction
- I believe the company that purchased the rights to Superman from Siegel
and Shuster was actually named National Periodical or something similar
at the time. My memory fails me at the moment, but I donÕt believe the
company became ÒDC ComicsÓ until many years later.
*** Action Comics, according to OverstreetÕs Comic Book Price Guide, was
published by National Periodical Publications, then by Detective Comics,
which became DC Comics. I could not find the dates when the changes in
the company name took place.
Incidentally, in regards to a letter last month. The same edition of
Overstreet (#21) confirms that Action #1 did have four pages missing
which were later printed in Superman #1.
**********
From: Steven Winnett <swinnett@BBN.COM>
Great job on the Kryptonian Cybernet; itÕs fun to read and very informative.
*** I always love to *hear* from our readers that we are doing something
that is both well done and appreciated!
My suggestion: What about having some sort of marketplace section where
potential buyers and sellers of Superman family comics can get together?
This would be especially helpful for those of use who are looking for back
issues. Which brings me to another question: does DC itself stock back issues?
If so, how does one acquire them?
*** Believe it or not, a classified section was one of the original suggestions
made when we first started planning KC. If there was enough interest in
such a section (and someone to maintain it Ñ it would be just too much for
me too tackle right now), I donÕt see why we couldnÕt add it. Meanwhile,
I suggest you check out rec.arts.comics.marketplace if you have access to
the Usenet.
As to DC stocking back issues, it is my understanding that they donÕt.
Keep up the great work. Between your efforts and those of David T. Chappell on
the Superman FAQ and List, itÕs impossible to remain uninformed on this topic.
Also, please ignore that recent poster on rec.arts.comics.misc about the
Cybernet being posted there - I for one donÕt have access to the alt. Groups,
and neither do a lot of other people, so this posting is very valuable.
*** I wonÕt dismiss his arguments Ñ KC is *very* long, and some people have to
pay for their access. But nonetheless, KC *does* belong on racm, as was
pointed out by several other ÒnameÓ posters! (It made me feel so accepted
to be defended by the Òbig gunsÓ of the rac hierarchy! :)
Jeff
========================================================
RESOURCES
ÑÑÑÑ-
This section of the magazine supplies information concerning how to obtain
Superman files via different Internet resources such as ftp, e-mail, and WWW.
The first section lists known files available at different ftp sites and AOL
archives. The second provides information on subscribing to Superman-related
mailing lists. The third section gives a brief tutorial in how to use ftp
and, for those of you whose systems doesnÕt support ftp (AOL and CompuServe,
for example), how you may obtain ftp files via e-mail.
For those of you reading this via the Usenet or a bulletin board service,
THE KRYPTONIAN CYBERNET is available through e-mail direct to your mailbox!
To join the growing list of subscribers (now 360+ readers!), drop me a note
by e-mail at
sykes@ms.uky.edu
with a subject of
KC:SUBSCRIBE
and include the e-mail address to which you would like the issues mailed
in the body of the message.
New: The index. See the introduction to the magazine in the first section
for more info.
Needed: If you know of any other Superman-related Internet resources,
please let me know. I would also like to find one site at which
we could archive all of the files below as well as past issues of KC.
I understand that some of these files are available from other online
services (Compuserve, etc) Ñ could a user from one of these services
provide me with information on the locations of such files?
1. Files Available:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Future issues will include only additions and corrections to the following
index. (Number) indicates the size of the file. Note that capitalization
is important on some of the sites.
FTP Availability:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no
Directory: /pub/Comics/Fanzines
Files: KC.readme (675) - information about the files in the
directory
KC.All.94.zip (242870) - a zipped file containing issues #1-5
KC.May.94 (82180) - Issue #1, May 1994
KC.June.94 (113802) - Issue #2, June 1994
KC.July.94 (130896) - Issue #3, July 1994
KC.August.94 (145698) - Issue #4, August 1994
KC.September.94 (154368) - Issue #5, September 1994
(OctoberÕs issue will be added shortly.)
Site: phoenix.creighton.edu
Directory: /pub/zines/kc
Files: Mirrors (contains exactly the same files as) ftp.dhhalden.no
(SeptemberÕs issue is not there yet.)
Site: ftp.catt.ncsu.edu
Directory: /pub/FAQs
Files: Superman.ComicList (29891) - David T. ChappellÕs list of
Superman stories
Superman.FAQ (46545) - David T. ChappellÕs Superman FAQ
(older version)
ZeroHour.FAQ (52448) - David T. ChappellÕs Zero Hour FAQ
(older version)
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no
Directory: /pub/Comics/FAQ
Files: Superman.FAQ (48365) - David T. ChappellÕs Superman FAQ
ZeroHour.FAQ (56180) - David T. ChappellÕs Zero Hour FAQ
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no
Directory: /pub/Comics/Film_and_TV
Files: LC.EpGuide1 (9545) - Jeffery D. SykesÕ first season episode
guide for Lois & Clark
LC1.zip (117213) - a zipped file containing the first season
episode guide and all summaries
Summaries:
LCSumm1.01 (19463) - Premiere
LCSumm1.02-03 (23013) - Strange Visitor & Neverending Battle
LCSumm1.04-05 (19738) - IÕm Looking Through You & Requiem For A
Super-Hero
LCSumm1.06-07 (23143) - IÕve Got A Crush On You & Smart Kids
LCSumm1.08-09 (28925) - The Green, Green Glow Of Home & The Man
Of Steel Bars
LCSumm1.10-11 (28303) - Pheromone, My Lovely & Honeymoon In
Metropolis
LCSumm1.12-13 (31310) - All Shook Up & Witness
LCSumm1.14-15 (29957) - Illusions of Grandeur & The Ides of
Metropolis
LCSumm1.16-17 (31896) - Foundling & The Rival
LCSumm1.18-19 (24190) - Vatman & Fly Hard
LCSumm1.20-21 (20871) - Barbarians At The Planet & The House
Of Luthor
(Second season files will be available soon.)
Site: ftp.dhhalden.no
Directory: /pub/Comics/Reference
Files: Superman_in_Songs_Index.txt (9410) - A list of Superman references
in popular music.
Site: ftp.hyperion.com
Directory: /pub/TV/Lois-and-Clark
Files: CAPE-01.GIF (8871) - a 312x230 screen capture of the cape from
the opening credits
CAT-G-1.GIF (17351) - a 312x230 screen capture of Tracy Scoggins
from the opening credits
CAT-G-2.GIF (16507) - a 312x230 screen capture of Tracy Scoggins
from the opening credits
CAT-G-3.GIF (16606) - a 312x230 screen capture of Tracy Scoggins
from the opening credits
CAT-G-4.GIF (23007) - a 312x240 screen capture of Cat Grant
holding a blue teddy (from ÒFly HardÓ)
CAT-G-5.GIF (21785) - a 312x240 screen capture of Cat
holding a red teddy (from ÒFly HardÓ)
CAT-G-6.GIF (21372) - a 312x240 screen capture of Cat
holding a red teddy (from ÒFly HardÓ)
CAT-G-7.GIF (20369) - a 312x240 screen capture of Cat
holding a blue teddy (from ÒFly HardÓ)
CAT-G-8.GIF (77209) - a 640x480 screen capture of Cat
(blown up - low quality)
CAT-G-9.GIF (75710) - a 640x480 screen capture of Cat
(blown up - low quality)
CLARK00.GIF (17741) - a 312x230 screen capture of Dean Cain from
the opening credits
CLARK01.GIF (21338) - a 312x230 screen capture of Clark at a
desk in a t-shirt
CLARKFLY.GIF (13462) - a 312x230 screen capture of Clark flying
in a suit from the opening credits
JACK-01.GIF (15458) - a 312x230 screen capture of Jack on the
telephone (from ÒFly HardÓ?)
JIMMYO-1.GIF (12599) - a 312x230 screen capture of Michael Landes
from the opening credits
JIMMYO-2.GIF (12642) - a 312x230 screen capture of Michael Landes
from the opening credits
JIMMYO-3.GIF (12427) - a 312x230 screen capture of Michael Landes
from the opening credits
JIMMYO-4.GIF (12161) - a 312x230 screen capture of Michael Landes
from the opening credits
L&C-001.GIF (156870) - a 360x413 newspaper(?) photo of Lois in a
black dress and Superman
L&C-FLY1.GIF (23445) - a 312x230 screen capture of Superman flying
Lois into the newsroom (from credits)
L&C-FLY2.GIF (13929) - a 312x230 screen capture of Superman flying
Lois into the newsroom (from credits)
L&C-FLY3.GIF (47839) - a 640x480 screen capture of Superman flying
with Lois in front of the Daily Planet
L&C-LOG1.GIF (20513) - a 312x230 screen capture of the TV title
logo from the opening credits
L&C-LOG2.GIF (20157) - a 312x230 screen capture of the TV title
logo from the opening credits
L&C-LOG3.GIF (141043) - a 640x480 screen capture of the TV title
logo from the opening credits
L&C-SUP1.GIF (169777) - a 288x712 newspaper/magazine(?) photo of
Dean Cain in Superman outfit
L&C-SUP2.GIF (49452) - a 228x223 photo of DC in Superman costume
L&C-SUP3.GIF (47638) - a 408x286 photo of DC in Superman costume
(great quality compared to most of these)
L&C-SUP4.GIF (127720) - a 336x466 B&W photo of DC in tank top
with S-shield tattoo
LANALANG.GIF (23840) - a 276x200 screen capture of Stacy Haiduk
from the Superboy series (a few yrs old)
LEX-L-01.GIF (19219) - a 312x230 screen capture of John Shea
from the opening credits
LEX-L-02.GIF (17618) - a 312x230 screen capture of John Shea
from the opening credits
LEX-L-03.GIF (17239) - a 312x230 screen capture of John Shea
from the opening credits
LOIS-01.GIF (15286) - a 312x230 screen capture of Teri Hatcher
from the opening credits
cain.jpg (107338) - a 748x769 photo of Dean Cain reclining
against a tree
hatch.jpg (35840) - a 441x600 photo of Teri wearing a low-cut
blue dress and wearing her hair up
llane.gif (259566) - a 488x769 photo of Teri wearing a blue
and white shirt
llane02.jpg (192706) - a 500x600 photo of Teri wearing a black
dress with spaghetti straps
lnc-01.jpg (128100) - a 451x645 B&W photo of Lois and Clark with
a 3D color rendition of the showÕs logo
lnc-02.jpg (81682) - a 480x600 B&W photo of Lois and Clark with
a 3D background (of the logo)
lois.jpg (29696) - a 640x480 B&W photo of Lex, Lois, and Clark
yet another cleavage shot
PVG Photos:
The remaining pictures are from Perfect Vision Graphics and are
generally the best quality pictures on the site.
lois-c1.gif (272144) - a 1024x768 photo of Superman with his cape
wrapped around Lois
lois-c2.gif (197376) - a 1024x768 photo of Lois back to back with
Clark, who is holding a newspaper
lois-c3.gif (246138) - a 1024x768 photo of Lois opening ClarkÕs
shirt from behind, exposing the S-shield
lois-c4.gif (369992) - a 1024x768 B&W photo of Teri and Dean, each
sporting a tattoo of the S-shield (the
tattoos are in color)
lois-c5.gif (153917) - a 1024x768 photo of Dean in a suit and Teri
in a sleeveless dress
lois-c6.gif (97664) - a 1024x768 photo of Teri sitting up on
DeanÕs shoulder
lois-c7.gif (316672) - a 1024x768 photo of Clark holding the globe
(lighted) from ÒFoundlingÓ
loisclrk.gif (234496) - a 1024x768 photo of Superman flying through
a hoop towards Lois, both puckered up
pvcain.gif (403968) - a 1024x768 photo of Dean reclining against
a tree (the same photo as cain.jpg)
The dhhalden, catt, and creighton sites can also be reached by gopher.
Mosaic users can access the catt and dhhalden sites via the following WWW
pages: ftp://ftp.catt.ncsu.edu/pub/misc and ftp://ftp.dhhalden.no/pub/Comics.
AOL Availability:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
Issue #1 of the Kryptonian Cybernet (May 1994) is now available in the Science
Fiction/Comics archive. (Keyword: SCIENCE FICTION) I will upload the
remaining back issues in the next few weeks. I will also be uploading my
Lois and Clark Episode Guides and Summaries in the near future, also to the
Science Fiction/Comics archive.
2. Mailing Lists:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
Lois And Clark Discussion List:
This list is dedicated to the new television show"Lois and Clark: The New
Adventures of Superman_, starring Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher. To subscribe,
send a message to LISTSERV@TREARN.BITNET with no subject and a body of
SUB LOISCLA <your name>
I donÕt think it matters whether you place your name or your address in the
<your name> field. I subscribed with my address there, but IÕm certain others
must have used their user names/nicknames/real names/etc.
Comics-L Mailing List:
This is a discussion list of comics in general. It doesnÕt have much on
Superman, but occasionally there is something there. It is a digest type
of mailing list, so you only receive mail from it a few times a week.
To subscribe, send a message to LISTSERV@UNLVM.UNL.EDU or to
LISTSERV@UNLVM.BITNET with no subject and the message:
sub COMICS-L <Your Name>
With this one, they actually want a name and not an address.
3. Basics of ftp and ftp via e-mail:
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ
FTP
Ñ-
The following easy steps will allow you to obtain any of the files listed
above. First determine the site at which the file is located. Type into
your terminal:
ftp <site name>
This will log you into the ftp system. At the login prompt, enter
ÒanonymousÓ and for your password enter your e-mail address. Then determine
the directory in which the file is located. Type:
cd <directory>
This will place you in the correct directory. To list the files available
in the current directory, use the ÒlsÓ command. There may be more files
than can fit on the screen at once. IÕm sorry, but I really donÕt know
what to do about this. Any help?
Finally, to obtain a given file in the current directory, type
get <filename>
If you want files in another directory, start over with the ÒcdÓ command.
If you want to transfer to another site, type ÒquitÓ and then start over
from the beginning. Alternately, you may use the ÒcloseÓ command to exit
the current site. Then you can type
open <site name>
to move into a new site. The remaining steps are the same as above. The
only advantage to this is that you do not exit the ftp shell.
If you want more information about ftp, search your system manuals or
contact your sysadmin.
FTP BY E-MAIL
ÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
If your system does not support ftp, you may still obtain these files via
e-mail. Select the files that you wish to obtain and note their directories.
You will need to repeat the following procedure for each directory in each
site.
E-Mail a message to either ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com or
ftpmail@sunsite.unc.edu with the body of the message consisting only
of the commands between the lines of dashes below.
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
connect <site name>
chdir <directory>
get <file1>
get <file2>
.
.
ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ-
Do not include the lines of dashes, and do not include anything else
in the body of the message. You may use as many ÒgetÓ commands as
is necessary, but all files you get must be within the directory
specified by the ÒchdirÓ command.
You will receive a message telling you that your request has been queued.
Then, about a day later, you will receive the files themselves. Each file
will be contained in its own mail message.
_________________________________________________________________
****************************************************************
End of Issue #6
