| Storyline |
Batman
and Robin met Wonder Woman at the Fortress of Solitude
- it was Superman's birthday. Batman introduced the
Amazon to Jason Todd, the new Robin. Inside, they found
Superman barely alive - he had a weird plant growing
on him. He was alive, but barely.
Kal-el was on Krypton married to an actress named
Lyla. He spoke with his father, who was still bitter
about being kicked off the science council for his belief
that Krypton was going to explode.
A giant yellow creature clad in pink / purple appeared
behind Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman. He'd given the
plant to Superman. He explained to them that it had
opened a telepathic link to its new host, giving him
"his heart's desire." Wonder Woman punched
the creature, to little effect (besides hurting her
own hand).
Kal visited his cousin, Kara, who was in the hospital
in critical condition. She'd been attacked by rioters.
Realizing the rioters were anti-Phantom Zone with a
grudge against his family, Kal decided to have his wife
take their child to her family.
While Wonder Woman fought Mongul, Batman and Robin tried
to make sense of the creature attached to Superman (and
to wake him up).
Kal and his son saw Jor-el speaking to a crowd. They
grew hostile as he again preached the end of the world.
Kal got a feeling and began to believe the situation
was not real.
Batman was able to get the plant off Superman, but it
then attached to him. He envisioned the ally and the
mugger. His shots missed.
Superman went after Mongul. Robin, using Mongul's gloves,
got the plant off Batman. As Superman fought the alien,
Robin dropped the plant on him. Mongul believed he was
destroying both of his foes.
Wonder Woman and Batman gave Superman his gifts - a
replica of the Bottled City of Kandor, and a plant which
had gotten smashed in the fight.
Mongul surveyed his territory and marveled at his
own might.
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