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Info From Previews:
Writer: Michael Reeves
Artist: Aluir Almancio
Inker: Terry Austin
Colorist: Marie Severin
Letterer: Phil Felix
Cover Art: Mike Manley & Terry Austin
Summary:
Superman must wage hand-to-hand combat for the future of Earth...without his
super-powers. An alien warrior has taken away Superman's powers by turning the
sun red. How will the Man of Steel beat him in unarmed combat?
Pages: 32 pages
Cover Price: $1.99
Ship Date: Sept. 6th, 2000
Title: The Challenge
Summary:
Superman must save a fatally wounded Lois from aliens.
Description:
This issue opens with Superman soaring through the air one day when suddenly the skyline of Metropolis turns to red and Superman's power kicks out. Landing in a nearby swimming pool, a confused Superman looks up into the sky,
noticing that the sun has turned a deep red.
We learn why later on at the Planet. The alien villain known as the Challenger has come to Earth in order to defeat its champion. Beating Superman, the Challenger can achieve rank in his own society. The alien desperately
wants this, and therefore doesn't plan to fight fair. He has brought with him an alien satellite, capable of filtering yellow sunlight into red sunlight for a hundred miles on all sides. As well, the satellite has been programmed
to follow Superman and is protected by a force field that not even Superman can break open. The Challenger sets the duel to take place at Superman's Fortress of Solitude, which the alien has already overtaken. If Superman doesn't
fight, then the alien will destroy Earth without a second thought. Motivated into action by the ultimatum, Clark Kent attempts to sneak out, but not before Lois Lane tags along. Certain that Kent is following a lead, Lois follows
the reporter but when Clark eventually succeeds in shaking her, she decides to follow her own leads.
Lois figures out that that Superman would need the help of the military to reach Antarctica, Lois sneaks into the base and into the craft that Superman uses. Not discovering the stowaway until it's too late to
turn back, Superman tells her that she's being dropped off with a group of UN scientists. While arguing with the Superman, their craft comes under attack by the Challenger, who has sensed the approaching fighter.
A blast from the spacecraft is able to take out the right side of the craft, sending the fighter, with Supes and Lois inside, crashing down into the cold snow. Rescuing the wounded Lois from the wreck, Superman
realizes that Lois must come with him if she's to be saved. The Kryptonian technology inside the Fortress is the only thing powerful enough to revive Lois and keep her alive. Driving a snowmobile, the two finally arrive at the
Fortress, where they are successful in sneaking in. Inside, Superman activates the artificial lighting inside of the Fortress, letting the yellow sunlight regenerate his powers. Upon placing Lois in a healing chamber, the
Challenger bursts into the fortress.
A brief scuffle ensues in which neither is completely victorious. However, when Superman's heat vision begins to melt the Challenger's armor, the alien villain teleports away from the scene, kidnapping Lois. The
alien also engages various defenses, which slows down our Man Of Steel.
When Superman finally reaches the zoo, the Challenger attacks again, this time equipped in a gigantic battle armored robotic suit. The alien is kicking the crap out of Superman big time, who's distracted by Lois
and the zoo animals which have gotten loose. Finally, the Man of Steel comes up with a suggestion, reminding Lois of the Phantom Zone projector. Lois grabs the device and sends the Challenger into the Phantom Zone, saving Superman
from being killed, and saving herself. The leader of the Challenger's world allows the title of victor to Superman and deactivates the Challenger's starship above Earth, preventing it from destroying the planet.
Comments:
Now this is what great stories are made of. Life and death situations. Cool plot twists, and non-stop intense action. This issue opens with a great grab, and is able to hold the readers for the rest of read. Who else wouldn't
be pulled in by a powerless Superman, or the very sweet looking cover? Like I've stated time and time again, this is the most under-rated DC title.
The art by Aluir was great, as per usual. Although his style is swaying a bit from his original style, it is still very great and very, very, very energetic. Michael Reeves gives us a great tale. This story makes
me wish that Reeves jumped over to Superman when most of the Batman crew did back in 1996. This issue is just great. Great, great, great, great!
Rating: 
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