John Sazaklis - Superman vs. Bizarro

CHAPTER 1

In the top-secret S.T.A.R. Labs, Dr. Hamilton was hard at work on his latest experiment. He had been up for many hours straight, and was bleary-eyed from staring at his computer screen. Morning was approaching and the sun would rise in minutes, but he refused to go home and sleep until his research was complete.

Maybe a cup of coffee will help me stay up a few more hours, he said to himself.

KLANG! As he put on his coat, Dr. Hamilton heard a loud sound coming from the main lab.

No one should be in the building at this hour, the worried scientist said to himself. He picked up a heavy monkey wrench and left his office.

Dr. Hamilton walked stealthily down the hall. The clanging got louder and louder as he moved closer to the cryogenics lab. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Reaching the laboratorys entrance, Dr. Hamilton swallowed hard and peeked into the lab through the tiny window inside the door. FZZT! FZZT! Sparks sizzled and smoke hissed out of a sleeping chamber.

Raising the wrench, the doctor opened the door and charged into the room.

Dont move! cried Dr. Hamilton. Suddenly, a wide, flat panel atop the sleeping chamber slowly slid open.

Dr. Hamilton stared in horror. A creature named Bizarro yawned and stretched his arms overhead. His eyes opened. He sat upright. Then he turned and locked eyes with Dr. Hamilton.

Hurrgh?! growled the disoriented doppelganger. He gripped the side of the apparatus. CRUNCH! The metal edge crumpled in his hand as if it were paper. Bizarro continued mumbling unintelligibly as he pulled himself out of the sleeping chamber.

Bizarros face twitched as the clones memories of the secret lab and the scary scientists came rushing back. Bizarro no want doctors! he yelled.

CRASH! Bizarro smashed through the ceiling.

CHAPTER 2

Dr. Hamilton watched Bizarro bolt through the laboratorys new skylight I think I need to contact Superman, he said.

The next morning, sixth-grader Marc and his older sister, Anna, were on a school bus headed for Metropolis. All of the middle school art classes were taking a class trip to the Museum of Art.

Marc reached into his backpack and took out his digital camera. He liked to take pictures everywhere he went, documenting everything in sight.

Anna, on the other hand, kept a journal. She wrote stories about all the different things she did with her brother.

They were sure that visiting Metropolis would be exciting, but so far, their trip had been pretty uneventful.

Marc pressed his face against the window. Look, its the Daily Planet Building! he said. He snapped pictures with his digital camera.

Anna noticed the big, brass globe atop the roof of the Daily Planet Building as the bus turned onto a high bridge.

I would love to work there someday, Anna said. I want to be a respected journalist like Lois Lane!

And I want to take pictures just like the Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen! Marc said.

Suddenly, a front tire burst. POP!

The bus careened into oncoming traffic.

Cars swerved out of the way to avoid a collision. SKREEEEECH!

The bus driver frantically turned the wheel, but the vehicle was already out of control. It crashed through the divider. CRUNCH! The bus jutted out over the edge of the bridge, dangling precariously.

The terrified teachers tried to comfort the screaming middle-schoolers. As the bus swayed back and forth, the metal frame slid closer and closer to the edge.

Everyone, get to the back of the bus! ordered the driver. Shifting weight will keep the bus from falling!

While everyone else panicked, Marc continued to use his camera. CLICK!

This isnt the time for pictures! Anna yelled.

Yes it is, Marc said as he pointed out the window as a red and blue blur streaked across the sky.

Is that a comet? asked a nearby student.

No, its Superman! Anna squealed.

Instantly, the front end of the bus lifted upward. It was no longer facing down at the river, but up at the bright blue sky. Everyone on the bus gripped their seats.

A few moments later, there was a slight rumble and a THUD! The bus stopped moving. It was now resting on a side street in midtown Metropolis.

Clearly shaken, the passengers and driver slowly filed out from the bus.

In front of them was the Museum of Art, lined with Greek columns and statues.

Welcome to Metropolis, said a deep voice from behind the visitors. They turned to see the Man of Steel standing before them. He had a big smile on his face. I hope this unfortunate accident doesnt change your opinion of our fair city.

Everyone was speechless. The group could not believe they were standing in front of the Man of Steel himself!

Superman graciously shook their hands while using his X-ray vision to make sure no one was injured. Anna continued to stare in wide-eyed amazement. Marc slowly took a single photo of Superman shaking his sisters hand. CLICK!

Marc! Anna said. You didnt even ask him permission.

Superman chuckled. Its okay, he said to Anna and Marc. Im used to it.

With his heat vision, Superman zapped the torn rubber of the tire. ZRRRRRRRT! When it was soft and malleable enough, he cooled it with his freeze breath. Once the hole was sealed, Superman filled the tire up by blowing into it with his super-breath.

There you go, sir, Superman said to the bus driver. That should get you to the nearest service station. Enjoy the rest of your day!

The bus driver smiled and said, Thanks so much!

And with that, Superman waved goodbye and flew up and away into the air. WOOOOOOSH!

Across the street, two Daily Planet reporters climbed out of a taxi. A woman looked over her shoulder at a redheaded photographer trying to keep up with her.

Move it, Jimmy! she said. We want to report the news before it becomes history!

Its Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Marc whispered in awe to Anna. This day just keeps getting better!

The two siblings eagerly hurried toward the front of the class. As Lois and Jimmy introduced themselves, Anna interrupted them. We know who you are, she said.

Were your biggest fans! Marc added.

Lois and Jimmy grinned and shook their hands. The Museum of Art will be pretty dull after being rescued by Superman, Anna said, beaming with excitement.

Believe me, I know! Lois said, smiling.

The group was too distracted to notice that they were being watched. The man tried to hide behind a short, metal mailbox. But his large figure wasnt even half-concealed.