SUPERMAN: THE DAILY PLANET (DC Comics)

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

SUMMARY:

In 2006, DC Comics published this 189-page compilation celebrating the Daily Planet.  In addition to rare glimpses of Lois Lane & Jimmy Olsen in their own Silver Age spin-offs, Perry White stars in two tales.  Reprinting sixteen stories dating back to 1952, it’s an opportunity to see work from industry legends like Bill Finger; Curt Swan; Otto Binder; and, of course, Jerry Siegel.  The contents are:

• “The End of the Planet” – Superman #79 (1^st series) (1952).  By writer Edmond Hamilton & artist Al Plastino.  The Daily Planet is shut down by a scheming rival.  Superman doubles as a super-printing press while Clark Kent is a door-to-door vacuum salesman; Lois is a waitress; and Perry drives a cab.  It’s up to them to put their beloved Planet back in print.  

• “The Superman Spectaculars” – Action Comics # 211 (1955).  By writer Bill Finger; penciller Wayne Boring, & inker Stan Kaye.  For Perry’s publicity stunt re: international editions of the “The Planet,” the Man of Steel performs super-feats in France; Greece; Italy; Holland; and Japan.  Yet, these photo ops aren’t being published.  Could a ‘super-conspiracy’ be in play? 

• “Perry White – Cub Reporter!” – Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen # 42 (1960).  By writer Robert Bernstein; penciller Curt Swan; and inker John Forte.  Per the city’s Chamber of Commerce promotion, Perry and Jimmy switch jobs for the day, only to find that Jimmy is running Perry ragged.  

• “Miss Jimmy Olsen” – Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen # 44 (1960).  By writer Robert Bernstein; penciller Curt Swan; and inker Stan Kaye.  With Superman out of town, Jimmy goes undercover by posing as a showgirl (think  Some Like It Hot) to infiltrate a mobster’s musical theater scheme.  It’s up to an unlikely ally to save Jimmy.     

• “How Lois Lane Got Her Job” – Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane # 17 (1960).  By writer Otto Binder and artist Kurt Schaffenberger.  Celebrating a work anniversary, Lois reveals to Clark the three vital scoops that convinced Perry to hire her at the Planet. 

• “The School for Scoops!” – Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane # 29 (1961).  The writer is unknown, but the penciller is Curt Swan and the inker is Stan Kaye.  Delivering a collegiate lecture, Lois is unaware that the mob intends to assassinate her.  It’s up to Lois & Jimmy to improvise until the Man of Steel shows up. 

• “Dear Dr. Cupid” – Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane # 45 (1963).  The writer is unknown, but the artist is Kurt Schaffenberger.  Anonymously covering a love life advice column, Lois assumes that a George Reeves-esque Clark is her secret ‘patient.’  Yet, could it be someone else who wants to marry her? 

• “When Supergirl Replaced Jimmy Olsen” – Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen # 75 (1964).  By writer Jerry Siegel; artist Curt Swan; and inker George Klein.  Exposed to red kryptonite, Supergirl’s ominous premonition of Jimmy’s death forces her to go undercover and take drastic action to save his life.   Yet, could Supergirl have made a mistake? 

• “Lois Lane, Daily Planet Editor!” – Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane # 54 (1965).  By writer Leo Dorfman; penciller Curt Swan; and inker George Klein.  Metropolis’ annual Ladies’ Day allows Lois to take temporary command of The Planet.  Letting instant power go to her head, Lois tries another dangerous stunt to lure Clark into revealing his secret identity. 

• “Jimmy Olsen’s Girl Trouble” – Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen # 124 (1969).  By writer E. Nelson Bridwell and artist Pete Costanza.  Jimmy and his clumsy rookie partner, Hazel Powell, don’t realize that assassins are pursuing him for a hefty mob bounty on his head.

• “The Man Who Wrote Superman’s Obituary” – Action Comics # 429 (1973).  By writer Elliott S!  Maggin; penciller Curt Swan; and inker Bob Oksner.  Clark’s visit to the The Planet’s morgue leads Superman to investigate who ominously wrote Clark’s on-file obituary in Kryptonese.  Could someone know his secret … and possibly his ultimate fate?

• “The Super-Cigars of Perry White” – Action Comics # 436 (1974).  By writer Elliott S! Maggin; penciller Curt Swan; and inker Vince Colletta.  Two teenage aliens gratefully send Perry a magical box of cigars

• “The Last Headline!” – Superman # 280 (1^st series) (1974).  By writer Martin Pasko; penciller Curt Swan; and inker Tex Blaisdell.  According to Clark’s private diary, the Planet staff learns of Perry’s mandatory retirement.   Teaming with Clark for one last scoop, Perry confronts an ex-con from his past out to retrieve long-hidden loot.  Will Perry’s farewell await another day? 

• “The Toughest Newsboy in Town” – Action Comics # 461 (1976).  By writer Bob Rozakis; penciller Curt Swan; and inker Tex Blaisdell.  Perry regales his four grandchildren with a tale of a hustling pre-World War II newsboy, a kidnapped elderly physicist, and his design for an experimental atomic bomb in criminal hands.

• “Save the Planet!” – Superman: Save the Planet (1998).  By writer Louis Simonson; penciller Scot Eaton; and inkers Denis Rodier & Jimmy Palmiotti.  The financially shaky Planet hits its darkest hour.  Lex Luthor is the new boss! Note: A coffee shop scene depicts Lois’ sister and brother-in-law discussing abortion as a solution re: their unexpected pregnancy.     

• “We’re Back!” – Superman # 151 (2^nd series) (1999).  By writer Jeph Loeb; penciller Mike McKone; and inker Marlo Alquiza.  The gang returns, including Clark (who is now a foreign correspondent — to help justify his lengthy absences).  Told from Lois’ point-of-view, she makes a devil’s bargain with her husband’s worst enemy. 

• “The Daily Planet Staff” – Superman Secret Files 2005.  By writer Christine Boylan; penciller Ed Benes; and inker Mariah Benes.  Clark Kent summarizes the modern Planet, including references to Perry White; Jimmy Olsen; Ron Troupe; Josef Schuman; and Lois Lane.

REVIEW:

In terms of appeal, the lackluster 1950’s-1960’s tales haven’t aged well, as neither Superman’s condescending personality nor Lois’ abrasiveness is endearing.  Still, these old school adventures are modestly entertaining, such as the surprising charm of those 1970’s tales.  A few clever twists (i.e. Lois’ misassumption of a mysterious suitor’s identity or a cross-dressing Jimmy’s unexpected rescue from a mobster) even salvage some implausible outcomes.  Further, there are some well-played instances where Superman’s absence allow Lois, Perry, and Jimmy to step outside his enormous shadow.  Though these stories are mostly forgettable, vintage artwork balances the equation often enough to give this book a timeless appeal.  

In particular, the “Save the Planet!” and “We’re Back!” stories retain a contemporary edge aided by above-average artwork.  The final page, a Daily Planet staff synopsis, has both excellent text and superb art (three behind-the scenes candid photos of the staff).            

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Cover reprints aren’t included.  Still, given three pages, the credits and table of contents (appropriately depicted in newspaper form) are spot-on!  It’s a nice touch to provide individual story credits. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6 Stars