“Yesterday’s” Comic> Superman Adventures #32

I hope you enjoyed this scene because it isn’t in the comic.

Superman Adventures #32

DC Comics (June, 1999)

“Sullivan’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane”

WRITER: David Michelinie

PENCILER: Neil Vokes

INKER: Ron Boyd

COLORIST: Marie Severin

SEPARATIONS: Zylonol

LETTERER: Phil Felix

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Frank Berrios

EDITOR: Mike McAvennie

A villain named The Commander tries to make Perry forget about a criminal he has evidence on using his mind control powers. While Superman manages to stop him (since The Commander’s gear doesn’t work on him), Lois is zapped without a command. The office maintenance worker, Ben Sullivan takes this opportunity to fulfill his dream of dating Lois. With Lois’ help, Superman manages to stop an escape attempt by the supervillain while Clark convinces Ben that what he’s doing isn’t right, and Ben undoes the hypnosis.

What they got right: The Commander is an interesting villain and I think more could be done with him in the future. I like the plot, that Ben gets to live out his fantasy relationship with Lois. And while she realizes he’s a good guy who just made a big mistake she’s not completely letting him off the hook.

What they got wrong: However, I don’t think it was done right, or at least there was a more interesting approach. Maybe Ben could learn that while he found Lois attractive and admired her spirit the two were just really different. But he would still need Clark to show him what he’s doing is wrong and maybe Ben realizes his life is pretty good or make what Lois learns about Ben (that he cares for strays or how we see him interact with local kids) is why she realizes he is a decent guy. Of course given current events during this review I don’t think Ben would be looked upon as favorably as intended when the story came out.

Recommendation: I do like the story but I feel like it could have gone in a few different directions but was cut short. It’s still worth looking at if you don’t find what Ben did abhorrent given what’s going on “backstage” in the entertainment industry currently.