Cover: Ross Andru & Dick Giordano

Action Comics #498

Aug 1979 · DC · 0.40 USD

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“The Catastrophic Man!”

In "The Catastrophic Man!", alien refugee Vartox arrives on Earth after his world's destruction, seeking refuge with Superman. With Superman's help, Vartox assumes a secret identity and begins a new life—falling for Lana Lang and even stepping in to protect Metropolis when needed. Written by Cary Bates and illustrated by Curt Swan, with inks by Frank Chiaramonte, colors by Gene D'Angelo, and letters by Ben Oda, this 1979 issue blends personal stakes with cosmic consequences. The cover, by Ross Andru and Dick Giordano, captures the moment of Vartox's arrival and the tension of his growing connection to Earth.

writer Cary Bates · artist Curt Swan · inker Frank Chiaramonte · colorist Gene D'Angelo · letterer Ben Oda · cover Ross Andru, Dick Giordano

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Cast · 1 character

Superman

Full credits

writer Cary Bates

artist Curt Swan

inker Frank Chiaramonte

colorist Gene D'Angelo

letterer Ben Oda

cover pencils Ross Andru

cover inks Dick Giordano

Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers

▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers

Vartox sees his world destroyed. He comes to Earth and he and Superman deal with an alien drone ship. Vartox sets up shop on Earth and Superman helps him get a secret ID. In that identity, he falls for Lana Lang. Vartox even fills in for Superman. But then Vartox realizes that he has doomed Earth as well.

Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).