Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Action Comics #400

Action Comics #400 (On Sale: March 30, 1971), has a nice Superman cover by Neal Adams and Dick Giordano.

We begin with Superman in  "My Son... Is He Man or Beast?" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. Superman attends the funeral of scientist Jan Nagy. Superman once prevented a disaster caused by Nagy's experiments with metamorphon, an artificial element. However, Nagy's son Gregor was accidentally exposed. Gregor now transforms into beasts uncontrollably. Gregor hates Superman for his affliction and is further disturbed when his father's will appoints Superman as his guardian.

Superman attempts to help Gregor use his abilities for good. However, the boy's contempt for the Man of Steel remains. When showing Gregor his Fortress, Superman is forced to leave to repair a satellite. An emergency call is received moments later and Gregor leaves to help a damaged submarine. However, his transformation does not last long enough and he is soon exposed to the crushing pressure of the ocean depths. As Superman carries the dying boy ashore, Gregor reconciles and makes peace with his guardian.

The backup is Superman in "Duel of Doom" by Leo Dorfman, Curt Swan, and Murphy Anderson. Two Kandorian students Arvor and Yllura compete during their final examinations to make a great discovery. Yllura discovers a hidden cavern in the Crystal Hills carved by a prehistoric cult known as the Torgs. Arvor creates an infra-scope that provides him with x-ray vision. 

However, an accident causes Arvor to become lost in the caverns. Yllura's presence has triggered a booby trap. Working together, Arvor and Yllura avoid the traps and escape the tunnel. Their success and teamwork are awarded at a graduation ceremony attended by Superman and Supergirl. Reprinted in Superman from the Thirties to the Seventies HC (1971).

Edited by Murray Boltinoff.

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