DC Super-Stars (Volume 1) with a cover date of April, 1976.
Synopsis for "Planets in Peril"
This story is reprinted from Mystery in Space #90.
Adam Strange and Alanna are having a meal together on the planet Rann when reports of the planet Earth suddenly appearing in Rann's solar system sweep the planet. Going to see Sardath, they learn that Earth was transported into Rann's system by a powerful Zeta beam, and that its gravity will bring it on a collision course with Rann in less than a week. They are unaware that a would-be-conqueror named Oran Dargg is responsible.
Transporting the Sphinx, the Colosseum and the Iwo Jima statue to Rann, Dargg sets them to attack an investigating Adam Strange and Alanna. During their battle with these monuments, the Zeta beam radiation that brought Adam Strange to Rann wears off, sending him back to Earth. Since Earth is so close, Alanna speeds up to a space port where she can take a ship to go and pick up her lover from Earth.
Appearing in "Planets in Peril"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Oran Dargg (First appearance)
Locations:
Synopsis for "Planets in Peril (Chapter 2)"
This story is reprinted from Mystery in Space #90.
While on Earth, Hawkman and Hawkgirl are the only people to realize that the Earth has been moved. Furthermore, they are disturbed to find that all the water in Lake Superior has disappeared. They decide to check out the planet Rann, using the Abosrbacon to learn what they can about the planet. There they find that the city of Rannagar is being threatened by Dargg who has suspended the water of Lake Superior over the city. Hawkman and Hawkgirl meet with Sardath who explains the danger facing both Earth and Rann. Hawkman and Hawkgirl agree to help the Rannians try and fight off Oran Dargg's attack on their world.
Appearing in "Planets in Peril (Chapter 2)"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Oran Dargg
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Planets in Peril (Chapter 3)"
This story is reprinted from Mystery in Space #90.
Back on Earth, Adam Strange is picked up by Alanna who takes him back to Rann, where they rendezvous with Hawkman and Hawkgirl and decide to work together to save both worlds. Noticing the four adventurers teaming up Dargg uses his Zeta beam weapon to transport the foursome into two different specially made traps for each pair. They manage to escape their traps, setting them off at the same time, leaving Dargg to believe that the heroes have been destroyed. This proves to be Dargg's big mistake as Adam Strange and Hawkman soon apprehend him. Afterwards, Adam uses Dargg's Zeta beam device to return Earth back to its natural orbit.
With both worlds are safe, Hawkman and Hawkgirl offer to give Adam and Alanna a lift back to Earth. The lovers are excited because Alanna can now be with Adam on Earth and they can finally be married.
Appearing in "Planets in Peril (Chapter 3)"
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Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Oran Dargg
Locations:
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Synopsis for "The Origin of the Atomic Knights"
This story is reprinted from Strange Adventures #117.
A mob chases a man through a ruined landscape. Hiding from the group, the man slowly comes to remember that he is Gardner Grayle, an 'atomic warrior' and survivor of a 20 day long atomic war that devastated the Earth.
Walking on through the ruins, Gardner comes upon the mob he encountered before attacking another man. Stepping in to help, Gardner and the man see off the mob, and the man introduces himself as Douglas Herald, a former schoolteacher. Douglas explains that the war wiped out all plants and animals on Earth and that money is now worthless; the only thing of any worth is food. Douglas tells Gardner that the museum ruins they are standing in used to be the local town's food cache until it was raided by the Black Baron and his men, a ruthless tyrant who is holding the town to ransom. If he controls the food, he controls the town.
Suddenly a radiation grenade explodes in the museum. Gardner and Douglas dive behind a nearby display of six suits of armour. Puzzled as to why the grenade's deadly radiation did not harm them, the men quickly come to realize that the suits of armour must have protected them. Some peculiar change in the armor's molecular structure over the centuries has left it capable of acting as a shield against radiation.
Gardner and Douglas petition the townspeople for volunteers to help them attack the Black Baron's stronghold. Brothers Wayne and Hollis Hobard step forward, as does scientist Bryndon. Douglas' sister Marene intervenes when the townspeople turn on Bryndon for being a scientist- they blame people like him for the war.
The five men set off towards the Black Baron's fortress and break down the door. Finding his radiation blasters (raguns) useless against the protective armour of the Knights, the Baron raises an old-fashioned rifle at Gardner. Rushing the Baron, one of the Knights throws off his aim and the Baron's shot misses Gardner. Rounding up the Baron and his men, the Knights distribute the food to the townspeople. Placing Douglas in charge of the food supplies, Gardner discovers the identity of the Knight who saved him- Marene, having donned the sixth suit of armour. Gardner kisses Marene to thank her.
The Knights vow to band together to serve the forces of law, order and justice in the new, uncertain world. To protect the remaining people of the planet and to help those who need it. To stand together as... the Atomic Knights.
Appearing in "The Origin of the Atomic Knights"
Featured Characters:
- Atomic Knights
- Gardner Grayle (First appearance)
- Wayne Hobard (First appearance)
- Hollis Hobard (First appearance)
- Bryndon Smith (First appearance)
- Douglas Herald (First appearance)
- Marene Herald (First appearance)
Antagonists:
- Black Baron (First appearance)
Locations:
Items:
- Ragun (First appearance)
Synopsis for "Challenge of the Robot Knight"
This story is reprinted from Mystery in Space #7.
Realizing that her father wouldn't give her a chance to qualify has a Galaxy Knight (because she is a woman), Ora disguises herself as a robot named R-41 and applies for membership.
Appearing in "Challenge of the Robot Knight"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Space Pirate (Unnamed)
- Saturnian convicts
Other Characters:
- The Examiners
Locations:
- 25th Century(changed from 30th to 25th century for the first time)
- Gala (planetoid)
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- The new "DC Super-Stars of Space" logo was designed by Carl Gafford.
- "The Origin of the Atomic Knights" was originally titled "The Rise of the Atomic Knights".
See Also