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129,009
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in: Keith Giffen/Cover Artist, Karl Kesel/Cover Artist, Paul Kupperberg/Writer,
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The Best of DC Vol 1 71

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"The Day the Earth Died!": This story is reprinted from Superman #408.

The Best of DC #71 is an issue of the series The Best of DC (Volume 1) with a cover date of April, 1986.

Synopsis for "The Day the Earth Died!"

This story is reprinted from Superman #408.

After having a dream in which he fails to prevent a nuclear holocaust, Superman learns that he has to permit humanity some risks as learning experiences.

Appearing in "The Day the Earth Died!"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

  • Two Burglers (Single appearance)

Other Characters:

Locations:

Items:

  • Daily Planet Newspaper (In dream sequence only)
  • Nuclear Missiles (In dream sequence only)
  • Evening Herald Newspaper

Vehicles:

  • Military Hardware
    • Submarine
    • Soviet Mobile Missile Launchers
    • Anti-Air Defense Mobile Launcher

Concepts:


Synopsis for "Mogo Doesn't Socialize"

This story is reprinted from Green Lantern (Volume 2) #188.

While Arisia is reading from the Book of Oa, she marvels at the sheer magnitude of the Corps, and asks Tomar-Re about some Green Lanterns she's never heard of before. Tomar-Re tells her that the names in question are all Green Lanterns unable to attend meetings, for example Leezle Pon, a sentient smallpox virus who would infect the rest of the corps if he came to meetings, and Dkrtzy Rrr, an abstract mathematical progression who attends meetings, but is only noticed by the Guardians. But the most fascinating of all is Mogo, who, as Tomar-Re puts it, "doesn't socialize."

Tomar-Re begins his story with "Bolphunga the Unrelenting," an evil and dedicated creature, nearly without match for his love of destruction, who decides to crown his reputation by challenging the most mysterious and feared Green Lantern of all, Mogo. Bolphunga travels to the planet where he has been told Mogo can be found, and calls through his bullhorn challenging Mogo to a fight. He receives no response, and decides to search for his opponent cutting his way through the forest, but ends up finding nothing but the mysterious thick patches of jungle, and wide, decisive clearings spanning the planet. Weeks turn into months, and Bolphunga sets up camps, and draws extensive maps and charts to help him methodically search the planet for Mogo. He investigates the plants to see if they carry Green Lantern rings, and even the insects, he picks up and closely inspects, looking for some trace. Finally, Bolphunga realizes the significance of the planet's mysterious green foliage. He shakes in terror, abandons all of his equipment, climbs into his ship, and flees from the planet as fast as he can. When in space, Bolphunga looks back at the planet and sees Mogo was, after all, the planet itself.

And that is why Mogo doesn't socialize. If he were ever to attend a Green Lantern meeting, his gravitational field would destroy both of the two planets. Before walking out, Tomar-Re tells Arisia that one day he'll tell her about "some of the really big Green Lanterns." Eyes wide open, the young Arisia closes the Book of Oa and follows Tomar-Re, asking him if he was joking, giving her a "wad of skubitzny."

Appearing in "Mogo Doesn't Socialize"

Featured Characters:

  • Mogo (First appearance)

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

Locations:

  • Oa
    • Hall of Great Service
  • Mogo (First appearance)

Items:

Synopsis for "Trick Trap"

This story is reprinted from Blue Devil #8.

The next day Blue Devil, Trickster and Sharon Scott are driving along the California coastal highway. They come across a mobile bank about to be flown to a new location. Trickster expresses his interst in robbing a bank in mid-air but Blue Devil instead takes him, and Sharon, to eat at a Mexican fast food restaurant. While inside, three kids attempt to steal the trident from the car only to get zapped by magical energy and flee. Inside the Trickster finds a message inside his Pinataburger stating they know where he is,and where he's going. They also want him to return what he's stolen. Panicked, Trickster pretends the burger was too spicy and runs towards the men's room to get water. Blue Devil gets suspicious and goes looking for him and finds a hole in the wall.

Trickster runs through the air realizing his only chance is to get as far from "the organization" as possible. And to do that he needs a lot of money which means he needs to rob that mobile bank. He finds a hangglider and asks the man where the nearest paint store is.

In Hollywood, Verner Brothes Studios, Wayne Tarrant is attempting, with only partial success, to film a toilet paper commercial. Annie and Gina speak of how Wayne didn't recognize either of them. Elsewhere on the lot, Eddie Bloom sneaks into Dan Cassidy's workshop.

Blue Devil and Sharon decide they need to go after Trickster since whoever's after him will probably come after Blue Devil also. Realizing he will probably need money, Blue Devil decides they must find the mobile bank.

Trickster catches up to the helicopter transporting the mobile bank and throws black paint on the helicopter windishield and the pilot forcing him to land. Blue Devil spots Trickster and tells Sharon to keep eveyone distracted while he takes the Trickster down. He grabs his trident and flies towards the Trickster grabbing him and dragging him into the ocean where Trickster traps him in handcuffs.

The bank lands and Sharon enters to keep them distracted. She pretends to be grateful to find a bank so she can make a deposit to save her house.

Trickster and Blue Devil continue their fighting but Trickster escapes. The helicopter pilot spots him coming and takes off trapping Sharon in the bank with the manager and security guard.

In Santa Veronica College Professor Neemish is yelled at by the chairman over the death of Neemish's graduate student who was found in possession of documents from the school's Defense Research Group. The Pentagon is sending people to investigate and the chairman expects Neemish to provide answers when they get there. Neemish returns to his office and calls Bolt on a secret communication device. Bolt reveals that he had killed the college boy and Neemish authorizes him to kill the chairman and make it look like an accident.

Trickster attempts to sever the cables between the helicopter and the bank but stops when he hears Sharon calling out from inside the building. Blue Devil finally catches him. When the bank returns to the ground, Blue Devil points out that there was no money in the bank anyway; it was being transferred by armored cars. The security guard calls for the police but Blue Devil suspects they'll not be able to hold him and states he'll take him to jail personally. He throws Trickster into the trunk. The manager becomes suspicious, however, when they realize that Sharon is with them. The three drive off.

Appearing in "Trick Trap"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

  • Bolt
  • Professor Neemish (First appearance)

Other Characters:

  • Gina
  • Annie (First appearance)
  • Ms. Mallory (Single appearance)
  • Chairman Ruggles
  • Security Guard Waldo (Single appearance)
  • Unnamed Helicopter Pilot (Single appearance)
  • Unnamed Bank Manager (Single appearance)
  • 3 Unnamed Juvenille Delinquents (Single appearance)

Locations:

Items:

Vehicles:

  • Sharon Scott's 1959 Pink Cadillac

Synopsis for "Brief Lives"

This story is reprinted from Omega Men #26.

The Spider Guild find that they are powerless to conduct an invasion of a planet whose inhabitants are too long-lived to notice them.

Appearing in "Brief Lives"

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Locations

Items


Vehicles



Synopsis for "Rite of Spring"

This story is reprinted from Swamp Thing (Volume 2) #34.

Spring comes, and Abby Cable is saddened that her husband Matt hasn't come out of his coma, and shows no sign of waking. Matthew is still unconscious from him expelling Anton Arcane and saving Abby. The doctor recommends that she move on with her life, and in her heart, she knows that she already has.

Abby and the Swamp Thing enjoy each other's company by a stream in the swamp, and she declares that she likes him best in spring time, with flowers blooming all over his body. Awkwardly, Abby tries to ask whether it would be alright if she moved on from Matt, given what happened. He responds that torturing herself with guilt is pointless, and that she should tell whoever she loves her feelings. Embarrassed, Abby admits that the one she loves is him, the Swamp Thing.

At first he doesn't respond, and she believes that he does not return her feelings. She feels ashamed of her feelings, and the fact that he is merely a plant makes her feel crazy. Finally, he admits that he has also loved her for years. They kiss, and she declares that he tastes like lime. Sadly, Swamp Thing reminds her that she needs more from the one she loves than the taste of lime. She understands that he is talking about sex, and assures him that she can live without it.

As a means of experiencing some kind of communion in lieu of sex, Swamp Thing offers Abby a tuber growing from his body to eat. Reluctantly, she takes a bite, and soon has a hallucinogenic experience. She sees the world as Swamp Thing sees it, experiencing a connection to The Green. She feels the connection between all things, and the connection between herself and the Swamp Thing.

Eventually, she regains full consciousness, and he helps her to her feet. Affirming their commitment to each other, they kiss again.

Appearing in "Rite of Spring"

Featured Characters:

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Antagonists:


Other Characters:

Locations:

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Vehicles:



Synopsis for "The Silent Treatment"

This story is reprinted from Batman and the Outsiders #21.

Morgan Jones's gang attempts to steal a precious artifact to be delivered at a Gotham museum, but Katana is on hand to prevent the theft.

Appearing in "The Silent Treatment"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

  • Morgan Jones

Other Characters:

Locations:

Items:

Synopsis for "Bits of (Ambush) Bugginess"

This story is reprinted from Action Comics #565.

The agency of Peabody, Dicker and Pending are trying to drum up interest in an Ambush Bug limited series and have sent the Bug out to try and find guest stars to endorse his new series. Going to Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Superman agrees to help out as long as Ambush Bug doesn't make him feel foolish, however when the Bug brings up some of Superman's more embarrassing moments (such as a time when he was turned into a caveman, when he fell in love with a statue, or Supergirl's romance with Comet, and Superman's ridiculous Kryptonite proof suit of lead armor) Superman loses his temper and kicks Ambush Bug out of the Fortress of Solitude.

Trying to get Batman's endorsement, Ambush Bug interrupts the Dark Knight as he is trying to figure out a crossword puzzle (finding a nine letter word for lunatic) and ends up trashing the Batcave. This fiasco ends with Ambush Bug propositioning Batman for membership in the Outsiders if he doesn't want to guest star in his Ambush Bug's series.

In Washington, D.C. Ambush Bug is disguised as a woman and is saved from a purse snatcher by Wonder Woman. The Bug then tries to convince Wonder Woman that she would be participating in a feminist comic book, Ambush Bug almost has her convinced until he accidentally calls her "Sweetcakes" and Wonder Woman reacts by putting the Bug up in a tree. After some editorial differences at the DC Comics office, Ambush Bug is visited by his Guardian Angel who tells him that team books sell. This inspires Ambush Bug to visit Titans Tower where he is very vocally rejected for membership.

Appearing in "Bits of (Ambush) Bugginess"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

  • Peabody, Dicker and Pending (Single appearance)
    • Peabody (Single appearance)
    • Dicker (Behind the scenes) (Single appearance)
    • Pender (Behind the scenes) (Single appearance)

Other Characters:

Locations:

Items:

Concepts:

Synopsis for "The Ghost of Krypton Past!"

This story is reprinted from DC Comics Presents #82.

Alanna, wife of Adam Strange, is possessed by a Kryptonian demoness named Zazura, and Adam and Superman must fight to save Rann and themselves from her.

Appearing in "The Ghost of Krypton Past!"

Featured Characters:

Supporting Characters:

Antagonists:

  • Zazura (Single appearance)

Other Characters:

  • Russians
    • General Vladkoff
    • Sajan

Locations:

Items:

Vehicles

Synopsis for "Forever Blowing Bubbles"

This story is reprinted from Green Lantern (Volume 2) #187.

KT21, a woman who juggles motherhood, glass-blowing, and her duties as Green Lantern, must deal with an invading warlord. When she gets to the raid location, the thieves trap her in a yellow bubble, making her ring useless. She escapes by blowing a bubble of red plastiglass, which she originally grabbed as a toy for her son, and breaks free, capturing the criminals. Back home, she surprises her son with a bunch of plastiglasses of different colors.

Appearing in "Forever Blowing Bubbles"

Featured Characters:

  • KT21 (First appearance)

Supporting Characters:

  • BJ (KT21's son)

Antagonists:

  • Poml (Single appearance)
    • Zubin

Other Characters:


Locations:

Items:

Vehicles:

  • Poml's Ship

Synopsis for "Just as Night Follows Day..."

This story is reprinted from Batman #383.

After an exhaustive night working as Batman, Bruce Wayne decides to get a well deserved rest at dawn, when he leaves the Batcave and walks to Wayne Manor, where he learns that the painters that were hired to work on the house have arrived early. Bruce has to deal with them until Jason informs Bruce that he needs a ride school since the schools bus was broken. Completely restless, Bruce drops Jason at school, but he is summoned by one of Jason's teachers inside the school to discuss Jason's constant weariness at school, but Bruce is in no condition to keep a conversation straight.

Upon returning home, Bruce is eager to go to bed, but Lucius Fox is waiting for him to discuss financial isses of Wayne Enterprises. After the meeting is over, Bruce heads to his bedroom, but Julia arrives at the same time and invites Bruce to a concert, with tickets that her boss, Vicki Vale has given to her. Wanting to dismiss the discussion, Bruce agrees to go to the concert the next night and afterwards, he goes to bed. Unfortunately, the phone rings and Vicki Vale tells Bruce that she is going on her way to Wayne Manor to discuss their future. As he hangs the phone, Bruce can't rest as the painters are creating a mess in his room and he goes to take a bath. A few minutes later, Alfred informs Bruce of Vicki's arrival and he goes to meet her in a bathrobe. Vicki tells Bruce about Bill Modell and his approaches to her and she gives Bruce one last chance to resume their relationship by taking her on a date the next night. After she leaves, it is already afternoon and Bruce has to pick up Jason from school. The drive back home is dangerous as Bruce keeps dozing off while driving the car. When Bruce and Jason get home, Amanda Groscz from the Child Welfare Bureau is waiting for them and she spends few hours talking to Bruce about Jason's formal adoption.

By the time the woman leaves, it is already night and the Bat-Signal shines in the dark sky. Without hesitation, all signs of exhaustion leave Bruce's mind and body as he becomes the Batman. The Dark Knight then prowls the streets at night and helps the police stop several robberies, capture a rapist and save several citizens from being mugged. The night activities keep Batman busy until dawn, when he goes to the ledge of a building near a gargoyle and decides to sleep the rest of the day since Bruce Wayne has no appointments or any special events on that day, or night for that matter.

Appearing in "Just as Night Follows Day..."

Featured Characters:

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Locations:

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Vehicles:

Synopsis for "Hukka vs. the Bob!"

This story is reprinted from Atari Force (Volume 2) #20.

Appearing in "Hukka vs. the Bob!"

  • Appearances not yet listed

Notes

The Ambush Bug story has been reduced from 8 pages to 5. It was originally titled "$ellout, or Manna from Mando".



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