Marvel Tales #208

Red Sonja travels through time to help Spider-Man in Marvel Tales #208 (February 1988). Terry Austin and John Byrne did the cover. "Sword of the She-Devil" was written by Byrne, who also shared the penciling with Chris Claremont. The issue was inked by Austin, colored by Andy Yanchus and lettered by Tom Orzechowski. Roy Thomas was consulting editor and Jim Shooter was editor in chief. Basically, Mary Jane works her way into a museum while Spidey battles demons summoned by Kulan Gath (a security guard changed into him). She is drawn to a sword and is transformed into Red Sonja. The sorcerer captures them and casts a spell so the hero can understand him. He manages to get free before releasing the fiery redheaded Amazon. They battle Kulan Gath in and out of the museum. The look on Red Sonja's face as she breathes in the foul air of New York City is priceless. The security guard returns to normal after being knocked out as Kulan Gath by Spider-Man. Red Sonja drops her sword and leaves the body of Mary Jane.

This issue also features a Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham backup story titled "Your Chitlin' Heart" or "Bacon Up is Hard To Do". Spider-Ham tries breaking up with Black Catfish. The story was written by Steve Mellor, penciled by Joe Albelo, inked by Pierre Fournier, lettered by Rick Parker and colored by Andy Yanchus.

The World of Metropolis #3

John Byrne once again did the cover and script for The World of Metropolis #3 (October 1988). "Mr. Kent Goes To Metropolis" finds Clark settling in the big city. He battles a gang in his suit and tie before his appointment with the dean of Metropolis University. Clark starts washing dishes at a burger joint and meets a redheaded waitress named Rose. He secretly helps Lois Lane while wearing a different suit and tie. Clark and Rose become very close but their dating stops when he quits the burger joint after graduating. The end finds him visiting her and her two girls in the present.

The World of Metropolis #2

John Byrne was the writer and cover artist for The World of Metropolis #2 (September 1988). "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" finds Lois Lane telling her younger sister, Lucy, about the time she went to get a job at the Daily Planet at fifteen. She talked to a young Perry White. Lois later sneaks out of the house to dish up some dirt on Lex Luthor. Odd to see Lois Lane and Lex Luthor both as redheads even though the cover shows her as a brunette (Lucy is a blonde). Win Mortimer penciled this issue while Dick Giordano and Sal Trapani inked.