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Superman (2011) #4 + Tie-Ins
Superman: Krypton Returns
Superman, Supergirl and Superboy—together, they’re three of the most powerful beings in the entire universe. They’ve saved countless lives, but they’ve never been able to save their families and their fellow Kryptonians who perished with their planet.
Now, it seems their fondest dreams may have come true. Krypton is back, but it isn’t the planet it once was. H’el, the insane Kryptonian genetic experiment, has used his time-travel abilities to bring the planet back. But his manipulation of the timeline has come with a terrible price, and now chronal storms threaten to wipe out the universe itself, and all life within it!
There’s only one solution—Krypton must die once more, and everyone on it. The last survivors of the House of El find themselves forced to use their incredible powers not to save their planet, but to ensure its destruction. Can Superman and his family make this terrible sacrifice to save the rest of the universe?
Collects: SUPERBOY 0, 25, SUPERGIRL 0, 25, SUPERMAN 0, 23.3: H'el, 25 and ACTION COMICS Annual 2.
Now, it seems their fondest dreams may have come true. Krypton is back, but it isn’t the planet it once was. H’el, the insane Kryptonian genetic experiment, has used his time-travel abilities to bring the planet back. But his manipulation of the timeline has come with a terrible price, and now chronal storms threaten to wipe out the universe itself, and all life within it!
There’s only one solution—Krypton must die once more, and everyone on it. The last survivors of the House of El find themselves forced to use their incredible powers not to save their planet, but to ensure its destruction. Can Superman and his family make this terrible sacrifice to save the rest of the universe?
Collects: SUPERBOY 0, 25, SUPERGIRL 0, 25, SUPERMAN 0, 23.3: H'el, 25 and ACTION COMICS Annual 2.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2015
8 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Scott Lobdell
1,627 books230 followersScott Lobdell (born 1960) is an American comic book writer.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 10, 2020
(C+) 67% | Almost Satisfactory
Notes: It’s frivolous drivel: meanderings missing meat and meaning, mumbling plot and gnawing at the bones of backstory.
Notes: It’s frivolous drivel: meanderings missing meat and meaning, mumbling plot and gnawing at the bones of backstory.
April 20, 2018
So. sigh
I know a bunch of you were wondering where you could find the complete Superfamily Time Travels to Ensure Krypton's Destruction GASP! SOB! Because The Universe Will Melt Otherwise story.
Well, look no further!
If you've been reading Superman, Supergirl, or Superboy titles, then you know what I'm talking about. Included in each of these is this crummy excuse for an event. I'm tossing out a theory that it is the precursor to Convergence, but I've not been paying enough attention to it to be 100% certain. However, H'el shows up in Convergence, and the word Convergence is used a couple of times in this.
Eh. shrugs
That's good enough for me.
Now, if you haven't been reading any of these titles, then this is a great excuse to look at Kenneth Rocafort's lovely artwork. And it is lovely. But for the rest of you, then this will mainly be a re-read of a bunch of issues that you've seen a million times before.
However, this time they will be in order, and make a bit more sense!
What is this about, you ask?
A giant floating rock statue called Oracle has called upon every descendant of Krypton (besides Krypto, sadly) to defeat H'el.
What's H'el gotten up to this time, you ask?
He's found out that his true origin is far less glamorous than he originally imagined, and is now H'el-bent (<--Ha!) on Krypton's destruction.
In his quest to dominate & destroy, he's caused a tear in the reality of the universe, or a hole in space time, or rip in the fabric of reality, or ...something like that. Anyway, everything is going to collapse, because H'el went back and (somehow) saved Krypton from exploding.
Point is if Krypton lives, the universe dies. And it's up to our intrepid heroes to fix this shit. So, Oracle sends each of them back to a critical moment in the timeline, in the high hopes that together they can defeat this guy.
While Kara heads off to the Clone Wars, Superboy heads off to save Kara from the Eradicator (remember the weird green guy from Doomed?), so she can live long enough to go back in time and be part of the Clone Wars.
Owwww. My head hurts.
Meanwhile, Big Blue gets to see his parents on the day his mother tells Jor-El that he's gonna be a papa. {insert lukewarm feeling here} And as a bonus, gets to meet an alternate universe version of his father who goes all stabby on H'el.
Not that I blame him...
Stuff 'n Things happen, and the universe is safe for another day!
But does everyone make it back alive?
Recommended for Super-completionists only.
I know a bunch of you were wondering where you could find the complete Superfamily Time Travels to Ensure Krypton's Destruction GASP! SOB! Because The Universe Will Melt Otherwise story.
Well, look no further!
If you've been reading Superman, Supergirl, or Superboy titles, then you know what I'm talking about. Included in each of these is this crummy excuse for an event. I'm tossing out a theory that it is the precursor to Convergence, but I've not been paying enough attention to it to be 100% certain. However, H'el shows up in Convergence, and the word Convergence is used a couple of times in this.
Eh. shrugs
That's good enough for me.
Now, if you haven't been reading any of these titles, then this is a great excuse to look at Kenneth Rocafort's lovely artwork. And it is lovely. But for the rest of you, then this will mainly be a re-read of a bunch of issues that you've seen a million times before.
However, this time they will be in order, and make a bit more sense!
What is this about, you ask?
A giant floating rock statue called Oracle has called upon every descendant of Krypton (besides Krypto, sadly) to defeat H'el.
What's H'el gotten up to this time, you ask?
He's found out that his true origin is far less glamorous than he originally imagined, and is now H'el-bent (<--Ha!) on Krypton's destruction.
In his quest to dominate & destroy, he's caused a tear in the reality of the universe, or a hole in space time, or rip in the fabric of reality, or ...something like that. Anyway, everything is going to collapse, because H'el went back and (somehow) saved Krypton from exploding.
Point is if Krypton lives, the universe dies. And it's up to our intrepid heroes to fix this shit. So, Oracle sends each of them back to a critical moment in the timeline, in the high hopes that together they can defeat this guy.
While Kara heads off to the Clone Wars, Superboy heads off to save Kara from the Eradicator (remember the weird green guy from Doomed?), so she can live long enough to go back in time and be part of the Clone Wars.
Owwww. My head hurts.
Meanwhile, Big Blue gets to see his parents on the day his mother tells Jor-El that he's gonna be a papa. {insert lukewarm feeling here} And as a bonus, gets to meet an alternate universe version of his father who goes all stabby on H'el.
Not that I blame him...
Stuff 'n Things happen, and the universe is safe for another day!
But does everyone make it back alive?
Recommended for Super-completionists only.
August 12, 2019
The book is all round good. There's a number of different artists and as this is a cross over volume. The first 2 issue 0's I found slow and kind of boring, but after reading the main storyline I understand how and why the fit together.
After seemingly being killed during H'EL on earth H'EL has been found in the timeline by 18 year old Jor EL. Now in the past he finds he has the chance to bring about Krypton's return no matter the cost to the rest of the universe. Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy are recruited to stop H'EL. However on their native Krypton the powers are fading fast. The main story is really good but I think it was a bit rushed. The big panels of art work were good but every few pages the seemed to by a panel missing as the story had moved along too much. However a very enjoyable read.
After seemingly being killed during H'EL on earth H'EL has been found in the timeline by 18 year old Jor EL. Now in the past he finds he has the chance to bring about Krypton's return no matter the cost to the rest of the universe. Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy are recruited to stop H'EL. However on their native Krypton the powers are fading fast. The main story is really good but I think it was a bit rushed. The big panels of art work were good but every few pages the seemed to by a panel missing as the story had moved along too much. However a very enjoyable read.
June 11, 2022
This is one of the most disjointed "crossovers" I've read, especially since Scott Lobdell wrote most of it. I feel Lobdell has ruined the Superman titles to the best of his ability in the "New 52" The dialogue is awful and sounds like a bad 50's serial. The only redeeming quality is the artwork. Ken Rocafort's art is pretty snazzy. Ed Benes and R.B. Silva provide some bang-up art as well.
July 13, 2019
Pretty pictures but a confusing display of dialogue and plotting.
MY GRADE: C minus to C.
MY GRADE: C minus to C.
February 28, 2015
Here's two lines of actual dialogue from this book:
"I will stay and crush your heart with the power of my mind!"
"Supergirl, you must journey to the Great War--the battle of the Sky Core--and prevent the clones from inflicting a wound that will exacerbate Krypton's entropic dissolution."
You know, I don't expect high art from my Superman books, but this? Drivel. Scott Lobdell proves he's male Ann Nocenti--a writer with the particular gift of destroying characters through terrible work, and yet still getting hired time after time. How do they do it? I assume they have compromising photos of their editors or something.
This story is just all over the place, and you'd be hard pressed to give a toss about anything leading up to the foregone conclusion. This was a waste of money and time, not to mention the talents of Kenneth Rocafort. Seriously, the guy's art is the only reason I didn't throw this book against a wall. Beautiful work. Also, Ed Benes deserves a shout out for always being awesome. Wished he'd done more than one issue, and stepped in for Dan Jurgens, whose work is dependable if unspectacular these days.
In summary: Boasting the distinction of being both overwritten and undercooked, this pointless crossover is only for hardcore Superman family fans. Even then, it's still a let down.
Do. Not. Bother.
"I will stay and crush your heart with the power of my mind!"
"Supergirl, you must journey to the Great War--the battle of the Sky Core--and prevent the clones from inflicting a wound that will exacerbate Krypton's entropic dissolution."
You know, I don't expect high art from my Superman books, but this? Drivel. Scott Lobdell proves he's male Ann Nocenti--a writer with the particular gift of destroying characters through terrible work, and yet still getting hired time after time. How do they do it? I assume they have compromising photos of their editors or something.
This story is just all over the place, and you'd be hard pressed to give a toss about anything leading up to the foregone conclusion. This was a waste of money and time, not to mention the talents of Kenneth Rocafort. Seriously, the guy's art is the only reason I didn't throw this book against a wall. Beautiful work. Also, Ed Benes deserves a shout out for always being awesome. Wished he'd done more than one issue, and stepped in for Dan Jurgens, whose work is dependable if unspectacular these days.
In summary: Boasting the distinction of being both overwritten and undercooked, this pointless crossover is only for hardcore Superman family fans. Even then, it's still a let down.
Do. Not. Bother.
March 31, 2025
Superman: Krypton Returns
H'El has succeeded in raising Kryptonite from the ashes of its destruction, but the cost of saving this one planet may be the entire universe. Superman, Supergirl and Superboy travel back in time to save thevuniverse, by destroying their home.
Fantastic artwork and a tragic plot which develops the rebooted characters wonderfully. A good example of 'The New 52' storyline for new readers.
H'El has succeeded in raising Kryptonite from the ashes of its destruction, but the cost of saving this one planet may be the entire universe. Superman, Supergirl and Superboy travel back in time to save thevuniverse, by destroying their home.
Fantastic artwork and a tragic plot which develops the rebooted characters wonderfully. A good example of 'The New 52' storyline for new readers.
March 14, 2024
Welp. That was futile.
February 9, 2015
By the time this book was over, I truly did not care what happened or who died, just as long as it would be over. The H'el character was a bad concept from the start and needed to be put out of his misery.
November 3, 2015
Three stars is generous, because this was pretty sloppy. It won me back a little in the concluding chapters. New 52 has not been good to Superman.
June 5, 2017
Quite epic in scale. Time travel always makes things complicated. Superman is not as weak as I thought when he is away from a yellow sun.
July 8, 2019
This is a strange tale as it brings the reader the return of H'El... but it's not so much of an epic as H'El On Earth was. To be honest, for me, it's this fact that lets it down a little.
There's just as much backfill, in the volume, as there is a story. In the case of the Jor-El story and the To H'El And Back I can understand why they are here as they give the reader needed information and build up to Krypton Returns. The H'El story is particularly good as it gives us the answer to one major question - Who is H'El?
However, the Superboy origin tale gives the reader a little information on The Great War (where the clones nearly laid waste to Krypton). But the Supergirl tale has very little to do with the Krypton Returns story arc, except for Superboy's appearance - this does go to show how far in advance the Superfamilies storylines were being thought through, as this came out before H'El On Earth.
The Supertrio is brought together by The Oracle Of The Timeless as they are part of the causation that ceased Krypton from exploding and are the only hope of reversing the event. H'El has gained the ability to travel in time and travels through chronal barrier time and again in the hopes of saving Krypton... in which he finally succeeds. The Oracle has picked three crucial moments in Kryptons history and sends Superboy back to a few days before the explosion, Superman to a few months before the fatal world-killing event, and Supergirl to the Great "Clone" War.
Will the three superhero's be able to rectify events and let Krypton die as fate planned?
The artwork is, once again superb. Kenneth Rocafort gives good panels. There're some really nice scenes, I really like the one where The Oracle takes over Kon-El - the outline of The Oracle over Kon's face is haunting and very effective.
Where the book falls down though is the story. In the main, it's the characterisations of Kara and Kon, and even their actions and reactions towards one another. After all that Kara has gone through I can't believe she would be elated with what H'El has achieved in keeping Krypton alive, especially to the point of holding a parade and giving him the key to Rao's Temple. Then there's the relationship between her and Kon. These two are not friends and she thinks all clones should be terminated. It was Kara that gave Kon his name as it means The Abomination. These two characters differ in this tale from their mainstream selves and do not appear as strong as they should be.
Then there's the conversation, which appears to be flat and without emotion or disjointed and strange - which is the case when Kara goes on about giving H'El a parade.
This isn't the best DC has to offer and it could have been better. If you've read H'El on Earth (and enjoyed it) then give this a go as it is the continuation story. However, I would wait until you can get it on sale.
There's just as much backfill, in the volume, as there is a story. In the case of the Jor-El story and the To H'El And Back I can understand why they are here as they give the reader needed information and build up to Krypton Returns. The H'El story is particularly good as it gives us the answer to one major question - Who is H'El?
However, the Superboy origin tale gives the reader a little information on The Great War (where the clones nearly laid waste to Krypton). But the Supergirl tale has very little to do with the Krypton Returns story arc, except for Superboy's appearance - this does go to show how far in advance the Superfamilies storylines were being thought through, as this came out before H'El On Earth.
The Supertrio is brought together by The Oracle Of The Timeless as they are part of the causation that ceased Krypton from exploding and are the only hope of reversing the event. H'El has gained the ability to travel in time and travels through chronal barrier time and again in the hopes of saving Krypton... in which he finally succeeds. The Oracle has picked three crucial moments in Kryptons history and sends Superboy back to a few days before the explosion, Superman to a few months before the fatal world-killing event, and Supergirl to the Great "Clone" War.
Will the three superhero's be able to rectify events and let Krypton die as fate planned?
The artwork is, once again superb. Kenneth Rocafort gives good panels. There're some really nice scenes, I really like the one where The Oracle takes over Kon-El - the outline of The Oracle over Kon's face is haunting and very effective.
Where the book falls down though is the story. In the main, it's the characterisations of Kara and Kon, and even their actions and reactions towards one another. After all that Kara has gone through I can't believe she would be elated with what H'El has achieved in keeping Krypton alive, especially to the point of holding a parade and giving him the key to Rao's Temple. Then there's the relationship between her and Kon. These two are not friends and she thinks all clones should be terminated. It was Kara that gave Kon his name as it means The Abomination. These two characters differ in this tale from their mainstream selves and do not appear as strong as they should be.
Then there's the conversation, which appears to be flat and without emotion or disjointed and strange - which is the case when Kara goes on about giving H'El a parade.
This isn't the best DC has to offer and it could have been better. If you've read H'El on Earth (and enjoyed it) then give this a go as it is the continuation story. However, I would wait until you can get it on sale.
May 31, 2017
I knew what I was getting into when I started reading this one. Frankly, the only reason why I gave it a shot was to explore more of Krypton's culture. The plot was confusing and weak. I felt little sense of the characters' urgency. The writers should have spent more time on Kal's conflict when faced with having to let Krypton perish again. However, now that I think about it, wouldn't that be old hat? This may be my first Superman graphic novel, but I'm sure it's been done before. In addition, the structure felt disjointed what with separating each of our heroes' storyline. Too much was packed into this one novel. Ultimately, I have two major disputes that I found distracting in the midst of reading:
1.) Dialogue: Extremely longwinded. There was so much unnecessary garbage thrown in without a purpose or a thought. Half the time I found myself wondering it the writers knew the science/time relativity they were referring to or they just thought it sounded cool. Note: sophisticated words should be utilized for purposes of plot and character voice. They should elevate the story, not the image of the writer. Second Note: I don't care how savvy you are. As long as you make these heroes and villains relevant and in character.
2.) Supergirl's Clothes: I've got a bone to pick with Zor. Man, what is wrong with you? No father in their right mind would design a costume that exposes THAT much. Underwear could cover more than that thing. Normally, I'm on the side of practicality (if it doesn't hinder a fight, let it be) and, to be honest, it doesn't look burdensome. As a Kryptonian, she is at no risk of freezing to death or incurring a blood letting. But it just looks... wrong. Considering Kara's father made it, it just doesn't sit well with me. Would I have as much of an issue with her wardrobe if she had made it herself? Absolutely not. Zor essentially wants his daughter to fight in a swimsuit.
Unfortunately, Zor's assholerly kept me from liking much in this story. I will never let it go. *shakes fist* In hindsight, this was definitely not the best choice for my first foray into DC comics. But I'm giving it a pity star because I did learn some new things about the Science Council.
1.) Dialogue: Extremely longwinded. There was so much unnecessary garbage thrown in without a purpose or a thought. Half the time I found myself wondering it the writers knew the science/time relativity they were referring to or they just thought it sounded cool. Note: sophisticated words should be utilized for purposes of plot and character voice. They should elevate the story, not the image of the writer. Second Note: I don't care how savvy you are. As long as you make these heroes and villains relevant and in character.
2.) Supergirl's Clothes: I've got a bone to pick with Zor. Man, what is wrong with you? No father in their right mind would design a costume that exposes THAT much. Underwear could cover more than that thing. Normally, I'm on the side of practicality (if it doesn't hinder a fight, let it be) and, to be honest, it doesn't look burdensome. As a Kryptonian, she is at no risk of freezing to death or incurring a blood letting. But it just looks... wrong. Considering Kara's father made it, it just doesn't sit well with me. Would I have as much of an issue with her wardrobe if she had made it herself? Absolutely not. Zor essentially wants his daughter to fight in a swimsuit.
Unfortunately, Zor's assholerly kept me from liking much in this story. I will never let it go. *shakes fist* In hindsight, this was definitely not the best choice for my first foray into DC comics. But I'm giving it a pity star because I did learn some new things about the Science Council.
November 16, 2019
Większe wydarzenie w ramach New 52 dla Supermana są bardzo felerne, bowiem są zwyczajnie mdłe i nudne. Ostatni H'el on Earth ukazał to bardzo dobitnie. Krypton Returns tylko to wszystko niestety utwierdza. Album zaczyna się od numerów zerowych trzech serii: Superboy, Supergirl i Superman. Wszystkie trzy są takie sobie, choć jeżeli miałbym wskazać faworyta, to jednak byłaby nią Supergirl.
Zeszyt Superboy'a cofa nas na moment w czasy barbarzyńskiego buntu klonów na Kryptonie i zahacza o wątek grupy N.O.W.H.E.R.E i tajemniczego Harvesta. Z Supermanem obserwować będziemy działania jego rodziców, a z Karą przyjdzie nam przeżyć ostatnie chwile na ojczystej planecie. Zaraz potem następuje jeszcze coś gorszego. Wraca H'el. Dodatkowo w skutek pewnych wydarzeń zaczyna on mieszać w czasoprzestrzeni. Zauważa to pewna istota nazywana tutaj Wyrocznią i sprowadza przed swoje oblicze trójkę superbohaterów, których cofa w czasie do... Kryptonu, który nigdy nie wybuch. Samo w sobie powoduje to ogromne zakłócenia w czasie.
Każde z Kryptończyków(albo quasi jak Kon) dostanie jakieś zadanie do wykonania. Kara cofnie się w przeszłość, jeszcze za czasów rebelii barbarzyńców na swojej planecie, gdzie przyjdzie jej się zmierzyć z byłym chłopakiem. Superboy trafi na Krypton przed wybuchem, po to aby stanąć do walki z istotą zwaną Eradicatorem. Superman zaś po raz pierwszy spotka swoich rodziców, z różnych okresów czasu. Także oni w jakieś formie będą musieli zmierzyć się z H'elem.
Mimo, że dzieję się tu naprawdę sporo, to nie jest to w żaden sposób ciekawe. Wygląda naprawdę nieźle, mimo różnych stylów każdej z serii, ale wygląd to w tym przypadku za mało. Nie ma tu tej charyzmy, jaką cechują się postacie w "normalnych" okolicznościach. Jedna z postaci zdecydowała się na pewien ryzykowny krok, który skończył się tak jak skończył. To jedyny aspekt tego wydarzenia jaki mnie zaciekawił. Zobaczymy co będzie dalej. Powrotu Kryptonu nie musicie mieć na półce.
Zeszyt Superboy'a cofa nas na moment w czasy barbarzyńskiego buntu klonów na Kryptonie i zahacza o wątek grupy N.O.W.H.E.R.E i tajemniczego Harvesta. Z Supermanem obserwować będziemy działania jego rodziców, a z Karą przyjdzie nam przeżyć ostatnie chwile na ojczystej planecie. Zaraz potem następuje jeszcze coś gorszego. Wraca H'el. Dodatkowo w skutek pewnych wydarzeń zaczyna on mieszać w czasoprzestrzeni. Zauważa to pewna istota nazywana tutaj Wyrocznią i sprowadza przed swoje oblicze trójkę superbohaterów, których cofa w czasie do... Kryptonu, który nigdy nie wybuch. Samo w sobie powoduje to ogromne zakłócenia w czasie.
Każde z Kryptończyków(albo quasi jak Kon) dostanie jakieś zadanie do wykonania. Kara cofnie się w przeszłość, jeszcze za czasów rebelii barbarzyńców na swojej planecie, gdzie przyjdzie jej się zmierzyć z byłym chłopakiem. Superboy trafi na Krypton przed wybuchem, po to aby stanąć do walki z istotą zwaną Eradicatorem. Superman zaś po raz pierwszy spotka swoich rodziców, z różnych okresów czasu. Także oni w jakieś formie będą musieli zmierzyć się z H'elem.
Mimo, że dzieję się tu naprawdę sporo, to nie jest to w żaden sposób ciekawe. Wygląda naprawdę nieźle, mimo różnych stylów każdej z serii, ale wygląd to w tym przypadku za mało. Nie ma tu tej charyzmy, jaką cechują się postacie w "normalnych" okolicznościach. Jedna z postaci zdecydowała się na pewien ryzykowny krok, który skończył się tak jak skończył. To jedyny aspekt tego wydarzenia jaki mnie zaciekawił. Zobaczymy co będzie dalej. Powrotu Kryptonu nie musicie mieć na półce.
February 5, 2023
I was not a fan of the original H’el On Earth event. This arc follows up on that event and, as the title suggests, sees Krypton return.
Lobdell as a Superman writer is very hit or miss for me. His work here shows his strengths. The story has an engaging, tense premise, and the many character moments throughout serve to deepen the relationships between the Superfamily, explore the traumas and experiences that make them who they are, and produce a satisfying ending. While some of actions and scenarios can feel a bit contrived or tropey, the heart of the plot and characters prevails. Overall, this is some of Lobdell’s best work on the title.
The art in all of Superman’s New 52 has never been bad, and it’s mostly been excellent. This volume is no exception. There’s a few moments, landscapes, and faces that are quite striking. No complaints here.
Overall, a good read, although one that does sadly entail reading at least the preceding and mediocre H’el On Earth event to get the full story.
Lobdell as a Superman writer is very hit or miss for me. His work here shows his strengths. The story has an engaging, tense premise, and the many character moments throughout serve to deepen the relationships between the Superfamily, explore the traumas and experiences that make them who they are, and produce a satisfying ending. While some of actions and scenarios can feel a bit contrived or tropey, the heart of the plot and characters prevails. Overall, this is some of Lobdell’s best work on the title.
The art in all of Superman’s New 52 has never been bad, and it’s mostly been excellent. This volume is no exception. There’s a few moments, landscapes, and faces that are quite striking. No complaints here.
Overall, a good read, although one that does sadly entail reading at least the preceding and mediocre H’el On Earth event to get the full story.
May 27, 2021
This started off decent but near the end sort of fell apart. The time travel element was poorly done and I had a hard time following the story by that point and finding a reason to care. Considering this is a New 52 title it should have made more of an effort the keep new reader in the loop. The art is still fantastic and I liked seeing some of what the Super family can do(namely Superboy) but I think I will just find another book to read with these characters. Even after finishing the book I'm still wondering who the hell H-El even IS.
October 9, 2020
An interesting take on Super family and how the whole scene is set up with H’el. Although the loss of Superboy didn’t really feel like so, I’m sure they’ll address the issue in the coming volume.
Oracle and the three timelines was a good take. The mysterious end where Krypton is shown for an instant, made a me curious to read the next volumes and hence the 4 stars!
Oracle and the three timelines was a good take. The mysterious end where Krypton is shown for an instant, made a me curious to read the next volumes and hence the 4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
This should have been called H'El Returns, since that is really what it's about. H'El has gone from being another Kryptonian badguy, to being some kind of time travelling Super Sayian, I mean Kryptonian. Honestly, the parts with H'El are not that interesting, but the interaction between Superboy and Supergirl, and Superman and his parents, they are interesting.
July 22, 2017
A quick and enjoyable read.
May 6, 2018
Poor Kon, I really liked him as a character, and it was too bad that he had to erase Kara's memories of him; it would have been nice for her to not be such a raving b*tch to him.
August 12, 2019
Beautiful artwork and a touching ending. However, the story is overly complicated and ultimately quite boring.
Still fun though, which is the main thing.
Still fun though, which is the main thing.
September 3, 2019
This is not a great superman story. I'm shocked, scott lobdell is a great comic author, what happened? Although I would say this is the best a 3 star can get.
June 28, 2020
Didn’t do it for me.
November 11, 2021
Read this as a sequel to H'el of Earth. Was not very good.
December 15, 2024
Enjoyed the time travel shenanigans but H’el just felt overdone but like seeing more about his backstory.
March 6, 2017
What. A. Mess. Starts out nicely, with some a #0 issue about Kara and her family before the destruction of Krypton. Downhill from there, though.
The basic concept is that H'el has used time travel to save Krypton, at the cost of causing time/space tidalwaves that could destroy everything. Yet another all-seeing comic entity known as The Oracle gathers Clark, Kara, and Supercloneboy to go back in time and stop him. The story's events are confusing. I frequently found myself wondering if I had missed a chapter somewhere. There's a ridiculous deus ex in the form of a character out of one of the other timelines. And in the end there's a big emotional sacrifice scene that packs zero emotion.
The art is frequently horrendous, too.
I like Nu52 Superman. I like Nu52 Supergirl. I don't like this.
The basic concept is that H'el has used time travel to save Krypton, at the cost of causing time/space tidalwaves that could destroy everything. Yet another all-seeing comic entity known as The Oracle gathers Clark, Kara, and Supercloneboy to go back in time and stop him. The story's events are confusing. I frequently found myself wondering if I had missed a chapter somewhere. There's a ridiculous deus ex in the form of a character out of one of the other timelines. And in the end there's a big emotional sacrifice scene that packs zero emotion.
The art is frequently horrendous, too.
I like Nu52 Superman. I like Nu52 Supergirl. I don't like this.
July 4, 2017
read this twice! the first time was in fragments a year ago when i was finishing up my Superboy read and was still kinda new to finding out reading orders. this time, i'm reading it in the right order in tie with N52 Superman series. Both times I liked it, just that this time was a lot less confusing. This follows the events after H'el on Earth & Psi War.
So we know the fate of Krypton. We know how the council are a bunch of dicks who are stubborn and question Jor-El's (and Zor-El's) intellect and evidence. We know how Kal ends up on Earth, and how his cousin, Kara Zor-El, is sent to Earth after him. The rest, as they say, is history.
The gist of the plot in as little words as possible is this: H'el discovers that he is not a true Kryptonian and that he was created by none other than a younger Jor-El. He feels betrayed, and in his fit of anger, unleashes hell on the planet and its people. He wants to save it by ruling it. By 'saving' Krypton, H'el creates a paradox of alternate realities and timelines. Think Flashpoint in space, it's confusing at first but you eventually piece the puzzle together. Kal, Kara, and Conner (bless his soul) are transported to where this omnipotent being called Oracle is, and they now have a mission; to make sure Krypton dies as it does in history.
They each have different tasks- Kara has to deal with the clones during the great war, Conner needs to make sure that a younger Kara of Krypton and makes sure that she leaves the planet in that pod as she is supposed to after her baby cousin. Kal needs to make sure he stops H'el at the moment of his success. These three mixed together will eventually bring on the death of Krypton and save the universe (of sorts)
There were some very nice moments in this. Like when Kal first met his mother, and him teaming up with an alternate version of his father. The family love between Kal and Kara, and that very wistful last few pages of my boy Conner. I say wistful bc he actually seemed relieved that he had found a purpose in his clone-life, but had to pay such a price. Also, the end made me realise that it's linked to the Teen Titans and /finally/ that volume of the series made sense to me (._.)
Lobdell still emerges as one of my fav DC writers. For some reason his plots just stick to me and I read them with ease.
So we know the fate of Krypton. We know how the council are a bunch of dicks who are stubborn and question Jor-El's (and Zor-El's) intellect and evidence. We know how Kal ends up on Earth, and how his cousin, Kara Zor-El, is sent to Earth after him. The rest, as they say, is history.
The gist of the plot in as little words as possible is this: H'el discovers that he is not a true Kryptonian and that he was created by none other than a younger Jor-El. He feels betrayed, and in his fit of anger, unleashes hell on the planet and its people. He wants to save it by ruling it. By 'saving' Krypton, H'el creates a paradox of alternate realities and timelines. Think Flashpoint in space, it's confusing at first but you eventually piece the puzzle together. Kal, Kara, and Conner (bless his soul) are transported to where this omnipotent being called Oracle is, and they now have a mission; to make sure Krypton dies as it does in history.
They each have different tasks- Kara has to deal with the clones during the great war, Conner needs to make sure that a younger Kara of Krypton and makes sure that she leaves the planet in that pod as she is supposed to after her baby cousin. Kal needs to make sure he stops H'el at the moment of his success. These three mixed together will eventually bring on the death of Krypton and save the universe (of sorts)
There were some very nice moments in this. Like when Kal first met his mother, and him teaming up with an alternate version of his father. The family love between Kal and Kara, and that very wistful last few pages of my boy Conner. I say wistful bc he actually seemed relieved that he had found a purpose in his clone-life, but had to pay such a price. Also, the end made me realise that it's linked to the Teen Titans and /finally/ that volume of the series made sense to me (._.)
Lobdell still emerges as one of my fav DC writers. For some reason his plots just stick to me and I read them with ease.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2015
I checked this out thinking I would get the entire H'el story that I seen snippets of in the Supergirl collection I just read. Boy was I wrong. Instead, this is the followup, that stretches time, space, and logic to take Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy, and get them to different points of time in Krypton's history, all working to defeat the now time-travelling H'el. It's a sillier-than-usual premise (and naming the catalyst character Oracle does not sit well with me), but it does actually contain some interesting plot and character development; it's interesting to see these characters interacting with Krypton from their different perspectives, and see the different stakes in play for each. And the art is very nice, with a beautiful level of detail. Krypton itself is made an interesting destination, and the politics and culture of Kryptonian life are on display. The whole clone history seemed a little forced, but other than that, everything works pretty well, and finishes with a pretty strong overall story, although there is definitely a lot of stuff left unresolved.
November 25, 2025
Me encantó ver a los tres kryptonianos, Superman (Clark Kent), Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) y Superboy (Conner Kent) trabajar para derrotar a H'El, en una épica batalla entre diferentes etapas de la historia y en diferentes planetas, con el objetivo de que el villano no traiga de vuelta a Krypton a costa de toda la historia actual.
Superman ha sido arrastrado al espacio exterior por una fuerza desconocida. Allí se encuentra con Superboy y Supergirl. Los tres conocen al Oráculo, quien les explica que H'El, quien sobrevivió a su encuentro anterior, ha logrado revivir Kriptón. Sin embargo, H'El también alteró la línea temporal y deben impedir que destruya el universo. Con la ayuda de Faora, la sirvienta del Oráculo, los tres héroes viajan a diferentes puntos de la historia de Kriptón para detener los planes de H'El. Superman viaja a Kriptónópolis unos meses antes de la destrucción de Kriptón, donde conoce a su madre, Lara.
Superman ha sido arrastrado al espacio exterior por una fuerza desconocida. Allí se encuentra con Superboy y Supergirl. Los tres conocen al Oráculo, quien les explica que H'El, quien sobrevivió a su encuentro anterior, ha logrado revivir Kriptón. Sin embargo, H'El también alteró la línea temporal y deben impedir que destruya el universo. Con la ayuda de Faora, la sirvienta del Oráculo, los tres héroes viajan a diferentes puntos de la historia de Kriptón para detener los planes de H'El. Superman viaja a Kriptónópolis unos meses antes de la destrucción de Kriptón, donde conoce a su madre, Lara.
December 7, 2015
This doesn't compare to the Jim Lee Scott Snyder Superman Unchained, but it's a pretty darn good Superman story. Better than H'el on Earth anyway, at least what I read of that in Superman and Action Comics. It gives a nice clear shot of of Kal, Kara and Superboy in the New 52 Universe. I have to admit I think I preferred Connor Kent to "Kon," but the handling by Lobdell here is much better than whatever disaster he was working in the ultimately forgettable New 52 version of the Titans.
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