Superman #662 (Spoilers)

[Cayman]

The monstrous Subjekt 17 wanders through Tibet, seeking revenge on Arion. Subjekt 17 can find no trace of the Atlantean sorceror's existence, his telepathic ability reveals that Superman is known and loved throughout the world. To this, Subjekt 17 says "Superman -- FAH!"

Meanwhile, Superman has a lot on his mind. He is puzzling over the identity of the third Kryptonian on Earth as revealed by the Auctioneer is the recent Action arc. In the Fortress Of Solitude, Superman uses remnants of the Auctioneer's technology to scan Power Girl. The machines do not register her as a Kryptonian from our Universe, leaving the mystery unresolved.

Superman also wonders about the whereabouts of Krypto, now missing for a year. Unfortunately, other matters keep the hero from spending more time searching for his superpet. Most pressing is Arion's claim that Superman is the catalyst for the destruction of all life on Earth. Arion has given him two weeks to decide whether to give up his role as a superhero in order to save the future.

Back in Metropolis, Clark Kent joins Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, and Lois Lane for lunch. They discuss the vision Arion gave of a dark future. Perry wonders if the presence of metahumans does repress humanity's potential. Jimmy strongly defends Superman. Lois plays the middle, while Clark suggests what matters is what Superman thinks and what his decision will be.

After helping to fix the Globe on the Daily Planet building, Superman visits Zatanna in San Francisco. The underdressed mystic verified that Superman is not under any supernatural influence. She also clues him in on Arion's history and answers his questions regarding magic.

Superman next flies to Tehran. He is about to intervene when insurrectionists start a gunfight in the city, but he is beaten to the punch by a homegrown superhero. Superman introduces himself to and inadvertently names the superhero Sirocco, familiar to us from Arion's vision of the future.

Sirocco recites his origin. He gained powers after defeating a deadly Ifrit. Superman can tell he's lying. Sirocco also lies when Superman asks him about Khyber. Superman continues probing and asks using Khyber's real name, Hassan-I-Sabbah. Sirocco is offended by the questioning and takes Superman to a mountain citadel called Alamut. He leads the hero to a secret, battered outpost in the caverns beneath and claims to have slain Khyber and destroyed his life-support machinery.

On the ocean floor, Superman silently ruminates upon all the questions that have arisen since meeting Arion. Feeling no closer to the a resolution, he flies off towards his home. He uses his supervision to see Lois minding the kid from the Action arc who will be in his late twenties by the time it actually finishes. Superman wonders briefly if this Chris is the third Kryptonian, but finds reasons to dismiss that idea.

Before Superman can reunite with Lois, the skies of Metropolis fill with brightly-dressed people. The issue ends promising that the next issue will feature The New Gods of Metropolis.

This is a great issue of Superman. Kurt Busiek's Superman is thoughtful but not passive. The pacing is excellent, moving the story forward at a brisk speed without feeling cramped. The cameos from Power Girl and Zatanna are great. It is particularly nice to see Zatanna portrayed as confident and informed again. Sirocco is an interesting new character who I look forward to seeing more of. Also, the various mysteries in the book are intriguing. Khyber reminds me of some strange Apocalypse/new Blue Beetle hybrid but the story still works.

Carlos Pacheco's artwork is excellent throughout the issue. He ably depicts the numerous locations the issue requires. The panel in which Superman flies towards the top of the Daily Planet Building with the globe in his hand is absolutely gorgeous. He also shines with facial expressions and his Zatanna looks great.

I would recommend this issue to anyone who enjoys Superman. It's great work from the creative team.

[dreyga2000]

I can't put my finger out but I really love this issue... Being the continuty nerd that I am I loved how they mentioned the Biazzaro fight and how the featured Chris...

[Sanagi]

I hope they're planning a big fight with Satan for issue #666.

[Will.S]

I can't put my finger out but I really love this issue... Being the continuty nerd that I am I loved how they mentioned the Biazzaro fight and how the featured Chris...
I liked the references to the Action Comics continuity as well.

I didn't have a problem with it since it didn't spoil the ending to the "Last Son" arc but I did feel weirded out by the fact that the story was finished but the book itself isn't out for us to read.

Anyway, the cover represents the interior story well (and looks almost like it should be an All Star Superman cover by Quitely). This is a very pensive Superman trying to make sense of it all, the book's themes also share what is usually on people's minds when it comes to Superman and wether he helped or hindered humanity with his help. It was actually the basis for the Azarello Man of Steel mini as well as being an ongoing aspect of Luthor's hate for Superman.

I've become more interested in the Arion character and I didn't even know how he looked previous to the Camelot Falls story. What's cool about Subjekt-17 is that he's still around looming in Tibet but his motives aren't entirely clear. Sirocco is another character I enjoyed reading about in the previous arc but I also liked his actual DCU introduction with Superman who he plays well off of.

I'm not sure what the exact connection between him and Khyber, perhaps they're related somehow or are one in the same? The cameo by Powergirl was pretty cool and anytime we see the new Fortress of Solitude I become giddy since it always has some cool tech or background elements.

Oh and I'm SO glad Carlos Pacheco is back on art, his eye for detail is astounding especially in the locales like the Metropolis park (you'd swear it was a real park), Tibet, Metropolis and in Iran. His style is very fluid and conveys motion incredibly well, my only quibble was that I had wished that Dave Sewart colored this issue since he's so good with the textures and makes the art look polished.

No problems at all with Alex Sinclair and Loughridge (who has the closest coloring style to Sewart in the Sirocco pages) though it's just that I'm anal when it comes to month to month coloring consistency. Anyway, now that the book is following up the first part of the Camelot Falls story I'm very much looking forward to see how the rest shakes out, especially regarding what Superman will do to avoid that dystopian future.

[Cayman]

I've become more interested in the Arion character and I didn't even know how he looked previous to the Camelot Falls story. What's cool about Subjekt-17 is that he's still around looming in Tibet but his motives aren't entirely clear. Sirocco is another character I enjoyed reading about in the previous arc but I also liked his actual DCU introduction with Superman who he plays well off of.


I've mainly seen these Arion issues in the quarterbin where Arion is weird and skinny and totally doesn't look like he could have threesomes.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/04610332958.1.gif

I think Subjekt 17 is in Tibet looking for Ultimate Hulk vs Wolverine #3. Good luck!

[GeneralReadingMan]

Busiek seems to be taking his lead from this version

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/04606470090.1.GIF

I've never read the series, but it looks interesting and it's whole 35-issue run could be had for cheap.

I was introduced to Arion when he appeared in the first few issues of Crisis on Infinite Earths, he seemed pretty cool.

The skinny Arion is probably another victim of Superboy's punches, it wasn't a very popular incarnation I don't think.

[DavidAllred]

It was a good linking issue... sort of put the last several months in perspective. I found myself drawn to the new arab hero... I forget his name. All in all, I was in no way displeased with this month's book. I wish I could say that for some other things on my pull list (a-hem, 52).

[Sean Whitmore]

It's too bad Superman never thought to ask Power Girl about Arion. She's full of information, considering that for a long time, Arion had her convinced her heritage was Atlantean.


SEAN

[Cayman]

It's too bad Superman never thought to ask Power Girl about Arion. She's full of information, considering that for a long time, Arion had her convinced her heritage was Atlantean.


SEAN

Heh, that's true. Funny.

[stealthwise]

This issue... man, am I ever stupid for picking up this issue.

I haven't been reading Superman at all since OYL, but figured this one was a done-in-one and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's so mired in the recent events that it was almost indecipherable to me. That, and nothing really happens in the issue, besides the introduction of the immediately uninteresting Sirocco.

[Kurt Busiek]

The skinny Arion is probably another victim of Superboy's punches, it wasn't a very popular incarnation I don't think.

No, the skinny flat-top Arion is what he became after surviving thousands of years to the present day. He eventually got his magic back and then got possessed by Mordru and died in JSA.

The Arion appearing in SUPERMAN doesn't look like that guy because he's from several centuries earlier, before he grew into that guy.

kdb

[Kurt Busiek]

I haven't been reading Superman at all since OYL, but figured this one was a done-in-one and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's so mired in the recent events that it was almost indecipherable to me.

The previous three issues were all done-in-one...

kdb

[jadrax]

I actually thought like Stealthwise, that this would be another done-in-one issue, and was initially disappointed that it was the continuation of Camelot Falls, as I Just not been enjoying the arc. (Sorry Kurt!)

However, I actually found myself loving this issue, it doesn't really tie up anything, but it does acknowledge an awful lot of things, and Superman is written smart here, he's proactive in going out looking for answers and you really feel he's getting somewhere.

Overall I really enjoyed it.

[Karl O'Neill]

This issue... man, am I ever stupid for picking up this issue.

I haven't been reading Superman at all since OYL, but figured this one was a done-in-one and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's so mired in the recent events that it was almost indecipherable to me. That, and nothing really happens in the issue, besides the introduction of the immediately uninteresting Sirocco.

read camelot falls vol 1 and you will not think sirroco is un-interesting.

[Karl O'Neill]

This issue... man, am I ever stupid for picking up this issue.

I haven't been reading Superman at all since OYL, but figured this one was a done-in-one and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's so mired in the recent events that it was almost indecipherable to me. That, and nothing really happens in the issue, besides the introduction of the immediately uninteresting Sirocco.

Read camelot falls vol 1 and you will not think sirroco is un-interesting.

[Cayman]

If Sirocco stays good and alive when all this is over, he should join the Global Guardians.

[sgt pepper]

This issue... man, am I ever stupid for picking up this issue.

I haven't been reading Superman at all since OYL, but figured this one was a done-in-one and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's so mired in the recent events that it was almost indecipherable to me. That, and nothing really happens in the issue, besides the introduction of the immediately uninteresting Sirocco.

Bad luck that you picked this one after several solid self contained issues. And I'll echo that Sirocco is pretty cool in Camelot Falls.

This is a middle issue and while not a lot happens to advance the plot (though Cayman's outline above shows that loads of plot points are touched on), I love hanging out with this Superman while he does his laundry.

[sgt pepper]

This issue... man, am I ever stupid for picking up this issue.

I haven't been reading Superman at all since OYL, but figured this one was a done-in-one and thought I'd give it a shot, but it's so mired in the recent events that it was almost indecipherable to me. That, and nothing really happens in the issue, besides the introduction of the immediately uninteresting Sirocco.

Bad luck that you picked this one after several solid self contained issues. And I'll echo that Sirocco is pretty cool in Camelot Falls.

This is a middle issue and while not a lot happens to advance the plot (though Cayman's outline above shows that loads of plot points are touched on), I love hanging out with this Superman while he does his laundry.

[Will.S]

I've mainly seen these Arion issues in the quarterbin where Arion is weird and skinny and totally doesn't look like he could have threesomes.

http://image.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/04610332958.1.gif

I think Subjekt 17 is in Tibet looking for Ultimate Hulk vs Wolverine #3. Good luck!
Heheh, I think alot of people are looking for Ultimate Hulk vs Wolverine #3 in those mountains.

Interesting version of Arion there, I like his look throughout Camelot Falls better though so hopefully it'll stay that way.

[GeneralReadingMan]

No, the skinny flat-top Arion is what he became after surviving thousands of years to the present day. He eventually got his magic back and then got possessed by Mordru and died in JSA.

The Arion appearing in SUPERMAN doesn't look like that guy because he's from several centuries earlier, before he grew into that guy.

kdb

Wow I got responded to by Kurt Busiek!

Kurt when are we gonna see Carlos's very visually pleasing Lana Lang again. :D

[Kurt Busiek]

Kurt when are we gonna see Carlos's very visually pleasing Lana Lang again. :D

Next issue.

kdb

[casual Bat Fan]

I thought this was a well done issue. It's true that nothing of true importance happened it still was enjoyable and I liked how it linked everything else in the past. The introduction to Sirocco was quite interesting and I hope we see more of this guy.

As for the portrayal of Supes, I have to echo the sentiments of some in that he's quite the proactive hero as penned by Mr. Busiek. I like the fact that he tries to think his way through things and find answers using his head.

I also really enjoyed the Jimmy Olsen/Perry White debate on Superman and the pros and cons of Supes being there for humanity. Yeah, it's stuff that we've seen before but I liked seeing where the charactors stood on the issue.

As for the art, It was fantastic! :)

[Captain Smith]

Given Sirocco is an Iranian - might he arrive on a superhero battle and be so freaked out by Western female heroes T and A show - like PG or Zatanna that he flees?

Look at the Iranian foreign minister meeting with Condi. He went nuts over a violin player's dress.

[Froggy]

Given Sirocco is an Iranian - might he arrive on a superhero battle and be so freaked out by Western female heroes T and A show - like PG or Zatanna that he flees?

Look at the Iranian foreign minister meeting with Condi. He went nuts over a violin player's dress.

that'd be interesting

[Kurt Busiek]

Given Sirocco is an Iranian - might he arrive on a superhero battle and be so freaked out by Western female heroes T and A show - like PG or Zatanna that he flees?

Look at the Iranian foreign minister meeting with Condi. He went nuts over a violin player's dress.

Sirocco's not Iranian.

He was in Iran, but then, so was Superman.

kdb

[Cayman]

Sirocco's not Iranian.

He was in Iran, but then, so was Superman.

kdb

Has his country of origin been revealed?

[stealthwise]

Bad luck that you picked this one after several solid self contained issues.


Ironically, I had been hearing good things about the self-contained stuff, and that's why I picked up this issue on impulse. I'll probably just get the stuff in trade, which will save me some time and money.

[Kurt Busiek]

Has his country of origin been revealed?

Nope.

kdb

[Cayman]

Although it wasn't self-contained, I thought it gave us all the info we needed to get caught up and was a satisfying read in itself.

[Froggy]

Nope.

kdb

O yea..........any chances on the sirocco supes met being the Ifrit het alked about fighting, and thus through that Khyber is still alive? I know it doesnt exactly fit iwth the old man of the mountain deal as much, but it sounds like a cool idea doesn't it?

[Kurt Busiek]

O yea..........any chances on the sirocco supes met being the Ifrit het alked about fighting, and thus through that Khyber is still alive?

I'm not sure what this means, but he made the ifrit up. His real origin was describd -- at least roughly -- in #658.

I know it doesnt exactly fit iwth the old man of the mountain deal as much, but it sounds like a cool idea doesn't it?

The ifrit origin was meant to sound cool, but it didn't happen.

kdb

[Froggy]

I'm not sure what this means, but he made the ifrit up. His real origin was describd -- at least roughly -- in #658.



The ifrit origin was meant to sound cool, but it didn't happen.

kdb
I meant to say that, what if sirocco was the ifrit, just in a diff form? I was suggesting that since a Ifrit is suppose to be able to change shape.


I figured that origin didn't happen since supes said he lied, but I thought it would've been cool, that's all. Can't wait for the next issue with the young gods, want to see what you come up with.i've been really liking superman so far

[Carter Hall]

My local comic shop is having a sale right now and I have picked up basically the entire Busiek/Pacheco run thusfar. I think the writing has been solid, the art's great and I like where this book is going (in addition to the Redemption story in Action). This book now has one more regular reader.

Kurt, props on really understanding Superman's character. In this, he's still a nice guy, smart, powerful, and still modest as Clark Kent. I hate when he's written to be too weak, too bland, or a loose-canon (the knee-jerk reaction to those). The overarching story is very intriguing, too. Keep up the great work!

[Carter Hall]

By the way, I haven't bought 660 because it didn't look very interesting. Is it just a stand-alone story, or is it part of the arcplot? The preview for 663 does mention the Prankster.

[Kurt Busiek]

By the way, I haven't bought 660 because it didn't look very interesting. Is it just a stand-alone story, or is it part of the arcplot?

Both.

kdb

[steve2275]

pacheo;s art was a grand slam this issue

[The Shadow]

Hey Kurt... long time fan of both your storues and Pacheco's art.

I have a request: Kurt Busiek+Carlos Pacheco=Zatanna series!!!

Or at least many more Zatanna guest appearances while you and Carlos are teamed together!

Great issue. I like that it's tied into an overarching story. This is how comics (IMO anyway) were meant to be written.

Great stuff... thanks!!!

[Harding Prime]

I can't put my finger out but I really love this issue... Being the continuty nerd that I am I loved how they mentioned the Biazzaro fight and how the featured Chris...

I agree, I too am a continuity nerd and talking to Kurt before on these threads has helped me figure out where everything is intertwining and I love that. It is a rarity in most of today's comics. Thanks Kurt!

[Harding Prime]

Hey Kurt, can you shed some light on what comics are apart of this story arc and when it might be ending?

[Kurt Busiek]

Hey Kurt, can you shed some light on what comics are apart of this story arc and when it might be ending?

What do you mean?

kdb

[Spamotron]

I think he's asking roughly when the Camelot Falls Arc ends and if until it ends all the issues will have ties ins to it or if some will be completely unrelated. And if some are completely unrelated which ones?

That about it Harding Prime?

[Harding Prime]

Yea, just confused with the timeline a smich after the Camelot Falls HC came out like the week after the 659. LOL, just was wondering about the beginning and the possible end books.

[Kurt Busiek]

I think he's asking roughly when the Camelot Falls Arc ends and if until it ends all the issues will have ties ins to it or if some will be completely unrelated. And if some are completely unrelated which ones?

That about it Harding Prime?

The finale is in #668 -- #665 and 666 are not part of the CF story, though.

kdb

[Harding Prime]

The finale is in #668 -- #665 and 666 are not part of the CF story, though.

kdb

Awesome, thanks for the clarification.:D