The Adventures of Superman
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Second edition: Applewood Books, 1995 © 1942 DC Comics ISBN 1-55709-228-1
215 pages
Author: George Lowther
Illustrator: Joseph Shuster
Note from the author's son
"The name and character 'Superman' is a Registered Trade Mark filed in the U.S. Patent Office under an Act of Congress of March 19th, 1920."
Continuity Note:
The Superman presented in this novel is based on the
1940's version. Two notable firsts: Jor-L's name is here
presented as "Jor-el." In the comic books, this would later transform
into "Jor-El." Also, Superman's foster parents were named for the first time - as
Eben and Sarah Kent.
Forward
America has had many fabulous heroes. As our country grew, there
sprang up tall tales of men whose wondrous deeds and strength were
beyond ordinary men. In the great lumber country men told of Paul
Bunyan, mighty logger, who moved mountains and changed the course of
rivers to suit the lumbermen. The opening of the West created Pecos
Bill, who could lasso a tornado and mount a demon stallion. As the
railroads pushed south and west came black John Henry,
steel-driver,
Superman! Most of you who will read this book already know him.
Perhaps you have followed his adventures in the comics where first he
was introduced to an astonished world. You may have heard his
challenging voice on the airwaves of the radio or watched his flaming
red cape as he streaked across the screen at the movies. His fame has
spread to the four corners of the earth. In South America, in China,
in South Africa his broad shoulders and flying cape are a familiar
symbol. His exploits are told in many tongues.
Millions of boys and girls in America have acclaimed Superman, strong
and invincible, nemesis of evil-doers. Many who have followed his
adventures with breathless interest have wondered about him: Where
did he come from? Whence came his super-strength and marvelous
powers? They have asked to be told again the story of his origin - of
his arrival on earth from a distant planet, of his boyhood and youth,
of his first discovery of his super-powers, and of his dedication to
the fight against the forces of evil. So here is his story, from the
beginning.
spitting hot rivets and laying his rails just ahead of the speeding
trains. And now - Superman - wrestling with the mechanized might of
today's world of airplanes and submarines and super-villainy.
- Josette Frank
Excerpt from Chapter One: Warning of Doom
Below the brilliant dome the Council of One Hundred waited. Attired
in togas of scarlet and blue, they looked impatiently for the arrival
of Jor-el, Krypton's celebrated scientist. They had been summoned
from the length and breadth of the planet to hear a message Jor-el
would deliver. What the message was they did not know. They knew
only that when Jor-el spoke all men listened.
Now they waited, curious as to the nature of Jor-el's message.
Rarely did the brilliant young scientist leave the mysterious regions
of his laboratory. Whatever he had to say tonight they knew would be
of great importance to Krypton and its people.
There was a sudden movement and a murmuring wave of voices rose and
fell, echoing in the Great Hall.
Jor-el had arrived at last.
All eyes centered on the tall, thin figure that moved forward on the
raised platform and took the hand of white-bearded Ro-zan, supreme
leader of the Council. There were those who noticed at once that the
handsome face of Jor-el was drawn and haggard. Something, they knew,
was wrong. The Council of One Hundred waited in hushed suspense.
Wearily, the young scientist turned to the gathering. Standing in the
yellow and purple robes of his calling, he drew a deep breath. There
was a moment's pause and then his voice filled the vast Hall.
"Krypton is doomed!"
The great hall of Krypton's magnificent Temple of Wisdom was a blaze
of light. Countless chandeliers of purest crystal reflected the
myriad lights into a dome of glass where they were shattered into a
million fragments and fell dazzling over the Great Hall.
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All illustrations on this page are by Joe Shuster
