Francis Barel (francis.barel@dartmouth.edu) asks:
Hi Eddie! Thanks for all your answers! One question that I have now that we've learned that Lex and Clark were about the same age: how should we consider Jerry White? I know he's an unknown character. But his death and everything that lead to it (especially the mini-series that detailed how Alice White and Lex dated) were just truly amazing. Is it just null, now?
Eddie: Clark and Lex are not the same age, if you look at the SUPERMAN/BATMAN SECRET FILES story that Mark Waid wrote, which reintroduced Lex to Smallville, you'll see that he is much older. The SECRET FILES notes that Lex is older and put back a couple grades because no one believes he's as smart as he is. And any continuity that existed is still intact, we're just pulling layers to reveal new aspects, unless it's really convoluted then we're just trying to streamline it.
Carey Lester (track13d@aol.com) asks:
Considering Birthright, which has been stated isn't a revamp, does the rocket and the birthing matrix still stay intact? It seems that it would be easier to explain that the first issue of Birthright was a dream sequence, and the MOS origin (birthing matrix/rocketship) was correct, than to contradict 17 years of stories. The Lex history can fit within current continuity and outside cannon, but not the change in Krypton, and his birth that actually makes him a real born Earthling/American. Hopefully you will show this to be the case, and not disrespect us, the loyal fan base of 20+ years, to appease the newbies. Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully not alienate another long time reader.
Eddie: We don't want to alienate anyone, but you have to admit you were a newbie once too when the John Byrne revamp happened, and there were some dissatisfied fans then too. The line is a difficult one to draw because we do want to keep Superman fresh and exciting and still keep you loyal fans happy. BIRTHRIGHT is just a reinterpetation and not meant to disregard what has come before. In fact with issue #200, we really tried to say that all of Superman's origins are true from a certain perspective. So don't be bothered so much by the past, but enjoy the steps that we are making to move forward and making the books... well... Super.
Daniel Godnick (Dangstealth@yahoo.com) asks:
What exactly happened at the end of "Superman #200"? Is 1986 to the present still in continuity? Is "Birthright" affecting that continuity in any way? Thanks, I usually don't care as long as its a good story but I'm a little confused.
Eddie: By the end of the "Godfall" arc some of your questions should be answered, and yes BIRTHRIGHT counts a lot. It's purpose is to act as a primer to the books into this definitely new year for Superman and co.
http://www.supermanhomepage.com./inter-action/inter-action.php?topic=ask-eddie
