Superman: The Man of Steel #124 is an issue of the series Superman: The Man of Steel (Volume 1) with a cover date of May, 2002. It was published on March 20, 2002.
Synopsis for "Gangs of Metropolis, Part Two: Turfwar"
The Overmind speaks benevolently to Superman. He declares that Metropolis is his, and with the abilities of Steel's niece Natasha, he will be able to defeat Lexcorp and obtain control of all of the B13 tech in the city. He hadn't wanted Superman to interfere, but now that he has, he has no problem doing away with him. Overmind knows that while synthetic Kryptonite is unable to harm him, when it is vibrated at ultra-high frequencies it becomes incapacitating. The Overmind has every intention of keeping Superman subdued until Lexcorp has been beaten.
Elsewhere, the CAELOSS members attempt to wake Steel up. Coming around, Steel asks them what happened, and then examines the Overmind war machines moving out; looking for the nerve central. He then sees Luna, but before he can say anything she assures him that she is no longer affiliated with the Cybermoths. Luna explains that the Overmind is using Natasha as a power amplifier in order to beat Lexcorp to the nerve central. If Steel wants his niece back, he is going to have to give the Aegis armor to the Overmind. Luna says that whoever gets to the nerve central first will get control of all of the B13 tech, but no one can get in. Steel stops her and says that he thinks he knows someone who can get them in.
Inside the bowels of Lexcorp, Talia Head walks up to a panel and opens a portal. Walking through, she greets Metallo. She tells him that only Lexcorp can keep his B13 virus subdued, but in return he is going to have to help Lexcorp.
In her apartment, Lois speaks with her mother about her "affair" with Superman. Lois insists that she isn't cheating on her husband, but her mother still doesn't believe her. Lois tells Ella that all of them will get together to sort this out: Lois, her mother, Clark, and Superman.
Returning from Stryker's Island, Steel rejoins the group with Shrewface, the reluctant villain with the ability to pass through matter. All joining hands, they quickly walk thorough the walls and arrive at the nerve central. A huge glowing ball, the nerve pulses with energy. Around it, Cybermoth and Lexcorp vessels desperately try to keep the others away. Suddenly, a number of Cybermoth vessels are knocked out of the sky by something huge. Out of the smoke comes Metallo. Steel tells everyone else to make for the central, while he takes off toward Metallo.
Writhing in pain, Superman suddenly hears Natasha's voice and opens his eyes. Before him stands a glowing image of Natasha. Turning away from Superman, Natasha passes her hand through the Kryptonite machine and promptly shorts it out. Getting to his feet, Superman asks how she got free, but Natasha explains that her body is still held captive, but she was able to create a digital form of herself. Before Superman can ask any more questions the Overmind, housed in a robotic body, comes up behind him and attacks him with bolts of lightning. Turning away from Superman, the Overmind quickly blasts the virtual clone of Natasha, dispersing it. Superman rises to his feet and launches a blow at the Overmind.
Steel attempts to put Metallo down, but he just isn't powerful enough. He tries to figure out what the link between the B13 technology and the Entropy Aegis is. He futilely swings his hammer at Metallo, but the blow has no effect. Entwining Steel in metallic ropes, Metallo hoists him high above his head. Steel cannot help but think that if he had the Aegis, the battle would already be over. Suddenly, the Aegis bursts through the wall and charges straight into Metallo. With one blow, Metallo is stopped as his huge metal body crashes to the ground with only a metallic groan. Steel has no idea how the Aegis knew to come, but right now they have precious little time to worry. Joining hands, Steel and CAELOSS proceeds into the nerve central.
Inside the nerve, Steel has Clemente sedate Shrewface to prevent anything bad from happening. Then turning to looking into the nerve, the three are shocked to see the B13 technology building itself its own brain. Thinking quickly, Steel tells Luna that he needs her to help him build a systems override for the Aegis with B13 tech. If he can bring the suit under his control, then he'll turn it over to the Overmind.
Superman struggles to throw off the hordes of Cybermoths being thrown at him by the Overmind. He is unable to explain his weakness, until the Overmind explains that he is feeding him solar inhibitors, starving him of solar energy. Superman tries to deny it, but has barely the energy to stand.
Back inside the nerve, Luna finishes with the suit and the Aegis falls under Steel's command. Once inside, his memories are cleared. Steel remembers who killed him; who the Overmind really is.
Grabbing Superman around the neck and forcing him to the ground, the Overmind stands triumphant as he reveals the face of Brainiac 13.
Appearing in "Gangs of Metropolis, Part Two: Turfwar"
Featured Characters:
- Template:Apn
Supporting Characters:
- Steel
- Natasha Irons
- Luna
Antagonists:
- Template:Apn
- Talia al Ghul
- Overmind
- Cybermoths
Other Characters:
- CAELOSS
- Mr. Bloat
- Shrew Face
- Ella Lane (Behind the scenes)
- Lois Lane (Cameo)
- Brainiac 13 (Hologram)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
See Also
- Cover gallery for the Superman: The Man of Steel series
- Images from Superman: The Man of Steel Vol 1 124