Superman 281

"A life for a life, Superman! My wife was murdered -- so I killed your Lois Lane!"

- Vartox

"Mystery Mission to Metropolis!" is the title the 281st issue of volume one of the Superman ongoing comic book series, published by DC Comics. The story was written by Cary Bates with artwork by Curt Swan and Bob Oksner. The cover art illustration was composed by Nick Cardy. The story was edited by Julius Schwartz. This issue shipped with a November, 1973 cover date and carries a cover price of 20 cents per copy.

Appearances

 * Superman, Kal-El


 * Lois Lane


 * Vartox
 * Frank Sykes


 * Teddy Sykes


 * None


 * Humans
 * Kryptonians
 * Valeronians


 * Metropolis
 * Metropolis State Penitentiary


 * Autopsiscanner
 * Timescanscope
 * Teleport Trail


 * None


 * Flight
 * Superhuman strength

Notes & Trivia

 * This issue is reprinted in The Best of DC #32.


 * This story is divided into two installments:
 * "Chapter One: The Mystery Unravels!"
 * "Chapter Two: And the Mystery Begins!"


 * Metropolis Mail Bag letters column is answered by editor E. Nelson Bridwell.


 * An homage to the cover to this issue is presented in Power Girl, Volume 2 #7.


 * This is the first appearance of Vartox.


 * The visual look for Vartoz is inspired by the 1974 fantasy film Zardoz, starring Sean Connery in the role of the eponymous protagonist.