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Superman by Kurt Busiek #1
Superman: Up, Up, and Away (Superman
No one has seen or heard from the Man of Steel in this collection from iconic writers Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns.
As Clark Kent concentrates on his career, the need for the Man of Steel is stronger than ever-especially now that Lex Luthor has returned to Metropolis with his thirst for power fully intact!
Collects SUPERMAN #650-653 and ACTION COMICS #837-840.
As Clark Kent concentrates on his career, the need for the Man of Steel is stronger than ever-especially now that Lex Luthor has returned to Metropolis with his thirst for power fully intact!
Collects SUPERMAN #650-653 and ACTION COMICS #837-840.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2006
22 people are currently reading
1646 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,859 books626 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 98 reviews
October 8, 2014
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no – it’s that rarest of beasts: a good Superman book!
Whether or not you enjoy this book comes down to how you feel about classic Superman. By that I mean classic outfit, demeanour, and world setting – he isn’t the dickish New 52 Superman or the psychotic Injustice Superman or a combination of both in JMS’s Earth One Superman; he’s the true blue hero of yesteryear. If that character’s not your bag, you’re unlikely to enjoy Up, Up and Away! If you do like the original guy though, you’ll really like this one, like I did.
It’s a year after Infinite Crisis when Superman lost his powers. He’s been plain old Clark Kent for a while and his life post-Superman is actually pretty great. He’s become a dependable journalist (much to Perry’s delight), he’s spending more time with his wife, Lois Lane, and he’s enjoying the little things like pretzels slathered with mustard (apparently his favourite snack!). Metropolis is doing fine without Superman as Supergirl has stepped up as the city’s new protector, but Lex Luthor, now ex-president and bribed out of criminal charges, is free and Superman’s brief holiday is about to come to an end.
What makes this such a good Superman book is the well-balanced character study split down the middle – first half, Clark Kent, second half Superman. Usually the focus is more on the Superman side so it was great to see Clark get a lot of the page count for a change.
Clark is made vulnerable and is unable to deal with problems the usual way: transform into Superman, punch the villain out, use superpowers to solve the problem. Now, he’s got to rely on other superheroes, if they’re around, like Supergirl, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, or else deal with the situation by putting himself in danger regardless of the (now very real) possibility of death – the mark of a true hero.
Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns have created a fantastic situation and make the most of this opportunity for a much more involved read. Not least because the common complaint about Superman is that he’s boringly invincible and difficult to relate to because he’s essentially a god. Well, all of a sudden he’s humanised in more ways than one, and by developing his new life, Clark’s character resonates more deeply for the audience.
Busiek/Johns also bring back long-forgotten villains like the Prankster, who uses refrigerators and Walk/Don’t Walk signs to cause havoc in downtown Metropolis (a very Batman ’66 moment!). Normally a silly bad guy like him wouldn’t cause much trouble for Superman – but Clark? It’s a whole new ballgame! In this book, the villains aren’t the story like they usually are – Clark is. They’re there to further explore and challenge Clark’s newly depowered status, and it works really well.
The first half of the book is excellent but the second half takes a bit of a dip. Clark gets his superpowers back just like that! No real reason, they just appear one day. It’s a bit disappointing. And from there, Superman’s world is quickly brought back in line with the pre-established version: Superman’s Fortress of Solitude reappears, Jimmy Olsen is given the signal watch back, Lex goes from being the ruthless corporate businessman to his mad scientist role from way back when, and Clark is the unreliable reporter. The swiftness of reinstating the status quo is a bit too neat for my liking. That’s not to say it’s the worst it’s just that it feels at odds with the freshness of the first half of the book.
And speaking of Superman’s return, there’s a gut-wrenching moment that reminded me of the dismal Superman Returns movie. Lex begins his punishment of Metropolis using kryptonite and giant shards of the crystal sprout up across the city, similar to that scene in the movie when the same thing happens. Fortunately this is the only instance where the comic bears any similarity to that movie!
Besides that, this book has one of the best Superman/Lex fights ever. From the epic battle between Superman and the Lex-piloted giant morphing Kryptonian robot to Superman being temporarily depowered to the level of a human and the two fist-fighting on the Metropolis docks, it’s a brilliantly plotted fight that gets to the core of the characters’ conflict. Even Jimmy has a part to play in Superman’s victory which was a nice touch from Busiek/Johns.
Up, Up and Away! is a well-written character study showcasing what readers love about Superman as well as building up his personality as Clark Kent for those who feel that side to him has been underdeveloped. It’s entertaining, it’s smart, and it’s a strong Superman book – Kurt Busiek and co. bring it with this story arc! Fans of the real Superman will really like this.
Whether or not you enjoy this book comes down to how you feel about classic Superman. By that I mean classic outfit, demeanour, and world setting – he isn’t the dickish New 52 Superman or the psychotic Injustice Superman or a combination of both in JMS’s Earth One Superman; he’s the true blue hero of yesteryear. If that character’s not your bag, you’re unlikely to enjoy Up, Up and Away! If you do like the original guy though, you’ll really like this one, like I did.
It’s a year after Infinite Crisis when Superman lost his powers. He’s been plain old Clark Kent for a while and his life post-Superman is actually pretty great. He’s become a dependable journalist (much to Perry’s delight), he’s spending more time with his wife, Lois Lane, and he’s enjoying the little things like pretzels slathered with mustard (apparently his favourite snack!). Metropolis is doing fine without Superman as Supergirl has stepped up as the city’s new protector, but Lex Luthor, now ex-president and bribed out of criminal charges, is free and Superman’s brief holiday is about to come to an end.
What makes this such a good Superman book is the well-balanced character study split down the middle – first half, Clark Kent, second half Superman. Usually the focus is more on the Superman side so it was great to see Clark get a lot of the page count for a change.
Clark is made vulnerable and is unable to deal with problems the usual way: transform into Superman, punch the villain out, use superpowers to solve the problem. Now, he’s got to rely on other superheroes, if they’re around, like Supergirl, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, or else deal with the situation by putting himself in danger regardless of the (now very real) possibility of death – the mark of a true hero.
Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns have created a fantastic situation and make the most of this opportunity for a much more involved read. Not least because the common complaint about Superman is that he’s boringly invincible and difficult to relate to because he’s essentially a god. Well, all of a sudden he’s humanised in more ways than one, and by developing his new life, Clark’s character resonates more deeply for the audience.
Busiek/Johns also bring back long-forgotten villains like the Prankster, who uses refrigerators and Walk/Don’t Walk signs to cause havoc in downtown Metropolis (a very Batman ’66 moment!). Normally a silly bad guy like him wouldn’t cause much trouble for Superman – but Clark? It’s a whole new ballgame! In this book, the villains aren’t the story like they usually are – Clark is. They’re there to further explore and challenge Clark’s newly depowered status, and it works really well.
The first half of the book is excellent but the second half takes a bit of a dip. Clark gets his superpowers back just like that! No real reason, they just appear one day. It’s a bit disappointing. And from there, Superman’s world is quickly brought back in line with the pre-established version: Superman’s Fortress of Solitude reappears, Jimmy Olsen is given the signal watch back, Lex goes from being the ruthless corporate businessman to his mad scientist role from way back when, and Clark is the unreliable reporter. The swiftness of reinstating the status quo is a bit too neat for my liking. That’s not to say it’s the worst it’s just that it feels at odds with the freshness of the first half of the book.
And speaking of Superman’s return, there’s a gut-wrenching moment that reminded me of the dismal Superman Returns movie. Lex begins his punishment of Metropolis using kryptonite and giant shards of the crystal sprout up across the city, similar to that scene in the movie when the same thing happens. Fortunately this is the only instance where the comic bears any similarity to that movie!
Besides that, this book has one of the best Superman/Lex fights ever. From the epic battle between Superman and the Lex-piloted giant morphing Kryptonian robot to Superman being temporarily depowered to the level of a human and the two fist-fighting on the Metropolis docks, it’s a brilliantly plotted fight that gets to the core of the characters’ conflict. Even Jimmy has a part to play in Superman’s victory which was a nice touch from Busiek/Johns.
Up, Up and Away! is a well-written character study showcasing what readers love about Superman as well as building up his personality as Clark Kent for those who feel that side to him has been underdeveloped. It’s entertaining, it’s smart, and it’s a strong Superman book – Kurt Busiek and co. bring it with this story arc! Fans of the real Superman will really like this.
September 3, 2018
So I love Kurt Busiek work usually, and I'm a fan of Superman, so this should be a slam dunk right?
Superman doesn't have powers. After the events of Infinite Crisis he lost them. So he's trying to be the reporter he always wanted to be with his wife. However, soon Lex returns to begin his evil plotting as well as a world without superman having trouble adjusting. Half way through, no big spoilers, Superman regains his powers and begins the rebirth, in a way, of our caped hero.
Good: I enjoyed the art, and the moments with Clark and Lois was amazing. I really dug the idea of Clark using his smarts for once to out do his villains instead of pure power, least for the first half.
Bad: The pacing felt disjointed. Overly long build up for not a major payoff. Lex's plans seemed meh, the fights not all that interesting, and honestly the overall plot felt too saturday morning cartoon for me.
This wasn't all that great. Busiek wrote a much better superman tale, one of my favorite, called secret identity. I recommend that one 100%!!! This is a 2.5 out of 5.
Superman doesn't have powers. After the events of Infinite Crisis he lost them. So he's trying to be the reporter he always wanted to be with his wife. However, soon Lex returns to begin his evil plotting as well as a world without superman having trouble adjusting. Half way through, no big spoilers, Superman regains his powers and begins the rebirth, in a way, of our caped hero.
Good: I enjoyed the art, and the moments with Clark and Lois was amazing. I really dug the idea of Clark using his smarts for once to out do his villains instead of pure power, least for the first half.
Bad: The pacing felt disjointed. Overly long build up for not a major payoff. Lex's plans seemed meh, the fights not all that interesting, and honestly the overall plot felt too saturday morning cartoon for me.
This wasn't all that great. Busiek wrote a much better superman tale, one of my favorite, called secret identity. I recommend that one 100%!!! This is a 2.5 out of 5.
October 4, 2022
A book that tries its best to embody 'Superman is what I can do, Clark is who I am'. The characterisations definitely shine here, with Clark getting to show who he is behind the powers. Whilst Supes might be powerless, Clark proves that he can be impactful as a regular person, becoming a 'pen is mightier than the sword' kind of fighter; he shows just as much heart, gut, and heroics even though he's not in a position of physical power anymore. However, the plot could definitely use some work. It's very generic, oddly paced at times, and utilises Lex Luthor in a predictable fashion. Points for character, but a let down narratively, Busiek gives it a damn good go and almost succeeds in making a great Superman adventure.
June 26, 2012
I think Busiek did a really nice job with this one. A very nice story that centers more around the character of Superman, rather than the action of people fighting all the time. That's a big problem with a lot of the mainstream superhero comics, in my opinion. Too much action, not enough character and story....
May 28, 2021
This is probably one of my favorite Superman stories ever! It starts off with the time of that one year when Superman lost his powers but became a great reporter and started spending more time with his wife Lois and stuff happens like when random villains attack including the Intergang goons who come after him for exposing them, he has to call in Hal and Kendra but then he realizes he can help in other ways. Meanwhile Lex is making more villainous plans using Kryptonite man and Metallo and sunstone crystals to take down Superman and soo the story is mostly how will Clark stop him? Will his powers return and at what cost? It all gets answered here and the fight between him and Lex is one of the greatest ever and just shows the maniacal genius he is and the art compliments it so well, its crystal clear and gorgeous to marvel at! Plus Johns writing is so fluid he introduces familiar things but in new ways really well!
December 22, 2017
A very good Superman book with exceptional focus on the character of Clark as a reporter and a superhero, and his relationships with everyone around him — Lois, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White and Lex Luthor. The pacing is a bit wonky and the artwork may not be to everyone's liking, but the story is full of fun twists and turns, and the character work is absolutely incredible.
September 8, 2015
Easily the worst damn Superman cover ever! Moving past the cover however it's a very good book.
April 13, 2013
Every couple years somebody comes along and does a story that reminds you just how cool Superman is.
After the events of a really over hyped event mini-series that you don't want to bother to read, Superman has lost his powers and is actually enjoying just being mild mannered reporter Clark Kent. He writes, gets soft pretzils from street venders and spends quality time with his wife.
Then things start to go bad, villains keep popping up, Lex Luthor has given up that stupid evil business man thing and is back in full blown mad scientist mode and Clark realizes that the world needs Superman.
Really good stuff rebuilding Superman's rogues gallery, reminding us what a great supporting cast he has and the Luthor/Superman fight at the end is one of the best, and contains several bits of the most brilliant bits of dialogue summing up the Lex/Superman relationship.
Just a great story that manages to balance some nice character moments with some huge, big screen 'man, that is cool!' action.
After the events of a really over hyped event mini-series that you don't want to bother to read, Superman has lost his powers and is actually enjoying just being mild mannered reporter Clark Kent. He writes, gets soft pretzils from street venders and spends quality time with his wife.
Then things start to go bad, villains keep popping up, Lex Luthor has given up that stupid evil business man thing and is back in full blown mad scientist mode and Clark realizes that the world needs Superman.
Really good stuff rebuilding Superman's rogues gallery, reminding us what a great supporting cast he has and the Luthor/Superman fight at the end is one of the best, and contains several bits of the most brilliant bits of dialogue summing up the Lex/Superman relationship.
Just a great story that manages to balance some nice character moments with some huge, big screen 'man, that is cool!' action.
January 14, 2026
Mission 2026: Binge reviewing all previous Reads, I was too slothful to review back when I read them
Busiek’s Up, Up, and Away! is a story about return—not just of powers, but of confidence, identity, and narrative coherence.
It begins with a Superman who has lost his abilities and ends with one who has rediscovered not only strength, but purpose.
What I appreciated was how gently Busiek handles this restoration. Power comes back gradually, almost tentatively, as if even Superman must relearn trust in himself.
The emotional core of the book lies in Clark Kent’s ordinariness during his powerless phase.
Busiek lingers on small humiliations, quiet fears, and moral uncertainties. Without invincibility, Clark’s goodness is tested rather than assumed. That vulnerability humanizes him without diminishing his stature.
When Superman finally returns in full, the moment feels earned—not triumphant, but steady.
There is no operatic announcement, no cosmic fireworks. Instead, there is relief.
The world breathes again. That tonal choice struck me as deeply respectful of the character’s symbolic role.
Superman’s presence isn’t exciting; it’s stabilizing.
The book doesn’t radically redefine Superman, but it doesn’t need to. It restores him like one restores a landmark—not improved, but reaffirmed.
By the end, I felt reminded why Superman matters, not because he dazzles, but because he reassures.
Most recommended.
Busiek’s Up, Up, and Away! is a story about return—not just of powers, but of confidence, identity, and narrative coherence.
It begins with a Superman who has lost his abilities and ends with one who has rediscovered not only strength, but purpose.
What I appreciated was how gently Busiek handles this restoration. Power comes back gradually, almost tentatively, as if even Superman must relearn trust in himself.
The emotional core of the book lies in Clark Kent’s ordinariness during his powerless phase.
Busiek lingers on small humiliations, quiet fears, and moral uncertainties. Without invincibility, Clark’s goodness is tested rather than assumed. That vulnerability humanizes him without diminishing his stature.
When Superman finally returns in full, the moment feels earned—not triumphant, but steady.
There is no operatic announcement, no cosmic fireworks. Instead, there is relief.
The world breathes again. That tonal choice struck me as deeply respectful of the character’s symbolic role.
Superman’s presence isn’t exciting; it’s stabilizing.
The book doesn’t radically redefine Superman, but it doesn’t need to. It restores him like one restores a landmark—not improved, but reaffirmed.
By the end, I felt reminded why Superman matters, not because he dazzles, but because he reassures.
Most recommended.
February 2, 2012
I was very concerned with the status of this book series following the "One Year Later" status, but this was absolutely amazing as it returned Superman to his true level of super powers.
April 15, 2019
Not a bad comic by any means, reminded me of Spider-Man 2 where a big plot point his a loss of powers. But it was a bit paint by numbers as far as plot goes. The themes explored with Superman and Lex were done better in All Star Superman. But one thing I greatly appreciated was the nuanced moments with Clark and his civilian friends. Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Perry White are, in my mind, just as iconic. So this comic became really fun with them. Also, I kinda enjoyed when Clark had no powers versus when he got them back. It created a new tension for a characters we know cannot die suddenly become vulnerable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
mouais ok tier
June 9, 2018
Back in the '50s and '60s, I didn't know of another girl who read superhero comic books. Thankfully, the boys I knew didn't mind me borrowing their copies. I devoured DC comics by the stacks. I loved Batman, the Flash, Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman, but, mostly, I loved Superman. I liked that he came from a small town in Kansas, became a reporter for a newspaper, and loved a strong, brave woman named Lois Lane. Those were all peripherals to the person he was, however. He was decent, solid, and good. He fought for truth, justice, and the American way. He was a true hero.
When I became a teen, I put away my comics and became more interested in other things (boys, mostly). I didn't think much about comic books until I had children (which often follows when a girl gets interested in boys). When my son began to read, I picked up some Superman graphic novels (which looked suspiciously like comic books only they cost considerably more). I was excited to share Superman with my son. Unfortunately, the graphic novels didn't have my Superman in its pages. Instead of the true-blue hero, the new Superman was dark, conflicted, broody, and morally confused. He was more Peter Parker than Clark Kent. I didn't like the artwork, storyline, or the gritty Superman.
I didn't bother with comics after that experience until a friend recommended I try this offering by Busiek. Here, I found my old Superman. He was kind, thoughtful, and heroic--just the way he should be.
When I became a teen, I put away my comics and became more interested in other things (boys, mostly). I didn't think much about comic books until I had children (which often follows when a girl gets interested in boys). When my son began to read, I picked up some Superman graphic novels (which looked suspiciously like comic books only they cost considerably more). I was excited to share Superman with my son. Unfortunately, the graphic novels didn't have my Superman in its pages. Instead of the true-blue hero, the new Superman was dark, conflicted, broody, and morally confused. He was more Peter Parker than Clark Kent. I didn't like the artwork, storyline, or the gritty Superman.
I didn't bother with comics after that experience until a friend recommended I try this offering by Busiek. Here, I found my old Superman. He was kind, thoughtful, and heroic--just the way he should be.
February 7, 2012
In his continual quest to get me to care about Superman, my pusher bought me this for my birthday. It begins as the story of Clark Kent, Superman having lost his powers during Infinite SuperMegaCrisis or whatever. It's been a year of living as a norm, and...he kind of likes it. Lois likes it too. It was neat to see the character in this light, as well as his relationship with Lois. Truthfully, I could have read a whole book about that, but the title is Superman, not Clark Kent, so he has to get his powers back eventually. Yet what surprised me was that even that didn't feel like an eye-rolling reset of the status quo. Even that actually tied into the characterization and what makes Superman/Clark Kent who he is. In a way, the story is really a character study about not just who he is but why he does what he does. Toss in Lex Luthor at his Lex Luthor-est, and you've got a great book. It's a bit overstuffed with heroes and villains, but it's also highly accessible to new readers, since Clark helpfully explains who everyone is.
By the time I reached the last page, I had a startling, unexpected realization: I actually cared about Superman. Maybe I only want to read more Kurt Busiek/Geoff Johns Superman stories, but there you have it. This is a great book for Superman fans and non-Superman fans alike.
By the time I reached the last page, I had a startling, unexpected realization: I actually cared about Superman. Maybe I only want to read more Kurt Busiek/Geoff Johns Superman stories, but there you have it. This is a great book for Superman fans and non-Superman fans alike.
January 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was quite different for me. We start out by seeing Clark without powers. That makes him vulnerable and raises the stakes too while also putting him in some difficult situations. It was great seeing him adapt and to watch his civilian side. I love seeing the intrepid, determined journalist side of him that is dedicated towards truth and justice. We also get to see his courage as well as his love for humanity throughout the book also. Altogether, it was great seeing him make a difference without powers and the story, as well as his character arc, were great.
What I wasn't a fan of was the pacing. Part of the story, especially the second half, felt a bit rushed. Also, I didn't like how a climatic moment was broken up by flashbacks. This happened a couple times and it took me out of the story. There was also one moment were Lex Luthor rambled on and gave a lot of exposition. I think it would have helped the pacing if there was less telling, more showing, and making the flashbacks fit in more smoothly with the story.
Still though, the story is good. The artwork is solid as well. And, it was cool seeing some other superheroes. They never overshadowed Clark and it was neat to see them help out.
Overall, I enjoyed "Up, Up, and Away!" a lot and I recommend it.
What I wasn't a fan of was the pacing. Part of the story, especially the second half, felt a bit rushed. Also, I didn't like how a climatic moment was broken up by flashbacks. This happened a couple times and it took me out of the story. There was also one moment were Lex Luthor rambled on and gave a lot of exposition. I think it would have helped the pacing if there was less telling, more showing, and making the flashbacks fit in more smoothly with the story.
Still though, the story is good. The artwork is solid as well. And, it was cool seeing some other superheroes. They never overshadowed Clark and it was neat to see them help out.
Overall, I enjoyed "Up, Up, and Away!" a lot and I recommend it.
July 10, 2024
Superman: Up, Up, and Away
Following the events of the Infinite Crisis, Superman has disappeared from the skies of Metropolis. Clark Kent is settling into a human life and gaining accolades for the consistent quality of his journalism. A year has gone by and Lex Luthor has been released from prison on a technicality. Suddenly, the unthinkable happens. Clark feels his power returning. Is he ready to give up his human life and become Superman once more?
What a fabulous story, filled with humanity and the small details that make a 'Superman' story special. The quiet humour, the reminder that Superman is there for the little guy and is a source of pride and comfort for other immigrants in America. The art is great and it is obvious in the artwork when Clark's power comes back.
Following the events of the Infinite Crisis, Superman has disappeared from the skies of Metropolis. Clark Kent is settling into a human life and gaining accolades for the consistent quality of his journalism. A year has gone by and Lex Luthor has been released from prison on a technicality. Suddenly, the unthinkable happens. Clark feels his power returning. Is he ready to give up his human life and become Superman once more?
What a fabulous story, filled with humanity and the small details that make a 'Superman' story special. The quiet humour, the reminder that Superman is there for the little guy and is a source of pride and comfort for other immigrants in America. The art is great and it is obvious in the artwork when Clark's power comes back.
August 5, 2020
A wonderful Superman story that shows us who Clark Kent is without his powers, with a wonderful plot to boot.
February 11, 2025
Now that's some good super heroics!
All the expected trappings of a tried and true Superman story, but with a healthy dose of Clark Kent for most of it! The whole creative team was in tandem here, as post infinite crisis, Superman has been without powers for a year, and done good work as Clark.
With Luther up to another scheme, it all starts to fall back into place. All the bits you know and love are here, and Superman makes you feel hopeful. Great stuff even if you've seen it all before.
All the expected trappings of a tried and true Superman story, but with a healthy dose of Clark Kent for most of it! The whole creative team was in tandem here, as post infinite crisis, Superman has been without powers for a year, and done good work as Clark.
With Luther up to another scheme, it all starts to fall back into place. All the bits you know and love are here, and Superman makes you feel hopeful. Great stuff even if you've seen it all before.
February 12, 2025
"I'll always be there. Always. It's not the powers. Not the cape. It's about standing up for justice. For truth.”
May 24, 2024
Prelude to one of the best eras for Superman
February 28, 2023
This was an interesting story arc that humanizes Superman in a way that I never thought could be possible. I appreciate viewing the smaller moments of Clark Kent's life including his work performance, marriage with Lois, and relationship with his colleagues. It's interesting to think that Superman has both the gift and curse of being super all the time and I appreciate the authors & visual artists displaying this complex theme and carrying it out to its completion. At the end of the day, Clark Kent is who he is at heart and Superman gives his all as a hero. Beautifully written and displayed. I loved it 😁👍❤️.
April 3, 2022
Not a bad Superman story, but felt by the numbers, especially given the writing talent. I did like the bits that focus on Clark Kent, the reporter, and the art is solid. Clark’s lost his powers since the events of Infinite Crisis, and the year that’s passed, he’s embraced his “normal” life. He’s loving it, Lois is loving it, but of course, the world needs a Superman. Lex is up to no good (he approaches moustache-twirling status in this one). Clark has to relearn his abilities, and take on a few Kryptonite-inspired baddies. It was an ok read that I don’t regret, but wouldn’t really call it a must-read either.
March 7, 2016
Nice little character piece that focuses on Clark and Kal-El instead of Superman, and I like it.
So, one year later following Infinite Crisis where do we find Superman? Being Clark Kent!
World: I feel Woods' art is ok, it's not the best and I find his character designs to be weird and his splash pages to be meh, but it served it's purpose. The world building here is quite good, it's very character driven and I like it. It's very on the ground and gives the series time for readers to see Metropolis through Clark's eyes and not Superman.
Story: Overall a fun and enjoyable read that focuses on character development. I did find that the action was a bit shoehorned in and resolved rather boringly but the rest of the story was fine. I don't really want to ruin the story, but I really enjoyed how much time we were seeing Clark instead of Superman and how we got huge huge chunks of character development through the internal dialog. As I said above, the finale in terms of the conflict was fairly boring and meh as was Luthor for this story which was disappointing but overal it was fun.
Characters: Clark gets a huge chunk of development and I love it, we get to see Clark wax about what it means to be human and him contemplating about his purpose and role in Metropolis, it's good. Lois is also, that monologue near the end of the arc when she's talking to Superman from their apartment was great, she doesn't really have an arc but her awesomeness is fully on display here. Luthor is written very poorly, he's illogical, he's just a mwaa haaa haaa villain, in fact as I've said above I found the conflict and villains in this arc very unremarkable and forgettable.
A fun read that has wonderful Clark Kent development, but is very hindered by the poor villains.
Onward to the next book!
So, one year later following Infinite Crisis where do we find Superman? Being Clark Kent!
World: I feel Woods' art is ok, it's not the best and I find his character designs to be weird and his splash pages to be meh, but it served it's purpose. The world building here is quite good, it's very character driven and I like it. It's very on the ground and gives the series time for readers to see Metropolis through Clark's eyes and not Superman.
Story: Overall a fun and enjoyable read that focuses on character development. I did find that the action was a bit shoehorned in and resolved rather boringly but the rest of the story was fine. I don't really want to ruin the story, but I really enjoyed how much time we were seeing Clark instead of Superman and how we got huge huge chunks of character development through the internal dialog. As I said above, the finale in terms of the conflict was fairly boring and meh as was Luthor for this story which was disappointing but overal it was fun.
Characters: Clark gets a huge chunk of development and I love it, we get to see Clark wax about what it means to be human and him contemplating about his purpose and role in Metropolis, it's good. Lois is also, that monologue near the end of the arc when she's talking to Superman from their apartment was great, she doesn't really have an arc but her awesomeness is fully on display here. Luthor is written very poorly, he's illogical, he's just a mwaa haaa haaa villain, in fact as I've said above I found the conflict and villains in this arc very unremarkable and forgettable.
A fun read that has wonderful Clark Kent development, but is very hindered by the poor villains.
Onward to the next book!
July 17, 2023
This wasn’t great but not terrible either. Real average. Which is weird because Busiek and Johns are some big hitters. The art by Pete Wood reminded me of Robert Sammelin a bit. Little bit of Paul Azaceta too. But I think I liked Renato Guedes’s art more. Anyway, the story was just real average. I didn’t read INFINITE CRISIS but the synopsis fills you in with the whole Superman losing his powers after that event and it’s been a year. He gets them back pretty much arbitrarily. It’s sorta hinted that it might’ve been mental, like SPIDER-MAN 2, but nothing for sure. Which was lame. The book is for sure trying to dial in more Clark Kent and do the whole, “he’s a hero with or without the suit” thing, but even like Green Lantern said a couple of issues in — “It’s time you got back in the game,” is exactly how we as the reader felt lol. Typical mustache-twirling Lex motives in this one. Trading this in at my LCS for store credit
March 18, 2014
En su momento lo arranqué con bastantes ganas pero nunca lo pude terminar por culpa de una persona cuyo nombre no quiero recordar pero que comparte mi apellido. Años después, finalmente lo conseguí en papel a un precio relativamente barato y le di otra chance.
ACTUALIZACIÓN: Y hoy, por esos azares del inexistente destino que a uno nunca lo dejan de sorprender, lo tengo firmado por su dibujante el talentosísimo y simpatiquísimo Renato Guedes. Cuando tenga menos sueño quizás cuente la anécdota pertinente... :)
ACTUALIZACIÓN: Y hoy, por esos azares del inexistente destino que a uno nunca lo dejan de sorprender, lo tengo firmado por su dibujante el talentosísimo y simpatiquísimo Renato Guedes. Cuando tenga menos sueño quizás cuente la anécdota pertinente... :)
June 23, 2016
Kal-El, Clark Kent, Supes... It's great to see him going at it, in real life, as Clark, struggling, doing his thing without being "Super"... And still he tries to go after the bad guys... what a guy! :)
And then all of a sudden, he gets his powers back.. And how! Being powerless for so long, for a year, you can see him struggling a bit with the overabundance of it all..
But of course Superman wouldn't be Superman if it would all turn out for the better..
Go read this book and see him take on Lex on the "Lext Level" ;)
And then all of a sudden, he gets his powers back.. And how! Being powerless for so long, for a year, you can see him struggling a bit with the overabundance of it all..
But of course Superman wouldn't be Superman if it would all turn out for the better..
Go read this book and see him take on Lex on the "Lext Level" ;)
May 15, 2008
I liked how this was a story about how Clark Kent loves the city he protects, and reminiscent of an old fashioned great cartoon, where every villain in the Superman mythos pops up, and Lex Luthor has yet another grandest plan to destroy Superman.
August 9, 2013
This is how you do Superman. The book uses the simple gimmick of taking away his powers for a whole year so that when he finally returns, Superman feels special and grand -- as he should. Skip this year's movie and read this book instead.
July 10, 2013
A nice re-into to Superman that touches upon much of the modern mythos and also sets the groundwork for stories to come. So, above average, but I'd also expected more from two of DC's top stars."
June 29, 2024
"This is what I am. This is who I am. If there's a price to pay, so be it. Even if I could give it up, renounce my power and be fully human--
-- I wouldn't do it for a second."
"Up, Up, and Away!" podría decirse que tiene un título medio bait; no es historia de Superman completamente, es la historia de Clark Kent escalando a volver a ser Superman otra vez. Tenemos 8 números en total. Del 1-4 nos enfocamos en mostrarnos qué paso tras la pérdida de sus poderes Post-Infinite Crisis, y del 5-8, tenemos el retorno de sus poderes y el acostumbrarse a estos nuevamente. Pero diría que lo principal y lo que más me gusta es cómo te dejan en claro que tanto Clark como Superman son los que necesitan del otro; Clark es la vida humana que Superman ama tener, mientras que Superman es la parte de Clark que no puede dejar atrás. Ambos se complementan porque ambos quieren, no hay más ni menos entre ambos. Incluso en ese diálogo que pongo al inicio, se recalca que Superman ama ser humano, ama ser Clark Kente, ama tener una vida con su esposa y ama ser reportero en el Planeta. Mientras por la otra cara de la moneda, Superman tiene una responsabilidad con el mundo, una de la cual él nunca huyó, una de la cual nunca le dió la espalda en su año sin poderes. Pero ahora que han vuelto recuerda como lo privan de tener una vida como todos, ser como todos los demás, pero se recuerda que al mismo tiempo, hay muchas personas que no pueden salvar vidas como él, que no pueden respirar como él, y no le va a dar la espalda a eso. Ambos son tratados como lo que son, se necesitan del otro para coexistir. Incluso en los momentos finales en el Planeta, Clark tiene su típica actitud planteada al inicio de la serie, mostrando que no existe una dualidad en su forma de actuar (Mucho menos con cómo logró el arresto de Luthor sin sus poderes)
Hablando de Luthor, se recuperan los elementos del científico loco de hace muchos años atrás. Un narcisista con complejos de superioridad que no avanza por sentirse inferior a Superman, cuya existencia realmente demuestra que Luthor genuinamente no quiere hacer el bien, solo quiere el poder. Sentarse en su silla encima de todo y culpa a Superman de ser un obstáculo cuando únicamente es su problema. Caracterización bastante acertada y que genuinamente me encantó (Incluso más que Birthright, chupala Waid). Genuinamente me encanta
El resto de personajes van y vienen, diría que uno de los problemas del cómic van ligados a que a veces los demás héroes pueden sentirse como relleno; ¿GL y Hawkgirl? Va, se entiende, le hicieron paro al salvarlo de la Intergang que poseía tecnología de Luthor. ¿Después? Ayudan a Metrópolis ante el ataque de Prankster, situación medio amenada al caso porque realmente se enfoca más en GL y Hawkgirl mientras Clark y Lois tienen un momento muy bueno, pero es eso, un momento. El número es más un Build-Up con mucha más acción de la que debería, dejando los planteamientos de lado un poco y solamente darle la perspectiva a Clark de que Superman quizás sea necesario (Pero habían más formas de llegar a ello) O en el séptimo número del resto de héroes llegando para ayudar, ¿qué hicieron? Nada. Y sí, tiene un por qué, pero al final, ¿por qué poner personajes si solo vas a humillarlos o de plano no aportar nada? ¿Para demostrar el nivel de amenaza que era Luthor? Al ya ser una nave Kriptoniana sobre Metrópolis ya sobraba mostrar la escala. Y para rematar, cuando Luthor y Superman caen del cielo, ¿dónde estaba el equipo que fue ayudar? ¿Dónde está la JLA? ¿Dónde está Robin? ¿Dónde esta Stargirl? ¿Dónde están Shazam y Green Arrow? ¿Dónde estaba Firestorm? ¿Dónde estaban cuando estaban cayendo en una posible muerte? Si bien es un error banal, lo perdono porque nos da el mejor momento del cómic a mi opinión.
Y el resto de personajes, van y vienen, aportan dinámicas divertidas como Jimmy o Perry. Y Lois aparte de ser un gran suporte, reafirma sus creencias y al hombre que ama.
"Up, Up, and Away!" es una gran historia de inicio con Superman, podrá ser confusa al inicio al venir de un evento, pero sin duda vale la pena para explorar las dos caras de la misma moneda del personaje. Gran inicio, con uno que otro problema banal por ahí, pero sin duda un gran inicio
-- I wouldn't do it for a second."
"Up, Up, and Away!" podría decirse que tiene un título medio bait; no es historia de Superman completamente, es la historia de Clark Kent escalando a volver a ser Superman otra vez. Tenemos 8 números en total. Del 1-4 nos enfocamos en mostrarnos qué paso tras la pérdida de sus poderes Post-Infinite Crisis, y del 5-8, tenemos el retorno de sus poderes y el acostumbrarse a estos nuevamente. Pero diría que lo principal y lo que más me gusta es cómo te dejan en claro que tanto Clark como Superman son los que necesitan del otro; Clark es la vida humana que Superman ama tener, mientras que Superman es la parte de Clark que no puede dejar atrás. Ambos se complementan porque ambos quieren, no hay más ni menos entre ambos. Incluso en ese diálogo que pongo al inicio, se recalca que Superman ama ser humano, ama ser Clark Kente, ama tener una vida con su esposa y ama ser reportero en el Planeta. Mientras por la otra cara de la moneda, Superman tiene una responsabilidad con el mundo, una de la cual él nunca huyó, una de la cual nunca le dió la espalda en su año sin poderes. Pero ahora que han vuelto recuerda como lo privan de tener una vida como todos, ser como todos los demás, pero se recuerda que al mismo tiempo, hay muchas personas que no pueden salvar vidas como él, que no pueden respirar como él, y no le va a dar la espalda a eso. Ambos son tratados como lo que son, se necesitan del otro para coexistir. Incluso en los momentos finales en el Planeta, Clark tiene su típica actitud planteada al inicio de la serie, mostrando que no existe una dualidad en su forma de actuar (Mucho menos con cómo logró el arresto de Luthor sin sus poderes)
Hablando de Luthor, se recuperan los elementos del científico loco de hace muchos años atrás. Un narcisista con complejos de superioridad que no avanza por sentirse inferior a Superman, cuya existencia realmente demuestra que Luthor genuinamente no quiere hacer el bien, solo quiere el poder. Sentarse en su silla encima de todo y culpa a Superman de ser un obstáculo cuando únicamente es su problema. Caracterización bastante acertada y que genuinamente me encantó (Incluso más que Birthright, chupala Waid). Genuinamente me encanta
El resto de personajes van y vienen, diría que uno de los problemas del cómic van ligados a que a veces los demás héroes pueden sentirse como relleno; ¿GL y Hawkgirl? Va, se entiende, le hicieron paro al salvarlo de la Intergang que poseía tecnología de Luthor. ¿Después? Ayudan a Metrópolis ante el ataque de Prankster, situación medio amenada al caso porque realmente se enfoca más en GL y Hawkgirl mientras Clark y Lois tienen un momento muy bueno, pero es eso, un momento. El número es más un Build-Up con mucha más acción de la que debería, dejando los planteamientos de lado un poco y solamente darle la perspectiva a Clark de que Superman quizás sea necesario (Pero habían más formas de llegar a ello) O en el séptimo número del resto de héroes llegando para ayudar, ¿qué hicieron? Nada. Y sí, tiene un por qué, pero al final, ¿por qué poner personajes si solo vas a humillarlos o de plano no aportar nada? ¿Para demostrar el nivel de amenaza que era Luthor? Al ya ser una nave Kriptoniana sobre Metrópolis ya sobraba mostrar la escala. Y para rematar, cuando Luthor y Superman caen del cielo, ¿dónde estaba el equipo que fue ayudar? ¿Dónde está la JLA? ¿Dónde está Robin? ¿Dónde esta Stargirl? ¿Dónde están Shazam y Green Arrow? ¿Dónde estaba Firestorm? ¿Dónde estaban cuando estaban cayendo en una posible muerte? Si bien es un error banal, lo perdono porque nos da el mejor momento del cómic a mi opinión.
Y el resto de personajes, van y vienen, aportan dinámicas divertidas como Jimmy o Perry. Y Lois aparte de ser un gran suporte, reafirma sus creencias y al hombre que ama.
"Up, Up, and Away!" es una gran historia de inicio con Superman, podrá ser confusa al inicio al venir de un evento, pero sin duda vale la pena para explorar las dos caras de la misma moneda del personaje. Gran inicio, con uno que otro problema banal por ahí, pero sin duda un gran inicio
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