Superman #172 is an issue of the series Superman (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 1964.
Synopsis for "The New Superman!"
When a deadly green comet (which Superman remembered from Jor-el's fear before Krypton exploded) threatens Earth, Superman auditions 3 Kandorians, knowing the comet will likely kill whomever destroys it. He selects Ar-Val, and enlarges him with a duplicate of Green Lantern's ring, to take his place as the new Superman. The comet saps Kal-el's powers. But, soon after, Ar-Val proves to be egotistical and glory-hungry, and refuses to go after an escaped Brainiac and Luthor. Ar-Val even demands a law be passed so that only he might wear Superman's costume and bear his name. Thus, to stop Brainiac & Luthor, Clark Kent is temporarily given the powers of three Legionnaires (Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, and Cosmic Boy), plus Jimmy Olsen's Elastic Lad formula, and becomes the "Former Superman." But his new powers are not up to the task of capturing the two villains. Ar-Val's life is saved by the Former Superman, when Kal-el heroically jumps in front of a Kryptonite spear, and gets critically injured protecting Ar-Val. In gratitude, Ar-Val transfers his powers back to Kal-el, but Ar is turned into unliving stone as a result. Superman keeps the statue-like Ar-Val in the Fortress of Solitude, promising to restore him one day. Clark Kent resumes his Superman identity.
Appearing in "The New Superman!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Ar-Val, from Kandor (Dies)
Locations:
Items:
- Duplicate of Green Lantern's Ring
Vehicles:
Notes
- Published monthly, with the exception of March, June, Sept. and Dec., by National Periodical Publications, Inc.
See Also
Links and References
