Superman – The Coming of the Supermen #5
Genre
Superhero, Science Fiction, Action, Cosmic Adventure
Main Characters
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Superman (Clark Kent / Kal-El): The iconic protector of Earth and beacon of hope.
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Lex Luthor: Superman’s arch-nemesis, now in a surprising role as a would-be hero.
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Darkseid: Ruler of Apokolips and one of the most powerful villains in the DC Universe.
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New Gods (including Orion and Highfather): Mythic cosmic beings from New Genesis, sworn enemies of Apokolips.
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Young Boy and Dog (Captives): Innocent prisoners representing the emotional core of the issue's rescue mission.
Writer
Neal Adams – Legendary comic book creator known for revitalizing characters like Batman and Green Arrow. His return to Superman brings a blend of classic comic book energy and cosmic storytelling.
Artist
Neal Adams – Alongside writing duties, Adams handles the art, delivering dynamic panel compositions, intense character expressions, and a retro-modern flair.
Editor Details
Kristy Quinn – Primary editor, ensuring the narrative and artistic elements remain cohesive with DC’s broader continuity and tone.
Jim Chadwick – Contributing editorial support, particularly overseeing continuity elements within the cosmic DC realm.
Publisher and Brand
Publisher: DC Comics
Brand: Mainline DC Universe (outside major continuity reboots like The New 52 or DC Rebirth)
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In The Coming of the Supermen #5, the narrative escalates as Superman allies with the New Gods to execute a daring mission: rescuing a kidnapped boy and his loyal dog from the war-torn world of Apokolips. While the stakes are already monumental, Darkseid, the tyrannical ruler of Apokolips, moves ever closer to securing his ultimate weapon. Just when it seems all hope may be lost, Lex Luthor—Superman's eternal rival—steps in as the last barrier between Darkseid and victory. Luthor’s motives remain mysterious, but his actions may be key to preventing galactic disaster.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“The Coming of the Supermen” Miniseries: A six-part saga reintroducing the mythic grandeur of Superman through the lens of cosmic warfare, New Gods lore, and moral dualities.
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Lex Luthor’s Hero Complex: This issue deepens the ambiguity around Lex’s motivations, continuing his complex journey from villain to uneasy ally.
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Apokolips Invasion Thread: Darkseid’s overarching plan connects with longstanding DC cosmic arcs, hinting at multiverse-level consequences.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Luthor as an Anti-Heroic Guardian: Some fans speculate Lex’s actions in this issue foreshadow a shift in his role across future storylines—possibly laying groundwork for his temporary hero phase in Justice League.
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The Boy as a Metaphor: The child and dog represent innocence amidst cosmic brutality. The emotional investment Superman shows toward them suggests commentary on the importance of small-scale compassion in large-scale battles.
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Darkseid’s “Ultimate Prize”: The exact nature of this mysterious objective has sparked theories linking it to the Anti-Life Equation or even elements of the Source Wall mythology.
Review Summary
Superman – The Coming of the Supermen #5 is a high-octane installment filled with classic Neal Adams energy—both visually and narratively. The artwork is bold, saturated in cosmic drama, and at times delightfully retro. While the plot is densely packed and occasionally leans into bombastic exposition, the emotional stakes remain compelling. The surprise involvement of Lex Luthor adds an intriguing twist, deepening the moral texture of the story. Character development isn’t always nuanced, but the sheer scale of the action and mythic themes make it a rewarding read for fans of Superman’s more cosmic adventures. Adams’ signature style makes this issue a visual throwback, but one with timeless superhero resonance.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
