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This month we have something for our
FTM brothers. Now I should point out as a Spoiler that there is
a major plot twist at the end. And if you've already read this
far, sorry, but I'm afraid it won't be much of a surprise. This
story appeared in Adventure Comics starring Supergirl, #384 (early
70's).
Even Supergirls Get Lonely Sometimes
Our story opens with poor Supergirl bemoaning her
fate that she can't find the right guy. Even her best friends
have used a computer dating service and have wonderful boyfriends.
But Supergirl
she'd need a Super computer! But wait! Superman
has a super-computer. With apparently quite the amazing database!
So off our heroine flies to Superman's Fortress of Solitude to
use the most sophisticated computer in the universe to find a
date!
Needless to say, the effort is a success producing
the name of a hunk named Volar. Superman is extremely skeptical,
but Supergirl is determined to find out if Volar is Mr. Right.
In her words, "a hit or a miss!"
Volar, Hey, Wo, Wo, Wo, Wo
She arrives on planet Torma but when she starts helping
with her Super Deeds, she gets booed. Then she meets the local
stud, Volar, who brings her home to meet the folks. Volar explains
that long ago a man came to the planet who had just been jilted
by his girlfriend. This woman-hater then used a special ray to
convince everyone on the planet that all women were bad and should
be treated accordingly. As a result, treating women as third or
fourth class citizens became a cornerstone of their culture. Volar
and Supergirl start doing good deeds together, but Supergirl continues
to get harassed.
Why Can't We Be Friends?
Volar empathizes with Supergirl over the planet's
treatment of her, and they talk about it. Supergirl at this point
realizes that he might not be Mr. Right. "I could really
go for Volar, but he's not serious about me
He's never tried
to kiss me or even hold my hand." Apparently, he just wants
to be a "Buddy" and let's face it, you don't fly halfway
across the galaxy just to find a buddy, now do you, Supergirl?
The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow
That night Supergirl hears Volar talking to his parents.
They are upset that Supergirl is still around. Don't you remember
what happens tomorrow, they ask. Volar defends her, but then tries
to talk her into leaving. She of course takes the noble response
and vows to stand by him no matter what the illness or problem
might be. The next day, Supergirl sees Volar, realizes the truth
and immediately heads home. So much for loyalty.
And the Moral of the Story Is
Yes, you guessed it. Volar is really a girl. Or as
Supergirl put it, Volar was no hit, but a real miss! Born with
superpowers on a woman-hating planet, she had to do all of her
superdeeds in disguise wearing a Living Mask, that was not only
lifelike but changed her voice as well. The day Supergirl left
was the day the mask quit working. But, of course, now that she
has seen Supergirl's example, she joins the fight for women's
rights as the new heroine, Volar.
My Two Cents
Here's the amazing part. I can live with the Women's
Lib fable part of it, and the cheesy Planet of the Woman Haters
Club. What delights me is that Volar was chosen by Superman's
Super-Computer as the perfect partner for Supergirl. Which gives
us only a few options. A) That Superman knew Volar's secret and
was teaching Supergirl a valuable lesson. (He did that a lot in
those days.) B) That Supergirl's perfect match was a guy with
feminine leanings, or my favorite C) That Supergirl's perfect
match was a woman. Hmmm, now there's a plot line the comics never
followed up on. It might have made that awful Supergirl movie
a little bit more watchable.
Till Next Time when we dip into that wonderful comic
tradition - Shapeshifters.
Remember any comments or suggestions, send to BrittTV@aol.com
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