Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
Encyclopedia
The Elseworlds 80-Page Giant is an 80-page collection of Elseworlds
stories published by DC Comics
. The collection was withdrawn and pulped after DC became concerned about a scene in one of the stories.
, and "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter
", among others. However, DC Comics President Paul Levitz
deemed the Letitia Lerner story inappropriate (for featuring scenes depicting the baby Superman in a microwave, among others) and ordered the press run halted and the printed issues destroyed. However, around 2000 copies of the issue had already been shipped to the UK. Although DC attempted to recall these copies, they quickly became a highly sought after collector's item (see Recalled comics
for more pulped, recalled and erroneous comics), and estimates of available copies range between 700 and 2000.
The Letitia Lerner story earned two Eisner Awards, however, and was later republished, in the pages of Bizarro Comics (a collection originally devised as a vehicle to showcase the feature).
The Super-Sons story was republished in Batman/Superman: Saga of the Super Sons.
Elseworlds
Elseworlds is the publication imprint for a group of comic books produced by DC Comics that take place outside the company's canon. According to its tagline: "In Elseworlds, heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places — some that have existed, and others...
stories published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. The collection was withdrawn and pulped after DC became concerned about a scene in one of the stories.
Publication history
It included the stories "Superman Jr. Is No More!", featuring the Super-SonsSuper-Sons
The Super-Sons were a pair of fictional characters in an alternate version of the DC Comics universe. The characters were created by Bob Haney and Dick Dillin...
, and "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter
Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter
"Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter" is a comic book story by Kyle Baker, co-written with Liz Glass.-Publication history:The story originally appeared in DC Comics' parallel universe anthology Elseworlds 80-Page Giant #1 . Baker drew, colored, lettered and, with Elizabeth Glass, wrote the...
", among others. However, DC Comics President Paul Levitz
Paul Levitz
Paul Levitz is an American comic book writer, editor and executive. The president of DC Comics from 2002–2009, he has worked for the company for over 35 years in a wide variety of roles...
deemed the Letitia Lerner story inappropriate (for featuring scenes depicting the baby Superman in a microwave, among others) and ordered the press run halted and the printed issues destroyed. However, around 2000 copies of the issue had already been shipped to the UK. Although DC attempted to recall these copies, they quickly became a highly sought after collector's item (see Recalled comics
Recalled comics
Comic books have been recalled for various reasons including simple printing errors, stories or images that were deemed inappropriate or to avoid potential lawsuits...
for more pulped, recalled and erroneous comics), and estimates of available copies range between 700 and 2000.
The Letitia Lerner story earned two Eisner Awards, however, and was later republished, in the pages of Bizarro Comics (a collection originally devised as a vehicle to showcase the feature).
The Super-Sons story was republished in Batman/Superman: Saga of the Super Sons.
Contents
The following stories were included:- The Reaching Hand: A Gothic horror tale with elements from H. P. LovecraftH. P. LovecraftHoward Phillips Lovecraft --often credited as H.P. Lovecraft — was an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction, especially the subgenre known as weird fiction....
about detective Bruce Wayne's battle against a macabre horror from beneath the gaslight streets of Gotham CityGotham CityGotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
. By D. Curtis Johnson and Aaron LoprestiAaron LoprestiAaron Lopresti is an American comic book artist who has worked for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Image Comics.-Career:Lopresti first published work of note was the Malibu Comics title Sludge, in 1993...
. - Rockumentary: Reporter Bonnie Firestein gives the behind-the-scenes history of the most famous music producer of all time, Lex LuthorLex LuthorLex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
. By Bronwyn CarltonBronwyn CarltonBronwyn Carlton is an American comic book author, editor and radio DJ. She has written many DC Comics titles including Catwoman, The Books of Faerie as well as the Paradox Press imprint title, The Big Book of Death....
, Greg Luzniak, and Anibal RodriguezAníbal RodríguezAníbal Rodríguez Herrera was a Chilean political figure, who served several times as minister.He was born the son of Juan Esteban Rodríguez Segura and of Ignacia Herrera. While he was still a university student, from 1886 to 1891, he worked as a civil servant on the Ministry of the Interior. He...
. - Letitia Lerner, Superman's BabysitterLetitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter"Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter" is a comic book story by Kyle Baker, co-written with Liz Glass.-Publication history:The story originally appeared in DC Comics' parallel universe anthology Elseworlds 80-Page Giant #1 . Baker drew, colored, lettered and, with Elizabeth Glass, wrote the...
. By Kyle BakerKyle BakerKyle John Baker is an American cartoonist, comic book writer-artist, and animator known for his graphic novels and for a 2000s revival of the series Plastic Man....
and Elizabeth Glass. - The Vigilantes of Apartment 3-B: Sexy roommates Dinah Drake and Barbara GordonBarbara GordonBarbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
are Black CanaryBlack CanaryBlack Canary is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics superheroines created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. The first Black Canary debuted appeared in Flash Comics #86 . The first Black Canary was the alter-ego of Dinah Drake, who took part in Golden Age adventures...
and BatgirlBatgirlBatgirl is the name of several fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, frequently depicted as female counterparts to the superhero Batman...
, and when they're not dealing with crime they're dealing with their love lives. By Chuck DixonChuck DixonCharles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, best known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.-Biography:Dixon grew up in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, reading comics of all genres...
and Enrique Villagran. - Superman Jr. is No More!: The Super-SonsSuper-SonsThe Super-Sons were a pair of fictional characters in an alternate version of the DC Comics universe. The characters were created by Bob Haney and Dick Dillin...
Batman Jr. and Superman Jr. return in a tale that puts their friendship, and their lives, on the line. By Bob HaneyBob HaneyRobert G. "Bob" Haney was a US comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics. He co-created the Teen Titans as well as characters such as Metamorpho, Eclipso, Cain, and the Super-Sons.- Early life and career :...
and Kieron DwyerKieron DwyerKieron Dwyer is an American comic book artist and penciller.-Biography:Dwyer is best known for his work on Captain America vol. 1 , Danger Unlimited , Action Comics , Avengers Kieron Dwyer (born March 6, 1967) is an American comic book artist and penciller.-Biography:Dwyer is best known for his...
. - Scandalgate: President Superman is in crisis! By Tom PeyerTom PeyerTom Peyer is an American comic book creator and editor.He is probably best known for his 1999 revisioning of Golden Age super-hero Hourman, as well as his work on the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 1990s. An editor at DC Comics/Vertigo from 1987 to 1993, he served as assistant editor on Neil...
and Ty TempletonTy TempletonTy Templeton is a popular Canadian comic book artist and writer who has drawn a number of popular mainstream titles, TV-associated titles and his own series.-Biography:Templeton was born on May 9, 1962...
. - Worlds Apart: Baby Kal-El's rocketship accidentally crashes into the Wayne Family. By Chuck DixonChuck DixonCharles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, best known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.-Biography:Dixon grew up in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, reading comics of all genres...
, Trevor Von EedenTrevor Von EedenTrevor Von Eeden is a comic book writer/artist who, known for his work on such DC Comics books as Black Lightning, Batman, and Green Arrow, as well as Marvel Comics books such as Power Man and Iron Fist, and the biographical series The Original Johnson.-Early life:According to Von Eeden, he...
, and Josef RubinsteinJosef RubinsteinJosef "Joe" Rubinstein is a comic book artist and inker, most associated with inking Marvel Comics' The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.-Career:...
. - Silver Age Elseworlds: A series of gag covers for Elseworlds tales, done in the style of the Silver Age, created by Mark WaidMark WaidMark Waid is an American comic book writer. He is well known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America...
and Ty TempletonTy TempletonTy Templeton is a popular Canadian comic book artist and writer who has drawn a number of popular mainstream titles, TV-associated titles and his own series.-Biography:Templeton was born on May 9, 1962...
, including:- Superman in President Abraham (Brainiac) Lincoln Vs. Clark Kent, Metallo: Kal-El is found by the Booth Family, and tries to kill the president.
- Luthor's Daughter, Wonder WomanWonder WomanWonder Woman is a DC Comics superheroine created by William Moulton Marston. She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 . The Wonder Woman title has been published by DC Comics almost continuously except for a brief hiatus in 1986....
: Lex Luthor goes back in time and becomes Wonder Woman's father. - Batman with Robin, the Squid Wonder: Batman fights crime under the sea.
- The Golden Age Teen Titans in Zoot Suit Riot!: Dr. Fate Jr., Kid Spectre, Li'l Atom, the Amazon Prince, the Golden Age Arsenal, and Stripesy go up against Zoot Alores, the haberdasher of hate.
- Legion of Super-Heroes in The Revenge of Young DarkseidDarkseidDarkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
: Young Darkseid is rejected by the Legion of Super-HeroesLegion of Super-HeroesThe Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
. - Menace of the Gorilla-Explorer: Christopher Grodd Columbus of Gorilla City discovers America.
- Liberté, Egalité, Metallica: The Metal Men fight for the people during the French RevolutionFrench RevolutionThe French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
. - Batman with EveEve (Bible)Eve was, according to the creation of Abrahamic religions, the first woman created by God...
in The Garden of Evil: Adam dons the mask of Batman to protect his lover Eve from the Joker-faced Serpent in the Garden of Eden.
- Dark Night of the Golden Kingdom: A parody of the famous Elseworlds tale Kingdom Come. Batman is dead and Superman left the Earth twenty years ago, partially because he is tired and he cannot stand the beeping of Jimmy Olsen's watch. It is now up to Aquahawk, Martian Manhuntress, Negative Woman, and Green Canary to fight against the composite Joker-Luthor. By Tom PeyerTom PeyerTom Peyer is an American comic book creator and editor.He is probably best known for his 1999 revisioning of Golden Age super-hero Hourman, as well as his work on the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 1990s. An editor at DC Comics/Vertigo from 1987 to 1993, he served as assistant editor on Neil...
and Ariel OlivettiAriel OlivettiAriel Olivetti is an Argentine comic book penciller best known for his work on American comic book titles such as Daredevil, X-Man, Space Ghost and Punisher War Journal.-Career:...
.