Superman #684

Issue Details

Synopsis

THE MIND OF RUDY JONES The Parasite is on the run now, hidden in the dark alleys of Metropolis. He feels strangely invigorated and Dr. Torval has faded from his personality completely. He recalls that some things stay with him and others pass quickly, Torval took a long time to fade but his sharpness of mind stayed, enhancing Rudy.   The Parasite remembers how he escaped. Superman reactivated the Phantom Zone projector to release his rogues' gallery back into Strykers. Rudy was one of the last and as he returns to Earth he smiles realizing that humanity distrusts Superman, hates him and his fellow Kryptonians for what they did.   Mon-El appears at the entranceway to the portal to warn Superman. Not everyone was released into custody but several people are unaccounted for. Chris, Bizarro, Non, Ursa, Zod, and their soldiers. Only the small time crooks and Mon-El himself are left in the zone and Rudy grabs his chance.   He quickly drains as much power as he can from the Daxamite, a dash of Kryptonian. The Strykers guard holds back as they watch Mon-El howl in pain. Superman points out it's the lead in the air not Rudy doing the damage, but even so he severs their connection and subdues Rudy before tending to his "brother". Superman reluctantly says goodbye again and Mon-El, more depressed than ever hides his feelings very badly. The Parasite, meanwhile, has a plan and allows himself to be taken into custody.   Long after Superman leaves and the Parasite is in custody, the villain unleashes the stored Daxamite power within himself and is able to fly just enough to land safely near Hobs Bay. The Parasite is left to scavenge for power and steals it from passers by. He briefly remembers the time where he asssumed Lois Lane's appearance and stole Lex Luthor's heart.   Now a source of power even more powerful than Superman is available, somehow if he can use Torval's left over genius he must figure out a way to rescue Mon-El, and make him his personal power battery.   Meanwhile at the Science Police Headquarters, Guardian has called a meeting with all the serving members. After the original team leaders were slain during the Anti-Kryptonian operation he explains that he is their new team leader. He reveals to them in an offer of trust and respect that he is Jim Harper, or a clone of. Control, the brains behind SciPol has decided they must follow Jim's lead especially if the Kryptonians ever decided to come back for round two. Only time will tell if he's earned their respect and loyalty.   Meanwhile in Keystone City, Nightwing and Flamebird enlist Jay Garrick's help in their mysterious quest on the condition it be kept a secret mission. Jay agrees and wishes them luck.   Superman meanwhile is soaring across the sun to New Krypton. It is an icy planet devoid of life aside from the biosphere currently housing Argo & Kandor.   It seems Alura has relaxed a little now they are away from Earth and welcomes her nephew, with reservations of course. Kal agrees to hold back on some of the issues till they can cultivate the planet. Alura leads Kal to a balcony to view the streets below. The Military guild is marching through the streets symbolizing their new order.   During the ceremony Alura admits she thought Kal was more Earthling that Kryptonian and that he'd divorce himself from them. Kal points out that New Krypton is a joy for him, to see his lost people alive, well and safe. He also admits he arrived to warn them of danger. Zod and his minions are free and out there somewhere.   Alura looks puzzled, they aren't 'out there' they are pardoned citizens, she herself saw to that before releasing them. Superman is bewildered and questions his aunt's sanity, and demands to know where Zod and his minions are. Alura calmly points down to the Military Guard. Zod is the leader of New Krypton's army.