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Superman by Kurt Busiek #7
Superman: The Third Kryptonian
Who — or what — is The Third Kryptonian? Find out in this new trade paperback collecting SUPERMAN #668-670 and ACTION COMICS #847, plus the backup story from SUPERMAN ANNUAL #13!
Library Binding
First published October 7, 2008
About the author
Kurt Busiek
1,850 books625 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 31 reviews
June 1, 2017
This another one of those graphic novels I picked up simply because it came through the library and it looked interesting. And, while I can't say it's one of my favorite Superman stories, it definitely had several elements that I really enjoyed. The actual story arc with the third Kryptonian wasn't particularly interesting. Don't get me wrong--it was fine. But it really just seemed like typical comic book action. In short, that part of the graphic novel didn't really stand out. What did stand out was Clark Kent's relationship with his foster son, Chris. I particularly liked seeing Chris interact with Robin. Also, seeing Superman being protective toward the boy adds a paternal layer to his character, which is something a bit newer. I also really liked that the final two issues of this graphic novel concentrated on Clark Kent and his relationships with his family, particularly his adoptive mother and father, more than Superman's adventures. Before actually reading Superman comics, I had always thought Superman was a bland, over-powered character. However, that is simply not a case. He's a genuinely nice guy who just cares about his family and his adoptive world. Stories with outlooks like his are becoming rarer and rarer these days. And, don't get me wrong, I love my dark, brooding characters and my Gothic story lines, but I also hope we never lose sight of the value that comes with characters like Superman.
March 26, 2025
The mystery of the Third Kryptonian lasted about a month. Kurt Busiek tells a mostly mundane story about Clark's search for the previously mentioned alien and the drama that ensues. There are too many easy answers here and the drama doesn't click. The finale was also unbelievably easy to wrap up. I did enjoy the family aspect displayed with Clark and his extended family. This was another case of DC editorial speed racing through a potentially good story to get to the finish line. Rick Leonardi's art was better than I expected despite a handful of wonky panels. Overall, not a bad book but far from what it could/should have been.
March 13, 2015
The funny thing is i expected this to be a very boring,non-entertaining and horrible written graphic novel.Yet when i made it a couple of pages through the pace was picking up.The fun part was when they included batman and robin how robin showed the kid around which was really adorable.They all had this little picnic with the Kents and its just the heart warming feeling in the end that makes your entire day!
June 25, 2022
The main core story is okay.
But the human moments. Especially with Clark and Bruce, Clark and Chris, clark and lois, or Clark's family. All of that is fantastic with great character development. The main story is a bit jumbled and overly long, and the placement of the following stories seem a bit mixed with no real flow or anything.
But overall a decent superman read with decent art.
But the human moments. Especially with Clark and Bruce, Clark and Chris, clark and lois, or Clark's family. All of that is fantastic with great character development. The main story is a bit jumbled and overly long, and the placement of the following stories seem a bit mixed with no real flow or anything.
But overall a decent superman read with decent art.
March 29, 2018
Busiek has to bother us with expositional excuses for THREE exceptions (PG, alternate reality; Krypto, off planet; Chris, in Phantom Zone) to justify Karsta being the third!
Pretty forgettable book. Beyond the qualifiers placed on her being the third, the entire middle chapter was a really long, mostly boring exposition about who she was and how she got there. I liked the guy trying to hunt down and kill all the Kryptonians, but the arc was fairly dull over all.
The other two stories - a filler issue by McDuffie that ran, I guess, during "Last Son"'s delays about Clark and Pa Kent in outer space, and the other is Busiek/Nicieza writing about a Clark/Lois/Chris/Kara/Ma/Pa/Krypto space picnic. I'm not really a huge sci-fi nut, so these were really bland and tiresome for me to read.
Nice art by Guedes, and Leonardi was at least passable, though he could stand to tighten up the line a bit.
Pretty forgettable book. Beyond the qualifiers placed on her being the third, the entire middle chapter was a really long, mostly boring exposition about who she was and how she got there. I liked the guy trying to hunt down and kill all the Kryptonians, but the arc was fairly dull over all.
The other two stories - a filler issue by McDuffie that ran, I guess, during "Last Son"'s delays about Clark and Pa Kent in outer space, and the other is Busiek/Nicieza writing about a Clark/Lois/Chris/Kara/Ma/Pa/Krypto space picnic. I'm not really a huge sci-fi nut, so these were really bland and tiresome for me to read.
Nice art by Guedes, and Leonardi was at least passable, though he could stand to tighten up the line a bit.
September 15, 2024
The main story about the 3rd Kryptonian was fine, nothing special with it. The 2 one off stories that conclude the book are better, just showing Clark with family. I was hoping for more with the Busiek being the writer, but the main stories he wrote just never truly clicked.
November 16, 2014
Any book with Krypto the super dog gets an automatic 1 star demotion. However add Krypto and a super kid. Blech.
March 17, 2017
The actual third Kryptonian wasn't terribly interesting to me, but I did loooove all the stuff with Batman, Robin, and Chris.
Read
April 22, 2021After teasing that a third Kryptonian resides on Earth (after Superman and Supergirl, but not Krypto, Power Girl, or Chris Kent...), Busiek reveals who it is. The result is a bland three-issue story. The character’s background is unnecessarily complicated while the last issue is one big fight with predictable results. The art also takes a serious nosedive here, barely rising above competent. Another disappointment from Busiek’s run.
The other two stories in the book are quiet shorts that focus on the Kent’s. I really liked these, especially Dwayne McDuffie’s about Clark taking Pa to space. Knowing what happens in Geoff Johns’ Brainiac arc adds a level of sadness to the story.
The other two stories in the book are quiet shorts that focus on the Kent’s. I really liked these, especially Dwayne McDuffie’s about Clark taking Pa to space. Knowing what happens in Geoff Johns’ Brainiac arc adds a level of sadness to the story.
March 4, 2021
I am not sure that I have seen Leonardi art since his 80s Marvel work: he’s still got it.
While Busiek explores an idea that always arises when you think of Krypton as a systems-spanning empire and how that would cast doubt on Kal-El as the Last Son of Krypton, he may just be muddying the waters more. The reveal of the Third Kryptonian certainly won’t dazzle the reader. Nothing here is terrible.
While Busiek explores an idea that always arises when you think of Krypton as a systems-spanning empire and how that would cast doubt on Kal-El as the Last Son of Krypton, he may just be muddying the waters more. The reveal of the Third Kryptonian certainly won’t dazzle the reader. Nothing here is terrible.
May 15, 2024
⭐️3.5
October 21, 2025
Still Kurt Busiek, and I enjoy the inclusion of Power Girl, but overall its actually a little underwhelming.
July 26, 2024
Decent Superman story but nothing too special…
October 6, 2008
Fail. Luckily there are three semi-related stories in this collection. The Third Kryptonian story sucked big time, nothing significant here emotionally. You'd think the discovery of another live Kryptonian would be something of momentous importance to the Man of Steel, but apparently it's just another day at the bank. Not to mention that the cast of characters defeats the whole emotional impact of there being three survivors of Krypton, because apparently Powergirl doesn't count (she's from Krypton in a different dimension) and neither do Krypto (because he's a dog) and Christopher Kent (because he's a kid and he was trapped in the Phantom Zone). This story was just an intergalactic, what if there were superbeings who did whatever they wanted and created a huge empire and everyone hated them and were glad they were dead, drawn out nonsensical story with too many loose-ends and I don't cares.
The redeeming element of this collection is the last supplemental story centering around the Kents. Apparently Clark is missing (in the phantom zone by the looks of the last panel) and an army of Kryptonians has invaded Earth. It looks like the human race is facing extinction and even the usually optimistic Martha Kent has abandoned hope. The story focuses on a flashback as Jonathan relates a father-son experience that they kept secret from Martha because of the danger involved. It's an intimate story that, while short, is far more epic and emotional than the three-part Third Kryptonian story. This short story alone nets the three stars.
The redeeming element of this collection is the last supplemental story centering around the Kents. Apparently Clark is missing (in the phantom zone by the looks of the last panel) and an army of Kryptonians has invaded Earth. It looks like the human race is facing extinction and even the usually optimistic Martha Kent has abandoned hope. The story focuses on a flashback as Jonathan relates a father-son experience that they kept secret from Martha because of the danger involved. It's an intimate story that, while short, is far more epic and emotional than the three-part Third Kryptonian story. This short story alone nets the three stars.
November 17, 2008
I keep wishing I liked Kurt Busiek's Superman more than I do. I'm a fan of the writer's Marvel work; I'm of the opinion that his run on Marvel's Thunderbolts is one of the best genre comics of a fallow period in the history of superhero funnybooks. His DC output hasn't been my thing however. I didn't enjoy The Power Company, I couldn't get into Trinity. His run on Superman just started showing up at my local library in trades, so I decided to give it a shot.
Ultimately, this a very middle of the road Superman story, probably tempered by my having read a thousand Superman stories before. I make that caveat because I think someone who hasn't consumed as much of the Man of Steel as I have over the course of my sad life would find this interesting and refreshing.
I liked the way Busiek seemed more than willing to mess with the whole "only one Kryptonian" trope; I think the creative team in the mid-1990's stifled themselves with that arbitrary rule that Superman was the only thing to survive out of Krypton.
Have to say, I also enjoyed the art here- Rick Leonardi gives us pencils heavily inspired by the best of Frank Miller and I'm enjoying Renato Guedes' streamlined take on the character.
Ultimately, this a very middle of the road Superman story, probably tempered by my having read a thousand Superman stories before. I make that caveat because I think someone who hasn't consumed as much of the Man of Steel as I have over the course of my sad life would find this interesting and refreshing.
I liked the way Busiek seemed more than willing to mess with the whole "only one Kryptonian" trope; I think the creative team in the mid-1990's stifled themselves with that arbitrary rule that Superman was the only thing to survive out of Krypton.
Have to say, I also enjoyed the art here- Rick Leonardi gives us pencils heavily inspired by the best of Frank Miller and I'm enjoying Renato Guedes' streamlined take on the character.
June 20, 2011
This collection has three stories, the first one is so-so story, but is partially redeemed by the other two. The first, The Third Kryptonian is three-issues, whose titular character has been built up in a couple of previous stories. The plot involves your very basic aggressive alien whose extreme hostility towards the good guys is sorta understandable, because he wants revenge on Kryptonians for what they did to his people, even if his story and race were never established previously, topped with a pseudo-anti-hero character who is sorta kinda a sociopath but partially redeemed by an arbitrary out-of-character non-self-serving action that saves the day. I would have rated this lower, but the other two stories The Best Day and Intermezzo won me over with their sense of whimsey, colorful illustrations, and general lack of sadistic nastiness that is in most superhero comics nowadays.
July 30, 2010
I'm not a diehard follower of the Superman mythos. I don't know his ins and outs as well as I do Green Lantern or Wonder Woman, but I found this continuity cruncher easy enough to follow and engaging anyway. It expands and enhances the whole Kryptonian background by adding a few survivors who aren't Superman, and contrary to what "Last Son means LAST" fans argue, this can be done in a way that doesn't detract from Clark's specialness. In fact, this trade emphasizes just what a one of a kind person Clark Kent/Kal-El is, by showing how just any Kryptonian could not have been Superman.
July 26, 2011
Another solid Superman tale. I just love it when the author gets the characters right. So far, Kurt Busiek hasn't let me down. This was just such a good story. It's always fun when they bring in the whole Superman Family. I found the main story, "The Third Kryptonian" to be entertaining and unique. I love the friendship that they've established between Batman & Superman. It's so natural and realistic. The bonus stories included were also nice additions.
February 4, 2012
Fun stories.
There are two writers who really get the essence of Clark Kent -- Waid and Busiek. These are writers who feel they don't have to change the character, just build on what's there. This is what Busiek does in this collection. He writes Clark Kent, not Superman. Not that there isn't any fights or anything, but in these stories you get that Superman is the maks, not Clark. The man is more prominent than the super.
There are two writers who really get the essence of Clark Kent -- Waid and Busiek. These are writers who feel they don't have to change the character, just build on what's there. This is what Busiek does in this collection. He writes Clark Kent, not Superman. Not that there isn't any fights or anything, but in these stories you get that Superman is the maks, not Clark. The man is more prominent than the super.
March 20, 2019
A somewhat generic story but seeing Superman, Supergirl, Powergirl, and Krypto (not to mention Batman!) all fight together make this a worth-while and fun read. The issue in this volume dedicated to the origin story of "the third kryptonian" was my least favorite in the collection, probably because I didn't care much about this character I just meet. The 2 issues in the collection take place after the main story has been resolved and are a nice to bonus to a Superman fan.
September 16, 2021
Pretty inert storytelling. The title story ends up not mattering much at all, with the identity of the third Kryptonian landing like a lead balloon and ultimately not having any effect on Superman one bit. Two other stories in the trade give us a nice Norman Rockwell approach to the Superman family, especially Ma and Pa Kent.
November 11, 2008
About all it needed was Kurt Schaffenberger art and some SuperBaby back-ups to complete the cheesiness. Great scott.
April 26, 2012
A well drawn and well written book, but it just felt like a filler issue.
July 15, 2015
Bad art, but a fine story, and 'The Best Day' was a great story.
May 9, 2012
The titular story arc is just okay, but it's the final two issues included that get the 5 stars. Two of the best Superman stories I've ever read!
July 24, 2012
The main story was fairly mediocre, but the Dwayne McDuffie penned one at the end about Clark and Jonathan almost made up for that.
April 22, 2013
Busiek's run on Superman is massively frustrating. It's rich with neat ideas and additions to the mythos that are never fully explored and have never been mentioned since. Sigh.
July 10, 2013
Fair stories. I actually think the McDuffie issue is better than the four by Busiek.
July 31, 2013
That's the Third Kryptonian? Let's see if this will pay off. Also, seeing Batman in a Superman comic is always a plus - especially when they banter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews