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

[Jim Kelly]

ACTION 579 (May 1986)--"Prisoners of Time" by R.J.M. Lofficier (Randy Lofficier and Jean-Marc Lofficier), Giffen and Oksner; cover art by Giffen and K. Kesel:

By 1986, Jim seems to have recovered from his past life experiences, as he makes light of being Spartacus to museum curator Karen.



A robbery goes wrong and in the rhubarb a precious Arverne shield is destroyed; however, fortune favours the bold when Olsen and his Super-Pal are magically transported through time to a unique area of Gaul (what would be France). "As always in Gaul, all ends with a great and happy banquet…"



Note: This time trip serves as a tribute to Astérix, created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo--and to Astérix's voluminous companion, Obélix. In this tale the Obélix figure is named Columnix, while Superman is dubbed Superix. The Arverne shield features in the 11th Astérix album: LE BOUCLIER ARVERNE ["The Chieftain's Shield"] (1967)--"and once again our story ends with a banquet…" similar to the banquet shown in "Prisoners of Time" and at the end of many Astérix adventures.



Trans-Atlantic draft picks, Randy and Jean-Marc Lofficier, spun this Gallic ACTION yarn. In the dying days of the Schwartz Superman era, several players took to the Action Ace's home field--both rookies and hall of famers.

[Jim Kelly]

FAMOUS FIRST EDITION C-28 (1974)--a facsimile edition of ACTION COMICS No. 1 (June 1938); back cover art by Neal Adams; on sale January 3rd, 1974:



This tabloid was advertised in the comics, with a handy order form (which is how I got all my tabloids, I rarely ever saw them for sale anywhere).



The inside front cardstock cover had a message from National publisher Carmine Infantino.



Even though the title is FAMOUS FIRST EDITION, the number C-28 follows the batting order of the LIMITED COLLECTORS' EDITION series. Later, the FAMOUS FIRST tabloids would get their own numbering--so retroactively this is also issue F-1.

I've never held an actual copy of ACTION COMICS No. 1 in my hand but, as far as I can tell, the production staff made sure to get everything exactly right for this replica edition. Even the paper stock for the cover, inside the cardstock cover, is the right weight and texture for a comic book cover.

It is so faithful to the original that they preserved "By Jerome Siegel & Joe Shuster" on the inside first page, rather than removing it, and so granting Cleveland's own a curtain call.

The inside (inside) back cover has the "Odds and Ends" page by Sheldon Moldoff (artist) featuring "Larrupin" Lou Gehrig from the famous Yankee Muderer's Row of '27, as well as Babe Ruth and Lee Grissom.

And all of the other content in this issue is intact--all the features and all the ads. One of the most wonderful publishing efforts I've ever been lucky enough to own. It's a four bagger.

[Jim Kelly]

When National decided to exploit the 100-Page Super Spectacular format in 1974--see post #938--at the same time they opted to make over SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN as THE SUPERMAN FAMILY.

While THE SUPERMAN FAMILY continues in numbering from SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN, it also replaces SUPERMAN'S GIRL FRIEND, LOIS LANE and SUPERGIRL. The catch is that the title is only bi-monthly and the three leads alternate at bat. Doing the math, that averages out to only two issues per year for each featured character's new content.

Granted the three also appear in reprints in the book, but there isn't much chance for Jimmy, Lois and Linda to improve their season R.B.I. average at that rate.


THE SUPERMAN FAMILY

164 (April-May 1974) 100 pg. features Jimmy +reprints
165 (June-July 1974) 100 pg. features Supergirl +reprints
166 (August-September 1974) 100 pg. features Lois +reprints
167 (October-November 1974) 100 pg. features Jimmy +reprints
168 (December 1974 - January 1975) 100 pg. features Supergirl +reprints
169 (February-March 1974) 100 pg. features Lois +reprints

170 (April-May 1975) 64 pg. features Jimmy +reprints
171 (June-July 1975) 64 pg. features Supergirl +reprints
172 (August-September 1975) 64 pg. features Lois +reprints
173 (October-November 1975) 64 pg. features Jimmy +reprints
174 (December 1975 - January 1976) 64 pg. features Supergirl +reprints
175 (February-March 1976) 64 pg. features Lois +reprints
176 (April-May 1976) 64 pg. features Jimmy +reprints

177 (June-July 1976) 48 pg. features Supergirl +reprints
178 (August-September 1975) 48 pg. features Lois +reprints
179 (October 1976) 48 pg. features Jimmy +reprints
180 (November 1976) 48 pg. features Supergirl +reprints
181 (December 1976 - January 1977) 48 pg. features Lois +reprints

182 (March-April 1977) Dollar Comics 80 pg. begins--all new

[Jim Kelly]

Jimmy Olsen Presents
THE SUPERMAN FAMILY 164 (April-May 1974)--[new content] 1st story, "Death Bites with Fangs of Stone" by Dorfman and Schaffenberger; 4th story, "The Gift-Wrapped Doom" by Dorfman and Schaffenberger; cover art by Nick Cardy; on sale January 24th, 1974:


On the cover, it says "Jimmy Olsen Presents THE SUPERMAN FAMILY" which was probably done to make it clear that this is Olsen's book gone into extra innings.



The featured character of that issue (either Jimmy, Supergirl or Lois) provides colour commentary on the reprints--with added art and text--and some title logos changed. The classic highlights reel for this issue is announced by Jimmy as if these were headlines in the Daily Planet--

▪ ACTION COMICS 339 (July 1966)--2nd story, "Brainiac's Blitz" by Shooter and Mooney.
▪ ADVENTURE COMICS 272 (May 1960)--1st story, "The Super-Star of Hollywood" by Siegel and Papp"--see post to follow.
▪ SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN 76 (April 1964)--2nd story, "The Death March" by Dorfman and Plastino.
▪ SUPERMAN'S GIRL FRIEND, LOIS LANE 51 (August 1964)--"The Three Wives of Superman" by writer unknown, art by Schaffenberger--see post to follow.

In the expanded letter column for this issue, the Editor explains the family format change. And writer Leo Dorfman gives a lengthy response to a critique of his Spartacus story in JIMMY OLSEN 159 (post #1003).

[Jim Kelly]

"Death Bites with Fangs of Stone":



To make up for the years he missed out being a father to Jimmy, Mark Olsen has turned his estate into a charitable home for wayward boys called Olsentown. However, lately the home has suffered destruction and vandalism from an unknown source.

As well, Mark has lost most of his fortune and is on the brink of bankruptcy. He has to leave to conduct business in Europe, but he entrusts Olsentown to Jimmy, along with Dr. Herrod, the psychologist who is the director of the charity.

The Daily Planet reporter does some gumshoe work to figure out who is responsible for the acts of destruction, interviewing several of the teens at Olsentown. One of them, named Evo, has extraordinary psychic abilities and Jimmy suspects he might be the guilty party.

But, as Olsen trails Evo, Mr. Action discovers an underground site of the Spanish conquistadors. The real criminal is Dr. Herrod who had found this treasure trove and hoped to enrich himself.

This archaeological pay dirt generates enough wealth to save Olsentown and establish franchises across the country.



Note: Given Hal Rand and Mark Olsen were both archaeologists and they both lived on the estate, it's curious that neither of them discovered the conquistador's treasure. Hal Rand is benched from this story's line-up.

***

"The Gift-Wrapped Doom":

The second rounder--for this issue's Jimmy Olsen double-header--is a tale of the tape. The "Elephant" is offering evidence against Gravediggers, Inc., where he used to work as a hitman. Unfortunately, the Gravediggers take him out before he can testify against them; however, the Elephant has left a souvenir for Olsen--a brick wrapped with tape. The brick is inconsequential--the tape is a computer tape record of the Gravediggers' crimes.

[Jim Kelly]

"The Super-Star of Hollywood":

ADVENTURE COMICS 272 (May 1960)



When the Boy of Steel does a screen test for a Hollywood movie, it's his dog, Krypto, who is discovered to have on-screen charm.



Krypto's name up in lights, it all goes to the Super-Dog's head and Clark wants to bring the high-flying hound back down to Earth.



The Smallville Dodger throws the Poor Pooch a curve ball, by exposing him to green K., depriving Krypto of his special skills and his matinee idol looks.

Note: In this spring classic, the Kryptonite makes Krypto age. Young Clark's conduct is un-sportsman-like, using the green stuff on his loyal compadre.

[Jim Kelly]

"The Three Wives of Superman":

SUPERMAN'S GIRL FRIEND, LOIS LANE 51 (August 1964)



This fable imagines a possible future where the Action Ace marries Lois Lane. To protect her life, he invents a serum that gives her temporary super-powers. However, the formula proves to be lethal and Lois soon dies from its side effects. Strike one!



After a period of mourning, the Man of Steel decides to marry his childhood sweetheart, Lana Lang. Plagued by suspicions that Superman still loves Lois more than her, Lana chooses to sacrifice herself when she's abducted by Luthor, who wants to sandbag the Man of Steel. Strike two!



Clark's other great love, Lori Lemaris, ends up being widowed when her husband, Ronal, dies from his wounds, after being struck by a whaling harpoon. So after both mourn their lost spouses, they get back together and marry. Living in the Fortress of Solitude, Lori receives psychic messages from the Phantom Zone that tempt her to open a lead box. The criminals want her to open the box that contains an unknown space element. When she does so, she is killed by the lethal radiations from the mystery element. Strike three!

The Man of Tomorrow is a strike-out king at marriage.

Note: Superman marries his three wives openly in front of others, leaving no doubt that he is their husband. He doesn't do it surreptitiously as Clark Kent. The women who marry him are each known to the world as "Mrs. Superman."

[Jim Kelly]

"How the Artists Draw the Superman Family" has model sheets from Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger, regarding Jimmy Olsen, Ma and Pa Kent, Krypto and Lois Lane. Sorry Supergirl fans, it's a shut-out, no model sheets for you.

[Jim Kelly]

SUPERBOY 202 (May-June 1974):



Mostly winners from the Legion of Super-Heroes' hall of fame, but there is one solo Superboy classic included, from--

SUPERBOY 91 (September 1961)--2nd story, "The Superboy of Bigville" by writer unknown, art by Swan and Klein--Swindler "Sparkle" Smith threatens to expose Jim Marsh's father as en ex-con, unless the whiz kid poses as Superboy in Bigville.

This Super-Spectacular also includes a special feature, "The Lore of the Legion"--with pics and stats for some of the Legion's star players--art by Dave Cockrum.





More Legion Lore in the next Super-Spectacular SUPERBOY.

[Jim Kelly]

On the hot stove.



Next week: Lois Lane goes PLOP!

[Jim Kelly]

PLOP! 5 (June 1974)--3rd gag, "Super Plops!" by writer unknown, art by Murphy Anderson:

Lois takes a tumble!





Plop!

[Jim Kelly]

Jimmy Olsen Presents
THE SUPERMAN FAMILY 165 (June-July 1974)--[new content] 1st story, "Princess of the Golden Sun!" by Maggin, Saaf and Colletta; cover art by Nick Cardy; on sale March 26th, 1974:





Supergirl gets her turn to have a new story in this issue! Last we saw her, in her own title, she had given up on men and joined the Amazons, but then decided to go back to Man's World.

Now, Linda is packing her things and leaving Vandyre, having finished her acting program there. Clark helps her pack and she tells him that she doesn't know if she wants to be Supergirl anymore--she just wants to live a normal life!



Despite her education in drama and her experience in journalism before that, she isn't leaving for an acting job or a reporting job. She's going to be a a student advisor at the New Athens Experimental School in Florida.

Bleep!

[Jim Kelly]

Meanwhile, somewhere in Mexico, there's a secret conclave of Aztecs with super-powers, who hope to rule the world. Tlaca, daughter of the high priest, flies to Florida to call out the Blonde Bombshell!



The Princess of the Golden Sun is defeated by her adversary and sent to jail. But this was the plan all along--fighting Supergirl allowed Tlaca to absorb more power!

Breaking out of jail, the Action Aztec and the Caped Kryptonian have a rematch, but this time Tlaca has the upper hand. However, Kara Zor-El figures out that the Sun Princess relies on the magnetism of the Earth and defeats her with an electromagnet!



At the end of the story, Linda comes to see Clark and he reminds her that she hasn't visited her biological parents, in Kandor, for some time and maybe she should keep in touch with them!



Ulp!

[Jim Kelly]

I don't know if there's an Experimental School in New Athens--that sounds like something Maggin didn't just make up. It's a high school but sometimes it seems like a college. Maybe a prep school, eh? Linda deciding she doesn't want to be Supergirl anymore comes out of the blue!

And if she really wants to be herself, why not go to Kandor and live with her parents there? She grew up a Kryptonian--Kara Zor-El is who she is! Linda Danvers is a made up identity. And she never spends any time with Fred and Edna Danvers. Why go all the way to Florida, away from any family or friends? And why does she now want to be a student advisor, when none of her previous activities trained her in that field?

The "Supergirl's Career!" feature page has the Girl from Argo City openly admit the many changes she's made in her life!



The letter page this issue is from the new editorial assistant, Martin Pasko--hurray! Pesky Pasko starts off the letter column by commenting on Linda's life changes. The letters that follow address issues 7 to 9 of the SUPERGIRL title. You're on!



Since Supergirl has changed jobs in this issue, she introduces reprints where the Family are in unusual roles!

▪ SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN 59 (March 1962)--2nd story, "Jimmy Olsen in Scotland Yard!" by Dorfman, Swan and Klein.
▪ SUPERBOY 133 (October 1966)--1st story, "Superbaby's First Foster Parents!" by Binder and Papp
▪ ACTION COMICS 297 (February 1963)--1st story, "The Man Who Betrayed Superman's Identity!" by Dorfman, Swan and Klein
▪ SUPERMAN'S GIRL FRIEND, LOIS LANE 47 (February 1964)--2nd story, "Lois Lane's Jungle Jeopardy!" by unknown writer and Schaffenberger--see post to follow.
▪ SUPERBOY 111 (March 1964)--2nd story, "Krypto's Three Amazing Transformations!" by Siegel and Papp
▪ SUPERMAN 186 (May 1966)--2nd story, "Clark Kent, Gangster!" by Dorfman, Swan and Klein

Blub!

[Jim Kelly]

"Lois Lane's Jungle Jeopardy!"

Lois takes a leave of absence to join the Peace Corps! But don't think she's being altruistic. She isn't being a humanitarian; she's just using the Peace Corps as a cover to investigate a lead on the jewel thief, Stace Lorin, who is suspected to be in South America.



In the small jungle village where Lois is teaching English to the natives, she happens to meet Van Coyle, who claims to be compiling a dictionary of the native language. Later, he reveals to Lois that he's an Interpol agent on the trail of Lorin!



Curious about the local witch-doctor, Kiru, the two outsiders disguise themselves as natives to witness his magic feats. Kiru wears an amulet that is supposed to protect him from all harm. Coyle, who is really Lorin, gives up the wealth he has stolen to buy the amulet, finish off the Man of Steel, shoot Lois and escape disguised as Kiru.



But it's all a trick by Superman. He was the witch-doctor called Kiru!

Bang!