Suspended Animation: Superman/Gen 13 excellent crossover of characters

LOOK FOR THE COMICS TRIVA CONTEST COMING NOVEMBER 29TH TO KOTV.COM!!! CORRECTLY ANSWER THE TRIVIA QUESTION AND YOU COULD WIN!!! Review by Mark Allen "Crossovers" are comics

Wednesday, November 22nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOOK FOR THE COMICS TRIVA CONTEST COMING NOVEMBER 29TH TO KOTV.COM!!! CORRECTLY ANSWER THE TRIVIA QUESTION AND YOU COULD WIN!!!

Review by Mark Allen

"Crossovers" are comics done in cooperation between two comic companies, "crossing over" popular characters from each company. The concept is popular with fans that like to see two or more of their favorite characters from different publishers interact.

Unfortunately, these undertakings are rarely worth what is paid for them, as characters tend to be presented in very limited, two-dimensional ways, due to the limited format of the: story (normally 1-4 issues). Superman/Gen 13 is one of the few that is definitely worth picking up.

On a field trip to Metropolis, the Gen 13 kids are witness to Superman battling a giant cyborg gorilla. Too close to the: action, Caitlin (aka Fairchild) is knocked unconscious when Superman collides with her near-invulnerable body. Covering her with his cape, Supes returns to action. Caitlin soon regains consciousness, however, with a case of amnesiatic mistaken identity. As a result of her "crush" on Superman, and her finding the cape, she believes herself to be Supergirl. Superman and the kids must now team up to find Caitlin, and stop the damage she is doing with her "super" heroics.

Superman/Gen 13 has one of the most engaging storylines I have read in years. Writer Adam Hughes gives us a very significant insight into Superman's persona, examining the perception of him held by a younger generation. No two-dimensional characters here, as the Gen 13 kids, who first think of Superman as an uptight stiff, come to know and adore him for what he is; the first and the best of those who comprise the superhero scene.

Artist Lee Bermejo also shines in this story, with a penciling style that is as expressive as it is action-oriented. This is the first work of his that I have seen, although, after this project, I will be seeking out more.

Humor, action, characterization, and beautiful artwork; from all angles, Superman/Gen 13 delivers the goods to comic readers.

D.C. Comics and Wildstorm Productions jointly published Superman/Gen 13. It is 32 pages in length and priced at $2.50.

Questions? Comments? Send e- mail to miklvance@yahoo.com.

About Michael Vance

Michael Vance was first published in The Professor's Story Hour chapbook at the age of eleven and became a professional freelance writer in 1977. Vance has been published in dozens of regional magazines and as a syndicated columnist and cartoonist in over 500 newspapers. His history book, "Forbidden Adventure: The History of the American Comics Group," has been called a "benchmark in comics history".

His magazine work has been published in seven countries, and includes articles for "Starlog," "Jack & Jill" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation".

He briefly wrote the comic strip, "Alley Oop" and his own strip for five years called "Holiday Out," that was reprinted as a comic book. Vance also wrote comic book titles including "Straw Men," "Angel of Death," "The Adventures of Captain Nemo," and "Bloodtide". His work has appeared in several comic book anthologies, and he is listed in the "Who's Who of American Comic Books" and "Comic Book Superstars".

His short stories about a fictional town called Light's End have been published in "Media Scene," "Holiday Out Comics," "Dreams and Visions", "Maelstrom Speculative Fiction" and "Infinity Press."

With novelists Mel Odom and R.A. Jones, he co-wrote "Global Star" a tabloid in a world where werewolves and babies born with bowling balls in their stomachs are reality, and the New York Times and Washington Post are "trash journalism".

In addition, he worked in newspapers for twenty-two years as an editor, writer and advertising manager, creating three successful newspaper magazines.

Vance is currently communications director of a nonprofit agency, the Tulsa Boys' Home, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a Christian and Presbyterian.