"Superman" Comic Book Index
2017
Superman #10
Cover date: January 2017
"In the Name of the Father" - Part 1: "World's Smallest"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Jon and Kathy are elated to be finishing school for Christmas break. Distracted Jon knocks over a girl as they head to the cycle rack. Kathy is suspicious of a new schoolgirl on the last day of term but as they ride off they don't notice that the girl has been monitoring Jon. As the two kids head home Jon asks if Kathy would like to take the shortcut across Dead Man's Swamp. He wants to find a Christmas tree for the Smith Farm but Kathy declines heading home. With Jon alone he removes his disguise heading around the swamp on foot. First an owl then a snake and finally a moose scare Jon into losing control with his heat vision. Out of nowhere Nobody and Goliath grab the Boy of Steel and hover in the sky. Nobody scans emergency services and finds that Jon's heat vision has alerted them but at that same time Goliath's flurry coat causes Jon's freeze breath to be unleashed for the first time. Before they plummet to their deaths Goliath grabs them for a less than graceful landing. When Jon wakes up he's covered head to toe in medical sensors and finds that Damien Wayne, the infamous Robin is running tests on him. Damian reveals he's been watching Jon for a while and knows all about him and his fluctuating powers. He is angry that the League seems to have embraced him so openly without earning the privilege. Batman appears and warns them to release Jon but it comes too late as Superman arrives seething with anger. Jon asks his dad to stand down but Clark ignores him telling Bruce to control his child. Batman produces a kryptonite batarang but Jon separates everyone with a wall of ice. Jon surprises his Dad with his new power and calm sets in. Clark apologizes to Jon for allowing himself to get so angry and laments missing this milestone. Damian angrily complains that the freezing ruined his equipment and Bruce comments that he sympathizes with Clark because he missed a lot of Damian's 'first steps' and regrets that too. Clark notices a cloaked Nobody in the cave and she reappears as the girl from Jon's school. With no more secrets they all make peace with Goliath and Nobody leaving the two families to bond. Batman checks Damian's data and notices abnormalities. The Fortress computers may have completed Kryptonian tests but the Batcave can test the human data. Bruce tells Clark that the fluctuations will definitely manifest new powers but what they might be is unclear. In the meantime a reluctant Damian introduces Jon to his family of pets. Jon suggests bringing them to the Smith Farm but an off comment about killing pets starts a fight amongst the boys. Their fight escalates until it grabs the attention of their fathers and with two angry parents comes discipline.
Superman #11
Cover date: January 2017
"In the Name of the Father" - Part 2: "World's Smallest"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Damian and Jon wake to find their costumes stripped of their identities and have been left in a bunker miles from home. Bruce is monitoring the boys from the Batcave while Clark is monitoring from a safe distance out of sight ready to intervene should they fail the challenge to work together. They find Nobody is part of their first task, if they pass her they earn their logos. During the fight Jon unleashes heat vision while in pain and it causes a small avalanche which Nobody has to rescue them from. Damian steals his 'R' symbol, a rail map and airline tickets and leaves Jon to fend for himself. Jon tells Maya that he understands the bootcamp is to teach them and so Nobody gives Jon his zipper tag so he can brandish his shield and race after the train. Meanwhile, Damian, confident he will pass the task alone, unfurls the map on the train rooftop and notices too late that Goliath is the next task. Jon arrives and leaps onto Goliath's ears and the two buck back and forth while Damian it thrown down into a carriage filled with seafood. Damian promptly uses the fish to make the giant bat think with his stomach instead of his fists. The task is taking too long and they realize they have just seconds to act before the train hits the end of the track. Using the fish Jon convinces Goliath to help them fly to safety. Bruce is impressed at Jon's resourcefulness but Clark is not convinced they can work together. Using Goliath as a shortcut the boys come up against an unexpected storm (courtesy of Superman) but their methods differ which leads to the storm overcoming them and sending the duo into a garbage tanker. Superman sends Goliath home and tells the boys they must meet him in the Batcave to earn their capes. When Jon and Damian arrive they find some genetic material of Batman's greatest foes have merged into what they dub 'Mister Squish', a huge protoplasmic creature that makes short work of capturing Alfred, Clark and Bruce. Seeing their fathers in dangers spurs the boys into action. Damian analyses the weak points and strategizes an attack with Jon and his powers. As the boys succeed they discover they failed all the trials they were set but despite Batman's protests Alfred steps in. He tells them that they worked as a team when it counted most and for that they are now the Super Sons! They might not get on all the time but they do when it counts!
Superman Annual #1
Cover date: January 2017
"Tangled Up in Green"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Jorge Jimenez
Inker: Jorge Jimenez
Clark roams around Hamilton County, his land and that surrounding it are suffering a terrible drought despite the recent spells of rain. He takes to the skies and discovers that anything in remote proximity to the farm is dried out. As if on cue Dr. Alec Holland bursts from the ground warning Superman that he doesn't belong on this earth. The avatar of the green, Alec is also known as Swamp Thing! Swamp Thing tells Clark he was drawn to Hamilton because of the disturbances in nature and Clark recalls when his touch on the soil made it glow with blue energy. Swamp Thing goes on to explain that Superman draws upon more solar energy than his predecessor and it is that solar energy being drawn to his location that is killing the earth around him. Superman agrees to help but when he pats Alec's shoulder in reassurance the blue glow appears and begins killing Swamp Thing. In pain Alec lashes out attacking Clark until Superman formulates a plan and drags Alec deep into the soil hoping the earth will cleanse him of the infection. Cured, Alec realizes Superman has happened upon the remedy to the situation and offers to fuse with Clark. Misunderstanding Swamp Thing's actions Superman refuses to comply so Alec grows to gargantuan size and swallows Clark whole. Inside the avatar Clark awakens but his mind now one with Alec's own and Swamp Thing realizes that until Superman embraces the future as a citizen of this Earth rather than a visitor he and the Earth will repel each other. Superman embraces the green and is set free, with a new understanding of his new life and home.
Superman #12
Cover date: February 2017
"Sinister Purpose" - Part 1
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Jaime Mendoza & Christian Alamy
Lois arrives at the Hamilton Horn to talk about writing for the paper, determined to split her time between the Horn and the Planet in her two personas. As the editor, Candice invites her into the office Frankenstein crashes in. Lois tries to step in even using the Hellbat glove she stole from the moon Batcave to fight off the intruder and protect Candice. The two women race outside and steal the S.H.A.D.E. vehicle with Frankenstein in pursuit. Superman intervenes and the two metas go toe to toe in a field. With the aid of a tractor Superman falls, buried in the soil. Cobb Branden comes to everyone's aid with a shotgun and the distraction buys Clark enough time for a second wind. The S.H.A.D.E vehicle soars in out of nowhere however, smashing Clark into a tree allowing Frankenstein the opportunity to grab Candice and shockingly rip her face off revealing her to be something Lois and Clark never suspected!
Superman #13
Cover date: February 2017
"Sinister Purpose" - Part 2
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Jaime Mendoza, Keith Champagne & Norm Rapmund
With Kroog in custody of Frankenstein Lois demands to know where Candice is. The alien criminal tells her that Candice is safe, locked in her basement. Superman and Frankenstein argue over S.H.A.D.E's methods but when the trans-cell arrives to contain Kroog, Frankenstein's Bride appears claiming credit for Kroog's arrest. During the argument between agents Kroog explodes, a method his kind uses to escape. Frankenstein, the Bride and Superman try to hunt down all the body parts but they can't find them all and again the two agents fight each other in hopes of being the successful captor. Superman separates them and takes the agents to hunt for Kroog while Lois races away in the hover car to get to Candice. Cobb Branden watches everything calmly from his farmhouse window. Soaring through the air Superman follows all of Kroog's parts as they reconvene in the ocean and a hidden space craft. The trio of heroes capture Kroog as soon as she attempts to get off planet. Superman crashes the ship into a prison and hands it over to Frankenstein and the Bride. Frankenstein reaches out to his Bride to try and rekindle their relationship and perhaps try for another son after they lost their first, she refuses leaving the hunter heartbroken. After an emotionally draining day with a warring couple, Clark returns home to Lois and they lovingly put Jon to bed.
Superman #14
Cover date: March 2017
"Multiplicity" - Part 1
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
Inker: Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
Clark is driving the pick up through Hamilton County, late at night when a shady figure covered in blood steps into the road uttering "they are coming, help me" in Russian, he is... Kal-L, Red Son Superman! Weakened, he explains to Clark that someone names Prophecy is hunting down Supermen from other worlds. He escaped their clutches drawn to the fight between Superman and Swamp Thing (Superman Annual 1) though Kal-L doesn't know their motives he knows someone named Kenan Kong is their next target. The Gatherers, minions of Prophecy, arrive and attack Clark and Kal-L and they are barely able to fend off the attackers before more dimensional travelers arrive from the House Of Heroes. They are the Justice League Incarnate, sworn protectors of the multiverse. Their leader is Superman of Earth 23 (Calvin Ellis/Kalel). Mary Marvel of Earth 5 (Mary Batson) Aquawoman of Earth 11 (Anna Curry) Red Racer of Earth 36 (aka 'Ray') Green Lantern of Earth 20 (Abin Sur) Machinehead or Earth 8 (identity unknown) Clark agrees to lead them to China to find The Super-Man but the Gatherers find him first and attack! Despite the JLI's efforts Kenan is kidnapped from our Earth, whisked away and placed in a techno prison. Among those already captured for the eagle eyes Superman fans are: Bizarro-Superman (Earth 29), Ultraman (Earth 43), Sunshine Superman (Earth 47), Lord Superman (Earth 50), Superwoman (Earth 11), Jon Kent (Earth 31), Superman (Earth 1), Superman (Earth 2), Super-Martian (Earth 32), Kingdom Come Superman (Earth 22), Superdoom (Earth 45), Superman (Earth 38) and Captain Carrot (Earth C). A large mechanical appendage pulls Captain Carrot from his cell and places him inside a glass cylinder. A painful process begins as the poor Captain is bombarded with some alien energy. And when he's released from the device he's become an infant buck held in the hands of someone sinister!
Superman #15
Cover date: March 2017
"Multiplicity" - Part 2
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Artists: Ryan Sook, Ed Benes, Clay Mann & Jorge Jimenez
Clark is driving the pick up through Hamilton County, late at night when a shady figure covered in blood steps into the road uttering "they are coming, help me" in Russian, he is... Kal-L, Red Son Superman! Weakened, he explains to Clark that someone names Prophecy is hunting down Supermen from other worlds. He escaped their clutches drawn to the fight between Superman and Swamp Thing (Superman Annual 1) though Kal-L doesn't know their motives he knows someone named Kenan Kong is their next target. The Gatherers, minions of Prophecy, arrive and attack Clark and Kal-L and they are barely able to fend off the attackers before more dimensional travelers arrive from the House Of Heroes. They are the Justice League Incarnate, sworn protectors of the multiverse. Their leader is Superman of Earth 23 (Calvin Ellis/Kalel). Mary Marvel of Earth 5 (Mary Batson) Aquawoman of Earth 11 (Anna Curry) Red Racer of Earth 36 (aka 'Ray') Green Lantern of Earth 20 (Abin Sur) Machinehead or Earth 8 (identity unknown) Clark agrees to lead them to China to find The Super-Man but the Gatherers find him first and attack! Despite the JLI's efforts Kenan is kidnapped from our Earth, whisked away and placed in a techno prison. Among those already captured for the eagle eyes Superman fans are: Bizarro-Superman (Earth 29), Ultraman (Earth 43), Sunshine Superman (Earth 47), Lord Superman (Earth 50), Superwoman (Earth 11), Jon Kent (Earth 31), Superman (Earth 1), Superman (Earth 2), Super-Martian (Earth 32), Kingdom Come Superman (Earth 22), Superdoom (Earth 45), Superman (Earth 38) and Captain Carrot (Earth C). A large mechanical appendage pulls Captain Carrot from his cell and places him inside a glass cylinder. A painful process begins as the poor Captain is bombarded with some alien energy. And when he's released from the device he's become an infant buck held in the hands of someone sinister!
Superman #16
Cover date: April 2017
"Multiplicity" - Conclusion
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Artists: Tony S. Daniel & Clay Mann
Prophecy has captured Superman, remarking that though he does have the powers of the Supermen and women of the multiverse he is an anomaly in existence. When questioned he retorts that doom is coming and that with the combined powers of the Supermen of all existence he will be able to save his world. He questions Superman on using the Ultima Thule as it seems to be nothing more than a musical instrument in the guise of a star cruiser. Superman shrugs it off and is then sentenced to dig a grave with the other powerless captive Superman for all his multiverse counterparts. The Justice League Incarnate realize that the Ultima Thule has been playing a tune non stop as a beacon to them. Red Racer then sets about building a second ship to launch a rescue mission but in his haste he pushes himself too far and he dies in the process. Meanwhile back in the grave Superman meets Super-Man and his other 'family' members and rallies their support to fight against Prophecy and all he stands for. As the new Ultima Thule arrives suddenly all the Supermen and women's powers come surging back. They fight furiously and realize Prophecy's right hand is a siphon and projector of power. They force him to discharge the Superman energy before cutting it off. Suddenly the villain is teleported away but at least all the heroes have survived and the JLI set about returning all the prisoners back to their respective dimensions. Kenan and Clark take the opportunity to get to know one another after keeping apart for so long. The two Supermen forge a friendship but as they do Mr Oz has captured and constrained Prophecy berating him for his attempt to subvert his mission. Prophecy failed and his fate is now... unknown.
Superman #17
Cover date: April 2017
"Darkest Harvest"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Artists: Sebastián Fiumara
Jon is spending the evening watching scary movies while his parents have left him alone for the evening. Kathy stops by begging for Jon's help to find Bessie, the prize cow and her grandfather Cobb who have both vanished over two hours ago. Jon and Kathy cycle around the area until they arrive at Deadman's Swamp. Despite their fears they decide to investigate inside in case Cobb is hurt. During their investigation they are disturbed by a shadowy figure who begins pursuing them. Jon spots a house in the woods and the two children race there chased by a hungry owl, then a giant raccoon, a giant tortoise and even a vicious giant porcupine. Jon and Kathy manage to get into the house, with the shadowy figure just seconds behind them. Once inside, the house seems to come to life attacking them at every turn. They happen across Bessie who also grows to colossal proportions and then vomits a wave of liquid that forces them back outside. The two children clamber down into a nearby well and to their surprise Cobb and Bessie appear safe and sound and guide them both back home. Cobb brushes off their story of strange goings on as the swamp gas playing with their imagination. Jon races home and tucks himself in seconds before Lois and Clark return home to check on him. Watching from afar the shadowy figure watches all that is going on and appears to be wearing glasses...
Superman #18
Cover date: May 2017
"Superman: Reborn" - Part 1
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Doomsday, Prophecy & Red Robin laugh at their captor from within their prisons. Mr Oz is shocked and angry to hear that one of those prisoners has escaped. A blue light engulfs the sky as the hooded man investigates Red Robin's mocking claim and discovers it to be true. Within the huge prison cell is graffiti carved into the walls related to Superman. Over in Hamilton County, Clark and his family are still enjoying their evening when the doorbell rings. Jon goes to investigate and finds a family album on the doorstep and sees Other Clark standing in the shadows. Krypto goes to investigate and reacts angrily to Other Clark. Lois and Superman race to help but Other Clark has vanished. They flip through the family album and see their life play out exactly as they remember it. Suddenly their farm is ablaze, not with fire but a strange white fire disintegrating everything in its path, including Jon. Superman flies through the farmhouse and discovers Jon fading in and out of existence. He pulls Jon out of the house and he and Lois are heartbroken to see Jon disappear for good. The album content has also been erased as Lois and Clark break down in tears. Superman finds one final photo - of Metropolis and swears to make Other Clark return their son to them... or else.
Superman #19
Cover date: May 2017
"Superman: Reborn" - Part 2: "Don't Pass Go"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Jon is helplessly floating around in Mxy's strange limbo prison while Superman and Lois confront the imp himself. He makes a comment about how Lois and Clark somehow are always destined to find one another but torments them with clues as to Jon. The imp creates a giant tower filled with his signature zany style and tells them that Jon is at the top but to get to him Clark must sign an agreement. The bargain is if Superman can reach Jon Mxy will leave and everything goes back to normal, but if he fails Clark and Lois will be forgotten forever and stay imprisoned in the 5th dimension forever. Jon meanwhile is approached by souls past that have found their way to the 5th dimension, two souls in particular approach him and lead him towards Lois and Clark. A determined Lois and Clark meanwhile are fighting their way up the tower but an angry Mxy realizes he might lose and intervenes and tries to enforce amnesia of Superman. Jon arrives and the two souls take shape exploding with energy until they take shape as two familiar faces and are ready to take Mxy on!
[Trade Paperback collection: Superman Reborn (Rebirth) [Paperback] reprints Action Comics #973-976 and Superman #18-19]
Superman #20
Cover date: June 2017
"Black Dawn" - Part 1
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
With existence aligned, Superman is back and in a brighter red and blue costume. The world is inspired by him and the 'Smith' identity has gone in favor of 'Kent'. As Cobb drives past the farm he warns Lois of a storm, so the Kents take shelter in their basement to ride it out. Lois approaches the subject of the alignment but Clark shrugs it off, enjoying the new status quo too much, he tells her that they'll figure out anything that comes along. Spotting a shadow of a man stalking the farm Jon is worried that Other Clark might have returned, dons his jacket and sneaks to the barn. There the figure is revealed to be Batman, accompanied by Robin. Lois and Clark are more than aware of their presence and confront the three of them inviting them in for a civilized talk. Batman tells Clark that from their test Superboy should be at his optimum level by now, even more powerful than his father, but for some reason Jon isn't progressing. Batman sees the darkness and the possible threat where Superman sees things with optimism and focuses on the positives. When Batman surmises something environmental might be limiting Jon and discovers that Cobb is their primary source of food in Hamilton, he immediately suspects Kathy's grandfather. Later that night Batman sneaks onto Cobb's farm to test a sample of Bessie's milk, but what happens next shakes Bruce to the core.
Superman #21
Cover date: June 2017
"Black Dawn" - Part 2
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray, Joe Prado & Ray McCarthy
Jon dreams of unlocking his true powers, something is preventing them from manifesting properly but Damian, Clark and Lois are more concerned that Batman has gone missing. Cobb & Kathy Branden interrupt the morning with a delivery of milk and as they leave Cobb uses a mysterious ability to hypnotize Krypto. Later that day, whilst searching Hamilton County in their costumed identities, a giant octopus (last seen in Superman Rebirth #2) attacks the town. The octopus oozes black ink all over Superman and it manifests itself into a man holding a cigar which proceeds to multiply and attempt to overpower the trio. Reluctant to kill the sea creature, Superman hurls it back into the water and throws a ferris wheel on top of it to pin it down. The townsfolk are disappointed that Superman didn't kill it and when it returns for a second attack, Jon, in a rage, unleashed the full fury of his heat vision. A disappointed Clark leads the boys away and is further taken aback when Damian reveals that Jon and Kathy had lied to sneak into Deadman's swamp looking for Bess the cow and Bruce might be trapped in it too. As Superman enters the mysterious house in the swamp that had previously tried to capture Jon, Kathy interrupts a fight between Jon and Damian revealing a secret of her own...
Superman #22
Cover date: July 2017
"Black Dawn" - Part 3
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Jaime Mendoza & Ray McCarthy
With Superman hunting for Batman in the swamp and Jon and Damian in tow, Lois is feeling a little like a third wheel. Spotting a fire on the horizon she goes to investigate and discovers the tree marking Goldie's grave on fire. Worried that a place of significance to the Kents has been burnt down Lois heads over to the Branden Farm but when they deny knowledge of it, Lois smells a rat and makes her way into town in hopes of finding her boys. Lois spots Candice, who was severely wounded during the giant octopus attack, seemingly unharmed. A curious Lois follows but is horrified to find a hub network of CCTV camera's all fixated on the Kents. Making a quick escape Lois heads back to the Kent Farm only to find Candice has beaten her home and several key townsfolk are waiting for her with a sinister purpose. Superman meanwhile makes his way to the heart of the house in the swamp and is shocked to discover glass cylinders housing Batman and several of the townsfolk captive!
Superman #23
Cover date: July 2017
"Black Dawn" - Part 4
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza & Keith Champagne
Cobb Branden and the townsfolk reveal to Lois that they've been protecting and nurturing Jon since they first arrived in Hamilton County. Jon meanwhile is being forced by his captor to watch his parents, unable to escape his prison of black mirrors. Lois refuses to give in and fights back against the townsfolk but when they too turn aggressive, Superman is forced to leave the prisoners where they are to rescue Lois. Superman and Lois are a force to be reckoned with but each time they are injured a terrified Jon is forced to watch. Each of the townsfolk then begin to take on their true form and reveal to Superman that they've been leading Jon down a path that they have been orchestrating to ensure he will succeed where Superman has failed. They are the Super Elite and they waste no time in brutally wounding Lois. Superman swears to find Jon but what he doesn't know is John's captor, and mastermind to all of this, is none other than Manchester Black!
Superman #24
Cover date: August 2017
"Black Dawn" - Part 5
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke & Patrick Gleason
Inker: Jaime Mendoza, Mick Gray, Joe Prado & Doug Mahnke
A flashback reveals how the Super-Elite aliens of Hamilton County had come to be indoctrinated to Manchester Black's cause. Kathy and Cobb seem more and more reluctant as Black's plan progresses. Meanwhile with Lois recovering, Superman reluctantly leaves her behind to confront these strange new foes but when he returns he discovers Jon and his manipulator Black. Clark is understandably angry but everything he does seems to push Jon away. When Kathy and Cobb switch sides and help Clark to rescue Frankenstein, The Bride, Batman & Robin things seem to be changing for the better until an angry Manchester Black corrupts Jon into Superboy Black and the Boy of Steel, along with the remaining Super-Elite, vow to kill them all.
Superman #25
Cover date: August 2017
"Black Dawn" - Part 6: "Fade to Black"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke & Patrick Gleason
Inker: Jaime Mendoza, Mick Gray, Joe Prado, Ray McCarthy, Scott Hanna, Matt Santorelli
Superboy is the unwitting pawn of Manchester Black but now Superman has his allies to assist him. The battle is a mix of fists and emotion, but with Cobb Branden dead Kathy helps tip the balance in Superman's favor. The fight between father and son is violent as Black taps into Jon's hidden potential and the villain's manipulations have literally poisoned the young boy's mind, until a surprise visitor reaches out to Jon and brings him out of it. With Kathy and Jon working together they use the control Black had against him and force him out of his own body. What follows is a rite of passage for the Boy of Steel as The Kents move on to a new beginning with their bonds forged anew...
Superman #26
Cover date: September 2017
"Brains vs. Brawn"
Writer: Michael Moreci
Penciller: Scott Godlewski
Inker: Scott Godlewski
Jonathan Kent once taught Clark a life lesson on using his intelligence and skills over brawn. This tough love taught the cocky boy a valuable lesson, one that stayed with him forever and he utilized every day of his life since. After the events of Manchester Black's manipulations, young Jon was feeling lost, using his might to 'fight for right' and the super-powered boy is making bigger and bigger mistakes. Clark feels the pressure and confides in Lois that he feels Jon is losing his way but a heart to heart leads to Clark offering Jon the chance to be Superman for the day and what follows isn't quite what Superman envisaged. As Dreadnought and Psi-Phon reveal they are the attackers on Metropolis, Superman and son forge bonds anew as family and as superheroes. Jon might not be ready to be Superman but at least he has learnt that 'fools rush in' is apt and one day he'll be ready, but until then he is Superboy and a super son.
Superman #27
Cover date: September 2017
"Declaration"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Scott Godlewski
Inker: Scott Godlewski
Clark is exhausted and after recent events who could blame any of the Kents for wanting a vacation. Renting a camper van they begin traveling and first arrive in Niagara Falls for a spot of superhuman body surfing. It isn't all fun and games though, Lois ensures education is part of the trip with the history of Deborah Sampson. It is a wonderful trip that strengthens their family bond. A dinner with a war veteran friend lead to a life changing experience that will stay with them forever. Relaxation, family time and romance is long overdue for the Kents, can their bliss last?
Superman #28
Cover date: October 2017
"Independence Day"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Scott Godlewski
Inker: Scott Godlewski
The Kents arrive in Washington DC and stop into the United States Capitol Building. Here Lois & Clark teach their wide-eyed son the strength in freedom of speech as they encounter a lively protest. The next visit is the World War II Memorial where Jon's education continues. Lois 'introduces' Jon and Clark to her uncle Kurt Lane and tells them about his history and continued legacy. At the Gettysburg National Military Park Jon is drawn into the historical conflicts that took place there, but is unsure of whether he is imagining the ghosts he encounters. It is a deeply profound journey and when they happen upon the Dowd family in the park they are touched by the family's sad story of the their lost relative who went missing on the journey home to reunite with family after serving his country. The tragic tale touches Superman who makes it his mission to make things right.
Superman #29
Cover date: October 2017
"A Minute Longer"
Writer: Keith Champagne
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Jaime Mendoza, Scott Hanna & Rob Hunter
The children of Metropolis have begun to vanish. Superman hiding his fears for his own son, tries to reassure the families of the missing and discovers a yellow radiation permeating the atmosphere. The radiation hurts Superman and he realizes it is an emotion he is seeing and believes Sinestro, leader of the Yellow Lanterns is behind the kidnappings. When he tracks the children down to an abandoned Lexcorp botanical show facility, he is stunned to discover that it isn't Sinestro but much worse! Superman must decide between his own life or that of the frightened children but when he does his sacrifice may have been all for nothing...
Superman #30
Cover date: November 2017
"A Minute Longer" - Part 2: "Hopes & Fears"
Writer: Keith Champagne
Artists: Ed Benes, Tyler Kirkham & Philip Tan
Cover: Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza & Wil Quintana
Superman is a prisoner in his own body. Parallax, the alien embodiment of fear, has arrived on Earth and taken the Last Son of Krypton as his new host, just as Hal Jordan had once upon a time (Zero Hour). Superman's fear for the missing children and his children allowed Parallax in. One ring slinger that knows Parallax intimately is Sinestro and he arrives on Earth tracking the creature intent on capturing him. The villainous Lantern tricks 'Superman' into combat and the two are teleported to Qward into a trap. It proves to be a clever move as Clark is forced to face his fears and an uneasy alliance is forged to capture the creature.
Superman #31
Cover date: November 2017
"Breaking Point" - Part 1
Writer: James Bonny
Artist: Tyler Kirkham
Superman saves a broken man from causing a terrible disaster and a suicide, his hands are quite full in Metropolis at the moment. While Clark is saving the day Lois stumbles upon a group of slaughtered soldiers and discovers the photograph of their killer... Deathstroke, The Terminator! Noting Perry & Clark's concerns, Lois is determined to interview the mysterious Deathstroke and reveal him as more than a myth. Clark gives Lois a small stun gun to protect herself and Lois heads off to the Czech Republic chasing down leads. Deathstroke, it seems, is very much in demand as Cestus and his group The Throng are also in pursuit. Lois of course gets her interview but Deathstroke may have stumbled onto information about Superman in the process. Days later as Lois publishes her story much to the praise of Perry & the Planet staff, the intrepid reporter discovers she is the target of a hit. Her terminator? Deathstroke!
Superman #32
Cover date: December 2017
"Breaking Point" - Part 2
Writer: James Bonny
Artist: Tyler Kirkham
Lois Lane is about to die. After a damaging expose on Deathstroke by Lois Lane, the ace reporter is number one on his hit list. Lois is suspicious as Slade was cooperative during their interview, and they seemed to share a mutual respect for each other. Superman however steps in once more and saves the day much to Lois' annoyance but things aren't what they seem as Slade quickly loses interest in Lois and takes Superman on in combat. As the attacks heat up, Deathstroke reveals to Superman that he knows the Man of Steel loves Lois and the contract was a ruse. This shocks and perplexes the Kents as they wonder who could possibly have been behind the attack and why?
[Trade Paperback collection: Superman Vol. 5: Hopes and Fears (Rebirth) [Paperback] reprints Superman #27-32]
Superman #33
Cover date: December 2017
"Imperius Lex" - Part 1: "The Super Man Who Would Be King"
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Inker: Jaime Mendoza
Lex Luthor is a man whose dreams have really come true. Public opinion of him is now so positive, he is seen as equal to Superman and he is human. Superman is a champion of man, though he is still, at his core, a strange visitor from another planet. Lex is now seen as every bit the hero as Superman is but nobody knows better than Lex that he could never have risen to that level without his Apokoliptian technology. Everything comes at a price and the dictator, Darkseid, has fallen from grace. Apokolips craves a new leader to lead it into the next age, so who better than the greatest criminal mind of our time? Superman is met by a 'Lexbot' who promptly Booms the Kents to Apokolips and now even Lois & Jon have to join the never-ending battle.
Superman Comic Book Index
Introduction
Here is a listing of the regular Superman title since the 2016 Rebirth saga that started a new era for the DC Universe of comic books. The title ended in 2021, and then was relaunched in 2023. For accuracy almost every entry is based upon actually looking in the issue, and not memory or another source.This listing is done in the order for when a comic book issue was published.
Note: Remember, the month dates are from the issue covers, not the actual date when the comic was on sale.
The Writer, Penciller and Inker for each issue is listed under the Comic's Title and Date.
CONTENTS:
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 20212023 | 2024
Back to Comic Book Index Contents Page.
You can read reviews of all the Superman related comics (from October 1999 onwards) in the Mild Mannered Reviews section of this website.