Superman tries to find out why the Swamp Thing is so interested in protecting Solomon Grundy.
For very different reasons, Superman and the Swamp Thing are on the hunt for Solomon Grundy. An old Daily Planet article tipped the Swamp Thing off to the existence of Solomon Grundy. Journeying to Metropolis, the Swamp Thing hopes that in studying Solomon Grundy, a cure can be found for his own condition. As the Swamp Thing prowls through the sewers of Metropolis, his mind recalls the events that transformed scientist Alec Holland into the Swamp Thing. Unexpectedly, the Swamp Thing actually encounters Solomon Grundy, lurking around the next bend. At that same moment, so does Superman. Superman attacks Solomon Grundy, but the Swamp Thing intervenes in the fight. Unaware of the inarticulate Swamp Thing's motivations, Superman finds himself having to fend off both creatures. Superman tears the Swamp Thing's arm off to escape his grasp, but ultimately, his two monstrous adversaries get the better of him. After checking to see that Superman is only unconscious, the Swamp Thing leads Solomon Grundy away, to a rudimentary laboratory, Though Solomon Grundy is, at first, wary of the Swamp Thing, he allows his new-found ally to conduct tests upon him. Superman recovers and contacts Batman, to confirm that the Swamp Thing is really on the side of the angels.
Superman provides Doctor Jenet Klyburn, of S.T.A.R. Labs, with a water sample from the pool which regenerated Solomon Grundy. Lois Lane arrives to interview Superman on the Solomon Grundy situation. Suddenly, a laboratory technician bursts in to inform Superman that Solomon Grundy is right outside the building. After a quick battle, Superman slays Solomon Grundy. Down in the sewers, the Swamp Thing's tests reveal that he and Solomon Grundy share no commonalities. There is no cure to be found in the undead creature's biology. Overhearing a radio report that Superman has buried the body of Solomon Grundy, an enraged Solomon Grundy lashes out at the Swamp Thing, before climbing to the surface. From the roof of the S.T.A.R. Labs facility, Superman and Lane see literally dozens of Solomon Grundys emerging from the sewers. Klyburn gives Superman a counter agent to the Solomon Grundy Swamp Blight. Believing that even a creature such as Solomon Grundy has a basic right to exist, the Swamp Thing races to stop Superman from destroying the multiple Solomon Grundys. The Swamp Thing is too late, however, as Superman flies at super-speed, throughout the city, destroying each Solomon Grundy he encounters. Crestfallen, the Swamp Thing returns to Metropolis' sewers, and begins his long journey back home.
Notes
- Swamp Thing origin cameo flashback.
- Solomon Grundy of Earth-1 appears.
- Batman behind the scenes cameo talking with Superman through Superman's communication device on his belt.
- This issue contains the Hostess Superhero Ad, Wonder Woman in "The Golden Treasure".
- "Daily Planet" Volume 79 Issue 1 week of January 8, 1979 edited by Bob Rozakis, production by Anthony Tollin and lettered by Typeset. Featuring a traitor among the Legion of Super-Heroes in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #250, can Sgt. Rock and the men of Easy Company stop the deadly menace of V2 rockets from raining destruction on London in Sgt. Rock #327 plus "Ask the Answer Man!" and "Direct Currents".
- "Hembeck" by Fred Hembeck.
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