Synopsis and explanation of “Big Three.” Because I do love making these big ass spolier boxes.
[spoiler]Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman (Two of DC’s Big Three, see?) are summoned to the Fortress of Solitude on Superman’s birthday (February 29). Once inside, the heroes encounter Superman, who’s standing, immobilized and engulfed by an alien plant growing from the middle of his chest in the middle of the Fortess, with his motor sensory systems shut down. Wonder Woman touches the plant and suspects its magic. Batman notices nearby gift wrapping and theorizes the plant as a gift from some grateful alien civilization sent to Superman on Superman’s private teleportation channel – perhaps unaware it could harm Superman. Enter, suddenly, the gigantic and villainous Mongul who states that he knew exactly what the plant would do to Superman – and it was not intended as a token of gratitude. Batman, Wonder Woman and Robin look suitably horrified.
Stroking the plant while wearing a pair of special gloves, he proclaims the plant is called “The Black Mercy”-- a symbiotic/telepathic entity that feeds from the bio-aura of its victims and in return for being fed, gives its victims their heart’s desire. Mongul sent the plant to Superman and followed it along the teleportation channel once he was sure its done its work. Having taken out Superman, he plans to enslave the Earth.
Wonder Woman takes the lead in fighting Mongul throughout the Fortress while Batman tries to revive Superman. Batman succeeds in wretching the Black Mercy free – only it wraps itself around Batman, much to Robin’s horror. Batman, meanwhile, dreams of being a boy again, witnessing his father disarm their would-be killer. Meanwhile Superman wakes free of his nightmarish fantasy and takes off after fighting Mongul, who has just beaten Wonder Woman unconscious.
Superman is pissed. He beats Mongul to humiliating submission throughout the fortress. Yet Mongul manages to get the drop on him once Superman knocks Mongul through the floor at the foot of his biological parents’ Kryptonian memorial. Just as Mongul prepares to kill Superman, Robin shows up with the Black Mercy and drops in through the floor on Mongul’s head – ensnaring him in his own trap and ending the menace.
The comic book is notable its great dialogue, for its surprising depiction f Superman’s rage and the room to room fight that shows layout of the Fortress of Solitude’s exhibits – including the armory and the alien zoo. Oh, and when its all over Superman gets a birthday kiss from Wonder Woman. and then there’s Mongul’s fantasy —
But WAIT! – you ask. What about Superman’s Heart’s Desire? What was he dreaming about while under the spell of the Black Mercy? Heck, I could tell you, but I have to leave you something to look forward to watching…[/spoiler]
Thanks for the correction, Leaper.
