Adventures of Superman #424
Adventures of Superman #424 holds a double distinction in Superman publishing history: it is simultaneously the premiere issue of the retitled 'Adventures of Superman' series — the old Superman Volume 1 title, which had run continuously since 1939, reborn under a new name while preserving its numbering — and a genuine first-appearance triple play, introducing gossip columnist Cat Grant, scientist Professor Emil Hamilton, and the post-Crisis redesigns of Sam Lane, Ella Lane, and Inspector Bill Henderson in a single issue. Cat Grant in particular proved to be a lasting addition to Superman's world, serving as a deliberate narrative counterweight to Lois Lane's investigative voice and evolving over decades into a multi-faceted character who crossed into television, animation, and feature film. The issue marks the moment Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway formally staked out their own territory within John Byrne's post-Crisis Superman continuity, populating Metropolis with new faces who would anchor the series for years.
In "Man O' War!", Superman faces down a dangerous terrorist threat, testing his strength and resolve. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor offers Lois a chance to save her ailing mother by accepting a date with him—adding a personal stakes to his latest scheme. Written by Marv Wolfman and brought to life with dynamic art by Jerry Ordway (pencils and inks on the cover), this 1987 issue blends action and emotional tension, with Tom Ziuko’s colors and John Costanza’s lettering enhancing the mood.
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Following Crisis on Infinite Earths and John Byrne's Man of Steel miniseries, DC chose to retitle the long-running Superman Volume 1 as Adventures of Superman rather than cancel it, continuing the numbering from issue #423 directly into #424 in January 1987. Writer Marv Wolfman and penciller/cover artist Jerry Ordway — inked by Mike Machlan, colored by Tom Ziuko, lettered by John Costanza, and edited by Andrew Helfer — were handed the flagship title while Byrne helmed the new Superman Vol. 2 and Action Comics. Wolfman designed Cat Grant as a tabloid counterpart to Lois Lane and introduced Emil Hamilton as a scrappy, underfunded inventor whose grievance against Lex Luthor made him an initial antagonist; Hamilton was named as a tribute to veteran Superman writer Edmond Hamilton. The issue was published on newsstands on September 23, 1986, despite its January 1987 cover date.
Trivia · 8 facts
- First appearance of Cat Grant (Catherine 'Cat' Grant), created by Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway; she debuts as a gossip columnist relocating from Los Angeles to write for the Daily Planet's Sunday entertainment supplement.
- First appearance of Professor Emil Hamilton, a brilliant but desperate inventor antagonized by Lex Luthor's theft of his research; the character was named in homage to veteran Superman scripter Edmond Hamilton.
- First post-Crisis appearances of Sam Lane (Lois's father), Ella Lane (Lois's mother, critically ill from Lexchem radiation), and Inspector Bill Henderson.
- Premiere issue of the 'Adventures of Superman' title, which continued the numbering of Superman Volume 1 (running since 1939) starting at #424 and running through #649 in 2006.
- Story title is 'Man O'War'; the main plot involves Quraci nationalists deploying a high-tech battle tank in Metropolis, while a subplot has Lex Luthor manipulating Lois by offering a monthly life-saving serum for her dying mother in exchange for a dinner date.
- Written by Marv Wolfman; art by Jerry Ordway (pencils and cover), Mike Machlan (inks), Tom Ziuko (colors), John Costanza (letters); edited by Andrew Helfer.
- The issue has been reprinted in Superman: The Man of Steel Vol. 2 (2003) and Superman: The Man of Steel Vol. 1 (2020 Edition).
- The cover art by Jerry Ordway is an homage to the cover of Superman #14 (1939 series), and depicts the Metropolis skyline with two towers visually referencing the World Trade Center.
Cast · 21 characters
Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Superman fights some terrorists. Luthor develops a serum that will help Lois' sick mother, which she can have if she goes on a date with him.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).