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ing the mysterious "hyper-gene."

Fervently patriotic, as only a naturalized citizen can be, Dr. Vargas doubled his team’s efforts after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps some what prematurely, the Operation: Trumpet scientists activated the hyper gene in a volunteer who came to be known as the Thirty-eight Second Man because his lucidity (and thusly, his hyper-gene powers) would manifest themselves for only thirty-eight seconds a day. He was a dismal, almost project-cancelling failure. Once Truman became President, however, he insisted that Vargas’ team be reassembled and work progressed on the hyper-gene project until success was achieved with the creation of the Super-Ego. Accidentally bathed in a centrifuged by-product of the hyper-gene, labora tory equipment salesman Bill Gregory became a nearly perfect human being. After assuming the costumed identity of "The American Way," Gregory and the other recipients of the easily reproducible hyper-gene effect battled Jerry and Tojo to a standstill.

Fifty years pass.

Democracy reigns.

Although well-known in their day, most of the names and achievements of the World War II heroes have been forgotten. The world seems more cyni cal and less promising than it did back then, and the world has ittle time to hold on to old and unfashionable values. The American Way leaves America to search for adventure in other lands, while his teammates go their separate ways as well.

The world may lose touch with her heroes, but history forgets them not.

While looking for his wife’s left slipper, President Reagan uncovers a secret mention of Operation: Trumpet in the White House basement. He quickly scans the documents and causes the hyper-gene venture to be re-activat ed, demanding "a newer, younger American Way."

He does not find Nancy’s slipper.

The Eighties pass the hyper-gene scientists in a haze of too-loud Culture Club records and Bartles and James wine coolers. In late 1989, Doctor Vargas attempts to bring out the latent powers in his own son, using the hyper-gene discoveries. Young Vargas, named "Wunderbar" after the elder Vargas’ beloved uncle in the old country, initially responds well to the application of the hyper-gene effect. Young Vargas received a fourfold

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