As Superman brings stability to Metropolis after three years of heroism, Lex Luthor campaigns for mayor on an anti-Superman platform and enlists the unstable Dr. Gerard Shugel, whose experiments create the energy-leeching Parasite—only for him to be swiftly defeated. Driven mad by failure, Shugel transforms himself into the monstrous Ultra-Humanite, forcing Superman to ally with a repentant Parasite to stop his rampage. Meanwhile, Lois Lane breaks the story wide open, securing her place as the Daily Planet’s top reporter and official Superman liaison.
