Superman 107 (Aug. 1956) dissects the term “superhero” in a
surprisingly thoughtful way.
In Rip Van Superman, the hero is left comatose while saving Metropolis
from an out-of-control nuclear reactor. As Lois Lane sobs nearby, Superman is
publicly sealed in a glass display in hopes that he’ll awaken soon. But he
doesn’t…
The Man of Tomorrow revives in
2956 to discover a world full of supermen who’ve been granted his powers by “amazing
vitamins and hormones.”
However, like Gold Key’s later Magnus Robot Fighter, Superman discovers
that the inhabitants of the 30th century have been rendered
uncertain and helpless by centuries of robot servitude.
When the evil scientist Drago
threatens to send the moon, now a prison, crashing into Earth, humanity panics.
Superman springs to the rescue —this time not with his powers, which are
commonplace, but with his heroic example, which isn’t.
“Listen to me!” Superman tells
them. “Your robots can’t help you now! YOU — YOU’RE the masters of your
destiny! You’ve been ‘asleep’ longer than I have! It’s time you awakened!”
Organizing the supermen into a
force that can push the moon back into orbit, Superman confronts three of
Drago’s thugs. Outnumbered by
enemies as strong as he is, Superman now needs inspiration, and finds it in the
example of his friend Batman. Using judo and other combat techniques Batman has
taught him, Superman subdues his foes.
Crisis averted, Superman is
returned to 1956 in an experimental time machine.
The classic Superman artist Wayne
Boring drew this tale, which emphasizes the value of character over strength.
And it’s no surprise to learn that the writer was Batman’s co-creator, Bill
Finger.
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