Action Comics #785 is an issue of the series Action Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of January, 2002. It was published on November 28, 2001.
Synopsis for "Demento"
In his office, Perry White questions Clark about Lois' trip. Clark tries to convince his editor that they aren't separated; Lois just needs some time with her mother after her father's death. Perry tells Clark that he has just the thing to occupy Clark's time in the form of an assignment. Clark agrees, and then asks what he will being sent to this time.
Standing in the streets of Pokolistan, Clark is surrounded by General Zod's sigil. As Clark heads toward the castle, he thinks of Zod. He is absolutely terrified of the man, more afraid of him than anything else he has ever faced in his life. In his own chambers, Zod thinks to himself. He will invite his enemies to his home and convince them all, that he is simply one of them, a politician. And Superman will know that it is just a game. And one day, Superman will make a mistake and Zod will win.
In the woods, a gang of imps goad Bizarro on into attacking the party. However, before the creature can do anything, a battle tank orders him to stand down and be captured.
The gathered world leaders, dignitaries, and reporters sit and listen to Zod speak of his intentions for his new country. He assures them that there is nothing to fear. Clark's spot sits empty amidst the packed room.
From inside his room, Clark tells an attendant that he feels ill, and that he won't be attending the dinner. Clark curses himself for being absolutely terrified of Zod. He moves to the window, looking up, he notices a tank on fire out in the woods. Preparing to shed his tuxedo, he tries to convince himself that he not change clothes to remain stealthy, and to avoid Zod. Clark flies into the night.
Standing atop the second tallest building in Metropolis, a woman named Sally smiles to herself. She's figured it perfectly. It will take almost nineteen seconds to hit the ground; plenty of time to get rescued by Superman. She takes a deep breath and launches herself off of the building, yelling "Superman" all the way down. Unfortunately for her, Superman is half a planet away. The empty bus that she lands on doesn't fair any better than Sally does.
Clark leans up against a tree, absolutely terrified. He looks skyward as Bizarro descends, carrying two men with him. As he lands, the imps try to convince him to kill Clark, but Bizarro tells them to hush. Clark reminds Bizarro who he is, but before he can talk, Bizarro destroys a tank with a rush of flame breath.
Lex Luthor talks with Faora at the party. Across the room, visiting dignitaries talk to Zod. Suddenly, Zod turns his head toward the forest, and sees Bizarro. Radioing Faora, he heads out into the woods to stop Bizarro.
In the forest, the imps try to goad Bizarro into killing Clark, but the creature is cautious. After the two exchange some abnormal pleasantries, Bizarro proceeds to tell Clark that Superman is dead. If he had been alive, then Superman would have come to rescue him. Clark doesn't understand, so Bizarro tells him how Ignition found him on the moon and took him to Zod. Then Zod used Bizarro for practice, before taking on the real thing. Bizarro had just wished for Superman to come rescue him, but instead, the complex was attacked by Imperiex. He should have died, he even wanted to, but instead he lived. Clark tries to convince Bizarro that Superman is still alive, but before the talk can continue, Bizarro hurls Clark into the bushes and tells him to hide. Zod arrives on the scene and begins to give Bizarro the beating of his life. Clark stands amidst the trees and hopes that he isn't seen. If Superman shows up, then Zod will know that Clark is Superman. He can't endanger Lois, but as Zod prepares to deliver the finishing blow, a shadow covers his back. A command of "Enough" stops the General in his tracks.
Back in Metropolis, paramedics load the corpse of the jumper in to the back of the ambulance. One of the paramedics comments that despite the impact, he couldn't find any blood. One of the EMT's suggests that next time she try a higher building. Suddenly, Sally leap up from the stretcher and prances away, thanking the men for the tip.
Zod halts his beating of Bizarro and turns to face Superman, hovering in the moonlight. As Zod rears up and prepares to strike at the Man of Steel, Superman reminds him of the party that the General is hosting. If Zod attacks Superman, then Superman will make sure that the entire world sees the whole thing. Speechless, Zod drops Bizarro and speeds away, warning Superman that if he intrudes again, he will suffer his wrath. As Superman attempts to console the terrified Bizarro, the two imps suddenly arrive on the scene and take Bizarro to their leader.
The imps' fiery leader just tells Bizarro to leave, but he can't seem to remember what he is supposed to do. But Bizarro comes to a realization. Declaring his intentions (in typical backwards manner) to help the world, he disappears into the blackness with a booming "Hello!"
Appearing in "Demento"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- General Zod (Avruskin)
- Faora
- Imperiex (Mentioned only)
Other Characters:
- S'Allah (Sally)
- Ignition (Flashback only)
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Earth's Moon (Mentioned only)
- Czech Republic
- Germany (Mentioned only)
- Poland (Mentioned only)
Items:
- Imperiex Probes (Mentioned only)
Vehicles:
Events
- Our Worlds at War (Mentioned only)
Notes
- It's the last issue with navigation number (shield number)
- The story of this issue is read in reverse order.
- Bizarro appeared last in Action Comics #777. He appears next in Superman (Vol 2) #181.
See Also
Links and References
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