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Superman by Kurt Busiek
Superman by Kurt Busiek Book One
Kurt Busiek's iconic tales of Superman are collected in stunning hardcover!
When Clark Kent suddenly finds that he has powers like those of his fictional namesake, he attempts to perform humanitarian superfeats while keeping his identity secret...
Superman by Kurt Busiek Book One collects some of Busiek's most moving and influential tales of Superman!
Collects ACTION COMICS #837-843, SUPERMAN (1986) #650-658, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL ANNUAL #5, SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY #1-4, and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #308-309.
When Clark Kent suddenly finds that he has powers like those of his fictional namesake, he attempts to perform humanitarian superfeats while keeping his identity secret...
Superman by Kurt Busiek Book One collects some of Busiek's most moving and influential tales of Superman!
Collects ACTION COMICS #837-843, SUPERMAN (1986) #650-658, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL ANNUAL #5, SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY #1-4, and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #308-309.
- GenresSuperman
704 pages, Hardcover
Published July 16, 2024
2 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,862 books628 followersKurt Busiek is an American comic book writer notable for his work on the Marvels limited series, his own title Astro City, and his four-year run on Avengers.
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
Busiek did not read comics as a youngster, as his parents disapproved of them. He began to read them regularly around the age of 14, when he picked up a copy of Daredevil #120. This was the first part of a continuity-heavy four-part story arc; Busiek was drawn to the copious history and cross-connections with other series. Throughout high school and college, he and future writer Scott McCloud practiced making comics. During this time, Busiek also had many letters published in comic book letter columns, and originated the theory that the Phoenix was a separate being who had impersonated Jean Grey, and that therefore Grey had not died—a premise which made its way from freelancer to freelancer, and which was eventually used in the comics.
During the last semester of his senior year, Busiek submitted some sample scripts to editor Dick Giordano at DC Comics. None of them sold, but they did get him invitations to pitch other material to DC editors, which led to his first professional work, a back-up story in Green Lantern #162 (Mar. 1983).
Busiek has worked on a number of different titles in his career, including Arrowsmith, The Avengers, Icon, Iron Man, The Liberty Project, Ninjak, The Power Company, Red Tornado, Shockrockets, Superman: Secret Identity, Thunderbolts, Untold Tales of Spider-Man, JLA, and the award-winning Marvels and the Homage Comics title Kurt Busiek's Astro City.
In 1997, Busiek began a stint as writer of Avengers alongside artist George Pérez. Pérez departed from the series in 2000, but Busiek continued as writer for two more years, collaborating with artists Alan Davis, Kieron Dwyer and others. Busiek's tenure culminated with the "Kang Dynasty" storyline. In 2003, Busiek re-teamed with Perez to create the JLA/Avengers limited series.
In 2003, Busiek began a new Conan series for Dark Horse Comics, which he wrote for four years.
In December 2005 Busiek signed a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics. During DC's Infinite Crisis event, he teamed with Geoff Johns on a "One Year Later" eight-part story arc (called Up, Up and Away) that encompassed both Superman titles. In addition, he began writing the DC title Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis from issues 40-49. Busiek was the writer of Superman for two years, before followed by James Robinson starting from Superman #677. Busiek wrote a 52-issue weekly DC miniseries called Trinity, starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Each issue (except for issue #1) featured a 12-page main story by Busiek, with art by Mark Bagley, and a ten-page backup story co-written by Busiek and Fabian Nicieza, with art from various artists, including Tom Derenick, Mike Norton and Scott McDaniel.
Busiek's work has won him numerous awards in the comics industry, including the Harvey Award for Best Writer in 1998 and the Eisner Award for Best Writer in 1999. In 1994, with Marvels, he won Best Finite Series/Limited Series Eisner Award and the Best Continuing or Limited Series Harvey Award; as well as the Harvey Award for Best Single Issue or Story (for Marvels #4) in 1995. In 1996, with Astro City, Busiek won both the Eisner and Harvey awards for Best New Series. He won the Best Single Issue/Single Story Eisner three years in a row from 1996–1998, as well as in 2004. Busiek won the Best Continuing Series Eisner Award in 1997–1998, as well as the Best Serialized Story award in 1998. In addition, Astro City was awarded the 1996 Best Single Issue or Story Harvey Award, and the 1998 Harvey Award for Best Continuing or Limited Series.
Busiek was given the 1998 and 1999 Comics Buyer's Guide Awards for Favorite Writer, with additional nominations in 1997 and every year from 2000 to 2004. He has also received numerous Squiddy Awards, having been selected as favorite writer four years in a row from 1995 to 1998,
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 8, 2025
Absolutely loved how this balances the mythic and the human. Busiek nails that “everyman god” vibe — the kind of Superman who feels both larger than life and deeply grounded. The art from Stuart Immonen, Pete Woods, and Carlos Pacheco keeps it soaring, full of color and energy.
Classic heart, modern storytelling, and a great reminder of why Superman endures. Great read! 4.25stars
Classic heart, modern storytelling, and a great reminder of why Superman endures. Great read! 4.25stars
September 4, 2024
Superman by Kurt Busiek collects, as the name indicates, stories written by Busiek that focus on Superman. Or rather, Supermen.
It collects two World's Finest stories - a couple of clever Superman/Batman team-ups from the 80's that I believe have never been previously collected. Those are fun, simple, straight to the point stories, that have the clever particularity of mixing the flavour of a Superman SF adventure with the more street seedy Batman tale.
Those stories are followed by a Annual one shot connected to an event that I didn't much care for. Its the weakest issue in the bunch.
However, what comes after that annual are, quite simply put, some of the best Superman stories I've ever read.
The complete "Secret Identity" series is collected, and it's a fabulous story with breathtaking artwork. Its not a regular Superman story, as it boasts little action and scifi shenanigans, but rather focuses one uncommon man's struggle to find himself and his place in the world. There's still some action, but that's hardly its primary focus.
After that superb mini series, we have the the "Up, Up and Away", co-written by Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns. I bought this book based on the strength of that story, which I had read before and loved. It showcases how Clark's sense of justice and need to help make the world a better place goes well beyond his powers. In fact, the arc underlines how much of a burden those powers can be for Clark Kent at times. It's just a brilliant story, wonderfully illustrated by Pete Woods (and occasionally Renato Guedes).
After that arc, we have a few issues,. co-written with Fabian Nicieza, that further some themes that had played out on the previous arc, that, once again, underline how resourcefull and unabating Kent is, and that his main strength lies in his unwavering commitment towards justice and helping its fellow men.
Finally, we begin Busiek's first solo arc, titled "Camelot Falls". Its a great start to an arc that, sadly, is only half collected here (the second half of it is to be collected in Book 2). Its a fantastic set of issues with kinetic and stylish artwork by Carlos Pacheco. It promises to be a very big, bombastic story, that, sadly,.is abruptly ended in this volume.
Cutting the Camelot Falls arc short halfway through is the only slight issue I have with this fantastic volume. Otherwise, its a brilliant volume, and that probably happened because they wanted to include "Secret Identity", which was a great choice, as far as I'm concerned, as I loved it.
Great volume. Highly recommended for any Superman fan.
9/10
It collects two World's Finest stories - a couple of clever Superman/Batman team-ups from the 80's that I believe have never been previously collected. Those are fun, simple, straight to the point stories, that have the clever particularity of mixing the flavour of a Superman SF adventure with the more street seedy Batman tale.
Those stories are followed by a Annual one shot connected to an event that I didn't much care for. Its the weakest issue in the bunch.
However, what comes after that annual are, quite simply put, some of the best Superman stories I've ever read.
The complete "Secret Identity" series is collected, and it's a fabulous story with breathtaking artwork. Its not a regular Superman story, as it boasts little action and scifi shenanigans, but rather focuses one uncommon man's struggle to find himself and his place in the world. There's still some action, but that's hardly its primary focus.
After that superb mini series, we have the the "Up, Up and Away", co-written by Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns. I bought this book based on the strength of that story, which I had read before and loved. It showcases how Clark's sense of justice and need to help make the world a better place goes well beyond his powers. In fact, the arc underlines how much of a burden those powers can be for Clark Kent at times. It's just a brilliant story, wonderfully illustrated by Pete Woods (and occasionally Renato Guedes).
After that arc, we have a few issues,. co-written with Fabian Nicieza, that further some themes that had played out on the previous arc, that, once again, underline how resourcefull and unabating Kent is, and that his main strength lies in his unwavering commitment towards justice and helping its fellow men.
Finally, we begin Busiek's first solo arc, titled "Camelot Falls". Its a great start to an arc that, sadly, is only half collected here (the second half of it is to be collected in Book 2). Its a fantastic set of issues with kinetic and stylish artwork by Carlos Pacheco. It promises to be a very big, bombastic story, that, sadly,.is abruptly ended in this volume.
Cutting the Camelot Falls arc short halfway through is the only slight issue I have with this fantastic volume. Otherwise, its a brilliant volume, and that probably happened because they wanted to include "Secret Identity", which was a great choice, as far as I'm concerned, as I loved it.
Great volume. Highly recommended for any Superman fan.
9/10
November 4, 2025
This was quite fun overall. It collects two random one-off 80s WORLD'S FINEST issues, when Busiek was cutting his teeth as a comics writer, and that shows a bit here. They're nothing special, but interesting to see where Kurt started as a writer. The MAN OF STEEL ANNUAL is a solid Elseworlds-style adventure - again, maybe not especially memorable, but fun enough, and the artwork's quite nice.
SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY is a series I honestly thought they'd leave out of this series when I saw it announced, if only because it already has a nice stand-alone book and it's a LOT of pages added to an already hefty book, but it's still a masterpiece, and gloriously illustrated by Stuart Immonen.
"Up, Up, And Away," the return of Superman after Infinite Crisis (it was Infinite Crisis, right? I get these Crises confused sometimes!), is a fun adventure. It's great to see Clark having a full and rewarding life outside of his costumed identity (for nearly half the story!) and it's fun to see Lois and Clark in that light. The Luthor plot builds nicely, the extraneous villains are well handled, and the action's really fun. Thumbs up.
The "Back In Action" arc showcases the world being unsure of Superman's return, guest stars a ton of intriguing (but not overwhelming) other heroes, and adds some silly sci-fi outlandishness to the proceedings. Again, good marks.
Finally, the first portion of "Camelots Falls" closes out the book. Carlos Pacheco KILLS is on the artwork. Lovely, lovely stuff. Intriguing introductions with Subjekt-17 and Callie Llewellyn. I find Arion's supposition - that holding back bad times makes those bad times stronger when they arrive - intriguing, but admittedly, I did think Busiek milked out the post-apocalyptic vision a little too long.
SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY is a series I honestly thought they'd leave out of this series when I saw it announced, if only because it already has a nice stand-alone book and it's a LOT of pages added to an already hefty book, but it's still a masterpiece, and gloriously illustrated by Stuart Immonen.
"Up, Up, And Away," the return of Superman after Infinite Crisis (it was Infinite Crisis, right? I get these Crises confused sometimes!), is a fun adventure. It's great to see Clark having a full and rewarding life outside of his costumed identity (for nearly half the story!) and it's fun to see Lois and Clark in that light. The Luthor plot builds nicely, the extraneous villains are well handled, and the action's really fun. Thumbs up.
The "Back In Action" arc showcases the world being unsure of Superman's return, guest stars a ton of intriguing (but not overwhelming) other heroes, and adds some silly sci-fi outlandishness to the proceedings. Again, good marks.
Finally, the first portion of "Camelots Falls" closes out the book. Carlos Pacheco KILLS is on the artwork. Lovely, lovely stuff. Intriguing introductions with Subjekt-17 and Callie Llewellyn. I find Arion's supposition - that holding back bad times makes those bad times stronger when they arrive - intriguing, but admittedly, I did think Busiek milked out the post-apocalyptic vision a little too long.
January 21, 2025
The book (along with a volume 2 coming soon) collects all of the Superman material that Kurt Busiek wrote starting with old issues of World’s Finest Comics and his fantastic miniseries Secret Identity. But then the majority of the book includes the beginning of the Superman era that he wrote alongside Geoff Johns right after Infinite Crisis.
The series picks up one after the event. Superman has lost his powers and is actually quite content with just living a regular human life with Lois Lane. I loved seeing this focus more on Clark Kent and the human side of Superman, and what makes him a hero even without the cape and powers. But we all know that won’t last right? And the return of the superhero is thrilling to see.
The story and writing feels unashamed with its comic book structure, and reads like classic Superman complete with a Lex Luthor at his most mad scientist, wacky heroes that challenge Superman, and Jimmy Olsen being a real pal.
Then the book ends with the first part of the Camelot Falls storyline (full storyline reviewed here), which isn’t as good as the previous material.
The series picks up one after the event. Superman has lost his powers and is actually quite content with just living a regular human life with Lois Lane. I loved seeing this focus more on Clark Kent and the human side of Superman, and what makes him a hero even without the cape and powers. But we all know that won’t last right? And the return of the superhero is thrilling to see.
The story and writing feels unashamed with its comic book structure, and reads like classic Superman complete with a Lex Luthor at his most mad scientist, wacky heroes that challenge Superman, and Jimmy Olsen being a real pal.
Then the book ends with the first part of the Camelot Falls storyline (full storyline reviewed here), which isn’t as good as the previous material.
February 10, 2026
This was a fun one. We get some classic stories in here and I know some people aren’t a fan of a few of them, but I enjoyed it all. First up we get some classic bat and supes stories and those are always fun, to see how different comics were back then. Then we get a big one, secret identity, this is one that is apparently a mixed bag, but I gotta say, it may be one of my favorites, sure it’s not a traditional Superman story but it’s a very interesting one that still has plenty of impact and emotional beats that land. For sure the most unique Superman story I’ve read. Then we have Up Up and Away, this one was probably my favorite of the book. It has the feel of a classic gold standard Superman story that ends with a pretty cool battle with the big bad. The weakest imo of the collection was the following actions comics that follow Superman proving he is the real deal after the previous great story. Then we have Camelot falls, apparently another mixed one for people and once again a story I really enjoyed, it’s once again not a traditional supes story but this one had some absolutely crazy moments and the way book one leaves off has me ready to grab book two immediately. Overall a really really enjoyable read here for any supes fan.
February 21, 2026
Great way to collect Busiek's entire Superman-related work
DC created this collection of hardcovers collecting the work of writer Kurt Busier (Astro City, Arrowsmith) on Superman. First, to 80's pre crisis team-up stories featuring Superman and Batman, then an annual one shot story, his miniseries Secret Identity and the his work at the post- infinite crisis Superman titles with up us and away, back in action and the first half of the epic Camelot Falls, which will end in the next volume of this creator series.
Is a great thing they are collecting his work this way, as they have done with other creators, and is the best way to get his work in chronological order, obviously kind of jumping pieces of comic Canon that he didn't wrote. But if you just want his Camelot Falls Story with Carlo Pacheco or his Secret Identity miniserie with Immonen, those two are collected in independent deluxe editions with supplementary material (some of those collected in this volume). But that just depends on your taste.
For me, this is the definitive edition to collect the work of this writer.
DC created this collection of hardcovers collecting the work of writer Kurt Busier (Astro City, Arrowsmith) on Superman. First, to 80's pre crisis team-up stories featuring Superman and Batman, then an annual one shot story, his miniseries Secret Identity and the his work at the post- infinite crisis Superman titles with up us and away, back in action and the first half of the epic Camelot Falls, which will end in the next volume of this creator series.
Is a great thing they are collecting his work this way, as they have done with other creators, and is the best way to get his work in chronological order, obviously kind of jumping pieces of comic Canon that he didn't wrote. But if you just want his Camelot Falls Story with Carlo Pacheco or his Secret Identity miniserie with Immonen, those two are collected in independent deluxe editions with supplementary material (some of those collected in this volume). But that just depends on your taste.
For me, this is the definitive edition to collect the work of this writer.
July 15, 2024
I have never read anything by this author before and I was blown away. The first storyline shows what Clark Kent would do without the powers of a Superman and it shows him getting to live a happy life with Lois, but he still finds ways to be a hero. The best storyline with secret identity, which is a story where the real world develops powers of Superman and gets to grow old and start a family and it was amazing.
February 10, 2026
More like a 4.5 because the last arc ends abruptly but everything here is amazing. ‘Secret Identity’ and ‘Up, Up and away’ are on my top Superman stories of all time now, loved it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews