Superman #4
This collection brings together a key story arc from the 2003 Superman series, where the Man of Steel faces a dire medical crisis that threatens his very existence. The narrative explores the consequences of Kryptonian biology and the lengths Lois Lane and the Daily Planet crew will go to save him, highlighting the vulnerability beneath the cape.
In "Pranked!", Superman faces a dangerous deception as an impostor masquerading as Steel threatens the hero's allies. With Superboy in peril and a mysterious armored figure on the move, the fight to save Superman takes a sharp turn when La Encantadora and Lois arrive with crucial intel—just as Deathstroke closes in. Written by Mark Schultz and brought to life by Doug Mahnke’s dynamic art, with Tom Nguyen’s inks and Wildstorm FX’s colors, this issue delivers high-stakes tension and a twist that redefines who can be trusted. The cover by Duncan Rouleau and Marlo Alquiza captures the moment’s urgency, making it a standout in the 2003 Superman series.
When the Prankster resurfaces and a new villain calling himself Adversary emerges, Superman finds his focus tested—both by a wave of escalating pranks and an unsettling change in his own body. As green tinges his skin and his strength wavers, he must navigate a web of deception with Jimmy Olsen, Ron Troupe, Lucy Lane, and Lex Luthor all caught in the chaos.
In "All Fall Down," Superman, weakened and desperate, seeks help from Dr. John Henry Irons—only to reject his care and press on in his search for Lois. His journey leads him to Lex Luthor’s office, where he’s cast aside, only to stumble into the unexpected kindness of a friend. With hope and Mercy close at hand, and Batman watching from the shadows, the fragile balance of trust begins to shift.
In "D.O.A.," Superman and Batman put aside their differences to track down Lois Lane, their partnership tested by contrasting approaches but united by urgency. With Mikalia "Mike" Shepard caught in the crossfire, the two heroes follow a trail that leads them closer to her, but the danger is far from over.
In the wake of Superman’s sudden collapse, the Atom pilots a daring mission into his body to destroy a deadly kryptonite tumor, sending Supergirl, Superboy, and Steel on a high-stakes journey through the microscopic landscape of his physiology. But when the micro-ship erupts in chaos, the team finds themselves stranded in a realm far more treacherous than they ever imagined.
In "Critical Condition, Part Two of Four: Green Universe," Supergirl channels her ethereal abilities to sustain Superman’s fading life force, discovering the weight of her role may extend beyond mere survival. Meanwhile, La Encantadora, fleeing Deathstroke’s relentless pursuit, seeks refuge with Lois Lane—drawing her into a crisis far beyond her usual beat.
In "Critical Condition, Part Three of Four: Inside Superman," Superman's body becomes a battleground as a dangerous impostor in Steel's armor strikes from within. With Superboy in peril and the real John Henry Irons hunting the imposter, Supergirl and the young hero race to confront the mysterious tumors threatening Superman’s life. As Lois Lane and La Encantadora bring crucial intel to the rescue, Deathstroke closes in—forcing a desperate race against time to save the Man of Steel.
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↩ Reprints Action Comics #766 (2000), Adventures of Superman #579 (2000), Superman Metropolis Secret Files #1 (2000), Superman: The Man of Steel #101 (2000), Action Comics #767 (2000), Adventures of Superman #580 (2000), Superman #158 (2000), Superman: The Man of Steel #102 (2000)
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