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Camelot Falls #1
Superman: Camelot Falls, Vol. 1
Superman battles to rout Intergang out of his beloved city, but he also faces trouble with Lois, looming problems involving Lana Lang, and a dangerous new discovery in Kazakhstan.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,859 books627 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 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 12, 2017
Kurt Busiek’s written a couple of great Superman books but unfortunately Camelot Falls ain’t one of them!
A 17th century wizard time-travels to the present to warn Superman that the future is grim if he keeps up being heroic. In a totally unconnected subplot, Supes has to punch a crappy Doomsday-knockoff before having to fight an even more one-dimensional baddie called Khyber. Deeeerivel? Yope – drivel indeed!
Busiek writes a great Lois and Clark and their characters were spot on in that opening chapter. They’re likeable, charming and real. And Carlos Pacheco’s art, while not distinctive, was suitably slick and shiny for a Superman book.
The story though is a badly put-together, rushed mess. No part of it is remotely interesting nor do the various strands seem connected. All three of Superman’s arbitrary enemies in this one are underwritten and forgettable, the action and visions of the future are dull and clichéd, and I couldn’t have cared less about Superman’s “dilemma”.
Camelot Falls is a boring failure through and through. Instead, I recommend checking out Busiek’s far better Superman books Secret Identity and Up, Up and Away!
A 17th century wizard time-travels to the present to warn Superman that the future is grim if he keeps up being heroic. In a totally unconnected subplot, Supes has to punch a crappy Doomsday-knockoff before having to fight an even more one-dimensional baddie called Khyber. Deeeerivel? Yope – drivel indeed!
Busiek writes a great Lois and Clark and their characters were spot on in that opening chapter. They’re likeable, charming and real. And Carlos Pacheco’s art, while not distinctive, was suitably slick and shiny for a Superman book.
The story though is a badly put-together, rushed mess. No part of it is remotely interesting nor do the various strands seem connected. All three of Superman’s arbitrary enemies in this one are underwritten and forgettable, the action and visions of the future are dull and clichéd, and I couldn’t have cared less about Superman’s “dilemma”.
Camelot Falls is a boring failure through and through. Instead, I recommend checking out Busiek’s far better Superman books Secret Identity and Up, Up and Away!
January 24, 2019
Another good, but could be great, superman story.
The start is Lois and Clark talking about their date night. Of course that can never go well as Clark is swamped with reports to do. Once he begins though it unravels that a dark force is coming to end him and the world. Before that though another creature pops up, similar to Doomsday but actually has a sad backstory that made him this way.
Good: I love the stuff with Lois and Clark. It's heartfelt, cute, and well told. It makes you root for them. You also feel for Clark, a normal dude, with amazing abilities, just trying to do the right thing. The art is solid and the fights are crazy cool at times.
Bad: The storyline itself is a bit overstuffed and then feels rushed, not getting the organic feel of a epic that I think Busiek is trying to tell. Also, the major "villain" playing them all is kind of a goofy.
Overall, another solid adventure of Superman from Kurt. A 3 out of 5.
The start is Lois and Clark talking about their date night. Of course that can never go well as Clark is swamped with reports to do. Once he begins though it unravels that a dark force is coming to end him and the world. Before that though another creature pops up, similar to Doomsday but actually has a sad backstory that made him this way.
Good: I love the stuff with Lois and Clark. It's heartfelt, cute, and well told. It makes you root for them. You also feel for Clark, a normal dude, with amazing abilities, just trying to do the right thing. The art is solid and the fights are crazy cool at times.
Bad: The storyline itself is a bit overstuffed and then feels rushed, not getting the organic feel of a epic that I think Busiek is trying to tell. Also, the major "villain" playing them all is kind of a goofy.
Overall, another solid adventure of Superman from Kurt. A 3 out of 5.
April 9, 2018
The first half of this volume was not bad at all. Busiek gets the characters of Clark and Lois like very few writers do, and even though the story itself was pretty basic and generic, it was still a joy to read because this Superman is just that good. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the titular Camelot Falls storyline that followed it. I’m generally not a big fan of dystopian post-apocalyptic settings and stories, which is kinda what this one was. But even worse, it barely featured Superman himself, which was the biggest letdown for me. Overall, not the best Superman comic out there, even though the characterization is spot on and the artwork is quite nice.
April 25, 2024
Carried by the solo issues that aren't tied down to the overarching narrative, it loses itself by the middle and continues on a boring downwards trajectory until the end. However, Superman remains solid, and the character depictions are overall well executed.
May 2, 2014
I wouldn't call myself a Superman *fan* exactly. If we're talking straight-up Superhero stuff, I'm much more of a Batman sort of guy.
That said, everyone enjoys a good Superman story now and again. Most of the time I prefer stories about exceptional people doing their best in complicated situations, struggling against forces that threaten to overwhelm them. (Which is why I like to read about Batman, or Harry Dresden for that matter.) But sometimes it's nice to read a story where the hero is the biggest badass ever, and most problems can be solved by Punching Harder and Never Giving Up. (TM)
This particular story has the benefit of being written by Kurt Busiek. (That's why I picked the comic up, I am a Busiek fan.) His writing makes this more than just a punch-em-up story. I enjoyed it.
October 18, 2021
This was actually pretty good!
It starts with Superman battling Manheim and his Intergang cronies and taking care of Neuton but when he as Clark has to report on the new status quo of Lana and Callie (his ex's) and well complications starts and he rescues Callie and the spot she is in, he is attacked by the monster SUBJEKT and we see the origins of that and then the big battle and the later coming of Arion and he tells Superman of a post apocalyptic future where a being called KHYBER rises and takes down the humanity and how the heroes fall, the final battle with superman vs khyber and how Lois and Jimmy had to record this fall of civilization and how in the present they can avoid it and it throws Superman in a pickle.
Its an interesting storyline and has lots of flaws for sure like with the constant flashbacks or flashforwards and never adhering to a linear storytelling but its this narration that builds up the suspense and throws moral quandry on Superman and what shall he do to save humanity and I love the way its played out and also his battle with Subjekt and the art was awesome throughout and flows really well. Its a good start to this mystery time travel/prevent the apocalyse kind of story so read it for sure!
It starts with Superman battling Manheim and his Intergang cronies and taking care of Neuton but when he as Clark has to report on the new status quo of Lana and Callie (his ex's) and well complications starts and he rescues Callie and the spot she is in, he is attacked by the monster SUBJEKT and we see the origins of that and then the big battle and the later coming of Arion and he tells Superman of a post apocalyptic future where a being called KHYBER rises and takes down the humanity and how the heroes fall, the final battle with superman vs khyber and how Lois and Jimmy had to record this fall of civilization and how in the present they can avoid it and it throws Superman in a pickle.
Its an interesting storyline and has lots of flaws for sure like with the constant flashbacks or flashforwards and never adhering to a linear storytelling but its this narration that builds up the suspense and throws moral quandry on Superman and what shall he do to save humanity and I love the way its played out and also his battle with Subjekt and the art was awesome throughout and flows really well. Its a good start to this mystery time travel/prevent the apocalyse kind of story so read it for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2012
Very confusing Superman story that really doesn't make any sense.
September 30, 2017
The non-Superman parts are great.
August 22, 2022
When Superman is told by a time travelling Prince of Atlantis that he and the members of the Justice League are responsible for the future downfall of mankind, he is advised to stand down and no longer interfere in Earthly affairs.
'Camelot Falls: Volume 1' is an interesting story with some wonderful artwork, which has a true sense of motion. Busiek really draws on the dilemma of being Superman in a world designed for Clark Kent.
'Camelot Falls: Volume 1' is an interesting story with some wonderful artwork, which has a true sense of motion. Busiek really draws on the dilemma of being Superman in a world designed for Clark Kent.
March 13, 2020
Buoni i disegni di Pacheco e Merino, un poco meno la storia di Busiek. Ma forse è solo perché non sono addentro alla continuity del kryptoniano, eroe che nel complesso mi ha sempre lasciato indifferente.
2 stelle e mezza.
2 stelle e mezza.
May 14, 2019
A strong start. Good art, maybe a bit overly sexualized in spots. Still im excited to see where this goes.
December 22, 2016
I actually read this story in single issues. I didn't enjoy it a lot at first but after I re-read, I saw the vision and talent Busiek put onto the story.
It has everything you want from a Superman story, high-concept heroics, great characterization, strong supporting cast and threatening villains.
I loved the villains. Both Subjekt 17 and of course the main villain Arion are great. Particularly Arion was so threatening and charming and considering his motives you think of him as a hero in his own right. After all, the main concept is the "cycle of life".
I have to give a bravo to Busiek when it comes to Superman's characterization. His Superman is mighty, yet vulnerable and human. But even in his second-guessing and emotional turmoil, Superman was still heroic and never brooding. He was a man of action, and from the man of steel, that's what you want. Also Busiek plays with Superman's senses masterfully.
As for the art. Mmm, I had some problems but nothing major, I will say I was particularly annoyed by the female super-heroes who were drawn overly sexy, which kinda cheapened them. I don't have a problem with sexy super-heroines, I believe sex and super-heroes are kinda intertwined, the men are muscular and manly, the women feminine and sexy, as they should be, they are power-fantasies after all. But when the breasts are bigger than the head, it takes you out of the illusion and you create a cartoon.
All in all, the good overwhelm the bad. This is one of my favorite Superman tales and it is ambitious, different and well-told.
It has everything you want from a Superman story, high-concept heroics, great characterization, strong supporting cast and threatening villains.
I loved the villains. Both Subjekt 17 and of course the main villain Arion are great. Particularly Arion was so threatening and charming and considering his motives you think of him as a hero in his own right. After all, the main concept is the "cycle of life".
I have to give a bravo to Busiek when it comes to Superman's characterization. His Superman is mighty, yet vulnerable and human. But even in his second-guessing and emotional turmoil, Superman was still heroic and never brooding. He was a man of action, and from the man of steel, that's what you want. Also Busiek plays with Superman's senses masterfully.
As for the art. Mmm, I had some problems but nothing major, I will say I was particularly annoyed by the female super-heroes who were drawn overly sexy, which kinda cheapened them. I don't have a problem with sexy super-heroines, I believe sex and super-heroes are kinda intertwined, the men are muscular and manly, the women feminine and sexy, as they should be, they are power-fantasies after all. But when the breasts are bigger than the head, it takes you out of the illusion and you create a cartoon.
All in all, the good overwhelm the bad. This is one of my favorite Superman tales and it is ambitious, different and well-told.
May 31, 2016
Awesome Superman story!! Requires a bit of DC comics knowledge to fully enjoy but if you're really just reading it for Sups and you don't care about details you should be fine.
March 23, 2018
I like Busiek's handle on the characters - Clark's naivete and determination, Lois' professionalism and ability to needle Clark, Jimmy's infectious curiosity... the flashbacks felt real, and the characters believable.
Pacheco's art was terrific, despite the lack of backgrounds more often than I'd prefer. I don't need Hitch-drawing-contours-on-every-brick backgrounds, but I like a vague impression of where things are occurring. The coloring makes Pacheco look even better.
That said, plot-wise, I felt a little empty after reading the book. Lots set up, nothing resolved. I know that Camelot Falls is unfolding slowly, with shorter arcs punctuating it, but this story had too much set-up and too little pay-out. Two issues of Subjekt-17 (who were 1-16?), who disappears and is left dangling for another time, and two issues of Apocalypic Possible Future(TM), which might've made more impression if another short story or two had followed this to at least give the impression that this is weighing on Superman's mind.
Also, two issues of APF is one too many. I like the Parasite-Lois interaction, but the rest of it looked like an exercise in allowing Pacheco to draw an APF. And I never got the impression that Superman has to allow society to fall, as per Arion's proclamation - it seems more like he needs to compromise his morals and snap Khyber's neck to prevent this horrible future world.
Good character work, nice art, interesting set-up, but too little pay-out to make the book satisfying on its own.
Pacheco's art was terrific, despite the lack of backgrounds more often than I'd prefer. I don't need Hitch-drawing-contours-on-every-brick backgrounds, but I like a vague impression of where things are occurring. The coloring makes Pacheco look even better.
That said, plot-wise, I felt a little empty after reading the book. Lots set up, nothing resolved. I know that Camelot Falls is unfolding slowly, with shorter arcs punctuating it, but this story had too much set-up and too little pay-out. Two issues of Subjekt-17 (who were 1-16?), who disappears and is left dangling for another time, and two issues of Apocalypic Possible Future(TM), which might've made more impression if another short story or two had followed this to at least give the impression that this is weighing on Superman's mind.
Also, two issues of APF is one too many. I like the Parasite-Lois interaction, but the rest of it looked like an exercise in allowing Pacheco to draw an APF. And I never got the impression that Superman has to allow society to fall, as per Arion's proclamation - it seems more like he needs to compromise his morals and snap Khyber's neck to prevent this horrible future world.
Good character work, nice art, interesting set-up, but too little pay-out to make the book satisfying on its own.
May 8, 2023
After celebrating an important anniversary with Lois, Superman heads of Kazakhstan where he is confronted by the powerful alien entity Subjekt-17. However, the ensuing conflict begins a chain of events which could destroy the future and place the world in the hands of the villain Khyber.
Does that blurb seem a bit rambling, unfocused and hard to get a sense of what's going on in this book? If 'yes', then it's a perfect representation of the book itself.
There are three separate plotlines here and they're all set-up with the sense that they're interconnected but nothing could be further from the truth. There's no real contiguous story to follow here and the events seem to just be arbitrarily dropped in one after another.
I actually quite enjoyed seeing the title character struggling to balance his work as Superman with his life as Clark Kent at the beginning of the book. Sure, that's nothing new for any superhero story, but there's a reason it's so core to the superhero narrative and it's done well here.
Things rapidly go off the rails when we're taken to Kazakhstan for Superman to fight an underwhelming Doomsday knock-off and then that's abruptly stopped by an insufferably arrogant time-travelling wizard who want to show everyone a post-apocalyptic vision for reasons that are never explained.
In short, this book is a mess and the few good elements are lost in that mess.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
Does that blurb seem a bit rambling, unfocused and hard to get a sense of what's going on in this book? If 'yes', then it's a perfect representation of the book itself.
There are three separate plotlines here and they're all set-up with the sense that they're interconnected but nothing could be further from the truth. There's no real contiguous story to follow here and the events seem to just be arbitrarily dropped in one after another.
I actually quite enjoyed seeing the title character struggling to balance his work as Superman with his life as Clark Kent at the beginning of the book. Sure, that's nothing new for any superhero story, but there's a reason it's so core to the superhero narrative and it's done well here.
Things rapidly go off the rails when we're taken to Kazakhstan for Superman to fight an underwhelming Doomsday knock-off and then that's abruptly stopped by an insufferably arrogant time-travelling wizard who want to show everyone a post-apocalyptic vision for reasons that are never explained.
In short, this book is a mess and the few good elements are lost in that mess.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
September 9, 2021
I'm sure Kurt Busiek has written a bad comic, I just haven't seen it.
I'm sure Carlos Pacheco has cut some corners here and there - I just haven't seen that either.
The density of comic stories has all-but disappeared in recent years (decade?), in favor of lighter fare stretched over 4, 6, 9, 12 issues (you know, 32-48 dollars - as opposed to 4). The days of a comic book containing a full story, making the choice to pick it up off a shelf all by itself a rational one, ended (for mainstream comics) around 20 years ago or more.
While this is a collection with an overarching story - each issue can stand alone. They are rich in both story and illustrative detail. This is something Busiek brings to the table particularly well - as a sort of comics mythologist. He's like a historian of the medium - bringing a vast wealth of knowledge to the table, that is also clearly informed by mythology that extends well beyond comics.
It's a bit of a shame that there was a guest artist on one issue - because the arch that issue kicked off was the best part of this collection, and what makes the following volume a must-read book.
They don't make 'em like this anymore, folks. Enjoy the backlog.
I'm sure Carlos Pacheco has cut some corners here and there - I just haven't seen that either.
The density of comic stories has all-but disappeared in recent years (decade?), in favor of lighter fare stretched over 4, 6, 9, 12 issues (you know, 32-48 dollars - as opposed to 4). The days of a comic book containing a full story, making the choice to pick it up off a shelf all by itself a rational one, ended (for mainstream comics) around 20 years ago or more.
While this is a collection with an overarching story - each issue can stand alone. They are rich in both story and illustrative detail. This is something Busiek brings to the table particularly well - as a sort of comics mythologist. He's like a historian of the medium - bringing a vast wealth of knowledge to the table, that is also clearly informed by mythology that extends well beyond comics.
It's a bit of a shame that there was a guest artist on one issue - because the arch that issue kicked off was the best part of this collection, and what makes the following volume a must-read book.
They don't make 'em like this anymore, folks. Enjoy the backlog.
January 3, 2023
After Carlos Pacheco passed away a couple of months ago, I have been meaning to go back and re-read some of his stuff. These two volumes of Superman were about a years worth of superman that he did with Avengers Forever and Arrowsmith collaborator, Kurt Busiek. The premise is an interesting one. There is a "darkness" coming, and an ancient Atlantean sorcerer warns Superman that each time the push the "darkness" back, it is going to come back stronger. Until it is strong enough to wipe out the entire human race. So in order to save the earth, Superman needs to stop fighting the darkness and let it overrun the world before it destroys it. There appears to be a lot of set up (the old Kent girlfriend coming back into his life, a couple of new villians, some Forth World kids running around) for the future of the book, but Im not sure how much of it was followed up on, since I don't believe Busiek stayed on very long after this run ended. Not much was done with them or the idea.
Summary: Interesting premise, lost in the setting up of other stories, which may or may not have seen the light of day.
Summary: Interesting premise, lost in the setting up of other stories, which may or may not have seen the light of day.
July 21, 2017
This comic was fine. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. It just wasn't my favorite Superman adventure. I'm not as big a fan of magic in comic books, just because I personally think sci-fi elements work better in that genre, but I get why it was needed. How else could Superman be warned of an oncoming doom? How else could he be forced to choose between permitting a catastrophe or continuing to fight and, therein, allowing a bigger catastrophe with greater loss of life to occur? It's an interesting dilemma to give DC's Boy Scout superhero. How can a person who only wants to do good willingly allow bad to happen? I'm interested to see where this conflict takes us. That said, my favorite comic in this issue was, hands down, the first one: Superman and Lois are trying to celebrate an anniversary (later revealed to be the first time he took her flying), but Clark Kent and Superman's responsibilities both get in the way. It was a sweet read that is a perfect example of why Clark and Lois are my favorite superhero couple.
May 30, 2019
This story really benefits from the collected edition format, since it was a chore to read in the time it was originally published (characterized for constant delays in titles, and random filler issues to hide from that, something that still bothers the industry) but it was a solid ok read for a Superman story.
It has big stakes, it has beautiful art, it has Busiek, pacheco and Merino at the top of their game, introducing concepts and characters that mirror ones from other publishers, (like a "knock-off" Apocalypse in Khyber), but everything falls into place as what Busiek and co. want to stablish: "Does the Neverending battle Superman fights is affecting our way as humanity to overcome the odds by our means, weakening us in the process?
My only complains about this book is the somehow sexualization of some characters (mainly Lois in the beginning) that goes on in the second and final volume (yes, this is one of two books). But overall this is a Busiek story worth reading in the world of DC Comics and his Man of Action, Superman.
It has big stakes, it has beautiful art, it has Busiek, pacheco and Merino at the top of their game, introducing concepts and characters that mirror ones from other publishers, (like a "knock-off" Apocalypse in Khyber), but everything falls into place as what Busiek and co. want to stablish: "Does the Neverending battle Superman fights is affecting our way as humanity to overcome the odds by our means, weakening us in the process?
My only complains about this book is the somehow sexualization of some characters (mainly Lois in the beginning) that goes on in the second and final volume (yes, this is one of two books). But overall this is a Busiek story worth reading in the world of DC Comics and his Man of Action, Superman.
July 4, 2025
I liked Pacheco’s art in this (RIP) and Dave Stewart is always strong as well. I found Kurt Busiek’s writing rather approachable and fun, however the plot line itself is a bit of a cliched mess. I was starting to get into the vibe of the Subjekt 17 entanglement (although him being an another cookie-cutter) then it was abruptly interrupted by the titular story line which is a bit… goofy and contrived to say the least. There are some good elements in this but it gets bit deep in the weeds that we’ve already explored 100 times before so it’s not really breaking new ground. I think Busiek has a good understand of Clark though and I loved that molten lava interpretation of Superman, that looked so cool!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
Man, I miss Carlos Pacheco's work, RIP. Here, he joins long-time collaborator Kurt Busiek to tell a different kind of Superman story. Superman, in the midst of fighting a powerful creature is presented with the case that he is actually doing the world harm by saving it so many times. Busiek uses a possible future scenario that was an interesting look at an apocalyptic world. I really liked this despite the quick change from the fight. Clark is smart and his scenes with the different lady's currently in his life all offered different aspects to who he is as a person. The possible future, while obviously not going to happen, was fun to look at. As always, Pacheco's was wonderful. Overall, a good beginning to what could be a very cool story.
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April 21, 2021The first issue - a standalone - is the best in the book. Busiek once again shows how great a handle he has on Clark and Lois, making them entirely likable. I also like his depiction of the Daily Planet and Metropolis in general. The "Camelot Falls" arc is a different story. First, Superman goes to Kazakhstan and fights a Doomsday-like monster, which apparently has nothing to do with the Arion alternate history plotline. The latter has some interesting ideas, like Lois, Jimmy, and Luthor journeying through post-apocalyptic America. But it falls flat largely due to being rushed. Maybe the second part will improve.
Consistently strong art throughout.
Consistently strong art throughout.
May 8, 2018
Despite its slow start, Camelot Falls Vol. 1 presents us with an extremely interesting story of a possible future of Earth and its inhabitants if Superman chooses to keep fighting back. Being even more specific, a future caused by Superman's outstanding values such as "not killing". What consequences will there be if Superman chooses to spare those who do not have such moral standards or remorse? Should he instead choose the "lesser evil"? Also noteworthy is the book's art, very detailed and engaging. I'll read Vol. 2 as soon as possible!
March 24, 2023
This first book of Camelot Falls reveals the central hook of its plot pretty late. There’s a lot of meandering action early on that doesn’t seem be contribute to that core conflict.
The writing is pretty standard fare and the art is also passable. I found the artist’s tendency to hypersexualize the women throughout the story to be a weird choice for a Superman comic though, and one that detracted from the tone of the work.
While the plot has some interesting ideas, I feel a bit skeptical of it so far.
The writing is pretty standard fare and the art is also passable. I found the artist’s tendency to hypersexualize the women throughout the story to be a weird choice for a Superman comic though, and one that detracted from the tone of the work.
While the plot has some interesting ideas, I feel a bit skeptical of it so far.
November 11, 2017
A lot of good and some bad make this a slightly uneven collection. Firstly, the narrative is interesting in concept, but in practice is repetitive and all over the place. A little soul searching by Kal is fine, but Busiek emphasises and re-emphasises this several times. The use of Arion is ok, nice cameos from Phantom Stranger and Zatanna, and Busiek knows his history.
The art by Pacheco is excellent, lovely clean lines an£ some great panels.
Very readable, though not essential collection.
The art by Pacheco is excellent, lovely clean lines an£ some great panels.
Very readable, though not essential collection.
March 2, 2021
Superman Days of Future Past. This is important to remember as part of a run: the conclusion to Subjekt-13 is well, not one, and suddenly you are wrapped up in another story, that is a future story that is now supposed to affect the future... I can’t totally evaluate this until Busiek concludes this, and I have faith in Busiek to do something with it. But in isolation this volume is only a beginning and not necessarily an engaging one. The false future has some worthwhile components.
August 2, 2019
First chapter was great and suitable to be read as a standalone story, while acting as a prelude to the troubles that come in the rest of the volume. I didn't quite understand the motivation of the main villain or how everything comes together. It felt kind of messy at parts, so I didn't quite enjoy the rest of the book.
November 12, 2018
De menos a más. Me encanta el cariz postapocalíptico que va tomando, los toques de magia y el tono fatalista. Deja con ganas de continuar la historia.
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August 17, 2019Good
May 13, 2024
⭐️3.5
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