The Super-Men (and -Women) of All-Planets

[Jim Kelly]

Later, Superman flies Lois to an exotic location where they encounter a mystic minstrel. Under his spell, the Pride of Pittsdale regains her capacity for love. In fact, the minstrel is Roland Kirk in disguise. The act is intended to bring Lois out of a hypnotic state, as Denison's laser device was a hypnosis machine. The professor implanted the suggestion in the reporter's mind that she could not feel love. Just as she had done to Roland's wife.

At the end of this story, Lana is leaving Metropolis to forget about Superman. Morgan Edge has given her a job as a European correspondent for Galaxy Broadcasting.



Note: "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" is probably a pop culture reference to the song of the same name. From the tune team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the melody was featured in the 1968 musical, PROMISES, PROMISES. Dionne Warwick covered the anthem in 1969, for her L.P. of the same name as the song, and the single went to number 6 on the Hot 100.

Art note: Murphy Anderson begins altering some of the Superman and Clark Kent faces as of this LOIS LANE issue which continues straight through up to and including issue 123.

"Letters to Lois and Rose" is cut short this time to make room for the Statement of Ownership; still, there's comments on the "Curious (Black)" story (ish 106), starting off with a missive from Rich Morrissey.



The back-up feature introduces Albert Talbot, a costumer working for the 100, whose connection to the Thorn is revealed in the next ish.

***

SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE 110 (May 1971)--1st story, "Indian Death Charge" by Kanigher, Roth and Colletta; 2nd story, "The Face of Fate" by Kanigher, Andru and Esposito:

Not to be outdone by Clark Kent, Lois anchors her own WGBS news show called PEOPLE--U.S.A., broadcast live from in the studio and in the field. Even though Morgan Edge is secretly working for Inter-Gang, he and Ms. Lane get along famously and she seems to think he's a very nice fellow. He shows her none of the animosity that he displays toward Jimmy Olsen and Clark Kent (over in SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN).

In this issue, Lois adopts an indigenous baby that has lost his mother. Meanwhile, the Thorn sends Albert Talbot to prison for his crimes--but now we know that he created the costumes in the brownstone next to Rose's home.

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERBOY 174 [G-83] (May-June 1971)--"A Super-Collection of Super-Animals" cover art by Swan and Anderson; on sale March 9th, 1971:





Featuring the super funny animals from--

ADVENTURE COMICS 262 (July 1959)--1st story, "The Colossal Superdog" by Binder and Papp
ADVENTURE COMICS 219 (December 1955)--1st story, "The Gorilla with Super-Eyes" by Binder, Swan and Klein
SUPERBOY 53 (December 1956)--2nd story, "The Super-Zoo from Krypton" by Binder and Sikela
ADVENTURE COMICS 225 (June 1956)--1st story, "The Bird With Super Powers" by Joseph Greene*, Swan and Klein
SUPERBOY 105 (June 1963)--3rd story, “The Super-Dog That Was Greater Than Krypto” by Siegel and Plastino--the first tale of Swifty the greyhound, see post #92

*For the SUPERBOY 174 entry the Grand Comics Database credits Joeseph Greene (b. 1914), who sometimes used the pen name "Alvin Schwartz" but he's not to be confused with the actual Alvin Schwartz (b. 1916). For the ADVENTURE COMICS 225 entry, the G.C.D. credits "Al Schwartz." Greene is best known as the creator and writer of Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.

[Jim Kelly]

Next week: Superman Family Secrets

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERMAN 239 [G-84] (June-July 1971)--"Superman's Greatest Battles" cover art by Swan and Anderson; on sale April 6th, 1971:



The last Giant SUPERMAN won't give up without a fight.



Reprints are from--

ACTION COMICS 267 (August 1960)--1st story, "Hercules in the 20th Century" by Binder, Boring and Kaye
ACTION COMICS 268 (September 1960)--1st story, "Superman's Battle with Hercules" by Binder, Boring and Kaye
SUPERMAN 127 (February 1959)--3rd story, "Titano the Super-Ape" by Binder, Boring and Kaye
SUPERMAN 164 (October 1963)--1st story, "The Showdown Between Luthor and Superman" by Hamilton, Swan and Klein--see posts #337 and 338

And there's a two page spread with new Maps of Krypton's "Old World" Hemisphere and "New World" Hemisphere by E. Nelson Bridwell and Sal Amendola.



This includes, for the first time, the island continent of Vathlo, where lived certain people of colour. They were the most advanced society on the planet and because of the great distance (Krypton being a giant world), they had little contact with the people on the larger continent of Lurvan.

While the alien Vrangs did enslave Kryptonians, Kryptonians didn't enslave each other. Some pundits interpret this as prejudiced on the part of Bridwell, which I don't get. E.N.B. simply provides a soft retcon for why people of colour haven't appeared in tales of Jor-El and his ancestors, leaving the doors open for new tales.

Note: SUPERMAN 238 actually went on sale after SUPERMAN 239.

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERMAN 238 (June 1971)--2nd story, "A Name is Born" by Bates and Morrow; on sale April 15th, 1971:

Years before Krypton perished, two teachers are preparing for the first day of classes. One relates to the other a story that always captured the interest of his students.

"Before human life existed on Krypton" the planet was wrapped in a crimson cocoon. A rift in the cocoon allowed a space traveller (in a white and blue space suit) to pierce the atmosphere and land on the surface of the planet, where he was observed by an astronaut (in a white and gold space suit) from another world who had been stranded there for the last few days.



When the two astronauts met, a misunderstanding caused them to engage in battle. However, as they fought, the one in the blue and white suit was thrown clear of the dripping crimson cocoon while the other stranded explorer was caught in the goo.

Perhaps the ensnared alien deliberately threw the other clear, so he would avoid the same fate. As the astronaut in the white and yellow struggled to breathe, the other blasted the crimson web, which freed the trapped traveller.





They took off their helmets and the one, in blue and white, gave his name as "Kryp"; while the other, in gold and white, gave her name as "Tonn."

"Well Kryp, the man, and Tonn, the woman, never did get off the planet . . . " which was Krypton.

Note: The way this story is framed, it seems unlikely to be real or even a very well-known story among Kryptonians. But it might have some truth to it. Perhaps, the original settlers of Krypton were from two different planets and pooled their resources to survive on the hostile world.

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE 111 (July 1971)--1st story, "The Dark Side of the Justice League" by Kanigher, Roth and Colletta; 2nd story, "The Law of the 100" by Kanigher and Morrow; cover art by Dick Giordano:



The Evil Factory spawns a miniature Justice League, using the super-heroes' cells to create corrupt little clones.

[Jim Kelly]

And Supes has an intense encounter with Lo.

***

Meanwhile, a kid is forced to stalk and kill the Thorn for the 100, but if he fails they'll kill him. The Thorn saves him from the 100's rough justice.

[Jim Kelly]

DC 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR 4 (1971)--"Weird Mystery Tales" cover art by Bernie Wrightson; on sale June 17th, 1971:



This is the first 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR even though it's numbered 4. "100-PAGE" counts the cover as pages, but there are no ads (other than house ads) and all for only 50 cents, a real bargain. While mostly consisting of reprints, the book is divided up into sections introduced with full page art by Bernie Wrightson.





More Super Spectaculars are to follow.

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERMAN 241 (August 1971)--[new content] 1st story, "The Shape of Fear" by O'Neil, Swan and Anderson:

This month the publisher launched their "bigger & better" comics for only 25 cents, which had an extra 16 pages.

The lead story is the latest chapter in the Sand Superman Saga--see posts # 110 - 117.

The next two stories are reprints, the first is from . . .

SUPERMAN 112 (March 1957)--1st story, "Superman's Neighbors" by Bill Finger, Wayne Boring and Stan Kaye; r. SUPERMAN 241 (August 1971):

Clark's address at 344 Clinton Street is given for the first time. This reprint seemed to give the writers the idea to use that address in their new stories and might have also inspired the Private Life of Clark Kent back-up feature.

And just as the 1970s stories would introduce us to Kent's neighbours in the building, so does this yarn. We meet Alexander Ross, who is taking a special interest in Clark Kent and monitoring his movements



There's also Joe Rollins, an artist who is into science fiction (maybe a comic book artist), and Mrs. Rollins, a busy homemaker. Then there's young Tommy Snead who has a hobbled leg. The Metropolis Marvel takes Tommy to the Moon, where he's able to leap great distances, thanks to the low gravity.



And there's Miss Wentworh in 3-E who has a crush on Superman.

When Alexander Ross trails Clark Kent late at night, he's caught by the Action Ace. Ross explains that he has a card from the Eagle-Eye Correspondence School for Detectives and he suspects that Kent is a crook. But the Man of Steel assures him that Clark is a trusted friend.

At the end of the story, all the tenants get together for a party, where they all seem to be enjoying themselves, except for the occupant of apartment 3-B, Clark Kent, who carries the troubles of the world on his shoulder.



. . . And the other reprint is the subject of the following posts.

[Jim Kelly]

The Vrang Invasions

SUPERMAN 176 (April 1965)--3rd story, "Superman's Day of Truth" by Dorfman, Swan and Klein; r. SUPERMAN 241 (August 1971)
SUPERMAN SPECTACULAR 2 (1982) [U.K. edition]--"Superman Meets the Zod Squad," by Bates, Saviuk and Colletta; cover painting by Alan Craddock
--This story was reprinted, with alterations and amendments inked by Pablo Marcos, in--

ACTION COMICS 548 (October 1983)--"Escape From the Phantom Zone"; cover art by Gil Kane
ACTION COMICS 549 (November 1983)--"Superman Meets the Zod Squad"; cover art by Gil Kane

[Jim Kelly]

According to the Kryptonian calendar, the "Day of Truth" is the anniversary of Val-Lor's great sacrifice--a day when all the surviving Kryptonians--Kal-El, Kara Zor-El, the Kandorians--speak nothing but the truth.



On this day, in Kandor, the Elder reads from the ancient Book of Deeds:

"Long centuries ago, a ruthless swarm of alien invaders, called Vrangs, swept down upon our peaceful mother-planet, Krypton!"

The Kryptonians were enslaved and humiliated by the Vrangs, "used to mine the precious living jewels of the Jewel Mountains." But none dare oppose the invaders.

"After years of slavery, one courageous youth defied the conquerors."

He said, "I will not lie! My name is Val-Lor! I hate and despise you Vrangs! I wish you were all dead!"

And for that he was shot down dead. "But Val-Lor had not died in vain." His example inspired the Kryptonians to revolt and drive the Vrangs off their planet.



"Superman's Day of Truth" was previously covered in post #531.

But what happened to the Vrangs after that? This chapter was revealed in SUPERMAN SPECTACULAR 2 (1982), released in the U.K. A year later, it was reprinted in ACTION COMICS 548 (October 1983) and ACTION COMICS 549 (November 1983), with cuts and additions--the added pages were inked by Pablo Marcos.

[Jim Kelly]

It's now centuries after the Vrangs subjugated Krypton before being driven from the planet. And Krypton is no more; however, the Vrangs are still active in the universe. In roughly the Earth year 1982, the Vrangs discover a planetoid that used to be occupied by Kryptonians--Argo City.



At around the same time, if time can be reckoned in the Phantom Zone, the wraith-like villains have discovered something in the three-dimensional universe that they've long searched for--a surviving piece of jewel Kryptonite.



As we know from ACTION COMICS 310 (March 1964)--1st story, "Secret of Kryptonite Six" by Dorfman, Swan and Klein; r. SUPERMAN 227 (June-July 1970)--the Man of Steel and Jax-Ur travelled back in time to the Scarlet Jungle, but while there Jax-Ur got his hands on some of the living jewels from the Jewel Mountains, to create jewel Kryptonite. Phantom Zoners are able to focus their thoughts through the jewel K., producing energy beams that set off explosives--see post #650.

From the Zone, the villains are able to focus their thoughts on the last remaining jewel K. in existence, causing an explosion that rips an opening in the Phantom Zone.

Returning to Argo City, the Vrangs examine a Visi-Record that chronicles the destruction of the Kryptonians there and find that one of them--Kara Zor-El--escaped that doom. Moreover they are able to track her Kryptonian ion trail to Earth.

[Jim Kelly]

Four of the criminals escape through the tear in the Zone, before it closes up again--General Dru-Zod, Faora Hu-Ul, Tyb-Ol and Murkk--Jax-Ur presumably couldn't fit through because of his bulk.



When Lois visits a women's self-defense class, she becomes suspicious when "Mrs. Simpson" uses a Horu-Kanu move--from the ancient Kryptonian martial art (which Lois has studied) and she trails Simpson who reveals herself as Faora.

Meanwhile, Clark has discovered that a Metropolis vigilante group called the "White Wildcats" are being supplied with Kryptonian technology. It's at this point, as reprinted in ACTION COMICS 548, where the first part ends.

ACTION COMICS 549 has added a splash page, inked by Marcos, that summarizes the story so far, as the villains in the Phantom Zone monitor what their compatriots are about.



The supplier of technology to the White Wildcats is General Zod. When Superman confronts the "Zod Squad," they claim that they have put aside their vendetta against Kal-El, to fight a common enemy--the Vrangs. Just then the Man of Might is struck by a beam from the Vrang warship.

[Jim Kelly]

The Vrangs have teleported Superman aboard their ship and now hold him captive.

The living jewels from the Jewel Mountains, that the Vrangs had forced the enslaved Kryptonians to mine, were always a weakness of the invaders. Jewel Kryptonite is even more potent.



Zod's Phantastic 4 launch an attack on their enemy, but Tyb-Ol and Murkk are vapourized.



However, Dru-Zod has one ace up his sleeve, the jewel Kryptonite.

Zod and Faora mentally detonate the jewel K., disintegrating the Vrangs, while sending the two criminals back to the Zone. Believing Kal-El must have also died in the blast, they discover he's in the Zone with them. Having salvaged one last fragment of jewel Kryptonite, that's Kal-El's ticket back to life, back to reality.

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND, LOIS LANE 112 (August 1971)--[new content] 1st story, "A Tree Grows in Metropolis" by Bates, Roth and Colletta; on sale June 24th, 1971:

In another star system, the Action Ace flies over the blighted planet of the Tzols. Due to over-population they have abandoned their homeworld for a larger planet. All of the plants on the forsaken planet are mysteriously dying off.

For a second, Superman thinks he sees Lois--naked except for the leaves that cover her. But the next second it appears to be just a tree; although, unlike all the other flora, this one is thriving. As he has sworn to preserve all forms of life, the Caped Kryptonian takes the last surviving tree through hyperspace to Earth and transplants it to a park in Metropolis.



The strange tree attracts the attention of everyone in Metropolis. Then late at night, after a date with Lois, answering a summons from the tree--named Rzalin--the Red and Blue Blur flies his girlfriend to the park and both are transfixed by the tree.



The next part of the story turns out to be a fantasy projected into their minds by Rzalin as she seeks to gain control over them and all of humanity. It turns out that the plants on Rzalin's world needed to telepathically link with the Tzol to sustain themselves. But Rzalin can't draw mental sustenance from Lois or Superman and she dies as a result.



Note: It seems reckless for Superman to transplant alien vegetation to a Metropolis park. If he was being safe, surely he would have planted it in his Fortress conservatory. However, his irrational action makes sense if he was already under Rzalin's mental control.

The 2nd story in the issue is a reprint from--

SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND, LOIS LANE 30 (January 1962)--2nd story, "Superman's Secret Family" by Siegel and Schaffenberger
--see post to follow.