Superman 2020 | Superman 355 | The Destruction of New Metropolis

Superman 354, cover dated December 1980, offered readers a glimpse 40 years into the future with the back-up feature "Superman 2020."  Superman 2020 introduces us to "Superman III," the grandson of the familiar Kal-El/Clark Kent Superman.  The story of Superman III would continue as a back-up in subsequent issues of the Superman comic.  In this blog, we'll take a look at the Superman that might have been...

Superman 355: "The Destruction of New Metropolis!"  The unveiling of New Metropolis is delayed as Supermen I and II await Superman III, the former Kalel Kent.  Meanwhile, Kalel continues to follow the illusions over the Midwestern wastelands.  The illusion-Supermen pass through a solid-rock wall; Kalel smashes the rock wall, falling into a trap--a cell with meta-energized walls that prevent him from using his vision powers.  Kalel listens while the leader of the Neo-Nazi "Purists" boasts of their mission of destruction.  Unbeknownst to Kalel, the walls of his cell are rigged to detonate the explosion of a Beta-Bomb in New Metropolis.  Kalel continues to hurl himself at the walls, finally breaking through.  He is joined by Superman I and II, who heard Kalel's ultra-sonic whistle, after hearing the Purists' secret plans by reading the vibrations of his cell walls with his super-fingertips.  The three Supermen easily capture the Purists, then return to New Metropolis where Kalel receives his very own "S-shield" for his uniform.  "And so, in this year 2020.. the Superman legend continues!"      

Look for more Superman 2020 stories in forthcoming blogs!