66
COVER: Still invincible, America' s No. 1 hero hits 50. Happy Birthday, Superman !
Since 1938 the man of steel has appeared in comics and films and on radio, TV and Broadway and has permeated U. S. pop culture. Ever changing, he now works out with weights and may help the homeless. But amid festivities and analysis (Is he a god? Is he a virgin?), Superman' s fans celebrate his enduring, unique embodiment of the best in the national character. See SHOW BUSINESS.
18
NATION: As Panama' s crisis escalates, the U. S. examines a failed drug policy
Washington' s long- standing tolerance for Strongman Manuel and the brutal drug- related slaying of a New York City policeman are symbols of a losing battle. -- Detroit, Miami and Washington illustrate how the booming trade in crack has destroyed inner- city neighborhoods. -- A day in the life of George Bush' s campaign juggernaut.
32
WORLD: Gorbachev faces a crucial test as ethnic clashes erupt in two republics
Rooted in ancient hatreds, the unrest is fueled by the Soviet leader' s headlong rush to modernize his country. An exclusive look at the demonstrations. -- Shultz offers the Reagan Administration' s first Middle East peace plan since 1982. -- A backlash helps white extremists win a key by- election in South Africa. -- Manila' s mood is clouded two years after the People Power revolution.
48
Economy & Business
Thanks to a weakened dollar, U. S. manufacturing comes back. -- Fighting for Federated. -- A crackdown by cashmere cops.
59
Law
Artists want the right to protect their work even after they sell it. Now Congress is considering new laws to permit that.
60
Profile
Power broker without peer, Robert Strauss may again show his dealmaking flair -- at a deadlocked Democratic Convention.
63
Press
For campaign '88, the networks revive an old newspaper tradition: the cub reporter. -- Soldier of Fortune is found liable for a deadly ad.
77
Medicine
A critical shortage of nurses threatens to cripple the health- care system, as R. N. s fight low pay, low status and long hours.
80
Technology
Imaging techniques developed for the space program help unravel a 2,000- year- old mystery -- and not a minute too soon.
84
Cinema
Harrison Ford goes Frantic in Roman Polanski' s homage to Hitchcock. -- Kathleen Turner niftily anchors Switching Channels.
94
Essay
Gravitas is a mystery: Who has it? Who does not? American voters search the field of candidates for signs of the magic quality.
10 Letters
14 American Scene
64 Newswatch
83 Video
86 Books
91 Theater
92 People
Cover: Illustration by John Byrne and Jerry Ordway. Superman character (c) 1988 DC Comics Inc. Typography designed by Gerard Huerta