A Deep-Cut DC Character Just Made Their Surprise Return

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As a veteran comic book enthusiast who’s witnessed the evolution of the medium since the days of Saturday morning cartoons and weekly visits to the neighborhood corner store for my fix of four-color adventures, I must say that the return of Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld, in Superman #21 is a delightful surprise.

In issue #21 of Superman, penned by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Dan Mora, readers get a glimpse into a romantic outing between Superman and Lois Lane – an event that the Kents have long awaited. Following the events of “Absolute Power,” Lois gained superpowers and assumed the role of Superwoman, aligning herself with Superman. The ominous presence of Doomsday has resurfaced in multiple forms, compelling the Steel Couple to temporarily step back from their duties. This brief respite saw them embark on a journey across the DC Universe, one leg of which took them to Gemworld, the realm of Amethyst, the Princess.

In a surprising turn of events, Amethyst made an appearance and sought aid for her struggle against the House of Opal, which triggered a brief skirmish between Superman and their formidable forces. Amethyst and Gemworld, though not commonly encountered nowadays, have roots deeply embedded in DC Comics history that date back to the 1980s. In the year 2024, it’s safe to say that Amethyst is a character least anticipated to grace the pages of a Superman comic.

Amethyst Is a Relic of Another Era in Comic Book Publishing

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Back in the day, comic books held a significant spot as an engaging form of entertainment for kids. They were affordable, making them a popular choice among parents over television marathons. This is the environment where Amethyst emerged. Following the surge of superheroes in the 60s, comics started leaning more towards a “boys’ domain”, with publishers phasing out romance books that had been a hit among girls due to the consistent income from superhero titles. For decades, comic companies attempted to re-attract female readers, and it was during this time that Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld, came into being.

As a passionate film fan, I can’t help but share some intriguing behind-the-scenes trivia about one of my favorite characters – Amethyst. Originally, she was conceptualized by the brilliant minds of Dan Mishkin, Gary Cohn, and Ernie Colon under the name Changeling. However, due to a prior commitment with Beast Boy’s character, the name had to be changed.

In the story, Amethyst – a young girl – discovered she was the princess of the mystical land of Gemworld. She was whisked away to Earth as a means of protection from the Dark Opal who had annihilated her royal family. Her mission was twofold: firstly, to save herself and secondly, to liberate her people from the clutches of the malevolent House of Opal. The magic in Gemworld was intricately linked with gemstones, each “house” being symbolized by a different stone. Amethyst’s tale followed the familiar pattern of a ‘girls’ adventure’, drawing upon established themes that had proved successful over time.

Amethyst’s Return Is a Reminder of DC’s Depth

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In the unexpected turn of events, Amethyst – a character who often feels out of place within the ongoing narrative of the DC Universe – graces the pages of Superman #21. This brief encounter between Superman and Doomsday’s eternal battle and Amethyst offers a refreshing respite. Notably, it highlights Lois Lane’s prowess as Superwoman, while subtly emphasizing the immense scope of DC’s multiverse, with Amethyst serving as a potent symbol.

In a time reminiscent of He-Man and Transformers, Amethyst emerged; however, she failed to reach the multimedia success anticipated by DC and Warner Brothers. Despite not fulfilling her full potential, Amethyst remains a captivating and engaging character. Superman #21 demonstrates her versatility in fitting seamlessly into various stories. Although her appearance is brief, it serves as a gentle reminder that Amethyst can transcend the role of a magical princess and deserves greater attention – especially if she continues with the impressive Dan Mora redesign featured in Superman #21.

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2024-12-28 08:09