After the Cyborg and Mongul destroyed Coast City, Lex Luthor developed a series of protocols designed to activate should Metropolis suffer a similar fate. The first of these "fail-safes" was a number of sonic torpedoes designed to create as much property damage as possible. The second was a series of tripod war machines which would employ a "scorched earth" policy. The third was an hallucinogenic gas which would be deployed throughout the city. Each of these systems was designed to punish or destroy whatever force had wipded out the city, and was only intended to be used in the event of Metropolis's complete destruction.

During a confrontation between Superman and Lex Luthor, the fail-safes were activated. Although Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy were able to stop most of the sonic torpedoes, a few slipped through. The tripods and gas likewise created havoc within the city. Within hours, the city of Metropolis was almost completely destroyed.

Her people, however, were not defeated. Even in the face of this incredible hardship, most of them pulled together, trying to help one another out. Perry White was insistent that the Daily Planet continue publication, to keep citizens informed of relief efforts. Others volunteered at relief shelters or dug through the rubble looking for food or medical supplies.

Superman did as much as he could as well, although he did find himself distracted dealing with the return of Bloodsport. He also faced off against Lex Luthor, who had stolen the Kryptonian warsuit which had helped nurse Superman back to health, and was using it for his own purposes.

Between dealing with villains and helping to rebuild Metropolis, Superman had enough to deal with. But life for the Man of Steel was about to get even stranger.