Posted: 11 June 2011 at 10:03pm | IP Logged | 3
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Regarding the Golden Age, I just picked up Volume Nine of the Superman Chronicles, possibly my favorite book being published right now. In the first story, reprinted from Action Comics #48 from 1942, Kent and Lane investigate the rise in automobile collisions and brake failures across the city. One takes place directly in front of them and as they assist the family trapped inside their car. The wife says, "Dying-- John's dying-- And to think we just bought the car a few hours ago-- invested all our savings..." Clark notices the car has no brake linings. He gets mad. "Lois, those unfortunate people had just purchased a second-hand auto under the impression that it was in good condition, but, from the way the car weaved before the crash happened, it's obvious the mechanism was defective!" Lois is also furious. "Of all the despicable crimes! Whoever sold that car must have known it was faulty... but didn't give a hang about what tragedy might happen to the purchasers!" They petition their editor: "White, I want your permission to bust this vicious used car racket wide open!" White: "Go to it, Clark!" Lois: "I knew we could count on you for the "go" signal!" The sleazy crook who runs one of the lots selling these heaps calls his boss: "But "Top"-- I can't help it if this dumb cluck of a reporter is campaigning for city supervision of used auto sales--!" Clark and Lois pursue the story, run afoul of the crime bosses, survive a couple of death-traps, and Superman pursues the man in charge so relentlessly, he attempts escape in one of his own prettified wrecks, dying in a fiery blaze. Ah, yes... Shall we imagine how go-to-it, edgy Fox News Reporter Clark Kent would handle this story today...? "People should take more responsibility for their actions, Lois! Look at the number of auto accidents in the city these days!" "How true, Clark! Still, a few deaths of intensely poor drivers is the price we pay to live in a free society!" One of the crashes takes place directly in front of them! "Dying-- John's dying--" "Caveat Emptor, Miss! Your husband was a fool not to inspect this car more carefully before purchasing! You have no one to blame but yourselves!" The two reporters nevertheless investigate the auto dealership where the staff repairs junked cars and wrecks, tricking them out with auto body repair work and fancy upolhestry. "Ah, Lois, the small businessman at work. Does the heart good, does it not?" "Look at those guys go at it! Someday, this place could be as big as General Motors!" The owner comes by. "Glad to see youse guys got some unnerstanding of what it takes to run a business in this city! People want cars! I can't help that! I gotta work these guys 24/7 to put out product for the cash-in-hand public! We get 'em from anywheres we can find 'em, make 'em nice lookin', and put 'em back out on the road for decent hard-workin' folk, like yerselves! Y'know, some mooks wanna get the gummermint involved in this beauteous process...?" Everyone shares a laugh at the complete idiocy of this. "The Daily Planet salutes you, friend!" Lois and Clark wave goodbye and walk out into the clean, American sunshine. Gag a maggot, indeed. Gag a maggot indeed...
Edited by Brian Hague on 11 June 2011 at 10:04pm
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