Action Comics #666: "Red Glass: Picking Up The Pieces"

Action Comics #666
"Red Glass: Picking Up The Pieces"
June, 1991

James D. Hudnall: Writer
Ed Hannigan: Penciler
Willie Blyberg: Inker
Bill Oakley: Letterer
Glenn Whitmore: Colorist
Dan Thorsland: Assistant
Mike Carlin: Editor
Superman Created By Jerry Siegel And Joe Shuster

The Man of Steel cradles the Martian Manhunter's body in his hands and refuses to believe it.

As the United States Army advances upon him in the desert, Superman vows that there will be no more killing! As tanks and soldiers open fire, the Man of Steel pleads that there will be no more blood on his hands! Air support is called in to blow the Kryptonian out of the sky!

He needs to get away to someplace quiet before they push him too far! The missiles are locked on target and the kill order is confirmed! Missiles are launched! CHOOM

Superman finds himself falling -- just as a U.S. Army surface-to-air missile is activated. VSSSH The world is spinning as the Man of Steel strives to pull out! More surface-to-air missiles are launched! CHFFF CHFFFFFF Superman falls to earth, just ahead of the missiles overhead --

After the fall

In the middle of a giant crater, the Man of Steel finds himself still alive, and surprised that they hadn't been able to kill him! This remains to be seen, with the arrival of Captain Atom and Firestorm, who turn up the heat!

Their assault causes the rocks and the soil to become molten! There is absolutely no trace because their combined atomic powers must have disintegrated hi-- "AHH!!" The Nuclear Man is seized and pulled down into the bubbling lava!

SSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHH SHOOM Superman has had enough of the madness and fires his heat-vision at Captain Atom! "YAAH!!" KA-FOOM

Who is going to kill him now -- oww -- AAOOOWW?!? Rebis's negative form passes through him. As Robotman gives thanks, another member smells burning meat, and it makes her hungry!!

The Man of Steel can't take this any more! Why don't they all just go awAAAAAY! Cliff Steele's robotic housing goes to pieces, Rebis' bandages are suddenly woefully inadequate for healing, and the Doom Patrol dies again for the second time!

The Kryptonian continues to scream and an army of men and tanks suddenly cease to exist.

He -- he has killed all of them. Just like he killed a couple of muggers this morning... All of Metropolis, millions of lives are gone! All that he has fought for and believed in... he has betrayed it all! The time has come for payment and Wonder Woman has brought the instrument of his destruction. He doesn't know what to say... in his sorrow, and she reminds him that he should have been aware of the consequences.

One moment, he was flying over Metropolis, and then he found himself killing people! His greatest fear of losing control came true! For him, having super-powers does not make things easier, but makes them harder. He has always been afraid... She knows all of that. He must pay for his actions and put an end to this nightmare. As he holds the green Kryptonite in his hands, there is communication from NASA, Houston Control. Superman had stopped transmitting several times in the past hour. They sent him to --

They sent him to investigate the strange radioactive anomaly on the moon, the mare nublum in the sea of clouds. NASA wanted him to determine what it was. He remembers coming out of orbit and finding himself in Metropolis once more... As they ask if he has found the strange activity, he tells them about the red crystal in the crater. Has that been messing with his head -- making him live out his own anxieties? Answers will have to wait and he goes forth to investigate.

As Houston Control attempts to regain contact, the Man of Steel makes contact with the red crystal, and the call is answered. It/they had come to this solar system looking for suitable planets, finding none.

The third planet was inhabited by carbon-based life forms, making it unsuitable for raising its/their children. Solar activity prevented departure and it/they were shut down for several cycles. It/they were locked into the path of a meteor. It/their protective screens prevented extensive damage, but the collision drove it/them to impact with the moon. Because of the screens, it/they went into the lunar soil and became buried there.

It/they were trapped for ages. Distress signals were sent across the radiation bands, but no aid came. Not for many cycles... until he had arrived. Communication was attempted, but there was no understanding... it/they may have said the wrong things... he had left it/them... Houston had sent him... only he had gone berserk and began tearing up the lunar surface. Realizing its/their language was in contact with his sub-conscious, it/they saw the violent images in his head against other strange beings. It/they mean no harm. All it/they wanted was to be set free. It/they cannot bear children here.

The Man of Steel moves at super-speed and uses his great strength to set it/them free!

It/they helped to set him free by having him face the darkness within his own mind... and renewed his ability to overcome it. It/they gave him the power to survive the bad with the good.

Knowing the future fate of the moon... the Man of Steel feels good to have been able to save a life.

On the cover by Andy Kubert, the Man of Steel finds himself between a moon rock and a lunar surface.

I've enjoyed the writing of James D. Hudnall in Legends of the Dark Knight.

The Red Glass Trilogy was a perfect example of a classic DC Comics story where the reader is asked if they can solve the mystery before the main character does.

I've enjoyed the art of Ed Hannigan on Defenders, Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Batman, Detective Comics, Legends of the Dark Knight, and Green Arrow.

Martian Manhunter and Captain Atom were members of Justice League International and Europe, respectively.

By the time of this story, Ronnie Raymond was no longer merging with Professor Martin Stein, and adopted a new appearance.

At the time of this story, the Doom Patrol was being written by Grant Morrison.

For once, Houston did not have a problem, and Superman was on the case.

At the time of this story, the Post-Crisis Superman required an oxygen supply to survive in outer space.

Steve Chung
"Red Glass: Picking Up The Review!"

Action Comics #469: "Clark Kent's Lonely Christmas!"

Action Comics #469
"Clark Kent's Lonely Christmas!"
(March 1977)

Creators: Story: Bob Rozakis Art: John Calnan & Tex Blaisdell

It's Christmas Eve at Galaxy Broadcasting. Morgan Edge has given out the bonuses to the staff. While each one is happy and content, a certain mild-mannered television reporter is dejected. Edge asks Lois why Clark is unhappy. She assures him that she's tried to give her fellow reporter some holiday cheer. Sportscaster Steve Lombard lets his boss know that he hasn't been pulling any pranks on "Ol' Clarkie Boy!" Daily Planet Editor Perry White likes Edge's present and taste in cigars. As the festivities wind down, Lois tells the others that she'll spend the holidays with her folks. Steve will visit his aunt Kaye Daye. Clark Kent, the last one left in the room, sighs, and leaves.

It is a beautiful snowy night in Metropolis. As the WGBS roving reporter walks past a mother and son admiring a store window display featuring Superman, he overhears the boy wishing that the Man of Steel could come over for Christmas dinner. As the mother reassures her son that Superman is probably spending the holidays with his friends, Clark sighs, and continues his walk. A speeding car is out of control on the snowy street, and is about to slam into a brick wall. The mild-mannered television reporter nonchalantly reaches out with one hand, and stops it in its tracks. While Clark continues his walk, the driver gets out of his automobile. He stares first at the receding figure, then at the deep impression on his car's hood. It resembles a hand print. The man stares at the poster of the Man of Steel, who is advising traffic safety, and sighs.

In Smallville, Clark Kent has come home to his foster-parents' home. As he sits in the living room chair, he recalls the Christmases he had spent in years past: Superbaby using his x-ray vision to see his present, and a time when the Kents invited Peter Ross and Lana Lang to sing Christmas carols. For a time, the loneliness is forgotten.

Now, Clark begins to wander the streets of Smallville. On the way, he sees two children standing outside in the chilly weather. When he asks them what they're doing, they tell him that they're waiting for Santa to arrive. When Clark asks if their parents know what they're doing, the two kids tell him that they have no parents. They point to a nearby building as where they live. Clark recognizes the building as Smallville Orphanage. It was his first home when he arrived on Earth. With his x-ray vision, he sees the caretakers, a married couple, who are sad that they haven't much to give the children so they can have a Merry Christmas.

Clark tells the children to go inside because he has a feeling that Santa is on his way. A Christmas bonus is a nice gift, but now at super-speed, the mild-mannered television reporter goes on a shopping spree. The money used to pay for his purchases is left in a startled clerk's outstretched hand.

Inside the orphanage, the elderly couple are surprised to find the stockings are stuffed with toys, and a Christmas tree in their midst. They weep with joy over this wondrous sight. Outside, Clark has seen their reaction to this visit from Santa. He walks away, singing a Christmas carol. Now, Clark Kent is no longer lonely. He is surrounded by a sea of smiling faces.

A special Private Life of Clark Kent tale, and if you ask me, they were all special because they gave readers the chance to see what the mild-mannered reporter did when he wasn't being Superman.

For many, the holidays can be a happy time, while for others, it can be a less than merry occasion.

I could imagine the Man of Steel using his powers for charity during the holiday season, but what was Christmas like for Clark Kent?

He's alone.

In what some would call "Pre-Crisis," Clark lost his parents, then his foster-parents, and devoted his life to helping others.

When the holidays arrive, what would be his reaction?

If there were an emergency, this would be a job for Superman, but for Clark, things are different.

Even in his loneliness, the mild-mannered television reporter can still manage to surreptiously save a motorist and his vehicle from the hazardous holiday weather.

To cope with the time of year is another matter.

He's an orphan twice over, and he can relate to the children, as well as the elderly couple who were their caretakers.

It's a personal thing for Clark, and with the Christmas bonus, he puts it to good use in order to help others than himself.

In six pages, Bob Rozakis managed to cover these themes, and present a holiday story which showed how the Man of Steel's alter-ego could be affected by something other than magic or Kryptonite... the holiday season.

Artists John Calnan and Tex Blaisdell capture Clark's world, whether it's his workplace in Metropolis, or the quiet, tranquil small town setting of Smallville.

These two men gave an Everyman quality to the story, and made it all the more special.

John and Tex also drew one of my favorite story lines in Batman, "Where Were You On The Night The Batman Was Killed?" by David V. Reed.

They are storytellers and certainly excelled in that respect.

This is my favorite Bob Rozakis story because it shows whether in the blue suit with the cape or the blue suit with the glasses, the character is still a Superman and my hero.

This One's For Bob Rozakis, the Answer Man!

Steve Chung
"Clark Kent's Lonely Review!"

Action Comics #445: "Count Ten, Superman -- And Die!"

Action Comics #445
"Count Ten, Superman -- And Die!"
March, 1975

Story: Cary Bates
Art: Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger
Editing: Julius Schwartz

Will a deadly beam from outer space cause the death of the Man of Steel?
Or will he meet his end while saving the life of a young boy?  Oddly
enough, both of these scenes are correct, and are the handiwork of the
Superman Revenge Squad -- who yearn to tell their victim to "Count Ten,
Superman -- And Die!"

A blasting area some 2,200 miles outside of Metropolis is the sight of a
sudden KRASSHSSHHHH!  A new tunnel has been made through the heart of a
mountain, but as the workers are about to give their thanks, the Man of
Steel is on his way to an important lecture.  The audience at the
Metropolis Civic Center are listening to the heroic speaker before them,
just as Clark Kent is making his way to his seat, and Lois Lane chides
him for missing most of the lecture.

How can the mild-mannered reporter and the Man of Steel be in the same
place at the same time?  As Clark explains to Lois about the mountain of
trouble he ran into, Gregory Reed recounts how his face was disfigured in
an accident on the Superman TV series.  Plastic surgery would not have
helped him -- but the Man of Steel performed an operation with equipment
and medical techniques from Krypton.  Now, as they can all see, Reed's
new face has been modeled after the super-surgeon's face -- the hero he
had portrayed on television for many years.  Lois is amazed at the
actor's recovery, how he has become an exact double of Superman, and even
managed to imitate the hero's voice.  Clark tells his fellow reporter
that Greg Reed has devoted his spare time to make personal appearances on
behalf of many charities.

Lois wonders how Clark would refer to the actor as "Greg", but he admits
that he's never met the man, and keeps to himself that it was Superman
who has had that pleasure.  After thanking the audience for their
applause, the actor directs them to make their donations to the Heart
Fund outside in the Civic Center Garden.  The two reporters head for the
lobby, and see the crowd gathering around Greg Reed, as if they were in
the presence of the real Superman.  Lois asks Greg if he had ever
wondered what it would be like to have the powers to go along with the
costume.  As a matter of fact, the Man of Steel had promised the parents
of a dying girl that he would put on a super-show for her, but was called
away on an emergency.  He contacted the actor -- and gave him a pill
which would grant him super-powers for a period of twelve hours.  In this
way, Superman was able to grant the girl's last wish.

SSPLASSHH!  Lois and the other spectators see the actor sent into a
fountain by an unseen force.  At the punch bowl, Clark Kent knows that
this is a job for the real Superman.  With the people's attention on Greg
Reed, the mild-mannered reporter is able to make a change of clothes at
super-speed, and head to the side of his double.

A spaceship is hovering above the planet, directly over the Civic
Center... a spaceship belonging to the Superman Revenge Squad.  THWAK!
The Captain strikes one of his crew for firing the puls-bolt at the wrong
man.  Their instruments had detected the Man of Steel's presence in the
garden, but their monitor spotted Clark Kent at the punch bowl.  The
recipient of the puls-bolt was a costumed imposter, and the ray will have
no effect on Earthlings.  With the real Superman now in the garden, the
invisible puls-bolt is fired once again.

As the body of Greg Reed is pulled out of the fountain, Lois is grateful
to see the real Action Ace on the scene.  The actor is still breathing,
and Superman will take him to the nearest hospital for treatment.  The
puls-bolt has hit its target, and the fateful countdown can now begin.
Each time the Kryptonian performs a super-feat, the puls-flow within him
will grow in strength... until on the tenth super-feat, the lethal energy
will poison his invulnerable body.  Once the tenth feat has been
accomplished, the Man of Steel will drop dead.  As the spaceship roars
away, the Revenge Squad prepares their scanners to monitor the various
super-feats to come.  Taking Greg Reed to the hospital will be the first
one.

Two hours later, a trio of parachutists are taking a leap from a plane,
only to find themselves betrayed by their former fourth partner.  With
their hands glued together, and unable to reach their ripcords, the three
of them will experience their final jump.  Luckily for the trio, the Man
of Steel wants to join their skydiving team, and begins by pulling on all
three ripcords.  While they are off to a safe-landing, he will be off to
arrest their former partner for attempted murder.

In the past two hours, Superman has prevented a mountain avalanche, and
repaired a railroad trestle before it could collapse.  The parachute
stunt is the fourth super-feat.  Lois Lane has come to visit Greg Reed in
his hospital room, and finds Clark Kent concerned about the actor's
welfare, as well.  He tells his fellow reporter how the doctors have
placed him under an oxygen tent, but his condition remains critical.  The
actor could die at any moment.  As the mild-mannered reporter begins to
weep openly, Lois tries to comfort him, and tells him not to lose hope.

The Superman Revenge Squad have been monitoring the movements of Clark
Kent, and are aware that the puls-flow is responsible for the reporter
inability to control his emotions.  Once the tears have begun, they will
be impossible to stop.  As for the state of the actor struck by their
puls-bolt, it would seem that the puls-flow is also harmful to humans.
Later that evening, a two-ton shark is sent out to sea by the Man of
Steel, who also uses his super-breath to put out a fire, foils a
late-night robbery, and averts an airplane crash.  These super-feats are
numbers five, six, seven, and eight in the series.

The next morning, at the Galaxy Building -- where Steve Lombard is
escorting a female admirer...  The former football star learns that the
woman would like to meet his co-anchorman on the news, and wonders what
she could possibly see in "Mr. Square".  As he assures her that she's not
missing anything, how "Clarkie" puts on a good act on the air, the
weeping reporter passes them in the hallway.  Steve Lombard continues to
ridicule the co-anchorman, when the woman sees how these words have hurt
Mr. Kent.  As the former sports star tries to reassure "Clarkie" that he
wasn't serious about what he just said, Steve sees firsthand just how
sensitive the mild-mannered reporter can be.  Incensed by his behavior
towards poor Mr. Kent, the former admirer of Steve Lombard spurns him.

SCREEECHHHH  ERRKKKKK  WHOOOSHHH!  When an automobile heads in the wrong
direction on the freeway, it is the Man of Steel who prevents the fatal
collision.  With the ninth super-feat recorded, only one more use of
super-energy will be necessary for the Superman Revenge Squad to have
their revenge.  As they watch and wait, a young boy falls from the
terrace of a building, and only super-speed enables the high-flying hero
to catch him in time.  The moment when they are safely on the ground, the
child watches in horror as Superman collapses lifelessly to the pavement.

SR-Ozega reports their success to the Revenge Squad Base.  The base has
been monitoring their progress very closely... and are preparing a warm
welcome for them when they return.  As the spaceship begins its trek back
to homebase -- the prone form of the Man of Steel comes to life once
again.  Greg Reed's death-scene would have earned him an Academy Award,
as well as convincing the Revenge Squad of their mission's success.  Five
of the super-feats were performed by the actor, while the other five were
done by Superman.  The super-power pills enabled Greg to successfully
carry out the role, but he wonders how his friend was able to find out
about the Revenge Squad's sinister plan.

While pulling the unconscious actor from the fountain, he had seen a
reflection of an object floating in the air high above the garden.
Recognizing it as a Superman Revenge Squad spaceship, and overhearing
their plans, it was then that he let Greg in on the act.  The dummy under
the oxygen tent and the crying act performed in his other identity were
enough to carry the charade.  The only difficulty was in coordinating
their actions so that the Revenge Squad never saw two Supermen in action.
Since he hadn't performed the necessary number of super-feats, the
puls-flow charge has been drained from his body, and the pill's effects
have just left the actor.  Only one question remains -- why did the Man
of Steel let the would-be killers off scott-free?  In the years he has
battled the Revenge Squad, Superman has learned one thing -- they know
how to take care of their own.  Now in another part of the galaxy, on the
planetoid which acts as the base for the Superman Revenge Squad...
SR-Ozega's spaceship is approaching.  The Supreme Sire gives the
returning Squadders their well-deserved reward -- for such a miserable
failure.  SR-Ozega's and his two Squad-ers never know what hit them.

On the cover of Action Comics #445 by Nick Cardy, Lois Lane is looking at
her watch, and wonders what's keeping the Man of Steel from arriving for
their date.  Unbeknownst to both her and Superman, a second Action Ace
wants some action of his own.  (Holy Double-Date, Batman!)

The colors on the cover are very well done, from the purple sky, to the
brown floor of the junkyard.

Cary Bates provides the readers with a couple of interesting
possibilities, while the art team of Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger
meld together perfectly for another adventure of the one and only
Superman.

Gregory Reed first appeared in Action Comics #414: "Superman Vs.
Superstar!"

Both George Reeves and Christopher Reeve devoted their spare time to
making personal appearances on behalf of various charities.

As Edmond Hamilton once wrote, "Do good to others and every man can be a
Superman!"

One wonders why the Man of Steel hadn't offered the super-powers pill to
his fellow crime-fighters?  Perhaps they declined the offer, preferring
to rely on their own natural abilities and skills.

Maybe it's me, but I really enjoy it when Clark says, "This is a job for
Superman!"

The three Revenge Squad-ers are blue-skinned aliens with pointed ears,
and wear yellow-colored uniforms in the style of Mr. Mxyzptlk.

When it comes to skydiving gear, parachutists prefer purple.

Clark's act of showing his sensitive side puts a kibosh on the blossoming
relationship between Steve Lombard and his female admirer.

I would guess that the Superman Revenge Squad have their headquarters in
a solar system with a red sun, in order to prevent any surprise visits
from their super-powered nemesis.

After seeing what happens to those who have failed the Revenge Squad, I
can only wonder how they manage to keep their cannon fodder... errr...
membership alive.

In the "Superman In Action" letters page, Bob Rodi of Oak Brook, Ill.
writes:

"Dear Editor:

The Flash-Superman team really has something, and it's always been one of
my favorites.  It has to have something to hold my interest (four of
their five previous team-ups have been more or less races between them).
The latest effort in Action #441, "Weather War Over Metropolis," was
excellent, from a sensational Cardy cover (Nick is the best cover man
since Infantino) to the smooth, stylized art of Swan and Oksner.  "Oscar
Asherman" looks like somebody's editorial assistant who has a similar
name, and I'd like to know if this was intentional or not.  (Silly
question!  It could hardly be coincidence!)

The introduction of a rival reporter ought to be good for some more Clark
Kent insight, and I  suggest you keep Dale Smith around.

The Superman-Flash switch was nicely done... they should be experts at it
by now.  In Superman #223, I believe, they both got amnesia and
unconsciously adopted each other's life styles.  (Sorry, E.N.B., but I
beat you to the punch with this round's Trivia Tidbit.)

"The Mystery Of The Wandering Dog" was excellent, also... Elliot Maggin
has come out of his slump (a very short slump, I should add) with the
latest Green Arrow-Black Canary team-up.  Of course, I've been reading
for years, and I knew from the start the dog was Krypto.  Still, it was
nice to see him again.

Mike Grell draws the Arrow-Canary team better than anybody I know, even
Neal Adams.  Please keep him on Green Arrow and you won't find a better
back-up feature anywhere."

E.N.B. replies:

"Congratulations on noticing the similarity between the two Ashermans,
Oscar and Allan.  But did you spot Dale Smith's resemblance to a certain
TV newsman?  Hint: The comedy team of Smith and Dale did a skit about a
certain Dr. Kronkhite.  Notice the pronunciation?"

Robert Greenbergerber of Jericho, N.Y. writes:

"Dear Julie:

A few short words on the Superman story in Action #441.  An excellent,
well-paced story.  Only one thing was missing: action.  There just wasn't
enough of it.

Opposite that, Green Arrow had just enough action and intrigue.  I
guessed last issue that Demian was Krypto.  You had promised his return
once before.  Mike Grell's art was fine.  Elliot S! Maggin's script was
fun.  One of those two was responsible for a whopping mistake.  On page
5, panel 2, we see an aged Green Arrow and Black Canary.  BC wears a wig.
If you age a blonde wig several decades, it shouldn't turn white. Who
will claim the error?  Will it be the artist, the writer, or the editor?"

E.N.B. replies:

"No buck-passing!  We all saw it and should have caught it!  And after
realizing what a goof we made, we're the ones with the extra white
hairs!"

This Review Is Dedicated To Mark.

Steve Chung
"Count Ten, Superman -- And Review!"

Action Comics #441: "Weather War Over Metropolis!"

Action Comics #441
"Weather War Over Metropolis!"
November, 1974

Story: Cary Bates
Art: Curt Swan & Bob Oksner
Editing: Julius Schwartz

Oscar Asherman, the weatherman for WGBS-TV, has been making forecasts
with astonishing accuracy -- but what happens when these predictions
cause a... "Weather War Over Metropolis!"  On the splash page, the
WGBS-TV weatherman announces to viewers that a blue tornado will strike
the city of Metropolis, but no sooner does he make this announcement,
that the impossible occurs.

As Clark Kent wraps up the day's news, Oscar Asherman makes an urgent
bulletin for those citizens who live on 3rd Avenue.  At 6:41 this
evening, a blue tornado will appear at 52nd Street and 3rd Avenue...
With only seventeen minutes left, those who live in the area are advised
to evacuate.  Among those watching the newscast is Galaxy Broadcasting
President Morgan Edge...  From the penthouse suite of WGBS-TV, Edge
orders the operator to transfer his call to Studio B, and put the
weatherman on the phone.  As the mild-mannered television reporter wishes
the viewers at home a pleasant evening, he knows that the tornado will be
nothing compared to what'll happen when Oscar takes the call.

Clark won't be needing his super-hearing to figure out what the smiling
cobra has got to say, but as it happens, the weatherman has much to say
on the subject.  Although a twister has never struck the city of
Metropolis, he understands that if one does not appear this evening --
he'll be out of a job tomorrow.  The mild-mannered reporter has known
Oscar Asherman for years, and knows that the weatherman is serious about
his career.  Even so, the Man of Steel has got a feeling that it's time
to take a tornado-watch.

Just above the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 52nd Street, Superman has a
minute to spare before the tornado's arrival.  At the end of the
countdown, the blue tornado arrives, and the WGBS-TV weatherman's
prediction is proven to be absolutely correct.  No matter what color it
is, no tornado will damage Metropolis if the Action Ace has got anything
to say about it.  After flying into the center of the funnel at wind
speeds of 500-miles-per-hour, the Man of Steel exhales --

--And then inhales.  As the startled citizens watch in amazement, the
tornado is swallowed up by Superman.  Now with the pressurized air
trapped within his super-lungs, the Action Ace soars upwards through the
stratosphere...  WHOOOOSSHHH  A gust of super-breath and the blue tornado
is now out of action.  The following morning finds Asherman and Kent in
Morgan Edge's office, with the President wanting an explanation from his
station's weatherman.

When asked about how he is able to make such accurate predictions, Oscar
Asherman is at a loss to explain this newfound ability.  As the secretary
advises Mr. Edge on his reservations for tomorrow's dedication ceremony
in Masonville, the WGBS-TV weatherman has another flash of intuition.  He
advises his employer not to travel to Masonville -- because the town will
be doomed.  According to Asherman, there will be hailstones as large as
basketballs in Masonville tomorrow -- destroying the entire town.  Seated
next to him, the mild-mannered reporter has got a feeling that this will
be another job for Superman.  Chewing on his cigar, Morgan Edge figures
that his employee made a lucky guess -- but that's all.  He is not about
to disappoint the good people of Masonville -- the people who have named
their new public library after him.

As the President of WGBS Broadcasting addresses the crowd about his
snow-filled treks to town for a book from the library... Dale Smith tells
Clark Kent that anytime Edge did travel to town, it must have been while
riding a sleigh drawn by horses.  Even so, the mild-mannered reporter
knows that his rival TV-newscaster is covering the event all the same.
As Smith is getting Morgan Edge on film, Kent's camera is pointed up
towards the sky.  It turns out that the latest prediction of Oscar
Asherman is about to come true.  His telescopic-vision has spotted a
cloud above the town of Masonville, and basketball-sized hailstones have
begun to fall.  Dale sees Clark pointing up in the sky -- saying that the
Man of Steel has arrived to save the town from the deadly weather.  When
asked how he could possibly know about such a thing, the mild-mannered
television reporter promises to share the scoop, and heads for a phone
booth to call in the story.

As Morgan Edge continues to deliver his speech, he sees the officials
running for cover, and wonders if his delivery was that bad.  Giant
hailstones are come down towards the town by the hundreds.  The rival
newscaster has located Superman in his camera's viewfinder and believes
that this may be a job that not even the Action Ace can resolve.

The townspeople watch as the Man of Steel concentrates on hitting certain
hailstones, starting off a chain reaction... and causing them to slam
into one another.  The super-game of billiards will leave tiny fragments
which will harm no one.  Dale Smith is delighted by the sensational
exclusive he'll have, but the WGBS-TV reporter reminds him that this will
be a joint-exclusive between their two stations.  When asked if he phoned
in the story to Metropolis, Clark admits that he was panicking when the
hailstones were coming down, and ran for cover.  He never made it to a
phone booth.  Smith cannot believe the luck of Clark Kent, and wonders
how the mild-mannered television reporter has made it so far in the
business.

Clark and Oscar are having lunch in the Galaxy Building commissary, with
the weatherman still unable to figure out how he is making those accurate
predictions, and Morgan Edge not in the mood for excuses.  When asked by
his coworker if there's anything he hasn't mentioned, Asherman tells the
reporter that whenever he's about to make one of his predictions, he sees
a name appearing before his eyes --  Mark Mardon.  As the mild-mannered
television reporter excuses himself from the commissary, we shift our
attention to Central City... where a trio of masked bank robbers are
running for their getaway car.  The Flash is waiting for them, but the
armed criminals open fire.  BANG!  ZING  ZING  BLAM!  The Scarlet
Speedster spins around at super-speed-- causing the bullets to be
deflected from his fast-moving form.

Now, the Fastest Man on Earth approaches them -- with the force of a
human tornado -- driving them back.  One of the crooks tries to escape
around the corner, but collides with an unseen obstacle.  KAPOW!  The
Flash is eager to see what the hood ran into, and is surprised to see his
fellow Justice Leaguer paying a visit to his city.

When the Action Ace mentions to the Scarlet Speedster the name of Mark
Mardon, the Flash recalls the other name he is known by -- the Weather
Wizard... one of the deadliest foes of his Rogues' Gallery.  Even though
he is behind bars, Mardon vowed to have his revenge before his sentence
was up.  He is completing his prison term at an upstate prison farm.
Despite the risk, the two heroes will pay him a visit, but the Man of
Steel has a suggestion to make before they leave Central City.  Now, at
the Central State Prison Farm, the library has been cleared out by the
warden, so that Mark Mardon can receive his visitors.  The Weather Wizard
is charged with causing deadly weather conditions in Metropolis, a charge
which he gladly admits to.  Thanks to his time in the prison infirmary,
Mardon was able to concoct his meteorological pellets...  One is for a
blue tornado, while the other is for a giant hailstorm.  By using these
two pellets, the Action Ace is sure to check up on him.  The pellets were
sent to Metropolis -- thanks to Mardon's weather expertise, and the air
currents.

By bouncing electronic brain-waves off the ionosphere, Oscar Asherman was
hypnotized into making those weather forecasts.  With his name implanted
into the weatherman's mind -- his plan to lure Superman and the Flash was
bound to succeed.  It all came together when Mardon read a certain book
by Lois Lane-- The Fabulous World of Krypton.  Everything about the Man
of Steel's homeworld, including its weather conditions made for fine
reading.  The meteorological phenomenon known as Black Lightning was of
particular interest to the Weather Wizard.  Unlike the lightning on Earth
which leaves its victims dead-- Krypton's Black Lightning turned its
victims into killers.  Mark Mardon then draws forth a miniature weather
wand and unleashes the killer bolt upon Superman.  Although Earthlings
cannot be affected by the Black Lightning, it will cause a Kryptonian to
be seized by a murderous rage, and will only fade after the victim has
killed off the person closest to him when it struck -- in this case, the
Flash.

Even the Scarlet Speedster would be unable to outrun the Man of Steel.
When the Weather Wizard commands Superman to kill his arch-foe, the
Action Ace complies -- but by knocking Mardon unconscious with a karate
chop.  The Weather Wizard will be spending the rest of his extended
prison term wondering how his murder scheme has failed.  The two heroes
changed costumes in case Mardon had some foul weather planned.  If he had
succeeded in striking the Action Ace with the Black Lightning, the Flash
would have become a murder victim.  Thanks to a Superman head-mask and
some super-ventriloquism, Mardon was unable to detect their ruse, and is
now feeling a bit under the weather.  Now back in their proper
identities, they carry the unconscious prisoner back to the waiting
warden.

On the cover of Action Comics #441 by Nick Cardy, the Flash is pleased as
punch to see Superman visiting him in Central City, but not for long as
the Man of Steel delivers the punchline.

Cary Bates provides the readers with both a guest-villain and a
guest-hero to share the story with the Man of Steel.

The art team of Curt Swan and Bob Oksner blend in perfectly, and succeed
in presenting another amazing adventure of Superman.

The character of Oscar Asherman was named after Allan Asherman, who was
an editorial assistant at the time.

The WGBS-TV weatherman has long dark hair, a mustache, and wears a purple
wardrobe.

If Lex Luthor were to don a disguise to spy on the happenings at the
Galaxy Broadcasting Building, Oscar Asherman would have been a natural.

Morgan Edge found news of a blue tornado about to hit Metropolis hard to
swallow, but thankfully this was not the case for Superman.

Dale Smith was modeled after Walter Cronkite.

The citizens of Masonville hail the Action Ace for his triumphant
super-billiard game in the sky.

When it comes to trying to outrun the Flash, a crook might as well try to
run into Superman.

For a prisoner at an upstate prison farm, Mark Mardon has got an awful
amount of time on his hands, and comes up with meteorological pellets to
help pass the time.

A little learning is a dangerous thing, and thanks to a book by Lois
Lane, the Weather Wizard makes certain that the Man of Steel is in the
lightning round against the Scarlet Speedster.

I don't know if it was sleight of hand or whether Mardon has quite a hunk
of hair on his head, but that miniature weather wand must have come out
of nowhere.

In addition to being the name of the horse belonging to the Western hero
known as Johnny Thunder, Black Lightning was the character created by
Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eden.

In recent days, another writer turned Black Lightning into a killer, but
this could only be believed if one chose to read those recent stories.

As with a cloud, each character has got their own silver lining, and
written therein are the names of Messrs. Isabella, Eden, Barr, and Aparo.
'Nuff said?

When the Flash removes the life-like Superman mask, he is still wearing
his distinctive winged cowl beneath it.  I'd like to think that Barry
re-donned his mask at such speed that even the readers couldn't see such
a swift motion.

This Review Is Dedicated To Bob Buethe And Tony Isabella

Steve Chung
"Weather Review Over Metropolis!"

Action Comics #422: "The TV Show That Menaced Metropolis!"

Action Comics #422
"The TV Show That Menaced Metropolis!"
March, 1973

Story: Cary Bates
Art: Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson
Editing: Julius Schwartz

For the Man of Steel, a morning exercise includes pulling a helicopter
out of a spin, and starting the blade once more. Below, a child peers
out from his bedroom window, and sees that Superman really does exist.

Sixteen years ago, the Nescotts gave birth to an abnormal child. The
doctor had no name for his condition, for it was unlike any known
disease. The wealthy parents soon had medical specialists flown in from
all corners of the world. Until a cure could be found, the child would
be kept in quarantine. If he were ever to go outside, and come into
contact with the air, the results would be disastrous. The cure proved
beyond even these brilliant scientists, and Woodrow Nescott remained in
his air-controlled room. Mr. and Mrs. Nescott was sworn to never release
their son into the open air until he was cured. They were careful that
their son not be injured or cut in any way.

Years later, television is Woodrow Nescott's sole companion. His
favorite show is "The Runaway," and airs immediately after the news.
Mild-mannered TV reporter Clark Kent tells the viewers about the new
Metro-Liner, which will provide one-hundred per mile serve for thousands
of commuters. When he has signed off, Clark throws his microphone to Ted
the cameraman, who regrets that Kent is a klutz off-camera. In the midst
of the rush hour crowd, a killer hurls his intended victim into the path
of an oncoming train. With his fate only seconds away, Clark uses a
quick burst of heat-vision to short-circuit the microphone held by Ted,
and gives the technician a mild shock.

As the other two rush to Ted's aid, the WGBS-TV camera crew are kept from
seeing the mild-mannered reporter using an employee entrance, and change
clothes at super-speed. SCREEEEE KRUMP The next moment finds hundreds
of tons of speeding manmade steel stopped by the Man of Steel. As he
carries the victim to safety, one spectator comments that Superman
stopped an entire train with only one foot.

The crowd of commuters recognize the face of the man who has just been
saved. "Police Agent Y-6 -- a lawman from the year 2272 -- a man
obsessed with the apprehension of a prisoner who traveled back three
hundred years into the past --!" Y-6 also time-traveled back to 1972,
and continued the search for his quarry. Rolf Kimb is an innocent man
who was judged by the future, and wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't
commit. Now, their chase takes place in modern-day Metropolis for
another exciting episode of... "The Runaway!" As the TV show continues,
Woodrow Nescott watches his hero elude his pursuer, and sees that Y-6 has
just done the unexpected.

When he confronts Rolf Kimb with his ultimate weapon, Y-6 will catch his
prey, and send him back to 2272 for execution. Will the three-hundred
year pursuit finally be over? It will be only one week for viewers to
learn... in the next episode of "The Runaway"! The teenager fights back
tears and turns on his household video-intercom. He asks his mother if
the things he sees on TV are true, and if the people on the screen are
real. She tells her son that they are all actors playing roles, and it's
all just make-believe. As he expected, Woodrow's mother has lied to him,
and tried to keep him from getting upset. For years, he has seen
Superman on TV specials and news programs. Woodrow thought that the Man
of Steel was make-believe, too.

The teenager saw Superman with his own eyes saving the helicopter outside
his bedroom window. If the Man of Steel exists, then Rolf Kimb must also
exist. Woodrow plans to break out and warn his hero about Y-6's ultimate
weapon. Mr. Nescott knows that his son has become obsessed with
television, and wishes that they had removed it long ago. As his wife
comments that their son has little enough entertainment as it is, a
shrill buzzer sounds throughout the Nescott Estate. The
electronically-coded fire-alarm's three buzzes have indicated Woodrow's
room. The following day at a Metropolis hotel suite, Clark Kent is
interviewing Mac Nelson -- who plays the part of "Rolf Kimb"... The
public will learn that Mac's character will be dropped from the series on
next week's episode. His fans will be shocked when Y-6 will finally
capture Rolf Kimb. The actor cites Mr. Spock receiving more fan mail
than Captain Kirk, the star of that series. Agent Y-6 has become so
popular, the producers have decided to write out Nelson's character
altogether.

When asked by Clark if he has any bad feelings towards his costar, Dan
Marz, the actor insists that his fellow actor is like a brother to him.
He hopes that Dan is okay after that nasty train accident yesterday. Mac
Nelson then sees something outside that need the mild-mannered reporter's
attention. A white blob has just swallowed an entire automobile. Clark
cuts the interview short to enter an empty elevator, and make another
quick change.

The Man of Steel flies over a path of destruction left in the wake of the
white blob for several blocks. It eats and digests anything in its path.
Its intended target appears to be a hospital. As Superman begins his
bizarre battle, Mac Nelson gloats over how Clark Kent fell for his story.
Nelson tried to kill his costar on the train-tracks, but the Man of
Steel interfered. "The Runaway" is his show, and he's not about to let a
third-rate actor steal it away from him. If Dan Marz were to meet an
unfortunate accident, the producers would have to keep Nelson on the
show. As he smokes a cigarette, the actor strives to come up with a
foolproof way of killing him.

Inside the hospital, two doctors know more about the white blob, and must
tell Superman what they know before it's too late. Woodrow Nescott has
found "Rolf Kimb" and wonders why he's not wearing his future-garb. The
teenager pleads with his hero about the threat of Y-6 and his ultimate
weapon. The Man of Steel uses his super-strength to hurl the white blob
into outer space, and into a temporary orbit.

In his hotel suite, "Rolf Kimb" sees an opportunity to use the teenager
as the weapon to kill off his rival. Two doctors inform Superman about
Woodrow Nescott starting a fire in his bedroom to release an automatic
emergency escape door. If he were to be scratched, giant white blood
cells would emerge upon contact with the outside air, and grow millions
of times larger. Each drop of blood in the teen's veins is a deadly
threat.

If it's only a slight wound, the threat is over. If Woody is bleeding
badly, he'll create thousands of white blobs... to hunt bacteria to kill.
Every hospital in Metropolis is a potential victim of this bizarre
threat. Elsewhere, Woodrow Nescott wonders how Rolf was able to steal
the ultimate weapon away from Y-6. Nelson had kept the prop as a
souvenir and rigged it to fire like a real gun. He gives it to Woody, to
fire at Y-6. The teenager is relieved to learn that the weapon is a
time-reverser, and will send Y-6 three hundred years back into the
future. Since Agent Y-6 has had a bad fall, he is currently at Metro
Clinic, and this is where the reverser will be used.

As he promises to come through for his hero, Woody scratches himself on a
thorn bush. This is the second time he's cut himself outside. Once
Woody has entered the clinic, Mac Nelson gloats at the thought of an
unbalanced child shooting his rival in front of witnesses. Since he is
in the clear, it should be a perfect murder. Even if the boy talks, who
will believe his story about a time-reverser? It looks like "The
Runaway" will be his show again. As he strains to hear the shot, Mac
Nelson feels the cold embrace of a giant white blood cell enveloping him.

In the skies above Metropolis, the Man of Steel heads for Metro Clinic.
Inside, Dan Marz asks the kid why he's using a prop from his TV show.
Woody is about to use the prop on him, and send Agent Y-6 back to 2272.
Before he can fire, a giant white blob comes crashing through the window.
A moment later, the swift red-and-blue form of Superman comes crashing
through the ceiling, and prevents the glob from devouring two human
bacteria. As the Man of Steel prepares to send this glob into orbit, Dan
Marz wonders why he can't get some peace and quiet in this clinic.

Woodrow Nescott was eventually cured when Superman finds an rare alien
herb from our galaxy. "The Runaway" becomes "The Cases Of Agent Y-6" and
becomes more popular than ever. Mac Nelson -- "Rolf Kimb" is never seen
again and is eventually declared legally dead. His body is no longer on
Earth and no one, not even the Man of Steel knows where it really is --
and would remain for centuries to come.

On the cover of Action Comics #422 by Nick Cardy, a teenager sips his
soda pop, and regrets that the Man of Steel is only make-believe.

He does not see Superman flying past his bedroom window.

His room includes two posters, books, and a record based on the subject
of Superman.

On Earth-Prime, we've had George Reeves, Dean Cain, and Tim Daly portray
Superman on Television.

Ted learns that in order to withstand the shock of a live mike, you
really need to be a Man of Steel.

We know from the radio serial and from the intro of The Adventures Of
Superman that he's more powerful than a locomotive.

Agent Y-6 wears headphones, carries a shoulder bag, and is garbed in a
yellow/brown suit.

"Time Trax" was a TV series where a cop from the future travels back into
the past, and apprehends criminals to be sent back to the future.

Mac Nelson, a.k.a. "Rolf Kimb" found himself in a giant white blood cell
of Woody's own making.

This Review Is Dedicated To "The Fugitive Fan and Answer Man" Bob Rozakis

Steve Chung
"The Review That Menaced Metropolis!"

Action Comics #389: "The Kid Who Struck Out Superman!"

Action Comics #389
"The Kid Who Struck Out Superman!"
June, 1970

Story: Leo Dorfman
Pencils: Curt Swan
Inks: George Roussos

The Man of Steel is in superb shape.  If he were to try out for any sport
on Earth, he'd be most welcome, but when it comes to the great American
pastime, watch out for... "The Kid Who Struck Out Superman!"

Mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent is covering the Majestics' practice
baseball session.  As the Man of Steel, he is about to transform a dull
news story into the sports scoop of the year.  CRAAACKK!  Just as the
batter hits a line drive for a double, a fast-moving figure speeds along
the field, and catches the ball.  The manager of the Majestics meets with
Superman, and learns that the Metropolis hero would like to try out for
the team.  The manager eagerly agrees, and directs the Man of Steel
towards the batter's box.

WHAAAPP!  After Superman's first swing, it looks like he failed to make
contact with the ball.  Only when the bat is inspected, do they discover
that he swung so hard and fast that the ball bored its way.  In order to
have a bat strong enough for his mighty swing, the Man of Steel removes
the bronze bat replica from the statue of Babe Ruth with his heat-vision.
WHAMMMO!  The next pitch finds the ball slammed so hard that its
friction with the air sets it on fire.

Superman is about to demonstrate his pitching ability, when the manager
asks to have the ball.  His nephew, Ronnie, is a little leaguer, and was
promised by his uncle to pitch against the Man of Steel.  WHOOOSHHH!
WHIFFF  ZIPPP!  The kid strikes Superman out on three pitches.  Superman
retrieves the ball from the catcher, who thinks that he will autograph it
for Ronnie.  They are surprised when the Man of Steel throws the ball
away, and blames his failure at bat on dumb luck.

Superman tells them that he's had enough of baseball, and will head off
in search of a more challenging sport.  Perry White asks Clark Kent why
the Man of Steel would give up his super hero career in favor of sports.
The mild-mannered reporter figures that it was probably time for a
change.  As the Daily Planet editor wonders what sport the Metropolis
Marvel will take on next, the answer is found on the following day.
After practicing soccer on his own, Superman would like to try out for a
British team.  Eager to have their sport become popular in the states,
the coach obliges him.  The Man of Steel uses only his head and his feet
to pass through the team's defense as a single player.

WHAMMO!  Superman headbutts the ball, causing it to pass through the
goal-net, and heads up...up... and away.  The coach is ready with a
contract and salary offer, but the Man of Steel tells him that soccer is
just too easy for him.  Later that day, Perry White and Jimmy Olsen are
reading about Superman's challenge to the heavyweight boxing champ.  The
following day finds Jimmy watching his pal sparring with a partner who is
wearing steel armor.  A light tap from the heavily padded glove is enough
to send the opponent into dreamland.

The cub reporter asks Earth's greatest hero why he's on a sports kick all
of a sudden.  His pal says that even he should be entitled to some time
off every now and then.  KAPOW!  If anyone is going to decide what career
to pursue, it will be him.  The Man of Steel's punch sends a punching bag
into space.  Jimmy points out that if he were to hit his opponent like
that, it would be a mighty short career.  Superman agrees to stop
pursuing his boxing career, but later that afternoon, the Super-Champ
arrives at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium.

SPANNGGG!  With the aid of an all-steel racquet and special ball, the Man
of Steel is able to play against himself.  KAPOWW!  In order to break the
even-matched game, Superman sends the tennis ball into the air.  When he
asks if he has a chance for a tennis career, the Man of Steel learns that
he'd be his own opponent in the exhibition tournaments.  That afternoon,
the Action Ace tries his luck with basketball.  The coach wants him to
guide the basketball through all of the dangling hoops, and then into the
basket itself.  WHIZZZ!  ZIPPP!  WHAM!  CRASH!  The ball passes through
every hoop, but it rims the basket, bounces, and crashes through a
window.

The coach is impressed by the display, but the players don't want to feel
second-best.  On a big league football field, the Man of Steel is asked
to kick the footballs over the goal posts from every corner of the field.
POW  BOFFF!  KAPLUNK!  Fifty field goals in three seconds flat.  Five of
the footballs go over the goal posts, but the sixth is heading for outer
space.  On the edge of the planet's atmosphere, Superman uses his x-ray
vision to inspect a spacecraft to confirm that it is booby-trapped to
explode at any approach.

Every piece of sporting equipment has found itself caught on one of the
intake tubes.  If the Action Ace's information is correct, the spacecraft
will activate in five minutes.  HUMMMMMMMM!  ZOOOOOOOOFFF  Superman
watches as the intake tubes remove the air from the sports equipment.
The probe is heading back for its home planet, with its space-warp drive
making the trip in minutes.  Instead of an example of Earth's atmosphere,
it carries the gas from within the equipment.  On the planet of Slurran,
the environmental chamber is being readied for the test.

WHUSHHHHH!  The probe is guided into the chamber, where it releases its
atmospheric samples.  The Slurrans watch to see if their samples of
native flora and fauna will be harmed, and if they will be able to get on
with their plans for conquest.  The Jewel-Bird becomes a blob creature,
the feathered Ranx becomes an insect, and the Yllu Vine becomes a
meat-eater.  The Man of Steel's telescopic-vision sees the Slurrans
calling off their plans for fear of becoming mutants.  At the Fortress of
Solitude, Superman dictates the facts for his records archives, to be
opened a hundred years after his death.

He had spotted the Slurran probe days ago.  The inter-galactic police
warned him about them, and the Man of Steel knew he had only seventy-two
hours before the probe's activation.  After creating the mutation gas at
super-speed, Superman switches the specially-prepared item with the
sports equipment.  He assumed his sporting career in case of being
monitored by the Slurrans, and sent the gas-filled sports equipment to
the probe's intakes.  Back in Metropolis, Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen
watch as Ronnie autographs baseballs for his young fans.  It turns out
that the Man of Steel was going to pitch a mutation gas-filled baseball,
but he noticed that the seams on the ball were unravelling, and the
casing was defective.

If Superman were to hit the ball, the gas would be released.  The gas was
only supposed to affect the Slurrans, but even the Man of Steel didn't
know what would happen to the inhabitants on Earth.  Clark muses that the
kid may have struck out Superman, but he still won the ball game.

On the cover of Action Comics #389 by Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson, the
catcher calls out "Strike Three", and tells the Action Ace that he's no
Super-Mantle.

I decided to review this story after seeing the cover featured in Tom
Peyer's "The News Explained With Comic Book Covers: Special Baseball
Edition" at The PULSE.  Click here http://www.comicon.com/pulse/ to check
it out.

On the splash page, the sports fans have lined up to have a baseball
signed by the kid who struck out Superman for a ten dollar donation to
charity.

Supes is doing the same thing, but his price has gone down from five
dollars to fifty cents due to lack of demand.

Metropolis has the Majestics and Gotham has the Knights.

As a batter, the Man of Steel gets a hole in one, and I wonder if he'd
have gotten a home run at golf.

It's a hard day's knight when you're the designated sparring partner for
Superman.

Jay Garrick played tennis with himself in Flash Comics #1.

Thanks to the Man of Steel, the basketball players now know the meaning
of "Hoop Dreams".

The Slurran probe looks suspiciously like an old Sputnik from Earth.

The Slurrans have green skin, four arms, and four legs.

As the Action Ace has proven, forewarned is four-armed.

Steve Chung
"The Kid Who Reviewed Superman!"

Action Comics #361: "The Power Of The Parasite!"

Action Comics #361
"The Power Of The Parasite!"
March, 1968

Story: Jim Shooter
Art: Al Plastino

He has returned... the being who lives on stolen energy! With him soaking up all of his super-strength, even Superman can't deal with... "The Power Of The Parasite!"

One day in Perry White's office at the Daily Planet, the editor assigns the mild-mannered reporter to a flying saucer sighting! As Clark Kent drives to Mount Metro Observatory, his super-hearing picks up a suspicious sound, and his telescopic-vision confirms it! After pulling over to the side of the road, Clark's telescopic-vision spots the Octopus Gang in their mechanical octopus pillaging another ship! He has been waiting to catch the gang in the act! His interview with Professor Cunningham will have to wait! It's time to catch the Octopus Gang and get a bigger scoop! As the Man of Steel figures the astronomer must have been seeing things through his telescope, he is unaware of the flying saucer in orbit above Earth. The pilot's 3-D photon-resonance grapher cannot penetrate the clouds that cover the are he is mapping!

He must complete his maps and turn them in to the Planetary Geographic Commission before the deadline! He has another mapping job waiting on Platos II! He uses the evapo-rays to penetrate the atmospheric obstructions! The clouds begins to fade away... all save one... an eerie purplish cloud! The cloud is drawn into the spaceship and analyzed! From the way it is glowing and throbbing, it may be an important find! The alien pilot's analyzer registers a life force! In an effort to recreate it, the cloud is placed into the revival chamber!

Before the alien's eyes, the cloud assumes a human shape, but with a most grotesque face! As the former cloud steps out of the revival chamber, the alien finds he is growing weaker, as all of his energy is being drawn out of him! The alien is now dead! Too much of his life energy has been stolen by the Parasite! Since he now possesses the alien's mentality, the Parasite is able to pilot the spaceship back to Earth! Only the Man of Steel has beaten him in the past! The Parasite was once an atomic lab worker. One day when he was hauling radioactive wastes to the disposal center, he decided to see if payrolls were being shipped in the containers to fool would-be crooks! One look at the space minerals brought back to Earth by Superman was all it took.

The radiations caused the worker to become a human parasite, able to absorb energy from any living being! He fought the Man of Steel and defeated him by stealing his strength, and using it against him. He absorbed too much energy too quickly! Before he could steal all of Superman's invulnerability, and his body became overcharged, and was vaporized. This time, the Parasite will drain the Man of Steel's power a little at a time, and avoid the same fate! It will be a simple matter because he knows his secret identity from the last time they fought! Meanwhile, Superman is a few miles out at sea from the Metropolis Harbor, and is tying the Octopus Gang in knots with their own mechanical tentacles! Now the Man of Steel spins them at super-speed!

The Octopus Gang deploys a smoke screen of poison gas! The Octopus is drifting away from the ship, and towards the mainland! The Octopus Gang figure while the Man of Steel deals with the poison gas, they can make their escape! With his super-speed, Superman has more than enough time to take care of these modern-day pirates and catch up with the poison gas before it reaches the mainland! WHOOSH Seconds later, he inhales the gas and breathes it into a tank he took from the Octopus Gang! He can dispose of the tank later! Superman spots the unidentified flying object Professor Cunningham saw! Unfortunately, the Man of Steel has no time to investigate the matter further! The spacecraft lands in the forest! Now the Parasite will begin his plan to steal Superman's power! He will disguise himself, then head to the Daily Planet! The following day finds a stranger deliberately brushing against the cub reporter in order to absorb some of his journalistic talent!

In the city room, the disguised Parasite siphons talent from Lois Lane and the other reporters! In the office of Perry White, Larcon P. Leech shows the editor some samples of his writing. The mild-mannerered reporter is introduced to Larcon Leech, who will follow his every move to learn the ropes of being a reporter! The Parasite's disguise is perfect! Not even Kent suspects a thing! As the mild-mannered reporter and the tryout reporter are being assigned to the Carlton Dam, Clark finds something familiar about his new co-worker! The Daily Planet Flying Newsroom helicopter makes its way to the scene and Clark sees the entire dam will go unless he does something fast! The town will be flooded! After telling Leech to question the eyewitnesses, the mild-mannered reporter says he will take a closer look at the break!

As Clark changes to the Man of Steel, Leech smiles, and agrees to bide his time! Minutes later, Superman arrives with a giant cork he made from scrap lumber until permanent repairs can be made to the dam! As he prepares to place the plug, the Man of Steel finds the tremendous water pressure is dragging him into the hole, and he can't pull himself out! Determined not to let the water get the better of him, he manages to make headway, and breaks free! After barely pulling himself out, Superman corks up the hole, and prepares to surface! He doesn't understand why the tremendous pressure gave him trouble! As he surfaces, the Man of Steel wonders if any Kryptonite is nearby! As he prepares to change back to Clark and rejoin Leech, the disguise Parasite figures it won't be long! He must slow down or else Superman will grow suspicious about the power loss!

The following day finds Kent and Leech covering a most unusual bank robbery! After telling Leech to cover the story while he goes for the police, the Man of Steel confronts the bank robber, who is wearing mechanical framework giving him artificial super-strength! As the robber tears through the vault wall, he is challenged by Superman, who discovers his invulnerability is not what it used to be! SOK! BANG! WHAM! The Man of Steel is dazed by the blow and is sent staggering by others!

SPLAK! The bank robber almost beats Superman until the Man of Steel finds an opening, and the bystanders find the marks on his face are real! That evening in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman finds he is unable to lift some super-weights, and finds someone or something is stealing his super-powers! He must solve this mystery or else his career will be over! The following morning at the Daily Planet offices, Larcon Leech sees how worried Clark Kent is! He is aware of the energy loss and will no doubt be searching for the cause! The disguised Parasite still hasn't stolen enough energy to battle his foe! He must keep the Man of Steel occupied and uses his stolen telescopic-vision to create emergencies only Superman can handle! The Parasite uses a blast of super-cold breath to cause a plane's wings to ice up! The Man of Steel is grateful it is a light plane he is saving, because in his current state, he could not handle an airliner! The Man of Steel does not see the Parasite behind a cloud, but as he expends energy, his foe absorbs it!

The Parasite uses heat-vision to create a forest fire. Superman is unable to put out the fire with his weakened super-breath, but a giant fan he made, swung with his remaining super-strength is enough to handle it! The forest fire is out, but the Man of Steel checks the area to make certain no sparks are left! After making an important discovery, the following day finds the mild-mannered reporter being greeted by Larcon P. Leech in an alley! The Parasite uses his stolen heat-vision to burn off his disguise and the mild-mannered reporter's outer garments! KRAK! His plan has worked out perfectly! The Man of Steel didn't even notice his super-strength fading until it was far too late! He was under Clark Kent's nose all the time and was never suspected! Soon, the Parasite will have all of Superman's powers and become king of the Earth!

It is now a pleasure for the Parasite to deliver a Sunday punch personally to the Man of Steel! As Superman tries to get up, his foe laughs at his efforts to punch him with blows that are far too weak to matter! The Parasite decides to give his weakened opponent two black eyes and a busted nose! The Man of Steel has become a rag doll at the hands of the Parasite! Now all he has to do is allow the remaining energy to seep into his body. It will kill Superman but once the stolen energy is absorbed, the Parasite will become immortal!

Now it is the Parasite's turn to be surprised when he finds himself in an energy shell, cut off from the Man of Steel! He has been trapped by the same race as the space-geographer who was murdered! They are here to bring the Parasite to justice! Superman is given a pill to aid his super-cells to replenish their energy once more! He will be back to normal in a day's time and the bruises on his face will disappear! While he was battling a forest fire yesterday, the Man of Steel spotted a flying saucer, revealed by the flames! The aliens found also found it at the same time! They had been searching for the space-geographer and found his body inside! The automatic log recordings revealed what had happened! The Parasite had thought the forest fire would have destroyed the flying saucer, but did not realize all such spacecraft are heat-resistant! It was guessed the Parasite was responsible for the power-loss, so they set a trap with the Man of Steel as the decoy until the aliens could prepare the energy shell! Their super-science will keep the Parasite imprisoned until he stands trial and with the evidence they have, he will spend the rest of his life on an alien prison planet! So ends the plans of the would-be king of Earth!

Superman met Spider-Man and fought their arch-foes, Lex Luthor and Doctor Octopus.

The Parasite is a regular purple people-eater.

Radioactivity was responsible for a lot of origins in the Silver Age.

The Lamprey was an energy-siphoning foe from Earth-Squadron Supreme.

The Mimic was able to pick up a person's abilities by remaining in close proximity with them.

The Parasite was lucky not to absorb Jimmy Olsen's talent for ingesting unknown substances.

As John Corben, Metallo once applied for work as a reporter at the Daily Planet, and was thought by Lois Lane to be Superman's secret identity.

The Parasite sought to pull the plug on the Man of Steel, but Superman would not sink when he could still swim.

The Man of Steel managed to stop the forest fire with a big fan, but the Parasite only wanted him for his super-powers.

In the Metropolis Mailbag letters page, Irene Vartanoff of Lake Forest, Ill. writes:

"Dear Editor:

Why do hoods in 1967 comics look like 1957 Marlon Brando imitations? The Hell's Angels and the comic industry may not know it, but they are as "out" as can be! Juvenile delinquents of the sixties don't dress like "The Son of the Annihilator!" Sideburns and ducks and taps on shoe-heels are gone-gone-gone! And while I don't particularly relish the idea of picking up on hippies as the prototype of the juvenile delinquent of today, anything is better than this cliché stereotype! The Hell's Angels may dispute this, but why encourage their way of looking at things?"

The Editor replies:

(Well, well! La Vartanoff returns to our letter pages, with one of those criticisms which have caused some uncharitable persons to call her "Poison I.V." Actually, Irene, if you'd waited for the next ish, you'd have found that some of the other members of the Skull gang looked more up-to-date. For the rest - well, the Hells Angels and their ilk do exist, don't they? - Ed.)

Steve Chung
"The Review Of The Parasite!"

Action Comics #345: "The Day Candid Camera Unmasked Clark Kent's Ident ity!"

Action Comics #345
"The Day Candid Camera Unmasked Clark Kent's Identity!'
January, 1967

Story: Leo Dorfman
Art: Al Plastino
Lettering: Joe Letterese

Ever since he began his crime-fighting career, Clark Kent used every trick in the book to maintain his secret identity. Everyone from criminal scientists to girl reporters has tried and failed to learn his dual identity! Now, Allen Funt of television's Candid Camera, has managed to catch the mild-mannered reporter in the act of changing identities before forty million viewers on "The Day Candid Camera Unmasked Clark Kent's Identity!" On Sunday night, Perry White tunes in to Candid Camera! For their next stunt, one of the Candid Camera staff will enter the gorilla cage at the zoo. When the next visitor comes along, he is asked to let a little boy have some of his peanuts to feed the gorilla!

The visitor doesn't know what to make of father and son as they give the peanuts to a man in the gorilla cage! When he asks someone if that's a man in the gorilla cage, he is told by another staff member anyone can see it's a chimpanzee! Before he can get to a psychiatrist, Allen Funt admits it was all a gag, and they will play his tape on their show next Sunday! The editor finds Funt a riot, but thinks he couldn't be fooled by those Candid Camera gags. RING RING After learning of a spectacular hold-up at the Daily Planet, Perry speeds to the scene. With his entire staff off for the weekend, it's up to him to handle the story by himself. As he wonders what loot the hold-up men could have gotten away with, his car rounds the corner!

The Daily Planet editor finds nothing but a hole in the ground! How can a skyscraper have disappeared without a trace? Spotting a squad-car, Perry speaks with the two policemen! He is told by one of the officers to look up in the sky, and sees the Man of Steel flying around with the Daily Planet Building!

Superman fixes everything as good as new and reconnects the wires and pipes at super-speed! After the Man of Steel replaces the Daily Planet Building, he tells Perry White he is on Candid Camera! Allen Funt tells the editor they will run the film on next week's show. Millions of viewers will laugh when they see his reaction to the spectacular hold-up! As Perry shakes hands with Allen Funt, Superman takes his leave! That weekend, viewers coast-to-coast enjoy the missing building gag!

The following day, the Candid Camera staff receive a mountain of fan mail, and prepare for a different angle on their next show! Although their stunts are usually filmed in advance, Allen Funt is planning a gag sequence featuring the mild-mannered reporter! As an additional twist, Funt is going to put it as a live segment! He calls Perry White to set it up! At the Daily Planet, Perry White doesn't know what to make of the fish in the water cooler! Lois Lane smiles and takes his picture for her Candid Camera! Jimmy Olsen offers to relight the editor's cigar with his trick lighter! When the Daily Planet staff each claim they would not be fooled by Allen Funt, he answers his phone, and learns how Mr. Funt has a Candid Camera gag planned for Clark Kent! It will be a pleasure to turn the tables on one of his staff employees!

Funt tells the editor to assign the mild-mannered reporter to cover the annual Metropolis Fair at the Colosseum on Sunday night! Perry agrees to have Clark there for the "Gay Nineties Exhibit" at 10:45 p.m.! In the following days, as Allen Funt and his staff prepare for the weekend show, a customer asks a gas station attendant to put some air in his tires! The automobile suddenly goes up in the air like a balloon! CLUNK The customer decides to drop anchor! WHOOSH THUMP! The hapless attendant no longer knows if this is a filling station or an airport!

The gas station attendant soon learns he is on Candid Camera! Compressed helium gas was released from a tank, inflating a bag which lifted the light-weight automobile. The helium was then discharged through the exhaust pipe to lower it! At a winter festival in Metropolis Park, a snow sculpture of a spaceman is being set up! Three teens hurls snowballs to see which one of them can knock off his helmet! SPLATT! WHAPP! The next moment finds them fleeing in terror as a snow monster comes to life!

Allen Funt appears to tell them the snow sculpture is actually a man in a space suit! They are on Candid Camera and will see themselves running from the snowman this weekend! Sunday evening, as the nation tunes in, viewers laugh at the hapless gas station attendant and the floating automobile! In Metropolis, the Man of Steel dons his Clark Kent clothes to cover the story for Perry White! At the fair, the mild-mannered reporter prepares to watch the special events at the "Gay Nineties" exhibit, at 10:15 p.m.!

Clark smiles at the children enjoying the Superman and Batman souvenirs and toys at the Heroes-Haven Giftshop! He wonders what they would think if they knew the Man of Steel was walking right past them! The mild-mannered reporter would flip if he knew he was being watched on a nation-wide television hookup. At the "Gay Nineties" exhibit, the mild-mannered reporter arrives in time to watch as actors re-enact one of John L. Sullivan's bouts. Sullivan fought the last bareknuckle championship fight in 1889 by defeating Jake Kilrain in seventy-five rounds! The second "Gay Nineties" exhibit features "Diamond Jim" Brady eating several lobsters, a brace of roast ducks, and half a ham in one sitting -- followed by a few pies!

As the performance ends, the audience is informed how the actor portraying "Diamond Jim" Brady wore jewelry which belonged to the real "Diamond Jim". The gems kept for safe keeping in a vault between performances. The actors from the John L. Sullivan tableau are thieves in disguise and are about to take the gems! As a mild-mannered reporter, he can't act, but an old-time phone booth is just the place for a costume change! Unbeknownst to Clark, television cameras are watching his every move. Allen Funt informs the viewers the robbery is fake, as is the telephone booth! When the mild-mannered reporter tries to phone in his story to the Daily Planet, he will find the line is dead! After giving Clark Kent enough time, Allen Funt prepares to show the folks at home the picture of a frustrated reporter with a story he can't possibly phone in! Allen Funt stammers as he starts to tell his victim he is on Candid C-Camera and sees Clark Kent caught in the act of changing to the Man of Steel!

As views throughout the nation watch in disbelief, Lois Lane discovers her suspicions of her fellow reporter were accurate! A racketeer savors the sight of Superman squirming! A young viewer wonders how the Man of Steel will do for a new secret identity! Allen Funt tells his victim the robbery was a hoax he was planning to pull on Clark Kent! The mild-mannered reporter tells him to relax, despite the fact this was a live telecast with forty million viewers seeing him change from Clark Kent to Superman! Clark Kent finishes his switch, revealing Batman pants, boots, and a utility belt! He could be the Man of Steel or the Caped Crusader or just a mild-mannered reporter wearing parts of two costumes!

Figuring Clark must have discovered he was going to be on Candid Camera, Allen Funt is surprised to learn he was the one who told him -- courtesy of a miniature television set tuned in on the show! He was listening to it while he carried it in his pocket! Clark dodged the cameras and entered the "Heroes Haven" souvenir shop during the commercial to don the costume parts as a surprise for Allen Funt! This time, it was Mr. Funt who was caught in the act and who must smile for being on Candid Camera! Viewers across the nation relax at the news of the Man of Steel's secret identity remaining a secret as a weapon against his never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way! As Allen Funt and the Candid Camera crew depart, only Clark knows how close Funt came to unmasking him. The mild-mannered reporter didn't realize he was on television until the last possible moment!

Clark was in the booth changing to the Man of Steel when he kept his super-hearing tuned into the robbery! He could have changed back to the mild-mannered reporter, but it was more fun to give Allen Funt a taste of his own medicine! In a split-second, Superman bores through the bottom of the phone booth and drills his way to the Colosseum! The floor is repaired by the time Funt opens the door! In less than half a second, the Man of Steel sped to Jimmy Olsen's apartment, where he borrowed a miniature television set and a Batman costume from his pal's disguise trunk! When Allen Funt opened the door, Clark was able to pull off the greatest trick in television history. The following day at the Daily Planet, Perry compliments Clark on his stunt, and almost believed he was Superman! When Lois finds the idea ridiculous, the mild-mannered reporter wonders if the girl reporter will renew her identity hunt once more!

Candid Camera was broadcast on the CBS television network.

The mild-mannered reporter once impersonated a gorilla in "How Perry White Hired Clark Kent!" from Superman #133 (November, 1959) by Jerry Siegel and Al Plastino.

Children had a ball reading Superman and Batman comic books they bought at the local news vendor!

The Filmation Superman animated series ran on the CBS television network.

Allen Funt may have boxed Clark Kent into a corner, but the mild-mannered reporter told him the booth, the whole booth, and nothing but the booth.

The Batman TV series ran on the ABC television network.

Steve Chung
"The Day Candid Camera Unmasked Clark Kent's Review!"

Action Comics #343: "Eterno The Immortal!"

Action Comics #343
"Eterno The Immortal!"
November, 1966

Script: Jim Shooter
Art: Wayne Boring

More powerful than a million mastodons... more intelligent than an army
of scientists... and unaffected by H-Bombs. Who is he... the Man of
Steel? No. It's that 50-foot construct, Eterno! What happens when
these two meet? Duck and cover when Superman matches might with the
gigantic threat of... "Eterno the Immortal!"

Out of the void, outside of our galaxy, a spaceship makes its way towards
our solar system. Arl alerts Garan that they are entering the Sol
system. This is where the Man of Steel resides, on Earth. They are
members of the Superman Revenge Squad, a group who have met frequent
defeat against Superman. This time, Arl has got a plan to defeat their
foe for all time. Garan reminds Arl all the massive and powerful
weaponry they have used in the past, each with a "perfect" plan behind
it. Each and every one was beaten by the Man of Steel. At great expense
in time, money, and members. The other plans have failed, but Arl's plan
is different. He has researched the history of Superman's adopted world,
Earth, with their time viewer. He has found something of interest from a
billion years ago, a supercivilization called the Xan. They dwelled in
sky-cities built by their own superior science.

The Xan also constructed Eterno! The sunthoflesh is applied to his robot
frame, while an android brain is readied for encasement in the robot's
head. At fifty feet high, the half android, half robot stood over his
creators, and was powered by the energy of the stars themselves. Its
artificial brain contained all the Xan's knowledge. Armed with their
wisdom and power, Eterno could perform amazing feats, such as using his
destructo-beams to cut mountains in two. Eterno was too wise and too
powerful. He planned in secret to conquer the world. Biding his time,
the half android, half robot dreamt of making the tiny creatures his
servants. Before he could act, a different threat came to Earth in the
form of space gas. Knowing that the gas would wipe them out, the Xan
were aware that only the life in the sea would survive. Only the element
Absorbium could contain the gas, but it existed only at the planet's
core. Realizing that a ruler needs subjects, Eterno vows to retrieve the
Absorbium for them.

Eterno's destructo-beam blasted a four thousand mile path to the center
of the Earth, to save the Xan who would soon be conquered by him. At the
core, the half android, half robot finds himself unable to move, due to
the strange properties of the Absorbium. Eterno was paralyzed and the
Xan soon died out. Arl plans to release Eterno with a cyclo-ray. The
material will be disintegrated and the fifty foot creation will return to
the surface world. His conquest will bring him into battle against the
Man of Steel, and "poof" no more Superman. The spaceship is now within
range. The tele-viewer is activated, the z-ray radar is focused, and the
ray beam is fired. From outer space, it enters our atmosphere, then cuts
through the ocean floor, and the Earth's crust. The Absorbium is
vaporized, and after eons, Eterno is free once more.

With the power of solar energy, Eterno smashes through the wall of the
inner core, and begins digging towards the surface. Hours pass, and in a
mountain observatory near Metropolis, a scientist checks out his
seismograph. R-R-R-U-MMBLE The scientist wonders to himself if a nearby
mountain is moving? BLAMM! It couldn't be a volcanic eruption, but
there it is. The author of the eruption is now visible. KRRUMP As the
scientist heads for his automobile, and drives away, he watches as the
fifty foot automaton begins tearing the giant telescope in two.

At the offices of the Daily Planet, mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent is
on the alert for any further earth tremors, and sees a helicopter
broadcasting a call for Superman. Editor Perry White tells the reporter
to head over to the Metropolis Science Institute at once. Clark makes a
change of clothes in a stock room at super-speed, and the Man of Steel
heads for the institute. The scientists tell Superman that Metropolis,
the entire world... may be in danger. Only he can possibly stop the
threat. As the scientist from the observatory begins to tell his story,
the Man of Steel's telescopic-vision has just spotted the creature
entering Metropolis.

It is not the Xan who flee from him, but Eterno will conquer them none
the less. His mighty brain has already deciphered their strange speech.
He tears the top off of a deserted building, then holds it above his
head, and laughs at the fleeing gnats. CR-RASHH! As the deadly debris
is hurled, a flash of red and blue soars forward to intercept it. If
it's an opponent he wants, Eterno is about to meet the number one
contender. The half android, half robot wonders how the mere mortal
could have such power.

The building is shattered against the construct, but the impact fails to
faze it. The Man of Steel will try again. Seeing that he is the only
one who dares to attack, Eterno admits that the human is mighty, but as a
gnat to him. THUD! Startled citizens watch as their hero is knocked to
the ground. KR-RAK! The pavement cracks from the collision. Superman
assures the public that he's okay, and asks a police officer to have the
authorities clear the area. Returning to the fight, the Man of Steel
constructs a series of thick walls at super-speed, in hopes of slowing
his foe down until the evacuation has been completed. A wrecked building
and shattered street provide adequate ammo against his towering opponent.

Eterno is in no mood for any further games. POW! CRASH! The fifty foot
creation has broken through the last wall, but the evacuation has been
successful. Eterno plans to find the fleeing humans, and conquer them.
But first, he will put an end to the mighty human's interference.
Superman's punch is barely noticed by the towering automaton. Since he
can fly and Eterno cannot, the Man of Steel evades him, in time to reach
the top of the Daily Planet Building. He borrows the Planet globe to
give his foe a lesson in bowling.

Superman bowls a perfect strike. CRASH! Eterno is felled, his own
weight sending him through the street, and down into a subway tunnel. To
his surprise, the fifty foot creation recovers, and seizes him in one
hand. Caught in his grip, the Man of Steel unleashes a blast of
heat-vision. The rays are cancelled out by Eterno's destructo beams.

Fortunately, Superman can weather the strong blast. The half robot, half
android has just witnessed the impossible sight of a human defying his
destructo beams. In the spaceship of the Revenge Squad, Garan has
piloted the ship too low, and is now within the Man of Steel's line of
sight. He is certain that Eterno will win and he wishes to witness the
victory in person. How he longs to tell the Kryptonian that Eterno is
merely a pawn of the Superman Revenge Squad, and he will no longer live
to foil their plans. Garan has foolishly turned the loudspeaker switch
on, and the words have come out on the ship's speaker. Eterno is no
tool, no puppet. He will destroy anyone who dares to call him such
things. The Man of Steel is hurled aside, as Eterno turns his attention
on the fleeing spaceship.

ZZ-Z-ZAAP! They try to flee, but cannot elude his powerful destructo
beams. Inside the ship, the Revenge Squad prepare for a crash landing.
The ship comes down between two skyscrapers in Metropolis. Superman
recognizes the ship, now knows that it was the Revenge Squad behind
Eterno's arrival, and their pawn doesn't like the idea. Their new
experimental weapons are readied.

ZAA-P ZZ-ZAP WHAM! Their most powerful blasts fail to have an effect.
It would seem that Eterno has no weaknesses, save one. Absorbium! Their
atomic transmuter turns the nuclear capsules to Absorbium, and are
inserted into their guns. ZZL-LMM The fifty foot creation feels the
impact. FZZ-AMM KLZZZ! His entire frame is now charged with Absorbium,
and his artificial life-force has been neutralized. The fifty foot
automaton falls towards his attackers.

CRASH! AAAHHH! Eterno's last act is to crush the Revenge Squad ship.
The Man of Steel lifts the inert form and checks for any survivors.
Inside the ship, there are none to be found. The records show how the
Revenge Squad freed Eterno from the Earth's core. By destroying him, they
destroyed themselves.

On the cover of Action Comics #343 by Curt Swan, the Man of Steel is
punched by an purple glove attached to an orange arm. "From The Center
Of The Earth A New Menace Challenges The Man of Steel... "Eterno"
Gigantic Immortal! More Powerful Than Superman Himself!"

Orange and purple are the color scheme of Mr. Mxyzptlk.

Eterno is a fifty foot half android, half robot, orange in color, with a
red triangle on his chest, and purple gloves, trunks, and boots.

Arl is human in appearance, while Garan, and the other unnamed Revenge
Squadder is bald, has blue skin, and yellow bug eyes.

Clark Kent must be a pretty good bowler, especially if the Man of Steel
is able to use the Daily Planet Globe in order to get a strike.

The Revenge Squad spaceship is green in color, equipped with sufficient
switches to cause a perfect plan to go awry at the slightest touch.

It's unknown what happened to Eterno, but I assume that the Man of Steel
took his remains to the Fortress of Solitude.

In the Metropolis Mailbag, Dave Cockrum of Miramar, Calif. writes:

"Dear Editor:

Once in a while, along comes a Superman story which stands head and
shoulders above the rest. Such a tale was "Power Of The Parasite." The
best thing in this story, aside from a villain nearly beating the Man of
Steel without the aid of Kryptonite or magic, was an insight - underdone,
in my opinion, but there nevertheless - into Superman's personality. The
Parasite very nearly killed him, after thoroughly knocking the living
daylights out of him, and yet he arose, again and again, for another try.
It shows that, even without his super-powers, Superman has the will to
fight back, no matter how hard you kick his brains out. Until now, I
hadn't believed him capable of performing like that under such
conditions. After all, how much indomitable spirit do you need when
you're strong enough to shoot billiards with planets for balls and suns
for pockets? You just knock the villain's block off and forget it. But
you didn't carry it far enough. Anyone else would have been so mad he
was blue in the face. Superman, admittedly, wasn't very calm - but he
wasn't mad enough. I regret your having killed off the Parasite. You
need more villains (not Kryptonians) who can take Superman on without
using Kryptonite or magic."

(Credit for this great story goes to Jim Shooter, our new discovery.
Jim's had such a landslide of applause for this tale, he's promised to
dream up a way of bringing back the Parasite for another go-round with
the Man of Steel - Ed.)

Steve Chung
"Eterno The Review!"

Action Comics #342: "The Super-Human Bomb!"

Action Comics #342
"The Super-Human Bomb!"
October, 1966

Story: Jim Shooter
Art: Wayne Boring

Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to
leap tall buildings in a single bound! Look... up in the sky... it's a
bird... it's a plane! It's Superman? No -- on this occasion, the Man of
Steel means doom for three billion people on the planet. The hero who
fights for truth, justice and the American way has become a threat for
mankind as "The Super-Human Bomb!"

The new interstellar saucer of Brainiac makes its way through the far
reaches of outer space. Within the starship, the android is in his
"Reminder Room", and is watching films of the Man of Steel defeating him.
He hopes to increase his hatred of Superman and become inspired to come
up with a new revenge plan. Later, Brainiac adds a transistor hookup to
his computer brain and concentrates his mental powers on coming up with a
foolproof plan. Hours later, the android's evil ponderings have left him
in a hopeless state. Another spaceship appears and begins its attack.
Brainiac activates his force-shield, but the pilot of the other ship is
determined to prove his superiority.

The rays from the alien ship cuts through the force-shield. The android
is no match for the armed might of Grax. Once the battle is over, the
victor uses a space transfer beam to cross over without a space-suit.
Although Brainiac possesses a twelfth order mind, his invader possesses a
twentieth order brain, and he has used his knowledge to create weaponry
for his defeat. Aware of the android's hatred for the Man of Steel,
Grax's hatred is greater. An army of robot invaders were crushed...
prior to this, Grax's flying disc machines were stopped when they stole
Venusian Radonite.

With his twentieth level mind, Grax has come up with a way to defeat the
Man of Steel, and needs a force-shield to do it. Unable to create one of
sufficient strength, he has decided to steal Brainiac's. The android's
computer brain is short-circuited, and while his built-in recharger works
to revive him, Grax disposes of his victim. Brainiac is set adrift in a
space life-boat. The starship heads for a red sun, where its power
charger is extended into the center of the star. Now, all has been
prepared for Grax's attack on the Man of Steel.

In the offices of the Daily Planet, Lois Lane asks Clark Kent to give
some papers to Perry White. Before the mild-mannered reporter can comply
with her request, he sees something else which demands his immediate
attention. After changing clothes at super-speed, Superman flies towards
a weird space capsule he had seen with his telescopic-vision. The
falling capsule contains many deadly alien weapons. As the Man of Steel
hurls the capsule into outer space, he doesn't notice the small missile
approaching him. A device emerges from the missile, and attaches itself
to his belt.

No sooner has Superman determined that the strange object is a bomb, does
a giant spaceship with an alien aboard. Grax advises him not to remove
the bomb. The K-Meson in the bomb holds atoms together, and when they
are destroyed, the atoms explode with enough force to exterminate an
entire world. The K-Meson Bomb will explode if it's removed. All the
Man of Steel must do is to head into deep space, and remove it. A good
idea, but Grax had foreseen this possibility, and has placed an invisible
force-shield to prevent such a departure. It has been reinforced with
energy from a red sun, and will resist his super-powers.

The bomb is set to go off in twenty-four hours, and any attempt to pass
through the time barrier prior to the bomb's creation will set it off.
When asked why he is doing this, Grax states that his reasons are far too
many to mention. His bomb can't harm the Man of Steel, but the sight of
his adopted world... his friends dying before his very eyes will be
sufficient to end his career forever. The lives of three billion people
mean nothing to Grax. He tells Superman that there is a way to disarm
the K-Meson Bomb, but he'll never find out what it is. The starship
heads off into outer space, with the lives of three billion people
hanging in the balance. Superman uses his x-ray vision to try and find
the bomb's wiring. It's lined with lead, which his x-ray vision can't
penetrate.

A nearby observatory has witnessed what's happened, with the anxious
astronomer alerting the press. When the news is made known, the public
begins to panic on the streets. "Superman Is Super-Human Bomb! Dooms
Earth! Zero Hour 7 P.M. Tomorrow Lip-Reading Astronomer Views Clash
Through Telescope" Superman lands in front of the Daily Planet. The
startled citizens demand to know the truth, hurling bricks and debris at
their hometown hero. After flying to the top of the highest building in
Metropolis, the Man of Steel super-shouts to the fearful mob below. An
enemy has turned him into a living super-bomb. He doesn't know how to
prevent it from destroying the planet... but he suggests that they return
to their homes, and to remain calm. The crowd agree with what has been
said, and leave the authorities to handle the bomb.

Scientists all over the world work on the problem of dealing with the
threat of the K-Meson Bomb. They are dealing with scant data, but they
must work quickly, and begin mixing their test tubes. Dr. Weinhout
speaks out on possible solutions... using missiles to crack the
force-shield so that the Man of Steel can head into deep space, and
dispose of the bomb. This has proved impossible, so far. Superman is in
a meeting with two of the world's foremost locksmiths, three army bomb
disposal men, and Professor Potter. Together, they have not been able to
come up with a way to deal with this advanced threat. They would require
more time, but there isn't any time, and the Man of Steel must work on
deactivating the K-Meson Bomb himself.

Twenty miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, the water pressure
fails to damage the bomb. The molten metal at the Earth's core fails to
affect the K-Meson Bomb, as well. Despite his pleas, people are rioting
once more, and he must spend time handling the problem. One hour is
left, with one more thing left to try... but it may detonate the bomb
early. Superman heads for the tower, which is the target of an H-Bomb
test today. Seconds pass, with an explosion and an enormous mushroom
cloud rising several miles into the sky.

Even at the center of the nuclear test blast, the bomb isn't even
scratched, and the Man of Steel can't think of anything else to try.
Grax has been watching the proceedings, and gloats at the thought of the
Man of Steel not discovering the bomb's secret in time. Brainiac has
been watching, too. The small lifeboat has a monitor screen for the
android to witness Grax's triumph. Brainiac is determined to have his
revenge on the one who stole his force-shield, and aid Superman in
defeating him. The twelfth order mind works on a plan, and comes up with
a way for the Man of Steel to beat Grax. Now, Brainiac must find a way
to communicate with his foe. Back on Earth, diamond drills and laser
beams fail to break through the K-Meson Bomb's outer shell. There are
only ten minutes left. Now on a hill outside of Metropolis, Superman has
the knowledge that no matter where he goes, the bomb will destroy the
entire planet.

The Man of Steel surrenders himself to Grax in exchange for disarming the
bomb. The monitor aboard his spaceship enables Grax to read the message
carved on the side of a mountain. There is no answer to the message, but
Superman receives a reply from an unexpected source. Brainiac is
thought-casting from a device he made from spare parts of a monitor
screen, and asks his foe to trust him. Following the android's
instructions, Superman swiftly creates a giant super-magnet.

Grax's ship is pulled down to the force-shield. CLUNK! In less than a
minute, the K-Meson Bomb will go off, and Grax's ship with it. The
android with the twentieth order mind knows that this is so. He tells
the Man of Steel to twist the small pin on the side of the bomb... up for
half a turn, then down for a full turn. SCREEEEE The five-second
warning goes off... with the pin doing no good. A small portion of the
force-shield is opened. Grax hopes to disarm it in time, but there's no
chance now. As the android screams, Superman hits a fateful switch.

A force-shield forms around Grax's spaceship, just before the bomb goes
off, and the blast is contained. The explosion also cracks the
force-shield around the Earth. The planet is safe and the Man of Steel
has managed to save an item wrapped in his cape. The force-shield used
by Grax to try and destroy the Earth has enabled Superman to save it.
Once he's been rescued, Brainiac is given his force-field device by the
Man of Steel, and a spaceship for him to travel into space. As he shakes
hands with Superman, the android agrees that their score is settled, but
they will meet again. Unbeknownst to the two of them, Grax has used a
device to turn himself into a phantom, and has been hurled far out into
space by the blast. When he arrives on a planet, he'll regain his
natural form, and gain his revenge on the Man of Steel.

Being turned into a Super-Human Bomb really ticks off the Man of Steel.

Brainiac's interstellar saucer looks like it was made by Whammo!

For someone with a twelfth order mind, a transistor hookup is considered
to be state of the art.

Some people have "Reminder Rooms", while others would rather forget about
the whole thing.

Grax knows that forewarned is four-armed.

It's interesting that with all the power of his own brain, Grax couldn't
create a force-shield of sufficient strength, and took the easy route of
taking Brainiac's invention.

Boy, those lip-reading astronomers are either peeping toms or real
party-poopers, aren't they?

It's safe to say that the Man of Steel's super-shouts are not as
hazardous as the singing voice of Black Bolt.

The panel which stands out in the story is that of the two scientists
holding onto their test tubes in much the same way as a gunslinger would
be handling his trusty six-shooters.

It's good to see that when confronted with a greater evil, Brainiac and
Superman could work together to save the day.

Their score settled and their debt repaid, the Kryptonian and the android
with the twelfth order mind would meet again one day.

Grax returned in the pages of Super Friends, as well as in an issue of
Wizard (where the JLA met their Super Friends counterparts).

Steve Chung
"The Super-Human Review!"