Electric Blue Superman???

[nightscream]

I have been wondering this for a long time. People seem to be mixed on what they think about it. I was wondering what people thought of the 1997 era when Superman lost his powers and got new powers of pure electricity in return. Of course a new all blue suit as well. Now I am something of a Superman Blue expert so if you have questions for me let me know. When I have asked people before about this it has gone two directions. You either hated it and ignored Superman for a year, OR you didnt care becasue you are a diehard Superman fan and even though it was weird you still kept reading. Spill your thoughts!!!

[Dussan]

Superman Blue was about the most retarded thing to occur in comics, and should have been erased from all thought forever.

[doomworm]

It was really fun watching him get confused about his powers. The costume was neat, too.

[drwho]

Superman blue was one of the few times I bought supes since I usually buy only for big events because normal he is so boring.

[shyguy]

I didn't like the costume, but I didn't mind the idea and I thought some of the stories from the era were okay.

I liked his appearances in JLA.

[Jack]

The costume could have been great. It was so close. If I had any skills, I'd edit it, but I don't.

Basically, get rid of the silly headgear and the blue hair/skin, and it would be a great costume.

When Morrison wrote him in JLA he was SUPERMAN, whatever the powers or costume.

[astronato]

I hypertimed out of comics in the 90's. Was this electric blue superman in anyway related to ......

The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue (Superman #162, July 1963) A "Brain Evolution Machine" splits Superman into two- and they both have mental powers 100x highter than the original! A three-parter.

was there a superman red?

[nightscream]

I hypertimed out of comics in the 90's. Was this electric blue superman in anyway related to ......

The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue (Superman #162, July 1963) A "Brain Evolution Machine" splits Superman into two- and they both have mental powers 100x highter than the original! A three-parter.

was there a superman red?

There was a Superman Red, as well as Superman Red and Superman Blue Comics. The majority of them were soley Superman in his Blue suit. The suit was made to contain his powers and allow him to stay in phase with his universe. The 1963 version is not what this thread is reffering to. It was a story line based from 1997 to early 1998. So no to the 100x highter than the original. If you want to know the entire reasoning behind the blue electic suit, let me know.

[protonik]

I think the electric blue Superman gets a bad rap. It was actually a very cool costume but it wasn't Superman. If it were a new character it could have worked. I also think it is evidence that you don't change the costume for all those whiners who complain about the trunks. Look at how people were in an uproar over the minor changes that Singer made!

[astronato]

thanks for the info

actually I just went and checked. There is a Superman Blue story in the Superman vs Lex Luthor trade I bought recently. I haven't read it yet but it is a cool costume design.

I've been buying a lot of Superman books this past year because I am a Superman neophyte trying to catch up. I have been trying to buy up the best Super stories. Superman Blue was good?

[astronato]

If you want to know the entire reasoning behind the blue electic suit, let me know.

could ya? thanks. what did the red suit do?

[Gargus]

It was really fun watching him get confused about his powers. The costume was neat, too.

What was even better was his ability to just invent powers/abilities on the fly for no real reason.

Like in rock of ages and dr light was going to wipe them out and was going nuclear on them and poof he is gone and supes was just like "oh I guess I can absorb him. I didnt know that".

Or the "hey Ill kickstart the fuel cells with my powers" and poof said fuel cells work.

[Hellstormer]

It looked interesting but I didn't know what comics or trades to pick up to get the full story.

[David Atkins]

The character could have been interesting if they'd made a new character with those powers and used him in new and interesting storylines. Raping Superman, however, was just plain silly.

[nightscream]

It looked interesting but I didn't know what comics or trades to pick up to get the full story.


Look into picking up the Trade Superman Transformed

[doomworm]

The character could have been interesting if they'd made a new character with those powers and used him in new and interesting storylines. Raping Superman, however, was just plain silly.
What, dude? He just got a new wardrobe and got to actually have a neat mystery for a while. I don't think Dr. Light got to him.

[TheTen-EyedMan]

Whenever I think of the Electric Blue Superman, I remember misspent teenage years.

http://www.refused-classification.com/images/CS1/ElectricBlue/RCElectricBlue005.jpg


A reference to the porno that Supes and Barda did?

[The Mirrorball Man]

I liked this costume. I think they should have kept it around by giving it to a new character... I mean, I think they should have given the costume to a new character without killing her right after that!

[nightscream]

Whenever I think of the Electric Blue Superman, I remember misspent teenage years.

http://www.refused-classification.com/images/CS1/ElectricBlue/RCElectricBlue005.jpg


A reference to the porno that Supes and Barda did?

That's Awsome, consequently in 1997 when the first issue of Electric Blue Superman hit the shleves I became interested in comics again. Ever since then I have been collecting for years. So I own the entire set of comics where Supes appears in the blue suit from all of the continuities. Now I am trying to open up my own comic book store, all thanks to the Electric Blue Superman cover that rekindled my interset.

[nightscream]

I liked this costume. I think they should have kept it around by giving it to a new character... I mean, I think they should have given the costume to a new character without killing her right after that!

I definatley agree, Strange Visitor was kinda weird though.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Superman Blue was about the most retarded thing to occur in comics, and should have been erased from all thought forever.

It pales in comparison to the Super-Mullet.

That is the very definition of retarded.

[The Mirrorball Man]

It pales in comparison to the Super-Mullet.

That is the very definition of retarded.
Is it really? I mean, did the Comic Book Guy write a dictionary?

[protege]

I liked this costume. I think they should have kept it around by giving it to a new character... I mean, I think they should have given the costume to a new character without killing her right after that!
Yeah- maybe a new Starman. Come to think of it, didn't Will Payton have some of those powers?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Is it really? I mean, did the Comic Book Guy write a dictionary?

If he did, I'd buy one. That'd be great.

[Gargus]

In this corner we have super mullet!
Yes true believers watch as supermans locks manage to stay full and flowing even during the most brutal battles. See the shocking content of a simple hairstyle turning the man of steel into a certified sissy.
http://www.mulletlovers.com/images/superman.jpg

And in the other corner we have electric blue superman!
Witness as his extremely uninspired costume astounds fans around the world with its lameness, marvel at the deafining cries of sorrow and screams of outrage. See the marketing idea from hell.
http://www.briansc.com/images/electric_superman.jpg

The battle of bad costume ideas this weekend only at the internation lawn and mower show.

On a side note the mullet to not look stupid on a charcter is solid snake.

[Choppa]

Blue costume was a great idea that was clever and logical. But the stories sucked so ppl obvioulsy hate it.

[David Atkins]

What, dude? He just got a new wardrobe and got to actually have a neat mystery for a while. I don't think Dr. Light got to him.

They raped an existing character and applied unnecessary changes when they could have simply crafted an entirely new character that could have, quite possibly, been quite successful.

[jaguarshark]

I didn't mind the Electric Blue Superman or the Super-Mullet. I mean, really, if you read back over those comics, they did occasionally look cool. The potential was there.
My main problem with the Super-Mullet was Clark's resulting ponytail.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

I didn't mind the Electric Blue Superman or the Super-Mullet. I mean, really, if you read back over those comics, they did occasionally look cool. The potential was there.

They occassionally looked cool? Wow, that's a ringing endorsement if I've ever heard one...

[jaguarshark]

Originally posted by Bored at 3:00AM
They occassionally looked cool? Wow, that's a ringing endorsement if I've ever heard one...

Well, that was my point. In the hands of the right artists (Tom Grummet for the mullet, Howard Porter for the electric blue suit), they worked for me as temporary gimmicks. I'm not gonna get worked up over something like that.

[Joe-Dono]

How did superman become a electical outlet in a blue suit anyway?

[shyguy]

The worst thing about Superman's long hair is that I think the only reason it turned out as a mullet so often is that artists wanted to do the S-curl and the only way you can do that is if Superman has short hair in the front. Hence, mullet.

But Superman didn't look as bad if he was drawn by someone who just wanted to give him longer hair, like Stuart Immonen.

[nightscream]

How did superman become a electical outlet in a blue suit anyway?

As we all know Superman gets his power from the sun. Well when he lost his powers due to the sun eater and the sun was retunred to normal Supes still had no power. So he tried everything from standing on roof tops in the sun to standing directly next to the sun. As well as Profesor Hamiltons regen chamber and Nothing worked. So to make a long story short he was transported directly into the sun, and he gained his power back. For a while he had his regular powers back and then shortly ther after his powers started to freak out and instead of bullets bouncing out of him they went right through him. He started to phase in and out of exsistence. So one of luthor's scientist used some experimental fabric to keep supes in phase, and contain his powers. Hence the "Blue Suit". I left some things out but that's the main things you need to know.

[curefreak]

personally i liked the electric blue suit/power i wish fanboys wouldnt be so against change but then we all know that superman is gonna go back to his classic look sooner rather than later so theres no reason for people to really get used to it .

[Alan2099]

I liked it. It was fun while it lasted, but I knew it wouldn't last.

[protege]

I think the electric blue Superman gets a bad rap. It was actually a very cool costume but it wasn't Superman. If it were a new character it could have worked. I also think it is evidence that you don't change the costume for all those whiners who complain about the trunks. Look at how people were in an uproar over the minor changes that Singer made!
I thought it would have been a good approach to have taken with the Will Payton Starman- i think he was 2/3rds of the way there anyway.

[marshal99]

First he became electro superman , then he became electro superman blue and red as he got split into 2 . Can't exactly remember how the 2 electros become the normal superman as we know.

[curefreak]

First he became electro superman , then he became electro superman blue and red as he got split into 2 . Can't exactly remember how the 2 electros become the normal superman as we know.
ive been wondering the same things too damnit

[Rich L]

It wasn't very clearly explained. The two Supermen sacrificed themselves defeating the Millenium Giants, and as a reward for saving the world, Gaea made Supes whole again - it was in Superman Forever.

[curefreak]

It wasn't very clearly explained. The two Supermen sacrificed themselves defeating the Millenium Giants, and as a reward for saving the world, Gaea made Supes whole again - it was in Superman Forever.
not very inventive:mad:

[Dussan]

That whole scenario was retarded.

Veiled attempt at making Supes interesting again, when all he needed was a decent writer and for DC to leave the creative team alone.

Supes should have kids already.

[CaptainAwesome]

In this corner we have super mullet!
Yes true believers watch as supermans locks manage to stay full and flowing even during the most brutal battles. See the shocking content of a simple hairstyle turning the man of steel into a certified sissy.
http://www.mulletlovers.com/images/superman.jpg

And in the other corner we have electric blue superman!
Witness as his extremely uninspired costume astounds fans around the world with its lameness, marvel at the deafining cries of sorrow and screams of outrage. See the marketing idea from hell.
http://www.briansc.com/images/electric_superman.jpg


Is it just me or does Superman look really confused in this image? Like someone who was just kicked in the nuts by someone who they thought was a friend. It looks like hes struggling not to fall down.

[chriskenny]

I hated it. It just seemed like the writers were tired of writing Superman--many of them had been around a long time-- and they started to just write around Superman. Bored with his powers and costume, well, let's just inexplicably change them. Tired of reading about Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen? Well, we'll introduce a Rush Limbaugh knockoff, his blind daughter, and his demon-looking boyfriend Scorn. They just didn't have the heart to really write Superman anymore so they would just do random crap and shoehorn strange characters whose storyarcs never really went anywhere. That whole era was the product of writers burnt out on Superman and his world.

You could just tell at some point writing Superman just became a job to Simonson, Jurgens, and co. There was no passion and exuberance to anything. Just cynical headlining stunts about Superman getting a new costume and new powers, trying to re-capture "the glory days" when the Death of Superman was such a zeitgeist.

[RMThompson]

Supes should have kids already.

Best idea I've ever read in a DC thread...

but, that's the problem.. DC doesn't like humanizing their big name heroes.

That's for the good folk at MARVEL!

[curefreak]

Is it just me or does Superman look really confused in this image? Like someone who was just kicked in the nuts by someone who they thought was a friend. It looks like hes struggling not to fall down.
he looks constipated:D

[curefreak]

I hated it. It just seemed like the writers were tired of writing Superman--many of them had been around a long time-- and they started to just write around Superman. Bored with his powers and costume, well, let's just inexplicably change them. Tired of reading about Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen? Well, we'll introduce a Rush Limbaugh knockoff, his blind daughter, and his demon-looking boyfriend Scorn. They just didn't have the heart to really write Superman anymore so they would just do random crap and shoehorn strange characters whose storyarcs never really went anywhere. That whole era was the product of writers burnt out on Superman and his world.

You could just tell at some point writing Superman just became a job to Simonson, Jurgens, and co. There was no passion and exuberance to anything. Just cynical headlining stunts about Superman getting a new costume and new powers, trying to re-capture "the glory days" when the Death of Superman was such a zeitgeist.its not unheard of to run out of ideas for as long as superman has been around ya know

[nightscream]

Best idea I've ever read in a DC thread...

but, that's the problem.. DC doesn't like humanizing their big name heroes.

That's for the good folk at MARVEL!

Isn't one of Superman's biggest weaknesses besides kryptonite his human emotion? I think that would fit under the catergory of humanizing.

[nightscream]

its not unheard of to run out of ideas for as long as superman has been around ya know

Very true, going on sixty-nine years of writing stories about him you think people would be happy to see new things.

[curefreak]

Very true, going on sixty-nine years of writing stories about him you think people would be happy to see new things.
but when you do that the fanboys rant and rave even tho they know it wont last (iron spidey anyone)

[nightscream]

but when you do that the fanboys rant and rave even tho they know it wont last (iron spidey anyone)


It's a vicious cycle, the fanboys did the same thing about Superman Returns. Having complaints of little trivial things that didnt even matter. Electric Blue was a great read and Superman Returns was a great movie.

[the Dagman]

I had heard that the reason for the electric Superman was because of the litigation between DC and the heirs to Seigel and Shuster over the renewal of Superman's copyright. I am not sure on all the details, but it wasn't looking good for DC so they prepared for the worst. They got rid of the powers, costume and classic S shield to get around the lawsuit if they ultimately lost.

[nightscream]

I had heard that the reason for the electric Superman was because of the litigation between DC and the heirs to Seigel and Shuster over the renewal of Superman's copyright. I am not sure on all the details, but it wasn't looking good for DC so they prepared for the worst. They got rid of the powers, costume and classic S shield to get around the lawsuit if they ultimately lost.

Sounds reasonable enough, but what is your source? If you dont mind me asking.

[curefreak]

It's a vicious cycle, the fanboys did the same thing about Superman Returns. Having complaints of little trivial things that didnt even matter. Electric Blue was a great read and Superman Returns was a great movie.
i dont know if you can actually compare the two (even tho you did) superman returns is basically a remake of the first donner film imo electric blue was a bold new frontier of trying to make superman edgier and newer and cool.

[mattx110]

part of the problem with superman was that there were 4 titles going (plus specials, and annuals and quarterlys) and eventually 5 titles going all with the same general story written by different people.

the editor, not the writers were writing the overall plot of the book, and the writers were doing dialogue and trying to find room for their own stuff that was agreed upon during one of their superman editorial discussion things to plan out the next year of stories. this makes it verrry difficult to resolve things in what seems like a timely manner. a 3 or 4 month storyline is nothing, but when it takes up 15-20 issues to resolve something, it puts it in a different perspective (especially for a fanbase used to 1 or 2 issues per story with a few ongoing plots).

with intergang, scorn, luthor and all the supporting characters having all these non-resolutions and ongoing stories, things became insane.

anyway, i thought the 'lectric blue superman went pretty well. with the red and blue it kinda went nuts, but i think each title needs it's own continuity with loose connections based on arcs and not issues. every year or so DC can release a book putting everything in the timeline so all the fans who love to argue over continuity can see what they guessed right or wrong.

[Constantine Drakon]

I liked it for a very simple reason: Gail Simone got the chance to refer to "Minty Fresh" Superman. And that's how I remember this period of Superman's life. Minty Fresh.

That said, I really want some writer to either take Minty's power and give it to comic Livewire or else reuse that design and power, but give it to a villain. It was neither a bad design nor a bad power set, it just wasn't Superman. Using one or both for a villain would be fun, I think.

[chriskenny]

its not unheard of to run out of ideas for as long as superman has been around ya know

Which is fine. Then LEAVE THE TITLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE FRESH IDEAS. Not a totally revolutionary concept. :)

[Buried Alien]

I indeed hated it, but it wasn't the *worst* crap I've ever read. There's always something worse.

Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)

[nightscream]

What do you guys think could have been done better with this version of Supes?

[Aelo]

Electric Blue Superman wasn't that Wack. Still, Nothing beats the real-deal Superman.

[Ontir]

It's not anywhere I'd have gone, were I writing the book, and it ended far differently than I'd hoped, when the time finally came, so to do.

[Cayman]

I kinda liked Superman Red and Blue. I liked that they gave the look to Strange Visitor. But then they killed her.

Cay

[Ronnigon]

Electric Superman was too imaginative for all the people who worship business as usual.

He was essentially a kind of Dr. Manhattan, which I always thought was pretty interesting.

I also liked the fact that his skin was blue, because it gave him a chance to actually look different than he did as Clark Kent.

I have a theory that everybody at the Daily Planet knows that Clark Kent is Superman, but they just feel so sorry for the mentally ill that they just roll their eyes and go about their business.

[curefreak]

Electric Superman was too imaginative for all the people who worship business as usual.

He was essentially a kind of Dr. Manhattan, which I always thought was pretty interesting.

I also liked the fact that his skin was blue, because it gave him a chance to actually look different than he did as Clark Kent.

I have a theory that everybody at the Daily Planet knows that Clark Kent is Superman, but they just feel so sorry for the mentally ill that they just roll their eyes and go about their business.
we he ever able to depower so he could work as clark kent?

[nightscream]

we he ever able to depower so he could work as clark kent?

Yes he could, but as Clark Kent he had no power. He was just as vunrable as everbody else. Although he could switch on the power whenever he wanted to.

[Ronnigon]

Well, I'm not sure how I feel about that.

[curefreak]

Well, I'm not sure how I feel about that.
feel about what?

[nightscream]

Well, I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Yeah what are you talking about?

[choptop]

what can Superman Red do.............................?

[mattx110]

he can turn into clark kent with a red tie;)

[Ronnigon]

I'm not sure how I feel about Electric Superman having no powers when he's Clark Kent.

[Brash]

It was an OK idea, but I think it would have done better if that Superman somehow stuck around more. It could have gone somewhere alot better than it did. For example, that Superman could have found out that he was some sort of clone or psychological imprint of the real superman from another dimension.

Or something...

[Ontir]

What I wanted to see after Final Night, was a de-powered Superman, who was sort of lost. He was still needed, and wanted desperately to do what he's done for so long, but just couldn't. Finally, not knowing what to do, he calls on Batman. Having a heart to heart with bruce, in the cave, Batman essentially yells at him. He points out that he's got an entire Fortress, loaded with all sorts of goodies, that frankly Batman would LOVE to get his hands on, "so quit complaining about the loss of your powers, get in the damn Bat-Plane, and I'll take you there!"

Once in the Fortress, he puts together a new suit, comprised of Kryptonese Technology (it includes the "S" Energy Net from "II"), and a "Super-Car," and makes the best of it, until his powers begin to return. The progression woudl be very similar to their development in the comics. First, his invulnderability kicks in. Then his X-ray eyes (which were attributed to the people of Krypton, originally). Then strength and the ability to leap great distances, etc. Bit by bit, he leaves the gadgety behind, and gets back to basics.

[J. Robb]

The Electric Supes was an interesting idea but suffered from poor execution. Stu Immonen (who I believe designed the suit) used the new powers the best, as well as Grant Morrison in JLA. Everyone else seemed to try and write him as much like the old Superman as possible (such as flying around instead of teleporting.) And I seem to remember Metallo showing up way too often, man I was sick of him. :p

Finally, the whole story suffered from the lack of a resolution. The storyline just sort of ended, with the old Superman back, no explanation given.

[chriskenny]

What do you guys think could have been done better with this version of Supes?

I wouldn't have even done it. It wasn't interesting and there was no real conflcit at the center of it. His old powers were replaced by new powers. Sure, there was that initial question of, "How do these powers work?" but for the most part he seamlessly clicked into the new powers. Hell, most of his powers just simulated the old ones in a lot of ways.

So what was the point of the story? I mean, when they make him powerless I understand why they are doing-- there is a conflict (intense vulnerability and a need to help) and it shows that he is still hero without his powers. This story had no real pathos. It was like, "Wow, even when Superman is powerful in a different way, he is still powerful!" I mean, talk about lame.

The whole concept was built around making Superman into something he wasn't so peopel would be interested in himi who normally weren't. And to get mainstream press.

However... I always thought you could have made the concept interesting if he got the powers because he found a way to give them to himself. After Final Night, he was totally powerless and he was gaining any abilities. To a Superman, this is like being unable to walk or being blind. Whole senses are blocked from his sensory perception. Desperate to get his powers back and help the people who still need helping, he goes to the Fortress of Solitude and begins using Kryptonian and accumulated alien technology to give himself the ability to help people. He ends up getting himself powers. However, the unforeseen byproduct was that the process which gave him his new powers is killing him. To use his powers causes him intense physical pain and brings death closer. So determined is he to get out there avert disasters, he does it anyway. Even though he is writhing in pain while using his abilities, he tells no one he has doomed himself. He even starts to make long term changes around the world in preparation for a future with no Superman to help solve world problems. Suddenly he is more proactive, but he is also looking more and more worn out and emaciated as time goes on.

Soon the public realizes that he is running himself ragged doing serious changes to the world because he is going to die soon. A science race to save Superman is underway, trying to figure out why Superman hasn't gained his regular powers back and trying to reverse the process he has done to himself. But the truth behind his inability to regain his powers might be more nefarious than people think.

This is an interesting story to me because it reveals how committed he is the responsibility of being the world's protector. It shows he would shorten his life to save others and leave the world a better place. There is also a mystery as to why Superman cannot get his powers back, which also leads to all kinds of possibilities; Lex Luthor poisioned him; Brainiac has used sattelites to block certain properties of the sun; Intergang used Apokolips tech to transfer his consciousness into a human clone; etc. Also, it shows a Superman pushed to his limits, making decisions he might not have ever made before. If he knew time was short (unlike his previous death at the hands of Doomsday), what kinds of changes would he make? How would he adjust the world order?

That way, there is drama and questions and characterization illuminated into the ideas. The concept as it was presented didn't really have any high drama. Random crap just kind of happened. Lost powers, gained electric powers, adapted, and then when the readership was pretty much done with it, they rushed to set it right with a lame ending. But it was just a marketing push. There was no sense of attaching the change to the mythos in any kind of strong or meaningful way that made it seem less than forced.

[cactusmaac]

It had the potential to have been an interesting story.

Unfortunately the costume just didn't look like something Superman would wear. There was no red in it and the blue skin made him look like a Smurf.

None of the writing crew seemed to understand his powers and the S-books were mired in some really uninspired art and writing. My brother bought the costume change issue and I was pretty disappointed with how badly the books had degraded from the very stong period of the post-Byrne to DOS era.

[Ronnigon]

After reading about the Siegel's latest lawsuit against DC over the use of Superman and Superboy, I'm now beginning to wonder if the whole "electric Superman" storyline wasn't all just some kind of elaborate tentative legal and publicity maneuver, to try and produce a character that the courts might rule is different enough from Siegel and Shuster's Superman, so that DC might be able to switch him, and not have to pay royalties on their use of Superman anymore...

...the greedy corporate bastards.

I think they were perhaps just trying out the electric character on the public, to see if there was any interest. Or perhaps it was just all part of some legal finagling that they never disclosed to the public.

Apparently, it's the lawyers and accountants who really run DC now, and drive all its so-called "creative" decisions.

[curefreak]

After reading about the Siegel's latest lawsuit against DC over the use of Superman and Superboy, I'm now beginning to wonder if the whole "electric Superman" storyline wasn't all just some kind of elaborate tentative legal maneuver, to try and produce a character that the courts might rule is different enough from Siegel and Shuster's Superman, so that DC might be able to switch him, and not have to pay royalties on their use of Superman anymore...

...the greedy corporate bastards...
that would mean that there lawsuit has been around since 90s.

[Ian J.N.]

I've never read the story (because I avoided the Superman titles like cancer, back then), but I like the concept: What if Superman, visually and power-wise, was a completely different super hero?

It's a good way to explore what makes the hero a hero, and it's a premise not used too often. The hero's identity is usually explored by removing his powers altogether or by pitting him against a mirror image--i.e. same powers, different person. Electric Superman is the converse of that--same person, different powers. Not a change you'd want to be long-term, but it's an idea worth exploring. Hope they try it again someday.

[Patient Boy]

What was even better was his ability to just invent powers/abilities on the fly for no real reason.

Like in rock of ages and dr light was going to wipe them out and was going nuclear on them and poof he is gone and supes was just like "oh I guess I can absorb him. I didnt know that".

Or the "hey Ill kickstart the fuel cells with my powers" and poof said fuel cells work.

Nowhere during Rock of Ages did anything like that actually happen. The Philosopher's Stone allowed Dr Light to amplify his powers, giving him control over Superman's energy based form and basically Dr Light broadcasted Supes out of the Injustice Gang's satellite.

I think what you're referring to is the sequence at the beginning of the arc where the JLA was fighting the hard light evil versions of themselves. It's made very clear that Superman knows what he's doing when he absorbs the hard light construction of himself.

Morrison's JLA at least used some imagination for the use of Superman Blue's powers.

[Kara Zor El]

Hang on a minute! What are the differences between Superman Blue and Superman Red? Do they have different powers? Are they aware of each others thoughts and experiences? Did they hang out together? Did they become 2 seperate Clark's?

[J. Robb]

Hang on a minute! What are the differences between Superman Blue and Superman Red? Do they have different powers? Are they aware of each others thoughts and experiences? Did they hang out together? Did they become 2 seperate Clark's?
Yeah, they were two separate Clarks. The only difference (besides costume and tie colour) was their personalities. "Blue" was more reserved while "Red" was hot-headed.

[Kara Zor El]

Thanks. I wasn't collecting any DC stuff at that point. I burned out in 96 after a 12 year run. Started collecting ABC stuff when it came out. Tom Strong, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen etc, and then back into DC a few years ago.
I used to look at the Superman Red stuff on the shelves and wonder about it. I new of the 63 version and always like it when DC plunder the goofy past but I remember thinking it looked desperate and poorly executed. However I shouldn't have made those judgements purly from scanny covers and the odd flick through.
Sound a bit better than I thought. I have the Heroclix versions of both of them and their powers differ. They are also weaker than Ordinary superman.

[The Charlatan]

The look was cool.

The powers were cool.

The stories sucked.

Superman Red was the final nail in the coffin.

See the JLA issues at the time to see Superman Blue being the exact same level of awesome Classic Superman was as an example of what could have been. I guess it really is up to the writers to make or break characters.

[Ronnigon]

that would mean that there lawsuit has been around since 90s.

Not necessarily. You're thinking too literally.

It could mean that DC has long been contemplating tactics on ways to more fully cut Siegel and Shuster out of their picture, by changing Superman so substantially that they might not have to pay them any royalties.

And that's the possibility that I'm really suggesting here.

[curefreak]

Not necessarily. You're thinking too literally.

It could mean that DC has long been contemplating tactics on ways to more fully cut Siegel and Shuster out of their picture, by changing Superman so substantially that they might not have to pay them any royalties.

And that's the possibility that I'm really suggesting here.
im still not buying it sorry.

[Ronnigon]

Buy what you like. I'm just stocking the shelves.

[the Dagman]

Not necessarily. You're thinking too literally.

It could mean that DC has long been contemplating tactics on ways to more fully cut Siegel and Shuster out of their picture, by changing Superman so substantially that they might not have to pay them any royalties.

And that's the possibility that I'm really suggesting here.

Jerry Siegel's wife and children notified DC of their intent to terminate the transfer of copyright of Superman in 1997 with it to take effect in 1999. Shuster had died without having a spouse or children, so under the rules as they were then no one was able to file for his half of the copyright. Since then the rules have changed that allow Shuster's nephew, his estate's executor, to file for his half.

Since 1999, the Siegel's have had a 50% share of Superman's copyright, while DC owns 100% of the trademark. They have been in negotiations over how to split the profits ever since then. They have also had 100% of the Superboy copyright since Nov. 2004 btw.

Shuster's estate will regain control over his half of the Superman copyright in 2013. At that time DC will no longer own any portion of the Superman copyright, yet still will have full trademark ownership.

So, yes, this whole thing has been going on since the 90s. Actually, it first hit the courts back in 1947. Still, the timing of the 1997 notice to terminate copyright and the appearance of Electric Superman around the same time... Read into that as you will. I had read somewhere that they were related subjects, yet in searching for a confirming source to that I have yet to find any beyond the random BBS post at some other forum. So that part remains classified as "rumor" for me at the moment.

A lot of the details of the lawsuit can be found here:
http://www.newsarama.com/DC/Superman/Intro.htm

[Ronnigon]

So, yes, this whole thing has been going on since the 90s. Actually, it first hit the courts back in 1947. Still, the timing of the 1997 notice to terminate copyright and the appearance of Electric Superman around the same time... Read into that as you will.

Aaaaaaand thank you for posting this, Dagman.

*takes a deep bow for my now-fuming resenters*

:D

[the Dagman]

Actually, my post was more to substantiate my initial post to that effect back on page 4 where I originally brought up that theory in this thread. Nightscream had asked for a source for my theory. So over the course of the last couple of days I have done various searches to try to find the article I had read on the subject. So far, the only definite connection that I have been able to find is that of someone's conjecture in another forum. I do agree that the timing of the two as well as taking into consideration the American corporate mindset it is very plausible. However, until I can find some kind of reputable source I must file this under "rumor".

[nightscream]

Actually, my post was more to substantiate my initial post to that effect back on page 4 where I originally brought up that theory in this thread. Nightscream had asked for a source for my theory. So over the course of the last couple of days I have done various searches to try to find the article I had read on the subject. So far, the only definite connection that I have been able to find is that of someone's conjecture in another forum. I do agree that the timing of the two as well as taking into consideration the American corporate mindset it is very plausible. However, until I can find some kind of reputable source I must file this under "rumor".

I do thank you for locating what you could, for now it has setteld an argument between my friend and I. Although, you are right in saying that at this point it is still a "rumor".

[Ronnigon]

Well, rumors are always of varying quality, in regards to their plausibility.

Because of the strong plausibility of this rumor, I would call it a highly believable rumor.

[cactusmaac]

Aaaaaaand thank you for posting this, Dagman.

*takes a deep bow for my now-fuming resenters*

:D

The decision to do the Superman Blue storyline was done well in advance of the copyright notice. According to interviews by Dan Jurgens, they did it as an event to shake the books up.

http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/comics.php?topic=comics-new_supes


The entire storyline continues from DC's Final Night series from late 1996; however, Dan Jurgens points out that this major change actually predates that series. "This was planned about a year ago," Jurgens said. "Final Night has nothing to do with this, although it did work in with the changes very well. Final Night wasn't even conceived of before this was all worked out."

It could only have been a ruse to show this was a different character if they'd renamed him something different. And in any case, a number of aspects of Superman's appearance - like the S-shield - have been trademarked so they won't transfer back with the copyright whatever the legal outcome.

[Xero Kaiser]

I didn't mind it that much. Not being much of a Superman fan in the first place, I'm pretty indifferent to what happens to him. But it did seem a bit random. It's like Spider-Man having ice powers

[Ronnigon]

If I had a feminine side it'd be in the kitchen making my masculine side a sandwich

I just noticed this. Funny stuff.

[Dustin]

I guess it was okay.

[Dustin]

I guess it was okay.

[Dustin]

I guess it was okay.

[Dustin]

I guess it was okay.

[Kara Zor El]

That's only three guesses. You get four!;)

[curefreak]

I didn't mind it that much. Not being much of a Superman fan in the first place, I'm pretty indifferent to what happens to him. But it did seem a bit random. It's like Spider-Man having ice powersthen dont ever play spiderman-2 enter electro...

[ComicFreak342]

Gold:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/7802/1xc9.png


Green:
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8196/2un2.png


Purple:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3634/3xo5.png

[nightscream]

Gold:
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/7802/1xc9.png


Green:
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8196/2un2.png


Purple:
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3634/3xo5.png

Where did those come from? Photoshop??

[ComicFreak342]

Where did those come from? Photoshop??


no i made them on, infraview:D

[nightscream]

Damn Double Post Lag Crap!!!!

[nightscream]

no i made them on, infraview:D

Interesting choice of colors,I wonder how people would feel if you had actally changed into the those different suits.

[ComicFreak342]

Yeah the only reason i chose those colors is because of other people, i saw another post on another bulletin somewhere where people were talking about making the primary colors, red blue yellow, and how that matches his orginal suit, but some were also talking about how green is sometimes considered a primary color, so i did gold/ yellow, green, and purple was just for fun

[Talisman]

I'm interested in this story, and I was wondering if anyone could give me all the issues of the Super books that was involved with this story. Pleasenthanx.

[milosimpkin]

I needed a slightly different response really. I voted the 'It was okay and I would buy a few', but not because I really love Superman. I liked it as it was different and made Supes more interesting to me. I tend to find he's either too overpowered to be that interesting, or he stupidly ignores a bunch of his powers (because the writer needs to or he fixes everything in a heartbeat... literally).

I really like the EB Supes as it shows an established hero... THE established hero... fumbling, learning and experimenting. Trying to be everything everyone looks up to while coping with the changes and discovering a new power set.

And the suit was cool ;)

[md62]

Hated it. Ignored Superman comics for a year. It wasn't Superman IMO. It was a totally different character....

[protege]

I liked "Electro Supes", because he had a whole new set of powers to deal with, and it shook up the staus quo a bit. I think it would've been a good way to go with the Will Payton starman character.

[Stanlos]

I think it came at a good time--otherwise there was the risk of having him move the moon in JLA#7 by pushing it like was a balloon. I would hope that in the original treatment Morrison had him somehow get to the icon the demons were using to put things aright or perhaps have the earthly mages make their own icon for him to move. But you never know. I could by him pushing the moon provided it was not just him literally pushing the moon like a balloon.

Thanks to Electric Blue we got the totally acceptable 'reverse polarities' means which checks out

[Talisman]

I think it came at a good time--otherwise there was the risk of having him move the moon in JLA#7 by pushing it like was a balloon. I would hope that in the original treatment Morrison had him somehow get to the icon the demons were using to put things aright or perhaps have the earthly mages make their own icon for him to move. But you never know. I could by him pushing the moon provided it was not just him literally pushing the moon like a balloon.

Thanks to Electric Blue we got the totally acceptable 'reverse polarities' means which checks out
I agree. Morrison did really good work working with Supes new powers.

[OldSchoolfan]

I thought it was a great story arch that doesn't need to be repeated, per se...unless someone has a great story idea that involve Superman in this mode.

What I appreciate about it the most, however, was the ability that team of writers and artist's could successfully work together and turn out what amounted to a weekly book. No one else in comics has been able to do this since. Not even DC.

Mike Carlin understood Superman....I am not sure that Dan Didio or Geoff Johns do.

[Action Ace]

As Blaine Edwards and Antoine Merriwether once put it, "Hated It!"

On the other hand, one of the issues reprinted Superman #162 "The Amazing Story of Superman Red and Superman Blue," so that one was worth the price of admission.



I think Carlin had been kicked upstairs by this point and it was Cavilieri that was running the show on the Supertitles.

[OldSchoolfan]

Okay: Superman(vol 2) issues 123 to 135
Adventures of Superman issues 545 to 557
Superman Man of Steel issues 67 to 79
Action Comics issues 732 to 744
Superman Red/Superman Blue one shot 1998

There might have been another one shot in there and he appeared in this form in JLA, but the main story is in these issues. I thought it was fun. Happy hunting. I like looking for back issues.
You can find covers at http://www.comics.org, all you have to do is type in the title of the book.
Like I said, happy hunting!

[weeks]

the only thing i've read with blue supes is the morrison JLA issues. while not a fan of the look of the character, i really thought the new powers were really interesting. when there is a sale at the local shop on back issues, i may pick up a few of the other issues to check it out.

[Neutrino]

Since 1999, the Siegel's have had a 50% share of Superman's copyright, while DC owns 100% of the trademark. They have been in negotiations over how to split the profits ever since then. They have also had 100% of the Superboy copyright since Nov. 2004 btw.

Shuster's estate will regain control over his half of the Superman copyright in 2013. At that time DC will no longer own any portion of the Superman copyright, yet still will have full trademark ownership.


Hi,
I don't fully understand. Are you saying that in 2013 DC will no longer be able to publish Superman, since they do not have the rights? Why would Shuster/Seigel do that, considering the rights lose probably 75% of their value if DC does not own them (who would buy Marvel Superman)? If they own the trademark, does that mean that they can make, like, T-shirts or something? Can't Warner buy them out?

So confusing, this is. I can't believe Shuster/Seigel estates are so greedy as to take away a beloved character from the world so they can be rich on the back of their dead relatives.

[OldSchoolfan]

Hi,
I don't fully understand. Are you saying that in 2013 DC will no longer be able to publish Superman, since they do not have the rights? Why would Shuster/Seigel do that, considering the rights lose probably 75% of their value if DC does not own them (who would buy Marvel Superman)? If they own the trademark, does that mean that they can make, like, T-shirts or something? Can't Warner buy them out?

So confusing, this is. I can't believe Shuster/Seigel estates are so greedy as to take away a beloved character from the world so they can be rich on the back of their dead relatives.

I think that the suit only applies to the Superboy character, of which DC isn't really using in the same way.
If it did come down to Superman going freelance, the company that got the rights to the character could start thier own Publishing Imprint. The people that had Superman wouldn't need Marvel or any one else.

Also, I don't think the Shuster/Seigel estates are being greedy, considering what the creators had to go through to even get credit for their work. The Kirby estate is in a similar situation with Marvel/Disney. I reccommend reading up on the way creators were treated pre-1980's in comics. There was a big difference in the treatment of Comic book creators and Newspaper strip creators.

As an aside: I think there are five franchisable characters in comics, meaning you could publish your own comics with them and be successful: Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The XMen and Spawn.

While the interest in Spawn has waned a little, the title is approaching its 20the anniversary and has remained a good seller.

Superman, Batman and Spiderman have elevated themselves to cultural icons like Mickey Mouse.
Comics are interesting and fun!

[Sean Walsh]

This thread makes me feel old.


..not because 1997 was 13 years ago, but because so many people here weren't reading back then or have fuzzy memories about that period of Superman's life. :eek::tongue:

[Mat001]

I enjoyed the storyline. My only complaint was that it tended to drag before "Superman Red/Superman Blue". About late August/all of September of 1997. Some good stuff, but it could've been better.

[dupersuper]

It was fine as a temporary story, which Superman fans always knew it was. The problem is other people thinking this was actually going to be Supermans costume and freaking out.

[Karl O'Neill]

I hated the Electric superman. Not my cup of tea at all.

[West Mantooth]

I would like to see Steel inherit the Electric Blue powers.

[phoenix25]

Personaly I thought it was pretty damn awesome! Ots not all the time they revamp a classic character woth all new abilities. And I loved the new look. Don't get me wrong I love my classic blue and red cape and tights,but that was a cool,differtn way to portray the man of steel,or should I say mthen man of energy lol also I would like to know a complete list of all his abilites as I am trying to make a similar character on dc universe of him and want to at least somewhat match his abilities,thanks for posting this;)

[OldSchoolfan]

I am sure I posted in this thread before, but I re read this recently and enjoyed it more the second time. I was really impressed with Stuard Immonen's art and it turned into a great tribute to Superman Red/Superman Blue and the split personality thing was handled great.

I agree with the posters that said it was a nice change of pace.

[brik-el]

I didn't want to make a new thread for this, but I am in the middle of re-reading Morrisons run.
ACTION COMICS #13. I noticed something on the 5th page first panel.
The trophy case furthest to the right, houses the Electric Blue suit.
Any thoughts on this, or simply just an easter egg?

[Choos]

Was kinda silly how long it went on but then the nano armour is dragging on as well.

[Mat001]

Was kinda silly how long it went on but then the nano armour is dragging on as well.

There's a difference. This time it is permanent, whereas before it was a gimmick that was never intended to last.

[Last Son]

As permanent anything can possibly be in the world of comic books. Meaning it's not.

[Sacred Knight]

I enjoyed it a lot until Superman Red/Superman Blue. That's when the story jumped the shark.

You knew from the beginning it was such a temporary thing though, that I had no problem rolling with it for a while.

[kingaliencracker]

It was fine as a temporary story, which Superman fans always knew it was. The problem is other people thinking this was actually going to be Supermans costume and freaking out.

Actually the story making rounds at the time and a few years after he reverted back was that DC initiated the change as a result of the lawsuits going on with the Siegel estate at the time (and as it stands, currently). Allegedly, Superman's costume and powers were in contention in some way, and so the brain trusts at DC decided to alter both as a way to keep the character publishing without having to pay royalties for depicting the original costume and powers.

Now, years later I know one of the Superman writers at the time of the storyline (I forget who) denied this was a factor, stating that really they just felt Superman had become complacent in knowing his powers and abilities and wanted to give him new challenges. However, I still believe that the lawsuit was a major factor regardless. It just makes more sense to me than one day a group of creators getting together and saying "Hey, let's make Superman a bolt of lightning! BRILLIANT!"/

[Tra-EL]

You guys are right on Que, haha. Funny this thread was brought up. Just got the chance to pick up Action Comics #18 the other day and my LCS had about 4-5 small box's with older TPB on sale for only $5.00. Some GREAT books to be had. I saw stories like Panic In the Sky and Kingdom Come. I envied whoever picked up Kingdom Come for only $5.00. I would of snaged it but I already have it haha. To see a true gem in there for $5.00 was pretty cool but I did pick this up:

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/475/imag043811.jpg

Great cover as well. Defiantly pulls you in. I only have a couple issues of Electric Superman, one with Superman Blue & Red standing on the cover back to back. I never sunk my teeth into much of that era but I believe every Supes fan should give the Electric-era a shot! Superman Blue acted more of the Superman we've seen that thought things through and was more a grounded rational thinker-type as Superman Red was the ballsy, fiery side of his character. Some cool concepts but something that just never hit. Even though this era missed the boat, I think he's cool for what it's worth! Loved seeing his suite pop up in one of Morrison's Action issues recently.

[Mat001]

As permanent anything can possibly be in the world of comic books. Meaning it's not.

More like it's going to last more than a year, which it already has. At least ten years or more. DC had planned to switch back to the old costume and powers in late 1996, when the story was first thought out.


Now, years later I know one of the Superman writers at the time of the storyline (I forget who) denied this was a factor, stating that really they just felt Superman had become complacent in knowing his powers and abilities and wanted to give him new challenges. However, I still believe that the lawsuit was a major factor regardless. It just makes more sense to me than one day a group of creators getting together and saying "Hey, let's make Superman a bolt of lightning! BRILLIANT!"/

It had nothing to do with the lawsuit. The copyright termination paperwork was filed in April of 1997 and went into effect two years later. The Superman creative team began developing this storyline around August or September of 1996. But it was never about that, which is why the whole thing was undone in April of 1998. The only time the termination was an issue was in 2006-2008, when DC could not use the name and likeness of Superboy. Even going so far as to cover up Conner's shirt and and alter the events of Superboy-Prime's origin, in order to avoid legal entanglements. The reason for the whole arc was due to the fact that every six months, there was another event going on in the Superman titles and the writers were trying to come up with ways to recapture the higher sales from 1992-93.

[kingaliencracker]

It had nothing to do with the lawsuit. The copyright termination paperwork was filed in April of 1997 and went into effect two years later. The Superman creative team began developing this storyline around August or September of 1996. But it was never about that, which is why the whole thing was undone in April of 1998. The only time the termination was an issue was in 2006-2008, when DC could not use the name and likeness of Superboy. Even going so far as to cover up Conner's shirt and and alter the events of Superboy-Prime's origin, in order to avoid legal entanglements. The reason for the whole arc was due to the fact that every six months, there was another event going on in the Superman titles and the writers were trying to come up with ways to recapture the higher sales from 1992-93.

I understand what you're saying. I'm not disagreeing with you as such.

All I'm telling you is what was being talked about AT THE TIME and the few years following the storyarc. I'm also telling you that I don't believe it was a simple "lets do something to boost sales" because I'm giving those at DC at the time SOME credit in that I don't believe they would just come up with a really stupid idea as making Superman electric UNLESS there was something else pushing it.

And also, just because the Siegel estate didn't file the termination suit until a few months after the storyarc started, does not mean DC wasn't made aware of the probability that a lawsuit would be filed at some point.

For what it's worth, here's where I originally read about the topic:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/02/22/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-91/

[Gene M.]

I like my Superman with a good dose of sci-fi weirdness, so I loved it.

[Mat001]

I understand what you're saying. I'm not disagreeing with you as such.

All I'm telling you is what was being talked about AT THE TIME and the few years following the storyarc. I'm also telling you that I don't believe it was a simple "lets do something to boost sales" because I'm giving those at DC at the time SOME credit in that I don't believe they would just come up with a really stupid idea as making Superman electric UNLESS there was something else pushing it.

Nope. It is as I said. There were a number of gimmick arcs during this era such as Superman having so much power that he ballooned up, the Clark Kent persona "dying", Superman on trial for Krypton's destruction, Metropolis being destroyed by Lex and Superman's identity coming into question. Joey Cavalieri had taken over as group editor in 1996 and being a fan of the Silver Age, wanted to reintroduce many concepts as the 60th anniversary was fast approaching. Jurgens, Kessel, Simonson, Michelinie and Stern were all doing their best to try and tell stories that served the characters, while juggling events being forced upon them. They didn't mind events so long as the stories flowed into them naturally. But yeah, it was that simple. This is why a few months after the arc ended, Eddie Berganza replaced Cavalieri as editor and he decided to clean house, because he felt that the creative team had burned out. Jurgens was the only one who stayed on through the launching of the Loeb, Kelly, Schulz, Millar and DeMatties era. It was that simple as doing something that challenged Superman and that was the end result.


And also, just because the Siegel estate didn't file the termination suit until a few months after the storyarc started, does not mean DC wasn't made aware of the probability that a lawsuit would be filed at some point.

Oh, DC management was probably aware of it. But they weren't worried because they probably figured that they could get the mattered settled, quickly and expediently. It wasn't until Toberoff came along that it became a serious matter.


If you want to, you could probably shoot an private message over to Roger Stern, who posts on here on occasion. He can probably answer your question since he was involved in the genesis of the story.

[Self-DCeit]

What's this? An Electric Superman thread, resurrected? In this day and age?

[kingaliencracker]

Nope. It is as I said.

Yes - because what an anonymous poster says on a public message board is absolute.

:biggrin:

[Mat001]

No, what happened is what the writers said happened. That's why I suggest asking Stern, who was there.

[kingaliencracker]

No, what happened is what the writers said happened. That's why I suggest asking Stern, who was there.

I already posted a link in which one of the writers at the time stated it had nothing to do with the lawsuit.

As I've told you, I understand what they've said, and I understand what you're saying. I'm telling you that I personally believe it had SOMETHING to do with it, regardless.

I could very well be wrong. I'm just giving the powers at DC at the time SOME credit in that I don't believe they would have gone through with such a stupid idea otherwise.

[Mat001]

And I'm telling you, that's precisely what happened. Go ask Roger Stern. He's not working for DC right now and he can give you an honest answer about what motivated the change. It was that simple. The writers were, as you put it, that stupid to do a temporary storyline where Superman had different powers. The copyright termination went past the costume and powers and into Clark Kent, Lois Lane and the content from Action Comics #1.