Superman 2020 | Superman 364 | How the Man of Steel Grew Old Overnight!

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 364: In the year A.D. 2020, Earth's Sun turns from yellow to red due to a massive solar explosion.  Superman I is reminded of a time 30 years prior when a similar situation caused imminent danger to Earth.  In order to save life on Earth from the lethal red solar radiation, the Superman of 1990 hurled massive explosives into the Sun, attempting to turn the Sun yellow once again.  (Superman readers know that Superman receives his powers due to the Earth's yellow Sun and is adversely affected by red suns.)  Repelling the dangerous red radiation, Superman traces the cause of the solar changes back to the villainous Lex Luthor.  Luthor points out that while he had hoped to kill Superman by exposing him to the red radiation, Superman exposed himself to the radiation, instead causing him to age days for every passing second, as evidenced by Superman's graying hair.  After a super-speed visit to the scientific lab in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman I was able to stop the aging process, but not reverse its effects.  

Meanwhile, in 2020, Superman I, II, and III again attempt to shield Earth from the red solar radiation.  Superman I miscalculates and winds up in the red radiation; Superman III uses his cape as a lifeline to rescue him.  With a beam of yellow Sunshine, Superman I is saved and restored to full power, and the Sun is returned to its normal yellow.  At the Fortress, Superman I speculates the Lex Luthor of 1990 actually planted two explosive devices.  One was detonated in 1990, the other was held in reserve, not exploding until 2020.  Having saved all life on Earth, Superman I invites his son and grandson out for soyburgers.

Look for more Superman 2020 stories in forthcoming blogs!      

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