His world exploded before his birth. Propelled by a futuristic craft powered by a science beyond mans comprehension he arrived on a our world as a baby. Raised as a human by loving, caring parents who instilled in him the difference between right and wrong, he derives his powers from our yellow sun that give him enormous and unheard of abilities ! His massive strength and incomprehensible powers are matched only by the great and true heart that beats within his chest ! He is one of the most powerful champions for truth, justice , and the American way that has ever lived ! A man from the stars ever seeking to make the Earth his home, and to protect that home from evils no one else would have a glimmer of hope against ! He is the man of steel, the man of tomorrow...he is..

Superman #6

By Ralph L. Angelo Jr.

Deadly Intent!

Splash Page: Superman stands in the wreckage of the Kent family home. Walls are torn apart and the ceiling is gone, sunlight fills what is left of the room. Facing him is the monstrous creature called Hybrid. In its hands are two of the people who mean the most to Superman in all the world, his parents, the Kents! The time , instants before the end of last issue. Right where we left off....

Hybrid: "So now the fun really begins "brother" . The question is, can you stop me before I kill them? I suppose we find out........NOW!"

A voice rings out above and behind Hybrid .

Voice: "Naaaaa, I don't think so gruesome."

Page 2 & 3 (Two page spread)

Above both protagonists floats a flame haired yellow and red costumed hero, atomic signatures dance and weave about his hands as both Superman and his enemy look on in surprise!

Hybrid :"Wha?"

Superman : "FIRESTORM!"

Page 4

FS: "That's the name big blue, don't wear it out!"

As he speaks the youthful hero fires bolts of his atomic restructuring power at Hybrid, as instantly a metallic sheathe forms around the monster, filling the microns between his fingers and his grip on the Kents, but the effect it has on Hybrid is the most interesting aspect of the restructuring , as he screams in agony!

Hybrid: "Aarrggghhh!"

Supes: (Unngh, I feel that over here! Kryptonite! He created a Kryptonite skin around Hybrid, he dropped Ma and pa!) "Run Kents! Get out of here, GO!"

Ma: "We will Cla- uh, Superman ! And thank you, both of you. Be careful!"

Firestorm suddenly creates a giant scoop, and lifts the Kents up in it.

FS : "I'll get these folks out of here Steel Man, you take care of this freak. I'll be back as soon as I can find a safe place for them."

Supes: "Less talk , more action Firestorm, GO! And thanks."

Firestorm nods and smiles, and then is gone, with the Kents in tow.

Supes: (I don't know how he found me, but he saved the day here big time. I owe him)

Page 5

Suddenly the metallic covering bursts from within, as Hybrid tears free of the Kryptonite!

Hybrid: "Did you think that could hold me? Nothing can! I may have your vulnerability to that substance, but my other half* has given me greater durability and resistance to pain. I am unstoppable!"

*Hybrid is a mixed clone of both Superman and Doomsday, who has at least partial memories of both. See last issue for all the gory details.

Supes: "We'll put that to the test monster, starting now!"

Superman tears into the horror before him, his left cross strikes so swiftly Hybrid can't even see it coming!

Ba-KOOOM!

Then before the creature can react, Superman strikes with a powerful right uppercut that hurls Hybrid through the sky like a missile !

Ta-KOW!

Supes: "This ends today you inhuman monstrosity."

Page 6

Streaking space wards, Superman grabs the crimson scaled creature in mid flight and powers up towards the stratosphere.

The monstrosity struggles in his iron grasp, suddenly realizing where the man of steel is heading!

Hybrid: "Y-You'll never do this Superman, you value life above all else! I KNOW you!"

Supes: "That's right Hybrid, I do. But you're to dangerous to run around freely. I think where I'm going with you will be enough punishment for your crimes."

Hybrid: "W-what do you think I'll do? Do you think you can destroy me so easily? I think not!"

Hybrid struggles mightily , trying to break Supermans grip. But the man of tomorrow is steadfast in his resolve. Holding his breath, he increases his speed to a level far, far faster then any vehicle a man could currently conceive of. His destination: The Sun!

Supes: (I doubt this will hold him for long, or if it will even do so at all, but it may buy me some time!)

Superman , with Hybrid locked into an unbreakable grip, plunges head long into the Sun! The surface of the star convulses and heaves as the two combatants disappear beneath its hellish surface!

Page 7

On Earth, several minutes earlier...... Firestorm lowers the Kents back behind the National Guard lines, as a streaking Superman disappears into the heavens.

Fstorm: "Wow. There he goes, and he's really moving. I don't think I could catch him if I tried."

Martha Kent rubs the forehead of the slowly reviving Jonathan as the old man begins to speak.

Jon: "You have to son....S-superman needs your .....help. That....thing is to powerful, ......to strong. Do whatever you can to help him boy. H-he can't handle this one alone."

Martha Kent touches Firestorms arm, he gazes down in to her tear filled eyes, and suddenly , he knows!

Fstorm: "You two....you're his......I have to go..Don't worry about it. I'll help him, he'll be fine. I guarantee it. You 've got the word of Firestorm, the nuclear man!"

Page 8

With a blast of energy, Firestorm is gone! Rocketing after the long vanished Superman and his hellish foe!

Fstorm: (Been a while since I was in space. It makes me think of Martin*. He's out here somewhere, doing his "Fire elemental" thing. Somewhere here anyway. I could use your guidance Martin Stein, wherever you are. )

*Martin Stein used to be half of Firestorm, the merging of Both Ronnie Raymond and the aforementioned Stein was created when terrorists tried to destroy a nuclear power plant Stein was involved in designing. He's since found his destiny among the stars as a fire elemental.

Following a trail leading directly to the sun Firestorm hurtles on, converting his atomic thrust to a just sub light speed. Within minutes he's within reach of the massive star. Just then the surface of the Sun belches outwards, as an obscured figure hurtles haphazardly away from its torturous surface!

Fstorm: (Whoa! What the heck? Whoever that is, is glowing so brightly that I can't be sure if its's Superman, or Hybrid. I have to get closer to find out I guess.)

The Nuclear Man streaks towards his objective, as the figure begins to cool. It's arms and legs splay haphazardly about as it spirals towards deep space.

Suddenly a massive hand grabs Firestorm from behind !

Fstorm: "Wha?"

Page 9

Firestorm spins, into a deadly punch that immediately renders him unconscious ...or worse!

Ba-KOW!

Hybrid grins. His distorted face twisting horribly as it watches both

Superman and Firestorm tumble off in opposite directions.

Hybrid: "Ah yes, now where was I? Oh , I remember now. Killing dear old Ma and Pa. No use leaving any loose ends I suppose..."

With a laugh the horrid monstrosity is gone, flying back to Earth, and leaving two heroes floating in space behind in his crushing wake of death.

Cut to The Daily Planet building, Lois Lane-Kent sits at her PC monitor typing away, when Perry White approaches.

Perry: "Lois. I-I need to speak to you. Now."

Lois hears the timbre of his voice and knows something is wrong immediately. She hasn't spent so many years working for this man to not know every nuance of his demeanor. Wordlessly she rises and follows him into his office. Then she sits at a seat he gestures towards. Only then does she see the rooms other occupants. Franklin Stern, the owner of the Planet, and Assistant DA Kathy Sharp.

Page 10

Lois: "Why do I feel like I'm taking part in the Spanish inquisition? And on the wrong side of the inquisitors no less?"

Sharp: "Ms. Lane, you recently wrote an article in the Planet denouncing the cities efforts to arm their hi-tech Police force, the SCU. You quoted numbers that are ludicrous and preposterous."

Lois: "Not so Ms Sharp. I was given those figures by a source within the Mayors office itself."

Sharp: "That's absurd Ms Lane. Who was your source?"

Lois: "You know I can't divulge that information, why are you even asking?"

Franklin Stern steps forward and places his hand on Lois' shoulder.

Stern: "Lane, just this once, I think you should break that old rule. A lot rides on that decision."

Lois spins and looks over her shoulder at Stern.

Lois: "What? What are you saying Mr. Stern? I should violate the first rule of journalism?"

Perry: "He's telling you rules are made to be broken Lois, you of all people should know that. Hell. You've practically written that one yourself."

Page 11

Lois: "I don't like where this one is going ."

Perry: "None of us do Lois, but your article stirred up a lot of controversy. Maybe you wrote it in anger after Maggie Sawyer's death. Maybe not. But you should at least substantiate your facts here, or -"

Sharp: "Or you'll be facing a libel charge ."

Lois turns quickly and faces Sharp, practically leaping from her chair.

Lois: "Libel!?! LIBEL How dare you! I have a source within the Mayors office who gave me those facts lady. And don't forget that word, FACTS. Nothing there is unsubstantiated, NOTHING!"

Sharp calmly opens her briefcase and hands Lois a volume of paperwork.

Sharp: "This says otherwise Lois."

Lois fingers through the paperwork , her eyes wide .

Lois: "This can't be right."

Stern: "I'm afraid it is Ms Lane. The Mayors office was more then willing to share that information with us ,unofficially of course, in a non-disclosure type of way. This proves their point completely Lois."

Lois: "B-but this can't be. My source--"

Sharp: "Does your source even exist Lane? Or is this just your way of using your position as a respected reporter to make the city fathers blue in the face concerning your friends death. Well who's blue now sweety?"

Page 12

Lois slumps back in her chair. She looks at Perry, who returns her stare, but in a concerned , caring way. Then Stern, who is more concerned with getting to the bottom of this, though he too is obviously cares for Lois' well being. And finally she turns to Sharp, who's is smiling like a Piranha looking at a cow. Lois sighs deeply.

Lois: "His name is Grady. Louis Grady. He told me he's a low level paper-pusher who came across these documents after the debacle with Apokolips."

Sharp reaches across Perrys' desk and grabs his phone. Dialing a number she speaks in a hushed whisper and then lowers the phone on its cradle.

Sharp: "You're sure this mans name was Grady? "

Lois: "Absolutely, why?"

Sharp: "Because Mr Louis Grady died 16 months ago."

Lois: "B-but that's impossible! I saw his ID, I'm careful about my contacts. I research things religiously before they go to print."

Sharp: "Then obviously you better spend some more time in Church ,hon."

Lois: "HEY! I've had enough of your lip Sharp. If you want it fattened-"

Page 13

Sharpe: "You just threatened an assistant DA Lane, in front of witnesses no less."

Perry: "Lois, SIT DOWN!"

Lois drops into her chair. For possibly the first time in her life she's speechless and lost. She honestly doesn't know what to say at this point. Sadly Franklin Stern says it for her.

Stern: "Ms Lane, I'm sorry to say that due to your hardline demeanor in this matter, and the embarrassment you've just heaped upon the Planet-"

Perry: "Franklin , NO!"

Stern: " I have to Perry. This was the agreement with the Mayors office if things turned out this way. Lois, pack your things. I'm truly sorry, but your fired."

The Star-1 orbital space station. A Star-labs manned satellite observatory/research station. One that's in chaos !

Onboard people run from the raging behemoth that tore through the outer rings , letting the oxygen , as well as several people be sucked out into the airless void. Hybrid has made a stop-over and wants to play.

Page 14

Hybrid: "Hahahahahah This is wonderful! All these sheep, ripe for the slaughter."

He grabs a woman before she's sucked out into the void and kisses her savagely on the lips, then throws her into deep space, without a backwards glance. Then a voice rings in his ears, even as the roaring suction suddenly stops.

Fstorm: "Not nice stone face."

Hybrid: "Wha? You?"

Hybrid turns, and sees Firestorm floating just out of his reach. Next to Firestorm, and encased in a floating bubble is the woman that Hybrid had just flung to her doom. Behind them both, the wall is sealed with a rubber like substance.

Fstorm: "Yeah Sparky, me. What, you mean you didn't think I'd be back? If I didn't keep trying till you were put down for good, they'd take away my Superhero union card."

Firestorm gestures, and Hybrid becomes encased in a rubber-like ball. Only his head, arms and feet are visible. Then a huge steel slingshot is formed at another gesture to grasp the ball, that instantly releases and flings Hybrid into space, as Firestorm momentarily dissolves the barrier he erected to let the villain plunge through and out into the surrounding blackness.

Page 15

Where he's met by a powerful right delivered from the most powerful arm on Earth!

Ta-KOOOM!

Supes: "No more Hybrid. I've tried everything I could to reason with you and to end your rampage with as little damage to you as possible. That time's over. I'll do what ever it takes to end your rampage now."

Hybrid says nothing, as he unleashes his flame breath at the substance holding his torso , melting it to floating ash instantly.

Hybrid: "No, Superman, I'll be the one ending this farce, with your death!"

Superman flies in instantly, a devastating left cross connecting with Hybrid chin is his only answer!

Boom!

Hybrid: "Unnngh!"

Supes: "You have power monster, but you lack skill. One without the other means little in this game."

Page 16

Hybrid tumbles end over end for miles, before righting himself. Launching himself again at Superman, he rockets across the distance between them, where he inexplicably flies headlong into a solid Duranium Wall that appears before him!

Krroom!

Firestorm appears from behind the satellite and smiles, as Superman flies opposite him.

Fstorm: "Nice move crag head. "

Supes: "Don't get cocky Firestorm. Only by working together can we defeat this monster."

Fstorm: "No kidding big guy. Just watch this."

He fires a blast of energy at the wall , and it reforms as Hybrid begins to jet towards him. Reforms into a huge vice with Hybrid between its jaws.

Superman begins to tighten the vice, crushing Hybrid in place. But...

Brakk!

Hybrid smashes his way free.

Hybrid: "You idiots and your childish maneuvers can't hold me, nothing can!"

Supes: "Whatever works you evil thing."

Page 17

Superman flies into Hybrid, both fists forward, ramming his enemy with untoward power!

Sha-RAAK!

Fstorm: "Cool Supes! Keep up the pressure!"

Firestorm fires his Nuclear blasts at the monster, blowing him across the starscape.

Shooom!

Supes: "Excellent Firestorm!"

Fstorm: "Yeah, well, this is one of the few times I can really cut loose and not have to worry about hurting someone."

Superman continues his barrage of blows as Hybrid begins to show wear. The man of Steels fists pound a cacophony on Hybrids face and body, as Superman evades every clumsy blow the man-monster tries to make contact with.

Hybrid: "I'll crush you both!"

He raises his hands up above his head, and acting instinctively, Firestorm encases them in Steel, bound at the wrists, as Hybrid brings his arms down towards the man of steels head, but Superman zooms away, the crushing blow impacts on Hybrids own body!

Ba-dooom!

Page 18

Hybrid: "N-no! This i-isn't fair!"

Fstorm: "Fair?!? FAIR? You HAVE got to be kidding . "

Supes: "No, he's not. He's nothing but a bully. And like all his kind he cries about the "fairness"

of battle only after he's been put on the ropes."

Fstorm: "Yeah, lets put this loser away, for good."

Supes: "Agreed."

Both men streak towards the struggling Hybrid , who shatters the bonds Firestorm created for him, in time to be struck by both heroes simultaneously!

Ba-FOOOM!

Supermans powerful double fisted blow has his all behind it, as Firestorms Nuclear blasts use the last of his reserves!

Hybrid, finally unconscious , tumbles away from the two heroes.

Fstorm: "Whew."

Page 19

Supes: "I second that. We have to catch him before he gets to far away."

Fstorm: "I know big blue. Just give me a sec to catch my breath."

But that second is not forthcoming, as suddenly a nimbus of light envelopes the prone form of Hybrid , and when the light immediately disappears,

Supes: "He's gone!"

Fstorm: "The master of understatement, aren't you?"

Elsewhere....aboard a craft of alien design, a large shadowed figure stares at Hybrids insensate form as it lies atop an examining table .

Figure: "So, another piece of the puzzle is found. Soon I'll have all my little warriors, and then , the Earth will know the revenge of MONGOL!"

Lexcorp tower...Luthors darkened office receives a visitor as Lex himself stares out his window at the city beneath him. The young woman opens the door slowly, almost fearfully as she enters.

YW: "Mr Luthor?"

Lex: "Yes Nancy, what is it?"

Nancy: "I though you would want to know of this sir. Lois Lane has been fired from the Daily Planet."

Page 20

Lex sits staring out the window, in darkness, His fingers steepled before him.

Lex; "Thank you Nancy."

The young woman nods and leaves the way she came. As she does another woman shimmers into view next to Luthor. He hardly notices her.

Lex: "Maxima my dear, you're back. What can I do for you?"

Max: "Foolish earthling you can do as I asked many times! Kill the Kryptonian!"

Luthor touches a stud on his desks underside, as instantly a cage of energy appears around Maxima, pinning her to the spot, motionless.

Lex: "Only when I am ready, willing and able to my dear."

He turns to face her.

Lex: "Did you truly ever believe you could come in here and threaten me, ME?? I am the master of my domain my dear. Those are neural inhibitor beams. You cannot even complete a coherent thought right now, let alone use your vaunted telekinetic powers. You are my prisoner Maxima. Now we'll have some fun."

Maxima stares blankly ahead, then suddenly smiles as Luthors own grin drops. She smiles and walks calmly through the energy surrounding her lithe form. As her mental energies instantly place Luthor in her vice-like grip. Then a form begins to congeal above her head, an evilly smiling green face.

Max: "Have I introduced my partner to you Lex? You should know him actually. His name is Braniac!

Next: Braniac!

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