Superman (1939) 393

We’re tapping Superman for a second time to emcee National Atomic Veterans Day.

Why?

Probably ‘cuz he’s about the only hero that can handle the fallout.

Literally.

The Man of Steel helped usher in the atomic age in Action Comics (1938) 101. By Superman (1939) 393 the Man of Tomorrow had become victim of the established era.

Superman (1939) 393

Overall, issue 393 is nothing to run out and pick up. The premise has The Master Jailer – anyone remember him? – seeking revenge on Clark Kent over his relationship with Lana Lang. To remove Clark from the picture, the Jailer realizes he must first deal with his protector, Superman.

Okay, here’s where today’s theme comes into play:

The Master Jailer launches nukes luring Superman out to stop them. When they explode, Superman finds himself a magnet for Kryptonite causing it to adhere to his skin.

Believing Superman to be out of the way, The Master Jailer next attacks Clark. However, he learns the Clark he encounters is really Superman in disguise.

Superman disables The Master Jailer, explaining how he duplicated the missile attack by creating Bizzaro missiles that reversed the magnetizing process.

While we usually recommend rereading a particular issue commemorating the day, forget Superman 393 and find a good book on the history and how the atomic bomb was created.

For a little background, July 16, marks the 80th anniversary of the detonation of the first atomic bomb at the Trinity test site. 

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers participated in more than 200 nuclear weapons tests between 1945 and 1963. As many as 400,000 veterans qualify as atomic veterans according to the National Association of Atomic Veterans. Exposure to radiation in these cases has led to a wide array of health problems for these people including thyroid problems, tumors and deadly cancers.

Remember and respect both the day and those who were players and pawns during the time.