| "The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue!" "Superman Red/Superman Blue" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Cover of Superman Red/Superman Blue #1 (February 1998), art by Dan Jurgens. | |||
| Publisher | DC Comics | ||
| Publication date | (original) July 1963 (adaptation) February–June 1998 | ||
| Genre | |||
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| Main character(s) | Superman | ||
"Superman Red/Superman Blue" refers to two comic book storylines published by DC Comics featuring Superman.
Silver Age story
The original Superman-Red/Superman-Blue tale, "The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue!", is an "Imaginary Story" that first appeared in Superman #162 (July 1963). The script was written by Leo Dorfman, with art by Curt Swan.
In the story, Superman is compelled to finish a list of unaccomplished goals, including returning Kandor to its original size and eliminating evil from Earth. To this end, he invents a kryptonite-powered machine that will increase his intelligence. The machine works, increasing Superman's intelligence a hundredfold, but splits him into two beings with red and blue costumes.
Using their intellect, the Supermen restore Krypton, enlarge Kandor, eliminate kryptonite, and create an "anti-evil ray" that cures supervillains such as Lex Luthor, Mister Mxyzptlk, and the Phantom Zone inmates, and convinces Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro to renounce their communist ways.
Afterwards, Superman-Red and Superman-Blue marry Lois Lane and Lana Lang respectively. Red renounces his powers and moves to Krypton, while Blue remains on Earth, retires, and becomes a scientist.
Bronze Age story
The concept of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue is revisited in Superman Spectacular, where Superman is temporarily split by red kryptonite. These Supermen also make a brief appearance in Infinite Crisis #5.
Modern Age story
Superman-Red and Superman-Blue appear in a 1998 storyline where Superman is split by a trap created by Cyborg Superman and Toyman. The two Superman eventually reunite following a battle with the Millennium Giants.
Superman-Red and Superman-Blue also make minor appearances in Superman/Batman #25 and JLA/Avengers #4 respectively.
DC Rebirth
A version of Superman-Blue from the Dark Multiverse appears in Dark Nights: Metal. Additionally, Jon Kent develops electrokinetic powers similar to those of the Supermen.
In other media
- Superman-Red and Superman-Blue appear in the Superman 75th Year Anniversary short.
- Superman-Red and Superman-Blue serve as inspiration for the Justice League Action episode "Superman Red vs Superman Blue", where Lex Luthor accidentally splits Superman using a kryptonite weapon.
References
- Eury, Michael (2006). The Krypton Companion. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 214. ISBN 9781893905610.
- Greenberger, Robert; Pasko, Martin (2010). The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. pp. 422–423. ISBN 978-0-345-50108-0.
- Dallas, Keith; Sacks, Jason (2018). American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1990s. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 255. ISBN 9781605490847.
- Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 267. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
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- Superman (vol. 2) #122 (April 1997)
- Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #10 (March 1998)
- Superman (vol. 2) #134 (April 1998)
- Superman: The Man of Steel #79 (May 1998)
- Superman (vol. 2) #135 (May 1998)
- JLA #20 (July 1998)
- Superman (vol. 2) #154 (March 2000)
- The Adventures of Superman #576 (March 2000)
- JLA/Avengers #4 (December 2003)
- Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Flashpoint one-shot (February 2021)
- Gribbin, Sean (April 4, 2023). "Superman Finally Debuts His New, Electric Blue Costume - With a Twist". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- Lax, Marc. "Justice League Action - "Superman Red vs. Superman Blue" Review". Superman Homepage. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
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