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Superman by Kurt Busiek
Superman by Kurt Busiek Book Two
Superman has been defined by numerous prolific comic book creators throughout the years, including the iconic writer Kurt Busiek. Collect the second installment of Busiek’s epic run on the Man of Steel. This volume not only includes the milestone issue Action Comics #850, but also the countdown to the cataclysmic event that rocked the DC Universe, Final Crisis.
Collects: Action Comics #850, #852-854; Superman #659-675, #712; Superman Annual #13; New Year's Evil #1
Collects: Action Comics #850, #852-854; Superman #659-675, #712; Superman Annual #13; New Year's Evil #1
- GenresSuperman
656 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2025
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,857 books629 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 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 11, 2025
A fairly eclectic collection of Busiek-written Superman yarns -
"Angel" is a highlight, one of my favorite Superman stories. Coming from a fella who thinks religion is one of the worst things the human race has invented, a story about a woman's faith and belief in imaginary all-power sky beings, that's saying something, but I really love how Busiek built Barbara Johnson's faith and, more importantly, how he showed her recognizing her own pride and committing herself to finding better ways.
There are two delightful Prankster-focused stories - good fun, charming stuff.
The Wonder Woman team-up was good - asked some heavy questions about how the villain can be a victim herself, and great to see Lois and Diana working together so effectively. This version is much better than the original version would've been.
Then we get back into the Camelot Falls storyline, with that amazing Carlos Pacheco artwork. Good stuff with the New Gods involvement and a conclusion to the "how can Lana save LexCorp" storyline. (Aside: I've never really cared much for Lana and the idea that she is selected to be CEO of a multinational billion-dollar conglomerate never made much sense, but give Busiek a lot of credit for selling it as "no one else would take the job other than a former Senator's wife who chaired a few small public good functions.") Enjoyed the spectacle of the giant ocean funnel collapsing on Arion's fortress a lot, enough to overcome that skeptical thing in my brain that always questions the physics of those moments. I mean, the ecological impact of that funnel and its collapse is something best not considered. LOL
SUPERMAN 650 is a solid anniversary issue, nice to see Superman as a younger guy, less secure in his place in the world. "Jimmy" does a nice job establishing the connection between Superman and Jimmy Olsen, as well as creating the foundation of Perry White's paternal challenging of Jimmy.
SUPERMAN 666 is one of the best stories in the book. That Walter Simonson artwork is KILLER.
3-2-1 Action was just okay. I didn't even recall that there WAS a "Countdown to Final Crisis," and I've certainly never read it. The Kryptonite Man stuff - particularly Superman's ability to defeat a foe who literally poisons him - was solid, but the Jimmy-as-superhero stuff felt ... odd.
Third Kryptonian was solid. I'd totally forgotten about Chris Kent, but I enjoyed how Busiek built Karsta's back story and her dark night of the soul. Rick Leonardi is a great storyteller, but I often think he needs a stronger inker to finish his illustrations a little more.
Best Day was fun.
Insect Queen was just okay. As noted, I'm not a big Lana fan because too often she'd just thinking wistfully about Clark, and this story leaned into that too much. She needs some character outside of being Clark's teen crush/girlfriend, and nobody's ever really given her that.
Shadows Linger is fairly forgettable. I appreciated the zeal of the Daxamite priests, but the whole thing didn't seem to add up to much to me.
The Krypto story ... Leonardi's loose artwork worked really well here and the last page is really touching, but I never read INFINITE CRISIS, nor had any remote interest in doing so, so there's a whole context thing that doesn't quite connect for me.
"Angel" is a highlight, one of my favorite Superman stories. Coming from a fella who thinks religion is one of the worst things the human race has invented, a story about a woman's faith and belief in imaginary all-power sky beings, that's saying something, but I really love how Busiek built Barbara Johnson's faith and, more importantly, how he showed her recognizing her own pride and committing herself to finding better ways.
There are two delightful Prankster-focused stories - good fun, charming stuff.
The Wonder Woman team-up was good - asked some heavy questions about how the villain can be a victim herself, and great to see Lois and Diana working together so effectively. This version is much better than the original version would've been.
Then we get back into the Camelot Falls storyline, with that amazing Carlos Pacheco artwork. Good stuff with the New Gods involvement and a conclusion to the "how can Lana save LexCorp" storyline. (Aside: I've never really cared much for Lana and the idea that she is selected to be CEO of a multinational billion-dollar conglomerate never made much sense, but give Busiek a lot of credit for selling it as "no one else would take the job other than a former Senator's wife who chaired a few small public good functions.") Enjoyed the spectacle of the giant ocean funnel collapsing on Arion's fortress a lot, enough to overcome that skeptical thing in my brain that always questions the physics of those moments. I mean, the ecological impact of that funnel and its collapse is something best not considered. LOL
SUPERMAN 650 is a solid anniversary issue, nice to see Superman as a younger guy, less secure in his place in the world. "Jimmy" does a nice job establishing the connection between Superman and Jimmy Olsen, as well as creating the foundation of Perry White's paternal challenging of Jimmy.
SUPERMAN 666 is one of the best stories in the book. That Walter Simonson artwork is KILLER.
3-2-1 Action was just okay. I didn't even recall that there WAS a "Countdown to Final Crisis," and I've certainly never read it. The Kryptonite Man stuff - particularly Superman's ability to defeat a foe who literally poisons him - was solid, but the Jimmy-as-superhero stuff felt ... odd.
Third Kryptonian was solid. I'd totally forgotten about Chris Kent, but I enjoyed how Busiek built Karsta's back story and her dark night of the soul. Rick Leonardi is a great storyteller, but I often think he needs a stronger inker to finish his illustrations a little more.
Best Day was fun.
Insect Queen was just okay. As noted, I'm not a big Lana fan because too often she'd just thinking wistfully about Clark, and this story leaned into that too much. She needs some character outside of being Clark's teen crush/girlfriend, and nobody's ever really given her that.
Shadows Linger is fairly forgettable. I appreciated the zeal of the Daxamite priests, but the whole thing didn't seem to add up to much to me.
The Krypto story ... Leonardi's loose artwork worked really well here and the last page is really touching, but I never read INFINITE CRISIS, nor had any remote interest in doing so, so there's a whole context thing that doesn't quite connect for me.
February 16, 2026
If you could give half points on this app my actual rating would be a 3.5/5. Book two contains some really good Superman stories, but I do feel book one is overall the more enjoyable read imo. There are some really good stories in here such as Angel and the continuation of Camelot Falls, as well as some returning characters like Subjekt 17 who I felt had even better characterization here. I will say I’m not the hugest fan of the character Chris, but it’s only because I’ve been spoiled with how great Jonathan is. Some of the stories here were just okay, such as the Queen insect one. But overall the plot threads that we follow from book one into this book are still really interesting and engaging to read, such as the downfall of Lex and LexCorp, Arion and his message of humanities end, Subjekt 17, Krypto missing, etc. these books have a really interesting over arching story so reading both book one and two together compliments it all very well. We also get a lot of Kryptonian lore and set up here, the story of the third Kryptonian was another solid one and it sets up a lot for future stories I imagine. Speaking of Kryptonian even supergirl has a really solid story in here about Clark and loneliness, it’s a nice little story that ends on a really nice note. Overall book two is fun, engaging, and a good continuation of everything that occurred it book one, only held down by a couple of just okay stories. I also want to add the character Prankster is done great here, 5/5 for his characterization.
September 8, 2025
A good follow up volume to Book One.
Loved the conclusion to "Camelot Falls" - great art and script. a 8/10
Some fun stand-alone stories - one of them featured Wonder Woman. Those were about an 7/10.
The Jimmy Olsen-centric stories ranged from good to mediocre. I'd rate those about 5/10.
The story featuring Queen Bee was alot of fun - arked back to the sillyness of the Silver age, while giving it a modern, more serious spin. 7/10
The Third Kryptonian was mediocre, with forgettable artwork. 6/10
Shadows Linger was little more than a massive brawl. Slightly dissapointing, but good artwork by Renato Guedes.
SUrprised by a very emotive stand-alone Krypto story- 7/10.
Altogether, the book falls short of its first volume, which featured brilliant stories all around, while Book 2 has alot of mediocre moments. However, the artwork is mostly good to great, and the cast is written very in character.
Overall, a 7/10.
Loved the conclusion to "Camelot Falls" - great art and script. a 8/10
Some fun stand-alone stories - one of them featured Wonder Woman. Those were about an 7/10.
The Jimmy Olsen-centric stories ranged from good to mediocre. I'd rate those about 5/10.
The story featuring Queen Bee was alot of fun - arked back to the sillyness of the Silver age, while giving it a modern, more serious spin. 7/10
The Third Kryptonian was mediocre, with forgettable artwork. 6/10
Shadows Linger was little more than a massive brawl. Slightly dissapointing, but good artwork by Renato Guedes.
SUrprised by a very emotive stand-alone Krypto story- 7/10.
Altogether, the book falls short of its first volume, which featured brilliant stories all around, while Book 2 has alot of mediocre moments. However, the artwork is mostly good to great, and the cast is written very in character.
Overall, a 7/10.
June 11, 2026
Enjoyable collection for fans of the writer.
The second and last volume of Kurt Busiek's stories in the world of Superman closes "Camelot Falls", and brings some self contained stories and short arcs to close his ternure on the Superman pre-Flashpoint.
I think the better stories aside from Camelot false (which have its own deluxe hardcover) are there purposed Wonder Woman story, the prolongue of al Metropolis citizen with a lot of faith, the Action Comics anniversary issue, the 666 issue and the Kryptonian-DCP farewell to Superboy.
The three and four issue arcs where ok, but are dependant of you knowing what was happening in the Superman side of DC to get the full scope.
Overall a good collection for fans of the writer.
The second and last volume of Kurt Busiek's stories in the world of Superman closes "Camelot Falls", and brings some self contained stories and short arcs to close his ternure on the Superman pre-Flashpoint.
I think the better stories aside from Camelot false (which have its own deluxe hardcover) are there purposed Wonder Woman story, the prolongue of al Metropolis citizen with a lot of faith, the Action Comics anniversary issue, the 666 issue and the Kryptonian-DCP farewell to Superboy.
The three and four issue arcs where ok, but are dependant of you knowing what was happening in the Superman side of DC to get the full scope.
Overall a good collection for fans of the writer.
June 17, 2026
Kurt Busiek continues to amusiek
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews