Episode #40 (Superman & Metamorpho)

Russell’s Comic Brag

World’s Finest #146

While Batman visits Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, Superman observes five minutes of silence in Krypton’s memory. Pictures of Krypton stir Batman’s memory of his childhood. He remembers certain places on Krypton that Superman has never revealed to him. He also recalls flying on Earth. Batman believes that he too may be from Krypton.   Investigation of the mystery leads Batman to Dr. Thomas Ellison, a friend of his father. Bruce finds photographs in Ellison’s possession which confirm his suspicions. Ellison also withholds a secret belief that he caused Krypton’s destruction. Superman follows Batman to Ellison’s home, where the Caped Crusader is attempting to learn the truth. Ellison explains that using a telescope, he observed Krypton prior to the planet’s destruction. Toddler Bruce Wayne who lived next door to Ellison also observed Krypton. Ellison taught Bruce Kryptonian lore and using wires made it appear that Bruce could fly, accounting for Bruce’s memories. Ellison also observed that a reaction was building inside Krypton. He attempted to stop it using a neutralizing ray, but instead the device accelerated Krypton’s destruction. Superman is angered over the revelation. He uses a time-scope to force Ellison to watch his parents die. While watching, Superman and Ellison both see Jor-EL and Lara monitoring Krypton’s impending doom. Jor-EL detects Ellison’s intervention, but observes that the neutralizing ray has no effect. Krypton then explodes. Ellison’s conscious is finally cleared after learning that he was not responsible for destroying Krypton. Superman apologizes for his anger and thanks Ellison for attempting to save his world.

This time out, we’ll be getting into DC Comics Presents #40. We will start the show with a returning Russell’s Comic Brag.  Next, I will be presenting a Spotlight for Superman’s Guest, Metamorpho.  Our “Whatever Happened To..?” segment will delve into the Air Wave from the Golden Age where I will have a Spotlight Extra on him as well as the story itself.  This episodes’ Hostess Ad comes courtesy of Tales Of The JSA, hosted by Scott Gardner and Michael Bailey.  And finally, we will take a trip to the Comic Spinner Rack.