Superman #214

[Lurker]

Thoughts, anyone?

Major revelations in this issue with one more left to go. Orr's ultimate role in all this still remains a mystery while he continues in his quest for the award of comic's biggest dick. What's happening to the priest now is chessy while still remaining awfully repugnent which I quess is the gist. We also learn who is real and who is a robot along with the revelation of masterbatory use of a Superman II power. Finally, Zod does not disappoint with the reveal of how the vanishing device entered the DCU and backing up talk with some serious walk.

[Mon-el]

I'll bite.

While this was a classic Superhero vs. Supervillian battle it did explain alot of background. I loved the fact General Zod pretty much beat Superman hands down while Superman reflected to what he has done. I also enjoyed how General Zod came to Metropia only to send back the Orb so that he would one day face the seed of his hate.

What's happening to the priest now is chessy while still remaining awfully repugnent which I quess is the gist.

This was a big revelation to me.
I am not going to use spoiler tags since the issue is out.

I didn't think this part was cheesy considering this is Relevant to the whole DCU. People have been guessing for months now that with the start of Countdown that somehow Blue Beetle would be the OMAC instead of the Priest. It also casts some light to the Orr/Lex Luthor relationship in Lex Luthor Man of Steel. Plus now that we now know that the priest is now OMAC this bears weight to Countdown/OMAC/DC villians United with the Cabal.

I thought this was a great Issue of Superman maybe because of the background that was involved with the Issue.

[Lightbend]

Okay, okay.

I know, it's been a while since we've had a good version but...well...

I just gotta.

Ahem.


KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!

Okay, I feel better now.

[vantheman77]

Since the priest is OMAC, does this story take place one year after the
upcoming OMAC Project?

[Mon-el]

Since the priest is OMAC, does this story take place one year after the
upcoming OMAC Project?

This is a assumption.

I see Time is catching up towards the book since since the arc is soon to tie up.

[Lurker]

I didn't think this part was cheesy considering this is Relevant to the whole DCU. People have been guessing for months now that with the start of Countdown that somehow Blue Beetle would be the OMAC instead of the Priest. It also casts some light to the Orr/Lex Luthor relationship in Lex Luthor Man of Steel. Plus now that we now know that the priest is now OMAC this bears weight to Countdown/OMAC/DC villians United with the Cabal.

Well, I didn't read Luthor and am not in the loop with OMAC. Can someone provide some 411 on that?

[Mon-el]

Well, I didn't read Luthor and am not in the loop with OMAC. Can someone provide some 411 on that?

Ok I'll try to help you out.

OMAC is rather hard to kinda explain. Back in the day it was a Sci Fi futuristic Comic

O.M.A.C. means One Man Army Corps. The only Issues I have are Kirby's and I havent read those in 20 some odd years. The Latest version was Paul Pope did a recreation of Kirby's O.M.A.C origins in Solo #3 and before that he was in Byrne's Superman/Batman Generations III.

Here's April Solicitations:
Spinning from the events of DC COUNTDOWN and IDENTITY CRISIS, a crackerjack thriller by Greg Rucka (ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN) comes to life in the brooding, gorgeous art of Jesus Saiz (MANHUNTER) in a 6-issue miniseries featuring covers by Jose Ladr�nn that can't be missed!
Every hero and villain in the DCU is under the gaze of an unbelievably powerful spy satellite. It's a technological marvel that answers to only one person - and he's got plans for it that are completely unknown to the superspy organization he controls: Checkmate!
In a world where men can fly and melt metal with their eyes, there's now an army created specifically as an answer to them: a One Man Army Corps. Batman and an old ally are about to learn the chilling truth behind the OMAC Project - but will they work with or against each other?

I think the best solution I can offer is muddle through and search the DCU boards here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/search.php?searchid=451744). Or I googled a search that that gives you a OMAC index/snyopsis at here (http://darkmark6.tripod.com/omac_index.html).

I hope those help.

Moving on To Orr in Lex Luthor Man of Steel.

Orr is hired by Luthor to watch over a Doctor Federov. Apparently Dr Federov was kidnapped by the Hasballah. Luther supplied Intel to Orr to intercept them before they got out of Checknya. The Doctor is relieved to find out that it was Luthor that saved him. The doctor wanted to retire and Luthor now informs him that hes very bad situation that his name is out there and men want to know whats in his head. Luthor convinces that he would be safe in Metropolis with Luthor protecting him.

All in all I think Luthor set up the Kidnapping just so that the good Doctor would warm up and feel secure about using his research for Lexcorp. The Doctor wants his research to be used for the Betterment of Mankind, But we all know Luthor, dont we.

[choisez]

...what doesn't want to be saved, can't be.
Superman #214

Right from the cover, Superman, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, & Alex Sinclair all come out swinging and I loved it. It's not one of those iconic covers where Superman's just posing for the camera. It's in-your-face. It's full of energy. It's Superman letting loose with his full might - He's putting everything he's got into that punch, including a blast of heat vision for good measure. It's just one of those covers that makes me want to pick it up and see what's going on. And whenever I see Superman wrapped in chains, I think of that classic pose where he's breaking free of them.

Inside, there's plenty more fighting, but with the exception of a sweet double-page spread early on, none of it has the same impact as that cover does. (It's cool to see them both using their heat vision on each other too, with Zod's piercing right through Superman.) Instead, General Zod beats Superman up and down and explains who he is and how he found his way to Metropia. That's the name of this faraway place that's just the latest battleground Superman himself has created out of the Phantom Zone. It wasn't supposed to be this violent or conflicted, but that's what happens when it falls into the wrong hands.

Struggling with the same question Jor-el faced when Krypton was doomed to explode, Superman wonders what he would do if his world was on the brink of destruction and how could he save, not only his own child, but everyone else on the planet Earth too. This leads him to create Metropia, but Zod's corrupted this sanctuary and turned it against him. Zod's basically the devil in Superman's little bit of Heaven.

At the same time, Mr. Orr's finally come through on his end of the bargain and cured Father Leone's cancer by turning him into the latest One Man Army Corps IV. Equus bears the number III on his chest, so it's not hard to imagine what's in store for him. Leone's also sporting the latest improvements, including the magical sword/daggar that Delilah gave Wonder Woman to fight Superman a couple issues back. This time, it's been embedded in his forearm, but the men pulling Orr's strings have changed their mind about Father Leone, so who knows what they have planned for him next.

The issue ends with Superman making a last ditch effort for help by sending the vanishing machine directly to Father Leone, so it looks like he's gonna join the fray soon, all suped-up and ready for action too. The man of the cloth becoming another cybernetic man of steel.

Azzarello's work here definitely rewards repeated readings too. This issue wasn't exactly the slugfest I was hoping for, but while Jim's drawing Superman and Zod going at it, Azzarello's adding in another layer to Superman's motivations and more importantly his realization that "...what doesn't want to be saved, can't be." Superman and Lois had decided to keep the existence of Metropia a secret, but he let one person know about it and I think that one person was Zod. "When I found the orb, I was confounded, then...I smelled you on it."

When Superman first visits Metropia, he also felt ashamed. "What I'd done was created what no man--super or otherwise--had any right to create." I think he finally realized that there's only so much he can do. There has to be a limit, so consciously or not, he wanted Zod to challenge him in Metropia. "So, I meditated...concentrated...and I washed it from my mind." And as much as Zod wants Superman to hate him and even after taking a serious beating from him, Superman still doesn't, "I swear on my father's life I won't." Another revelation here is that Jor-el didn't fail to save Krypton.

"And for the first time in my life, I understand how my father must have felt..." Jor-el couldn't save his world, because they didn't want to believe their world was doomed. He was the greatest scientist Krypton had, but no one would believe him. That's been Azzarello's theme all along: Belief. Jor-el couldn't make people believe in him, so he created someone everyone would believe in: Superman. "...I became my father's greatest creation." But just because he exists doesn't mean he always has to save everyone. Sometimes he can only inspire people to save themselves.

Sure, he can try to cure Father Leone's cancer, but he won't. And only after he'd created a way to save his whole planet, does he realize he's overstepped his bounds and done something he shouldn'tve. Even with the power to save mankind, a miracle in of itself, there are some things people just need to do for themselves. Maybe Father Leone can't cure his own cancer, but maybe one day someone will. If Superman did everything for everyone, what would we do for ourselves? His greatest ability may be to empower those who believe in themselves.

That's certainly a lot more than what I was expecting to get out of this series and I had my doubts from issue-to-issue, but I guess I should've just put my faith in them and believed.

And did I mention how much I like the cover?

-Eddy
Art of Jim Lee (http://groups.msn.com/artofjimlee)
Art of Travis Charest (http://groups.msn.com/travischarest)
Art of Lee Bermejo (http://groups.msn.com/leebermejo)

[the_big_billbowski]

I'm still confused as to where Zod came from. Is he the same Zod from the Return to Krypton storyline? The one where Superman Used the Phantom Zone to visit a much different Krypton than he was always told about. And didnt that turn out to be a creation of Brianiacs? I"m so damn confused. Definetly gonna need a re read once the final issue comes out.

[superlurker]

I'm still confused as to where Zod came from. Is he the same Zod from the Return to Krypton storyline? The one where Superman Used the Phantom Zone to visit a much different Krypton than he was always told about. And didnt that turn out to be a creation of Brianiacs? I"m so damn confused. Definetly gonna need a re read once the final issue comes out.

None of the above. This is, for now, the _real_ Zod, from the _real_ Krypton. Not from the Phantom Zone, not from a pocket universe, not a human altered to be like Superman. Those may not even be in continuity any more. Superman certainly doesn't give them a second thought, or ask 'why yet ANOTHER Zod?'

[superlurker]

Azzarello's work here definitely rewards repeated readings too. This issue wasn't exactly the slugfest I was hoping for, but while Jim's drawing Superman and Zod going at it, Azzarello's adding in another layer to Superman's motivations and more importantly his realization that "...what doesn't want to be saved, can't be." Superman and Lois had decided to keep the existence of Metropia a secret, but he let one person know about it and I think that one person was Zod.

I think it was Lois. Superman forgot it himself, but there's no indication he made Lois forget. He didn't know about Zod's existence at the time, so I strongly doubt that idea entered his mind in any way. Also remember how Lois said she could tell him about the place in the last issue -- as much as, or more than, the android watchers could.

[Lurker]

Thanks for the info, Mon-el, and I agree with Superlurker: Lois was the one who knew.

Things have definitely kicked up a notch since Supes entered "the Vanishing" himself. Seems like my "Tyler Durden" theory was on the right track and it looks like Orr is just an ass. The biggest question I ponder now is how will Superman address/react to what happened to Father Leone since he chose him as his confessor? And, of course, will Zod be set loose in DCU proper!?!

[the_big_billbowski]

None of the above. This is, for now, the _real_ Zod, from the _real_ Krypton. Not from the Phantom Zone, not from a pocket universe, not a human altered to be like Superman. Those may not even be in continuity any more. Superman certainly doesn't give them a second thought, or ask 'why yet ANOTHER Zod?'

Thanks. Now the question is, how did the real Zod get there. Also I liked the builed up of the human altered to be like Superman Zod way better. Even liked his custome better. Just thought it ended horribly, presumably to make way for this "real" Zod. Thing is, with all these other Zod out there, especially lately it seems, the revelation of this Zod is kind of a let down. I hope he does stick around and become a player, unlike the other incarnations.

[tymac]

This Zod looks like he's from the "Birthright" version of Krypton. He is in the Phantom zone, and it looks like Jor-El sent him there.

I would like to know how he got progressively younger from the time he was sent in. Look at the drawing in the flashback, he's geriatic when he's with Jor-El. Is the yellow sun in the created Metropia the cause?

[EZMOHR]

This Zod looks like he's from the "Birthright" version of Krypton. He is in the Phantom zone, and it looks like Jor-El sent him there.

I would like to know how he got progressively younger from the time he was sent in. Look at the drawing in the flashback, he's geriatic when he's with Jor-El. Is the yellow sun in the created Metropia the cause?


Yeah I wondered how he went from older to younger in the flashbacks. I did not like this story at first....but have grown fond of it. Going back and reading the other issues has been fun. This was a good arc.

[Sean Whitmore]

Seems to me if this issue had come out 5 or 6 months ago, "For Tomorrow" would be getting a lot less flak.

As for the OMAC thing, are you guys sure? I know nothing about OMAC, but I'd think Azzarello would want to keep his story pretty much self-contained. He doesn't strike me as the type to be dropping clues and creating subplots for a company-wide crossover event. :confused:


SEAN

[choisez]

I think it was Lois. Superman forgot it himself, but there's no indication he made Lois forget. He didn't know about Zod's existence at the time, so I strongly doubt that idea entered his mind in any way. Also remember how Lois said she could tell him about the place in the last issue -- as much as, or more than, the android watchers could.

Good point, although wouldn't Superman know about Zod being in the Phantom Zone, since that's what he initially used to create this new utopia?

I do think Lois remembers the place as you said, but I don't think he sent it to her either.

Maybe it's someone else altogether?

And does anyone else think General Zod looks a lot like General Nox? Compare Superman #207 pg. 12, panel 6 to Superman #214, pg. 17, panel 7 and they're both in the same close-up pose.

-Eddy

[cactusmaac]

That's not him.

Nox is the guy with the staff who calls him Superman.

And Zod's been drawn to look like Terence Stamp with a beard.

[Lurker]

Thanks. Now the question is, how did the real Zod get there.

Re-read the issue, Zod tells Supes how he got there in flashback.

Also I liked the builed up of the human altered to be like Superman Zod way better. Even liked his custome better. Just thought it ended horribly, presumably to make way for this "real" Zod. Thing is, with all these other Zod out there, especially lately it seems, the revelation of this Zod is kind of a let down. I hope he does stick around and become a player, unlike the other incarnations.

I freakin love Zod's "Z. "IMHO, a Zod who is not the real deal steel is a letdown.

[Yoda]

As for the OMAC thing, are you guys sure? I know nothing about OMAC, but I'd think Azzarello would want to keep his story pretty much self-contained. He doesn't strike me as the type to be dropping clues and creating subplots for a company-wide crossover event. :confused:


SEAN

At the end of the scene with Orr and the mystery men they say that they are taking the OMAC project in another direction. Which I took to mean that the Priest/OMAC IV are not going to be used at all, at least by whoever hired Orr. So theres probably going to be some connection to the OMAC mini, but not a direct one.

And they have said from the beginning that the three Superman books though not working on the same timeline were building towards something connected. So while Azz probably did write his story to be self contained, it doesnt really stop the rest from building on it.

[superlurker]

Well, timeline-wise, the Superman title is taking place a year or so into the future. I doubt Countdown is going to make a jump like that, and OMAC is supposed to start 30 seconds before the end of Countdown, timeline-wise. (One of the creators mentioned that in an interview, which led me to speculate if Countdown involves a literal countdown to the launch of Brother Eye or something. Then again, another little tidbit was that Brother Eye may not be new, so that one was probably off.) Now, Orr mentioned OMACs V2 and V3 being psychotic, but there was nothing said about V1.

If DC does make this big jump in Countdown, all bets are off. Otherwise, the OMAC mini seems likely to center on V1, maybe V2 -- with the priest -- V4, and whatever they were talking about (V5?) belonging to the future, not to the OMAC mini. Of course, there could be jumps within the OMAC mini as well, for that matter.

[IamtheRock3]

I still dont get why supes brough all those people to the place and only them

was it a test run.

[jade_nova]

So Metropia is located in the Phantom Zone? That is so amazing. I want to know how it was made.

[Daniel Lewis]

That's not him.

Nox is the guy with the staff who calls him Superman.

And Zod's been drawn to look like Terence Stamp with a beard.


And as every good fanboy knows,

Terence Stamp IS Zod. :evilsmile

[cactusmaac]

http://www.generalzod.net/ :)

[Yoda]

Well, timeline-wise, the Superman title is taking place a year or so into the future. I doubt Countdown is going to make a jump like that, and OMAC is supposed to start 30 seconds before the end of Countdown, timeline-wise. (One of the creators mentioned that in an interview, which led me to speculate if Countdown involves a literal countdown to the launch of Brother Eye or something. Then again, another little tidbit was that Brother Eye may not be new, so that one was probably off.) Now, Orr mentioned OMACs V2 and V3 being psychotic, but there was nothing said about V1.

If DC does make this big jump in Countdown, all bets are off. Otherwise, the OMAC mini seems likely to center on V1, maybe V2 -- with the priest -- V4, and whatever they were talking about (V5?) belonging to the future, not to the OMAC mini. Of course, there could be jumps within the OMAC mini as well, for that matter.

But like someone said before, Superman was a year ahead a year ago. Right now they could all be in the process of catching up with each other and Countdown starts off post-vanishing.

V3 was Equus, the "skeletal wings of a fallen angel" that were implanted in his arms are why Equus was able to cut Superman. It's all tying together now. We have no idea who V1 & 2 are. The Brother Eye could be the "new direction" they were talking about.

[TJ Shoun]

I think "the only one" was Lois too...

So how did Supes erase his own memory?

Other than that, I love this arc.

Good post choisez. Although I do think Azz has been overly pretentious just for pretention's sake in some places, for the most part I've really dug the theme's he's introduced and the glimpse into Supes' mind and motivations.

And btw, this reads much better in one sitting than in monthly chapters. :)

[Stanlos]

Thoughts, anyone?

Major revelations in this issue with one more left to go. Orr's ultimate role in all this still remains a mystery while he continues in his quest for the award of comic's biggest dick. What's happening to the priest now is chessy while still remaining awfully repugnent which I quess is the gist. We also learn who is real and who is a robot along with the revelation of masterbatory use of a Superman II power. Finally, Zod does not disappoint with the reveal of how the vanishing device entered the DCU and backing up talk with some serious walk.

So, Orr isn't OMAC?

[chriskenny]

Can someone explain whether the Lex mini takes place before or after For Tomorrow? And whether Lex is legitimate or still a criminal at large? The first issue only makes sense if it takes place at the beginning or just before the Loeb-Kelly-Casey-Schultz run.

[Polar Bear]

Wow. This run, once edging towards my "drop" list, is now near the top. Can't wait for that final installment, when I'll sit down for the "definitive" re-read.

Some questions:
1) Are the current issues of Superman 12 months in continuity ahead of the concurrently-published Action/Adventures, or was that only true at the beginning of the arc, with A/A catching up on Superman continuity-wise?
2) Is the Vanishing going to happen to the entire D.C. Universe, like, any week now? (Next Wednesday, perhaps?)
3) Notice the globular machine Superman made? Remember the eye-looking maching "looking" at Batman on the cover of the upcoming OMAC #1? Are these the same machine?

[Lurker]

Some questions:
1) Are the current issues of Superman 12 months in continuity ahead of the concurrently-published Action/Adventures, or was that only true at the beginning of the arc, with A/A catching up on Superman continuity-wise?
2) Is the Vanishing going to happen to the entire D.C. Universe, like, any week now? (Next Wednesday, perhaps?)
3) Notice the globular machine Superman made? Remember the eye-looking maching "looking" at Batman on the cover of the upcoming OMAC #1? Are these the same machine?

Some answers, err ... maybe not:
1) That'll probally be left up to throw away lines in future editions in all three books.
2)The fallout of IDC for the Justice League has not even been addressed yet, and won't be till June's issue, so just in what order things happen in the DCU compared to when such events are actually published in real time, Only Dan Didio knows probally.
3)No.