Comic Title: Superman Archives Vol. 8 HC
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 2010
On Sale Date: October 20, 2010 Direct Market Date October 20, 2010
Source: ComicList, New Comic Book Releases List for Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Direct Market Date September 22, 2010
Source: Previews, #257

Cover Price: $59.99
Page Count: 256

See Also: The Guide to Graphic Novels and Collected Editions

Title: "The King's Substitute"
Pages: 12

Feature(s):
Superman (of Earth-2)

Writer: Bill Finger
Penciller: Ira Yarbrough
Inker: George Roussos

Reprinted From:
Superman #30 (1944)

Feature Character(s)

• Superman (last appearance in Superman #30; next appearance in Superman #30)

Villain(s)

• An unnamed king and his ministers (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Poltus VI and Andronicus (a king and his advisor; no further appearances)
• Johnny Polly (a descendant of Poltus; no further appearances)
• Emily and her father (no further appearances)
• The people of Poltavia (no further appearances)

Synopsis:
Centuries ago in the European kingdom of Poltavia, King Poltus VI was defeated by a usurper to the throne. However, his bloodline continued, finally reaching Johnny Poly, owner of an American trucking company. Seeking to win the consent to marry from his girlfriend's high-class father, John travels to Europe to buy a portrait of Poltus VI, whom he resembles.

Superman follows John to Poltavia where he finds the country nearly in revolt due to an unjust king. When the king's ministers notice John's resemblance to Poltus, they instate him as a new king, seeking to use him as a fall guy. John proves a just leader and with Superman's help, he ousts the old king and the ministers from power. Having earned a throne, John is able to marry his girl.